Dealing with the Casting Interview

Actors have all been through this at one time or another: casting liked your résumé, looked at your reel, and thinks you might be right for the role. They called you in, you killed the audition, and got a call-back. Maybe two. At some point in that process, you may have heard the phrase that strikes fear in the heart of many an actor: “Tell me about yourself.” (What?!)

Let’s face it, a lot of us got into this business because our own lives didn’t seem nearly as interesting as the roles we hoped to play, so “Tell me about yourself” sounds like a trick question. You feel like Meg Ryan in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally, where she says "telling you the story of my life wouldn't get us out of Chicago." Besides, what else do they need to know? They can see you’ve got the experience and can do the role, yes?

True, but acting in a film or play is a team effort and if you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time with the rest of the cast (more than a bit part), then like any employer they’ll want to know what kind of person you are, how easy you are to work with, how well you’ll fit in. 

I’ve been researching the Casting Interview this week because I’ve been blind-sided a time or two by an interview that I wasn’t prepared for. Here’s what I learned:

Preparation is key. Think of it as a conversation, not a speech. When you get a call to audition, try to find out as much about the casting director and his/her agency as possible: what other films/plays they’ve cast, who starred in them, and how well they did at the box office. An internet search makes that part easy. If you also know someone who’s worked with them in the past, call and ask what that experience was like. See if you and the casting director have some common connections – people or work or experiences – that you can bring up at the audition or in the casting interview.

Once in the room, you can’t just stumble around and repeat what you have on your résumé. You need to let your personality shine. Be warm and polite, relaxed but with lots of energy. If the CD seems in a positive mood, try to mirror their posture, breathing, and personality. 

Ask questions. Even though the interview is ostensibly about YOU, use what you’ve learned about the CD’s work to get them to talk a bit about themselves and reminisce. Success in acting often depends on the connections we make and the relationships we develop with others in the business.

Prepare a few anecdotes about yourself and choose one or two that seem consistent with what you know about the CD’s background and personality.  The following questions can get you started.

• As an actor, what is the biggest risk you’ve taken that you feel has paid off?
• Of what accomplishments are you most proud?
• If you could play any character in any film, who would it be?
• What is your favorite television show?
• What books/plays are you reading? 
• What are your goals as an actor? 

It might be a good idea to prepare a one-sheet computer document, with your anecdotes written down and a blank space to fill in information about the CD. Something you can customize, print out, put in your pocket, and scan just before you meet with casting. 

As actors, we are often advised to tell ourselves, “I’m going to like this person” before we walk into an audition.  But I think that just as important to making a good impression is thinking, “I like myself.” Scanning the one-sheet and reminding ourselves over and over of our life goals, the risks we’ve taken as actors that have paid off, the accomplishments of which we are most proud, and the things we love about this business, can put us in the right frame of mind for conveying the kind of person we actually are.

Finally, as you get up to leave, say “Thank you for seeing me.” And if you have their email address, follow up with a brief message thanking them again and touching on some point they made in the conversation that you found useful and/or memorable. You’d be surprised at how seldom anyone hears a “thank you” in this business so a little sincere gratitude goes a long way.