Supporting Everytown for Gun Safety

March 3, 2018

     With all that is happening in the world right now, particularly in our own country, it can seem overwhelming to figure out how we as individuals can make a difference and have our voices heard. Well, Lauren Welke, a Casting Director here in Chicago, is looking to change that. She has organized a social media pep rally, taking place on March 23. See her post below. The idea is you purchase a shirt from the site (100% of the proceeds will go to Everytown for Gun Safety), then wear it on March 23 and post pictures of yourself with it, using the the hashtags #EndGunViolence, #WhiteoutGunViolence, #EnoughIsEnough, #NotOneMore.

     I'm going to go one step further: if you participate, I'll give you $20 (the cost of the shirt) off one taping. You have nothing to lose, and you would be helping a great cause. Please consider participating, or at least sharing Lauren's post to help spread the word. There are 5 days left to order to guarantee delivery. Thank you!

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.

What are you waiting for? Start applying!

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF CASTING OFFICES AND THEATRE COMPANIES IN CHICAGO