How to Get a Casting Internship in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, there are a wide variety of entertainment casting offices. Most casting offices specialize in a particular field of casting, either television, film or commercial. There are some theatrical casting directors in Los Angeles who cast traditional theater and musical theater productions, however, most usually cast screen productions. If you're interested in a career in casting or just looking to learn more about the casting side of the business, an internship is a great way to get your feet wet.
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Instructions
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Determine an area of interest. Television casting is very fast-paced, as most casting offices only have a week to cast a television episode. Film offices tend to require more time to cast a project; sometimes taking up to several months to cast a project. Commercial casting is also very fast-paced, with commercials casting sessions only lasting a few days.
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Pick up a list of Los Angeles casting offices. Find a book that lists every casting office in Los Angeles, with updated information added monthly. Try an entertainment bookstore like Samuel French. Be sure the listing includes each casting director's name, currents projects, address and telephone number. Most offices will also list the names of the casting directors who work in that particular office.
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Compile a list of potential casting offices. There are a bevy of casting offices to choose from, so choose wisely and narrow your search to a particular type of casting. Be aware that a larger, more well-known casting office may have a longer waiting period.
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Assess the amount of time you have available each week to commit to an internship. Know that your internship will likely be unpaid, so consider your financial situation when determining the amount of time you can commit. Most casting offices will allow you to intern for as little as one day a week. You may even be able to intern for as little as a few hours a week, if necessary. Full-time internships are also available.
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Call the casting offices. The receptionist may handle your internship inquiry or you may be redirected to a person in the office who handles intern hiring. You may be instructed to email the person in question. Be sure to email with a copy of your resume and any relevant casting experience. As casting offices are very busy, do not be frustrated if you are made to wait.
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Be professional and polite. Most casting offices will be quite pleased that you are offering your services. If, for any reason, you feel like you are rushed on the phone, keep your cool. Think of this as a potential job interview and be wholly respectful. Because many internships result in a full-time job offer, it's important to put your best foot forward at every stage of the process.
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Be persistent. Since interns work for free, there is a decent amount of turn-over. If you would like to intern at a specific office, it's wise to check back with the office every few months to see if a position has opened up.
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Ask any industry contacts you have if they have recommendations regarding Los Angeles casting internships. In the entertainment industry, many different occupations are intertwined. Agents, managers, directors, acting teachers, and business people are all valuable resources in the industry. If someone has a connection, ask if she can recommend a particular Los Angeles casting office.
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Be punctual, thorough and professional. Remember that you are are hired to help and learn. You'll often learn the most by simply listening and observing.
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Tips & Warnings
You'll have more internship options if your schedule is flexible.
Be aware that some offices may not have internship slots available. If there's a particular office in which you're interested but they don't have availability, ask if that may change in the upcoming months.
