Casting Actors Cast

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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