How to Become a Casting Agent
A casting agent chooses suitable actors to star in film and theater. Production, video and television companies usually hire casting agents on contract. Jobs in casting are highly sought-after and you will need to start as an assistant or intern.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Complete a degree in Performing Arts, English, Media Studies or Film, to start gaining the sectoral knowledge and skills essential to being a casting agent. It is rare for a casting agent to enter the profession without a related degree.
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Good IT skills are essential. Take additional courses in public speaking, PR, and communication skills, since casting agents need to show diplomacy, tact and an ability to liaise with diverse and sometimes challenging personalities. Attend an IT course to ensure your computing skills are also up-to-date.
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Read on-line magazines such as Back Stage and Show Business, looking out for advertised opportunities to become a casting intern or assistant. Send your resume in to as many casting agents as possible, and show flexibility about locations and terms, offering to work unpaid if necessary to gain the experience.
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Mix with casting agents and production crews once you have secured an internship, by making sure you ask lots of insightful questions. Your questions should set out to achieve a well-rounded knowledge, not just of casting itself but of how casting fits within the whole film or theatrical scenario. This will show you are genuinely interested and motivated.
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Accept out of hours assignments. Make yourself continually available, and carry on showing dedication and willingness to moving ahead in casting, no matter the task. Accept out-of-hours and unpaid assignments, so that you appear keen and learn faster.
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Enrolling at theatre or film school may enhance credibility. Enroll in film or theater school to learn the formal side of the casting trade and enhance your credentials; you may be able to do this part-time alongside internship.
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Tips & Warnings
You should be able to demonstrate a genuine passion for theater and film, and a well-rounded knowledge.
Use all opportunities to immerse yourself in film and theater activities.
As an intern you'll start on the bottom rung of the ladder and must accept all the tasks this entails, from making coffee to sweeping the floor. You need a can-do, no-fuss attitude; many casting interns have already been runners for a production company.
References
Resources
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