Casting Seminar at Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s School of Film, Dance and Theatre students got the opportunity to learn from SAG-AFTRA-franchised agents, local and professional casting directors, as well as SAG-AFTRA Director of Locals Administration Marcia Fishman.

It is extraordinarily rare for students to have the opportunity to learn directly from those who are in the best position to help them work locally: Phoenix agents and casting directors. Casting practices and procedures from both sides of the table were the focus of the two-day course.  

The goal was for students to be confident that they are following industry standards when they cast their films and run their auditions. Also, having a deep understanding of the significant rite of passage to becoming a working professional by joining SAG-AFTRA is imperative to students’ growth in the media and entertainment industry.

The first day of the seminar was led by Chris LaMont, ASU faculty member, producer and founder of the Phoenix Film Festival; Gene Ganssle, Equity actor, filmmaker and producer; and me, an actor and member of our union for more than 25 years. It focused specifically on ASU guidelines for casting and on-set protocol. The discussion included casting notices, breakdowns, posting, sides, documentation, how actors should prepare and what to expect from actors. The second day began with a roundtable that I moderated. It included Matt Englehart of the Ford Talent Agency, Dani Green of Dani’s Agency, Faith Hibbs-Clark and Bella Hibbs from Good Faith Casting, and Garth Williams from Garth Williams Casting. Skyping in from Michigan, Marcia Fishman offered her considerable expertise regarding the use of SAG-AFTRA contracts. The day concluded with actors being put on camera and offered feedback and insight into the casting process from the panel. 

This is the second time the casting seminar has been offered. ASU’s School of Film, Dance and Theatre plans to offer the casting seminar as a biennial event. For more information about the programs and opportunities available throughout the year at ASU’s School for Film, Dance and Theatre, feel free to contact me through the local at azut@sagaftra.org. 

This item was originally featured in the December 2015 local newsletter.