The Value of Casting Internships
July 28, 2016
Ever walk out of the audition room and think, "What is the casting director saying about me?" Or maybe you wish you could watch the other actors' auditions, just to see what they do differently. One of the best training tools an actor can have is a casting internship. Think about it: you're in the casting office on a regular basis, you get to watch a variety of auditions (and are often even called upon as a reader) and the casting director begins to get to know you. You get to hear the notes casting directors have for other actors, and being the intelligent actor you are, you figure out how to apply these notes to your own work. You'll even come across other industry professionals such as directors, producers and writers.
"But I'm not a recent college graduate."
That's okay! Although it's common to select a college student or a recent graduate for an internship, many casting directors do not hold such requirements. And even if they do, it never hurts to apply. You'd be surprised how many offices need more interns. And it's not just the film and television casting directors that are looking for help - theatre companies need interns, too. When you think about all the theatres in Chicago...well, that's a lot of casting directors in need of interns.
"So what's the downside?"
Um, let's see...there isn't one. Maybe you'll have to do boring things like file headshots and make coffee, but guess what? When the casting director you've interned for needs to fill a role that is JUST YOUR TYPE, there's a good chance he/she will remember you and call you in.