How to Have a Career as a Casting Director

Got an eye for discovering the next breakout star? Casting may be for you.

Step 1: Study acting
Study acting and learn what to look for when casting.

Step 2: Get to know actors
Become familiar with the actors working in your area. Learn their types, strengths, and weaknesses by seeing as many productions as possible.

Tip
Most casting directors work in New York and Los Angeles, but there are opportunities in such cities as Chicago and Boston.

Step 3: Secure a casting or production position
Get a job as an assistant or intern.

Step 4: Network with directors
Make it known to higher-ups that you want to become a casting director. Be helpful, and keep in touch.

Did You Know?
Did you know? Shirley MacLaine turned down the lead in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

[ShelterDogs]

Good luck. You will certainly need it. So incredibly competitive out there in the arts. My suggestion to you is to practice your directing skills on a daily basis just as a musician would practice learning and playing his instrument on a daily basis. Watch movies and listen to as many audio commentaries as you can from the directors. Learn video production skills, etc.

[maxpower]

join the club....I would want to become a director too but it's just a stroke of luck if you get to the big boys and the deep pocket budgets. What's your backup plan?

[PhatJakk]

You don't want to leave the carrots for too long cause they will probably burn, so better leave them for like 4 minutes and then remove them from the heat.