BWW Blog: Patti Meadors - Online Casting Calls

As social media becomes more and more prevalent in society, casting calls and other theatre things have become increasingly digital. With Facebook pages for several kinds of casting calls, specific types, agencies and websites, people have more information about how to submit to these casting calls.

In a post, describing type, age, and role, the number of viewers increases because friends who have liked the page tag their friends who fit this description in the comments, arguably making theatre more inclusive, purely on the basis that many are visually supporting each other online.

As a young actor, who also juggles public school and other activities, I never submitted to these because I thought they were for older working actors only. When a family friend posted a casting call that described someone like me, I decided to submit to it, because I wanted the experience. I did not expect to be cast or to be called.

Five days later, a casting agency called me and said they had one spot left for me. I was surprised to say the least. I am going to be on set of a TV show that many nationally watch and follow! I am so ecstatic about this opportunity and excited to learn from it.

A similar thing happened for getting this position from Broadway World. I submitted an application just so I could say that I did, not expecting a response, nevertheless a response saying that they wanted me to blog! I immediately started writing and sent in my first blog and have been writing every week since.

Online casting calls may seem distant and not worthwhile for young actors, but if you find an agency that is looking for a kid or teen like you, or an actor like you, submitting an application is not going to hurt you. It gives you experience and gets your face out there in some of those agencies that may be casting bigger things later.

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