Casting Actors Cast

Every scene is basically: “Please love me… forgive me… hire me… believe me… or text me back.” Congratulations. You now understand human civilization. Today we’re talking about one of the most important acting shifts actors can make. You are not there to present emotion. You are there to get something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do talented actors sometimes walk into auditions and completely disconnect from themselves? In this episode, casting director and acting teacher Jeffrey Dreisbach explores one of the biggest hidden audition killers: overthinking. From self-monitoring and approval-seeking to trying too hard to “be good,” this episode breaks down the subtle habits that quietly sabotage actors before the scene even begins. Practical, funny, and brutally honest, this episode helps actors reconnect to behavior, simplicity, and truthful work.   What if the biggest thing hurting your auditions… isn’t your acting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some actors perform every script exactly the same way. Which is fascinating… because sitcoms and crime dramas are not emotionally identical species. In this Episode, we’re talking about musicality, genre, rhythm… and why the script itself may already be telling you how to act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your obsession with “feeling the emotion”… is actually hurting your acting? Today we’re talking about the difference between feeling something… and doing something. And trust me— this one tends to make actors very uncomfortable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very thing your acting class praised… is the exact thing hurting your auditions? Today we’re talking about the disconnect between acting training… and actually getting cast. And trust me… this conversation might sting a little. But it may also completely change how you approach your work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever created a 10-page backstory for a 2-page audition… If you’ve ever decided your character had a childhood trauma… that no one asked for… Or if you’ve ever walked into a room feeling very prepared… and still didn’t book it— This episode might save your career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that most actors don’t lose jobs because they’re not talented… They lose jobs because no one knows where to put them. Today, we fix that—without labels, without limits, and without the word “type.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are talking about something that every actor has… every actor worries about… and almost every actor gets wrong. Your demos. Your video reel. Your voice-over demo. Now, I’m going to say something right up front that might shift your thinking immediately: Your demo is not there to show how talented you are. It’s there to make casting feel confident about where to put you. That’s a very different job. And once you understand that… everything changes.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you ever walk out of an audition thinking: “I nailed that.” You felt connected. Prepared. Alive in the scene. And then… You didn’t book it. So the actor brain starts spinning. “Was I bad?” “Did they hate it?” “What did I do wrong?” But here’s the truth most actors never hear: The best actor doesn’t always get the job. The best match does. And once you understand why… Auditions become a lot less painful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re breaking down why redirects exist, what casting is actually testing, and how learning to adjust with ease can make you unforgettable in the room. Because actors who adjust with confidence are remembered. Actors who freeze… disappear. #taking direction, # Audition strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me tell you something that might sound unfair—but it’s true. Casting starts forming impressions within the first 15 seconds of watching you. And no, it’s not about talent or perfection. It’s about presence. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really happening before your first line, why rushing reads as nerves, and how one small shift can instantly make casting lean forward instead of pull back. If you’ve ever wondered why some actors feel watchable the moment they appear—this is the conversation you’ve been missing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actors: here’s casting insights from Casting Actors Cast with casting director Jeff Dreisbach: "Let me tell you something that might sound unfair—but it’s true. Casting starts forming impressions within the first 15 seconds of watching you. And no, it’s not about talent or perfection. It’s about presence. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really happening before your first line, why rushing reads as nerves, and how one small shift can instantly make casting lean forward instead of pull back. If you’ve ever wondered why some actors feel watchable the moment they appear—this is the conversation you’ve been missing." For more acting and audition advice, subscribe to the channel. Full podcast episodes available weekly. #acting #actors #auditions #selftape #castingdirector Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re talking about something every actor experiences but almost no one talks about honestly enough. The slow period. The quiet stretch. The stretch where nothing seems to be happening. Today’s episode is called Your Acting Momentum Plan: Moving Forward When Nothing Seems to Be Happening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re talking about a subject that sits right at the heart of what makes performances compelling, memorable, and bookable. Today’s episode is called Acting for Humans: Why Authenticity Beats Technique Every Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are diving into one of the most important audition skills in today’s industry. Self-tapes. Specifically, we’re talking about something most actors never realize they’re doing wrong. Today’s episode is called The Self-Tape Trap: Are Your Choices Helping or Hurting You? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are talking about something that quietly sabotages more auditions than lack of talent, lack of training, or lack of experience combined. Overthinking. Yes. The invisible career killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is called: How to Be the Actor Everyone Wants to Work With. Notice I didn’t say “best actor.” I didn’t say “most talented actor.” I didn’t say “most trained actor.” Find out it you are one of these actors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is called: “The Best Secrets of Every Successful Actor.” And I want to start by disappointing you — just a little. There is no secret handshake. No magic agent. No single audition that changes everything. But there are patterns. And after decades of watching actors succeed, stall, disappear, return, rebuild, and thrive — I can tell you this: Successful actors don’t do different things. They do the same things — consistently. Let’s talk about those things.