The Casting Process: A Game of Darts
by Michael McCracken, Artistic Director/Founder of Vagabond School
When it comes to the casting process in the entertainment industry, I often find myself thinking of it as a giant game of darts. Each actor stepping up to the board brings their own set of unique darts - with their own colors and feathers - and aims them at the role, which is the metaphorical dartboard. The bullseye represents the perfect fit for a role, the one that perfectly aligns with the vision of the role that the director has in mind.
Casting directors release a breakdown that outlines the ideal characteristics, looks, and qualities of the person they envision for the role. As actors, we receive this breakdown and start crafting our darts. The size (acting choices), the weight (training), the grip (booking history/resume), the color and thickness of the feathers (wardrobe/style choices). We each have a chance to throw our dart and try to claim the role as our own. But, much like a game of darts, there is much that is outside our control. Perhaps there is a ceiling fan you didn’t take into account, or people around you are being too loud for you to focus on your game, or maybe you shouldn’t have had that extra drink.
But you play on. Now let's say your dart happens to land just outside the bullseye. You are basically a perfect fit for the role - you’re so close to what they've been looking for in this role. But, the casting process is a highly competitive one. Others are also tossing their darts. There's a chance that even though you were the closest to the mark, your score isn't the highest.
Maybe my score is only a five, despite being so close to the bullseye. Then, another actor steps up and throws their dart, and somehow it lands on a double 20. Their score surpasses mine, despite the fact that they weren't as close to the bullseye. Sometimes two darts can land right next to each other (two actors being basically the same “type”), but still one can score higher than the other based on the smallest of differences.
This is the unpredictability of casting. Even if we believe we are perfect for a role, that doesn't guarantee we will book it. The casting directors might be looking for something specific on that particular day, and we can't always predict what will score us more points.
SO GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE!
What we can control, however, is the preparation, professionalism and well crafted talent we bring to our auditions. We can equip ourselves with technique, hone our technique, and make smart choices. How we cultivate these ideals are the elements that make us unique as performers.
Take classes, meet up with friends, keep challenging yourself to be the best YOU you can be.
Every game you play will make you more confident. Keep showing up. Keep throwing those darts.
follow the open road…
Michael McCracken
