The Open Casting Guide

What is an "Open Casting"?

An open casting call is not an audition, but merely the first step towards having an audition where you may read a script for the film or TV production. The difference between a casting and an open casting is that an open casting call is open to the public and not just professional actors who would be invited to attend the casting via their agents.

When does an Open Casting Call happen?

Open castings are very rare as there are plenty of actors around, so companies don't really need to extend their search for the right actor to the public. When there is an open casting call however, the production tends to be a very big one, and one that has a lot of money to search for actors publicly. Harry Potter is a prime example.

It may also be that the film producers feel that they want a genuine character - an actor who will represent that character more than a stage school kid. Who wants a smiling, jazz-hands stage school kid to play a runaway or a depressed gothic teenager, for example, when a member of the public may have experienced the character more.
 A casting call is also much more likely to happen in the search for teenagers or children. This is because there are less child actors than adult actors, and there's more raw talent in adolescents who may never have acted before.

Want more information?

Our Guide to an Open Casting
Got an open casting? Here's your guide on what to expect and how to dress

The Top Cats
For those who want to know who the top Casting Directors are, and what they're looking for

No Agent required
Our tips and reccomended websites to help you find out about auditions and castings yourself

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