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast for actors, from a casting director, who wants to help you stop fighting the word brand and start using it intelligently. Today’s episode is called: “Best Methods to Uncover Your Brand.” And let me start by clearing something up immediately: Your brand is not: A Costume A Headshot Outfit A Personality you perform Your brand is simply this: The clearest pattern of how others experience you. That’s it. And once you understand that, the fear drops away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is called: “How to Act with Irony.” And I want to start with a warning: Irony is one of the fastest ways actors sabotage themselves. Not because irony is bad — but because it’s misunderstood. So today we’re going to talk about: *    What irony actually is *    Why casting loves it when it’s done right *    And how to play irony without losing truth   FIRST: WHAT IRONY IS (AND ISN’T) Irony is not: *    Sarcasm *    Smirking *    Winking at the audience Irony is: Playing the truth of the moment while the audience knows more than you do. The character believes fully. The audience holds the contradiction. That’s the magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello, fellow actors. Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast for actors, from a casting director, who wants you to stop doing weird things in the name of “networking.” Today’s episode is called: “Five Ways to Network with Industry Pros.” And before you tense up — no, this is not an episode about: Because real networking — the kind that actually works — looks nothing like what most actors imagine. Let’s begin with a truth that might surprise you: Most industry professionals are not looking to be impressed. They’re looking to feel comfortable. So today, I’m going to walk you through five realistic, humane, repeatable ways to network — without selling your soul or losing your dignity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is called: “Getting Fired by Your Agent… What Next?” And if that title made your stomach drop just a little — congratulations. You’re human. Also, you’re not alone. Let me start by saying something right up front, because I want to take the sting out of this immediately: Getting dropped by an agent is not a career-ending event. In fact — and I know this may sound wild — for many actors, it turns out to be a career-clarifying moment. Now, before you throw your phone across the room, stay with me. Because today we’re going to talk about: This is not a “rah-rah, everything happens for a reason” episode. This is a practical, calm, grown-up conversation — the kind I would have wanted when I was starting out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people can’t even commit to a gym membership for four weeks — and you and I have been meeting here since 2020. Through lockdowns, through self-tape explosions, through new technology disrupting our industry faster than we can say “AI voice clone,” we have been learning together, laughing together, and building the kind of creative courage that keeps actors moving forward. So today isn’t about a new technique or a tough-love lecture. Today is a celebration. Today is a reflection. Today is a thank you to YOU — for being the kind of artist who keeps showing up. Because this podcast exists because of you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-tapes are where careers happen today. They’re the front door of the business. And like any front door — there’s a welcome mat… and there are also banana peels hidden right under the surface waiting to trip you up. Today, we are shining a big bright spotlight on The Self-Tape Trap. Those choices actors make with good intentions — really good intentions — that accidentally sabotage the performance. These traps are sneaky. They can feel like “extra effort” or “smart choices” or “making it real” — but casting directors are watching self-tapes with a totally different lens. Find out much more on this episode of Casting Actors Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re talking about overthinking. That mental spiral where suddenly your brain is narrating your audition like it’s doing play-by-play commentary during the Super Bowl. “Here comes the second line — careful, careful — don’t mess this up — oof, eyebrow twitch — bad eyebrow! Reset! Reset!” Overthinking is the enemy of presence. The enemy of impulse. The enemy of surprise. It’s like having a backseat driver take over your brain while you’re trying to actually drive the car. So let me ask you a question: When you’re really living a moment — like REALLY living it — do you think about it while you’re in it? No! You just live it. You notice the other person. You feel the emotion. You react like a human — not like a student trying to pass a finalexam. That’s the shift we’re going to make today: from thinking the moment… to owning the moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey my amazing, wonderful actor friends! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — where you and I get to hang out, learn a little, laugh a little, and uncover the real tools that help you prepare smarter, act better, and book more. I’m your host, Jeff Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, actor, and your industry friend who is in your corner, rooting for you every step of the way. Today’s episode is one I wish I could just loop on a monitor in every waiting room at every audition everywhere. You know, like a public service announcement but with less fear and fewer warnings about shampoo recalls. It’s called: How to Be the Actor Everyone Wants to Work With — and I promise, this is the episode that will change your career faster than any new headshot or acting class ever could. Because the truth is this: the actor everyone wants to work with is the actor who gets opportunities again and again and again. They get recommended. They get remembered. They get rehired. They don’t just book… they build. