Top casting directors reveal the essential skills, from prep to self-taping, that make actors stand out today.
The world of acting is always evolving, and so are the expectations of those on the other side of the table – casting directors. We spoke to some of the industry’s top casting directors, including Lucy Casson, Ruth O’Dowd, Rosie Pearson, Ronai Gittens, Andy Pryor, Kelly Valentine Hendry, Kristina Erdely, Nancy Bishop and Kirsty McGregor, to discuss essential skills for actors that can help them to stand out.
Key insights from casting directors:
- Do thorough research on the material and the people involved to boost confidence and deliver your best performance.
- Be open to taking direction and adapting your performance, which shows that you are a collaborative asset to any production.
- Work on your self-taping skills and become comfortable with technology like Zoom as these are now fundamental parts of the job.
From the audition room to the self-tape, here’s what they say truly matters:
Do Your Homework
Preparation is non-negotiable. Lucy Casson (CDG), Rosie Pearson (CDG, CSA, CDA) and Ruth O’Dowd (CDG) all emphasise the importance of thorough research. This isn’t just about memorising your lines, it’s about knowing the material inside and out.
Read the full script if you have it. Research the people you’ll be meeting. This foundational work gives you the confidence you need to walk into any room – or log onto any Zoom call – ready to deliver your best performance.
Ruth O’Dowd also adds that your research shouldn’t stop there. “Always be going to see plays, watching series, figuring out how that’s going to shape you as a performer.”
Be Open and Adaptable
You might have a strong take on a character, but are you willing to change? Doctor Who’s casting director, Andy Pryor (CDG, CSA), highlights the skill of taking direction. In the early stages of a project, everyone is trying to find their footing. Casting directors, directors and producers are looking for a cast that will gel together. Showing that you can adapt and change while still bringing your own perspective is a huge asset.
Be a Good Person
This one might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Ronai Gittens stresses the importance of being polite and kind. While not a performance skill in the traditional sense, it’s a quality that can make you preferable to work with. Everyone can possess this skill, and it can go a long way in an industry built on collaboration and recommendation.
Know Yourself
The best actors aren’t just great at pretending to be someone else – they’re great at being themselves first. Kelly Valentine Hendry (CDG) and Kristina Erdely (CDG) both champion authenticity and truthfulness in actors. As Kelly puts it, “The best performers are the performers who know who they are and are comfortable with who that is.”
This self-awareness is your baseline. Once you have that, you have the foundation to convincingly become someone else in the roles you play.
Embrace the New Way of Working
The industry has changed, and so must the actors within it. Nancy Bishop (CDG, CSA) and Kirsty McGregor point out two key skills related to this shift: self-taping, and being comfortable with technology like Zoom.
Self-taping is now a fundamental part of the job, and it’s unlikely to be going away anytime soon. Nancy encourages actors to view self-tapes as, “something that you should learn to like doing and enjoy doing.” Don’t be afraid of the tech.
Take Care of Yourself
Gone are the days of the “half-cut Brit with a cigarette,” as Kelly Valentine Hendry puts it. Today’s industry demands professionals who are on top of their game, and that starts with taking care of yourself.
This means more than just physical health – it’s about mental and emotional wellbeing, too. A well-cared-for actor is a reliable, consistent and creative actor.
If you’re a Spotlight member who is 18+ and resides in the UK or Ireland, you can receive free mental health and wellbeing support as part of your membership through our partner Wellbeing in the Arts.
Final Takeaways:
While many aspiring actors focus solely on perfecting their craft, according to top casting directors, the essential qualities that set you apart are often rooted in your professionalism and personal character.
- Come prepared for an audition by thoroughly researching the script and the people you’ll be meeting.
- Be ready to take direction and adapt your performance, showing that you’re a flexible collaborator.
- Prioritise being a kind and polite person, as this can make you a pleasure to work with and a valuable asset to any project.
- Embrace new technology like self-taping and Zoom calls, and practice with them until you’re comfortable and confident.
Take a look at our website for more interviews and video advice from actors and casting directors.
