The Actor Builds Rapport: Casting Workshops

A short contemplation on casting workshops.

Hi Actor,

This one may or may not sit well with you. It's about the benefit of casting workshops. The reason it may not sit well with you is this: Some of you (like me) have spent a lot of money on acting school & weekly classes already that the thought of booking into a workshop with a casting director feels like yet another expense without return on investment in what seems to be a “pay to play” dynamic. Why should we continue to pay more money for something we rarely see a dollar for? I get it. Really, I understand. I want to however play devils advocate for a moment as there is much to be gained from casting workshops. Below is some positives that will help you decide for yourself if CD workshops are the right move for you.

Building Rapport

First off, by participating in a casting workshop you’re connecting with an industry pro that is responsible in some way for the people who are currently booking. Although these guys often don’t make the final call on who books the role at the end of the day, they have a big say/ sway in who might be considered.

Understanding how they work and think.

Getting an "in" on the way a casting director works and thinks can be invaluable to you when picking what tapes to send them. If you’ve worked with them multiple times before you can start to get an idea of what they might be looking for. You'll start to develop an instinctual predictor within yourself.

Adding a face to the name (virtual casting)

More often than not not, auditions are happening via self tape submission. Once upon a time we were able to get immediate feedback from casting in the room where we can get a sense of what the creatives involved are aiming for. We could in tern alter what we bring to the scene through direction. Now we don’t get that, we don’t even see a face, all we get is a name. So knowing the name and being able to put the face to it is vital information to have. It’s not that we actively change what we do to “please” a CD. We just allow our intuition to be guided with a little more info. Not only that but I’ve personally found more comfort in knowing that my tape is going to “insert casting director that I've met” and not some unknown, faceless person.

Introduction to some very helpful ways of working

These guys are some of the busiest people in the industry and with that, they have a lot of insight and experience to share. Through working in the biz over many years they have built a robust intuition to how it works. These guys are often in the office 14hrs a day so they definitely have an understanding of the industry that actors may not be privy to.

Connect with other actors

Who else do you find at the workshop? That’s right, other actors. Connect with your classmates and work away to build a community of creative individuals. These guys are going to be your supports, collaborators and possibly down the track (you never know) your employers. Quite often people responsible for hiring actors (directors, producers, writers, casting directors) started as actors and made a career transition further down the track. This is also one of the many reasons why you should be kind to everyone. This world is too small and this life is long. Don’t upset people where it’s not necessary.

A point of relation when you see them around or send them a tape

So you have been working away on new footage or are changing up your “branding” and have some new stuff to share with a CD. A lot of CD’s are okay with you sending them your new stuff. Some like to be contacted through your representation and others don’t mind being reached out to directly. The casting workshops allow you an opportunity to gage on what they prefer.

Not to mention when you’re out in the big scary world of networking events like a festival opening night, you have a point of relation with them. Go up and say g’day. I’d steer clear of talking about work with CDs in particular as it might come off as a little desperate. Talk about life, talk about your favourite films currently out in the cinemas or a great play you’d recommend to them. Go up and have a conversation and start building report through connecting.

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Hopefully this has shed some light on one strategy to approach a career. By no means do you have to book into casting workshops to be hired - but it is an option and I believe a worthwhile one. Have a shop around for some prices on CD workshops if you think this is the right move for you.

Let me know in the comments about any other great strategies to building a career! Let’s have a chat about what you find helpful.

Talk soon,

Lachy

Lachlan is an Australian Actor who has been working within the industry nearing a decade. He’s worked in Film & Theatre.

© Lachlan Stuart 2025