How to Navigate the Casting Director Workshop Dilemma

Right now, the idea of Casting Director workshops is a very divisive issue in Los Angeles.  I'm a bit nervous to even bring it up because the passions can be so high on both sides.

Most actors will tell you it is very tough to get into casting offices these days and virtually no offices hold "general meetings" with unknown actors unless you have a very persuasive agent.  What workshops do is give you a way to meet with casting directors without having to be selected for an audition.  For those of us who aren't getting the auditions we want or for those who don't have an agent it seems like a great way to get your foot in the door.

But, there are some downsides.  Workshops are expensive and if you go to multiple workshops in a month, it really adds up.  Also, workshops are not really supposed to be an audition and if you read the fine print on any workshop website you'll see the ubiquitous disclaimer that this is just for educational purposes and there is no guarantee of employment.  Of course we KNOW that, but let's be honest, we go to these workshops because we want the casting director to eventually hire us. 

Plus, we've all heard the stories from friends who have gotten called in or even booked a role from doing a workshop.  If it can happen to them, it can happen to us, right?  Well, I'm here with some bad news - the numbers are not in your favor.  The percentage of actors who actually get called in and book work off of workshops is very small, but there is always that chance.

What I suggest is to attack workshops in a methodical way.  Figure out what TV shows or movies you WOULD be cast in very easily and who casts those.  From there you have a target list of casting offices you should try to see.  Make a budget each month of how much you are willing to spend on workshops and limit yourself to seeing only those offices that are on your list.

Try to see the decision makers in the offices - sometimes it is the head CD who calls people in, but in other offices it might be the associate who generally works on the submissions.  To find out who the decision maker is - speak to your agent or ask friends who have been in that office in the past.

There are a lot of different types of workshops out there.  I know quite a few people who prefer intensives that go for multiple weeks with the same casting director.  Personally, I like workshops that allow you to prepare your scene in advance and provide you with a reader instead of a random partner when you get there.  Feel them out and see what is best for you.

Please tread carefully.  There are a lot of people in Hollywood whose only job it seems is to separate actors from their money.

Lastly, remember workshops are not really considered classes and should not take the place of your regular training.