How to Hold an Open Casting Call

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If you're casting your play or film and need a lot of roles filled, consider an open casting call.

Step 1: Secure space
Secure a large venue in which to hold the casting call. You’ll need space for people to wait for their call and a separate space for the actual audition. Make sure restrooms are available and that there's ample parking.

Step 2: Send notices
Send out casting notices a month in advance to newspapers, trade papers, and casting web sites. Include the date and time of the auditions; materials to bring, such as headshots, resumes, and demo reels; and a list of parts you're casting.

Tip
Include brief descriptions of the main characters and supporting roles.

Step 3: Copy script pages
Make several copies of pages from the script for each of the characters you're casting, called "sides." You may have the actors audition with a monologue, read the sides, or both.

Step 4: Use audition sheets
Have the actors fill out an information sheet in the waiting room and then have them present it with their headshot and resume upon auditioning. Take a picture of the actor and attach it to their audition sheet.

Step 5: Be organized
Be organized on the audition day by assigning specific duties to each member of your team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step 6: Treat everyone professionally
Be polite and treat everyone at the audition professionally. These are potential co-workers on your project, so start things out on the right foot.

Step 7: Clean up
Make sure the space is clean and tidy, or at least in the condition you found it, after you're done.

Did You Know?
According to the Bureau of Labor’s May 2006 statistics, the median hourly earnings of actors were $11.61.