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever walked into an audition and thought, “Okay… I’m confident. I’m confident. I’m confident,” while your body is screaming, “We’re absolutely not confident!” Meanwhile, casting directors are looking at you like, “Are they… are they okay?” Confidence is one of those weird acting ingredients you can’t fake, can’t force, but absolutely need— even though most actors have no idea what real confidence looks like. Well, today we’re pulling back the curtain. Because what you think confidence is…and what casting directors actually see as confidence… are two completely different things. Let’s fix the gap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You ever notice that actors can make anything stressful? Audition? Stressful. Callback? Stressful. Self-tape? Stressful. Meeting someone who might know someone in the industry? Oh, that’s a full-blown cardio event. Actors are the only people who can turn reading two pages of dialogue in their own living room into a scene from “Mission Impossible.” Meanwhile, your acting career just left you a voicemail: “Hi… yeah, it’s me… could you just… relax?” Let’s talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is part pep-talk, part reality check, and part comedic intervention. Actors obsess over getting it right — especially on self-tapes. You know this. You’ve lived this. But here’s the kicker: Casting directors aren’t looking for perfect. We’re looking for alive. So today, we’re going to shatter the myth of the perfect take, unpack how perfectionism sabotages your work, and give you a step-by-step guide to capturing the kind of take that makes us go, “Oh! I didn’t expect that. Yes. Callback.” Let’s get started with the truth bomb at the center of this whole episode.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Impressions in a Digital World When your self-tape hits my inbox, it’s your first — and sometimes only — chance to make an impression. Before I even hit play, I’ve already learned something about you from your file name, your slate, your frame, your lighting. That’s right — your tape speaks volumes before you do. Find out how in this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, where we turn good intentions into great auditions. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and today, your guide through one of my favorite acting truths: stop trying to be good. Be specific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Do Casting Directors REALLY Remember about You  “Hey there, actor friends! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast that helps you prepare smarter, act better, and book more. I’m your host, Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and your friendly guide through the wonderful, weird, and sometimes wobbly world of show business.” “Today’s episode is one I think you’ll really appreciate, because it answers a question I get all the time: What do casting directors actually remember about you? Spoiler alert — it’s not your hair color, your wardrobe, or how you pronounced ‘cheeseburger’ in your slate. It’s something way more interesting — and understanding it could literally change how you walk into every audition from now on.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay, let’s be honest. We’ve all seen those New Year posts from actors that sound something like —“This is my year! Manifesting series regular energy!”Or “Big bookings only in 2025!” And listen — I love the optimism. But sometimes, our acting goals start to sound… a little cringe. Why? Because they’re about results— not process. In today’s episode, we’re going to fix that. We’ll talk about how to create acting goals that actually move your career forward — without the fake hustle, without the toxic positivity, and without the pressure to “book or bust.” Let’s make your goals smarter, saner, and actually achievable.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know that moment in an audition when your scene partner says their line… and you feel pressure to do something? You nod. You blink. You shift your face. You give a tiny “actor reaction” — because silence feels dangerous. Here’s a little secret: sometimes, the best reaction… is no reaction at all. Today, we’re going to uncover one of the most overlooked audition skills — the ability to listen without performing your listening.This is the subtle art that separates actors who look authentic from actors who look like they’re trying to look authentic. Let’s talk about it.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You finally get the message: “We’d love to offer you the part. Congratulations!” And you freeze. Do you take it? Do you need to ask your agent? Do you even want it? Here’s the thing — actors are told from day one, “Say yes to everything.” But what if saying yes too quickly is the one thing that keeps you from leveling up? Today, we’re diving into a topic every actor wrestles with: Should you take that role? Because sometimes the smartest career move you can make… is learning when to say no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every actor knows the sting of being “so close” to booking a role. You nailed the audition, maybe even got a callback, but in the end, the role went to someone else. Over time, those near-misses can feel like rejection after rejection, and the self-defeating thoughts start creeping in: “I’ll never make it… I must be doing something wrong.” But here’s the truth: being almost there is not failure—it’s progress. It’s evidence that you’re in the mix, that casting directors see your talent, and that you are one step away from landing the job. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, we’re going to flip the script on “almost.” You’ll learn why close calls matter, how to shift your mindset, and how to keep momentum when the bookings aren’t yet rolling in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it’s really like when your acting career starts to take off? We tend to imagine red carpets, magazine covers, and endless applause—but there’s so much happening behind the curtain that nobody talks about. Today on Casting Actors Cast, I’m pulling back the velvet rope to reveal the hidden machinery that keeps your favorite actors’ careers running. From publicists and personal assistants to managers and social media specialists, these behind-the-scenes players can make or break an actor’s momentum. If you’re training, auditioning, or dreaming of your next big break, this episode is for you. We’re going to talk about the realities of “making it,” and trust me—it’s not always what you think. Get ready for a fun, surprising, and eye-opening ride! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“Not every audition comes with sparkling dialogue. But casting isn’t just about the script—it’s about you. So how do you shine, even when the writing is clunky? Let’s break it down.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Directors want it, casting directors expect it—you need to access emotion instantly. But how do you do it without faking, forcing, or frying yourself emotionally? Let’s break it down.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sometimes the most powerful acting happens when you’re not speaking at all. Silent moments can make or break your performance, and today we’re going to explore how to master them.” castingactorscast.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast for actors who want to sharpen their audition skills, book more roles, and understand the industry from the inside out. Today we’re diving into a genre that’s deceptively challenging, yet absolutely essential for so many working actors: Romantic Comedies and Hallmark-style films. These projects have their own flavor—light, charming, heartfelt, and often sprinkled with humor and predictability. But here’s the catch: what works in a dramatic audition often doesn’t work here. If you overplay the depth, you miss the levity. If you underplay it, you risk seeming flat or uninspired. So, how do you strike that perfect balance? In this episode, we’ll explore the hallmarks of rom-com acting—the specific skill set that helps actors shine in both auditions and on set. Whether you’re preparing for a Hallmark Christmas movie or a witty rom-com pilot, you’ll walk away with practical tools to deliver the style directors and casting directors are looking for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Welcome, friends and fearless performers, to another episode of Casting Actors Cast, the show that pulls back the curtain on the craft, the mindset, and the career path of working actors. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and your personal acting GPS. Today’s episode is all about Film Script Preparation — a subject that sounds deceptively simple but can make or break your audition, your performance, and yes, even your callback. Film scripts are different. They’re visual, they’re economical, and they leave much unsaid. Unlike stage plays, the dialogue is sparse, and the emotional journey lives between the lines. So today, we’re going to break it all down: the challenges of reading film material, how to track the emotional arc of your character, the traps that many actors fall into, and the best practices that can help you stand out while staying grounded in the truth of the work. Ready to roll camera on your process? Let’s go!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast that gives actors the tools, tactics, and mindset shifts they need to work smart and book more. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach, your host — casting director, author, and coach. Today’s episode flips the script in a really fun and useful way. We’re calling it: Act Like an Agent. That’s right — we’re going to look at your acting career from the perspective of the people who represent you — your agents and managers. Why? Because the better you understand their world — their pressures, their priorities, their process — the stronger and more effective you’ll be as their client. This isn’t just about 'being easier to work with.' It’s about empathy, strategy, and collaboration. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to get more auditions, how agents make their decisions, or how to keep that relationship healthy — this episode is tailor-made for you. Let’s step into the agent’s office and see what it’s like on the other side."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of Casting Actors Cast, the podcast that lifts the curtain on audition success, career mindset, and the real-world tools actors need to thrive. I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, and your host. Today we’re diving into something that can feel a little out there for some… and absolutely essential for others: Manifesting a Success Model for Your Acting Career. Whether you roll your eyes at the word 'manifestation' or swear by it, we’re unpacking what it really means — practically, professionally, and personally — to design a career path with intention. I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it all your own. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure of what to do next, this episode might just spark a new kind of clarity. Ready? Let’s get into it!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“A casting director can tell more about you in the first five seconds of your self-tape than most actors realize—and it's not just about performance. Today on Casting Actors Cast, we’re digging into what your self-tape setup is really saying about you. Is it shouting ‘I’m ready,’ or whispering ‘I’m not serious’? Let's find out—and fix it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Ever feel an audition slipping through your fingers—but you're still in the room? Don’t panic—today on Casting Actors Cast, I’m giving you the tools to reset in real time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about recovery. This episode is your one-minute audition rescue kit… and it starts right now.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Casting Actors Cast, the podcast that gives actors real-world tools, inspiration, and the insider’s edge when it comes to working professionally. I’m your host, Jeffrey Dreisbach—casting director, author, teacher, and actor advocate—and today, we’re cracking open the world of television script analysis and how you can mentally adapt your performance for different genres like procedurals, comedies, and dramas. Whether you’re reading sides for a quirky single-cam comedy or a tightly wound cop drama, your preparation needs to match the rhythm, tone, and expectations of the show. So grab your script, sharpen your instincts, and let’s get to work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Acting is a team sport. We rely on our scene partners, castmates, and creative collaborators to bring the story to life. But what happens when that trust and connection just... isn’t there? Whether it’s a clash of personalities, conflicting work styles, or just bad chemistry, working with another actor you don’t like can turn a dream role into an emotional minefield. In today’s episode of Casting Actors Cast, we’ll explore the triggers behind actor-to-actor tension, the toll it can take, and how to navigate difficult dynamics without sabotaging the work — or your sanity."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It’s curtain call. The final take. The closing night party. The end of the project. As actors, we pour our hearts into our work — and when that work wraps up, we’re often left with a cocktail of emotions: pride, sadness, uncertainty, excitement, and even fear. What happens when the thing you’ve devoted your time, energy, and soul to… ends? Today on Casting Actors Cast, we’re diving into the post-project blues, the thrill of completion, and how you can process the end of a project in a way that fuels your growth — both personally and professionally." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices