Casting Actors Cast

Why do actors often give their weakest performances in the auditions they want the most?

In this episode, veteran casting director Jeffrey Dreisbach shares a healthier, more effective way to think about

auditions. Learn why preparation beats pressure, why professionals treat auditions as appointments—not life-

changing events—and how one simple mindset shift can free you to do your best work.

Whether you're new to the business or a seasoned professional, this episode will change the way you walk into

every audition.

Learn more abou...

Why do some actors command attention even when they're barely speaking?

In this episode, casting director Jeffrey Dreisbach explores one of the most misunderstood aspects of acting:

concentration. Learn why authentic focus doesn't come from trying harder—it comes from pursuing a

meaningful objective. Through practical exercises, casting room insights, and real-world examples, you'll

discover how listening, subtext, behavior, and curiosity create performances that captivate audiences.

Whether you're preparing for auditions, rehearsals, or filming, this episode will change the way you think about

concentration forever.

Networking shouldn't feel awkward or transactional. In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, veteran casting

director Jeffrey Dreisbach shares a healthier, more effective approach to building professional relationships in

the entertainment industry. Learn practical follow-up strategies, gratitude-based networking, social media

mistakes to avoid, and why trust—not self-promotion—is the real currency of a lasting acting career.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this episode will change the way you think about

networking forever.

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For years I told actors something that may surprise you.

I used to say:

"Being completely memorized isn't the most important thing."

And for a long time I believed that.

Today?

My thinking has changed.

Not because memorization is the performance.

But because memorization may be the thing standing between you and the performance.

Let's talk about it.

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What if one of the best things you could do for your acting career...

was spend less time thinking about acting?

Now before anyone drives off the road...

hear me out.

Because some of the healthiest, happiest, and most successful actors I've known had something surprising in

common.

Acting wasn't the only thing in their lives.

Today we're talking about why becoming a more interesting human being may actually make you a better actor.

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What if I told you one of the biggest obstacles in your acting career isn't your talent...

isn't your training...

isn't your agent...

and isn't even your auditions?

What if the thing holding you back is a grading system that doesn't exist anymore?

Today we're talking about something I see every week.

Actors who graduated years ago...

sometimes decades ago...

but are still living like they're waiting for someone to hand them a report card.

And that mindset may be costing...

Every scene is basically: “Please love me… forgive me… hire me… believe me… or text me back.”

Congratulations. You now understand human civilization.

Today we’re talking about one of the most important acting shifts actors can make.

You are not there to present emotion. You are there to get something.

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Why do talented actors sometimes walk into auditions and completely disconnect from themselves?

In this episode, casting director and acting teacher Jeffrey Dreisbach explores one of the biggest hidden audition killers: overthinking. From self-monitoring and approval-seeking to trying too hard to “be good,” this episode breaks down the subtle habits that quietly sabotage actors before the scene even begins.

Practical, funny, and brutally honest, this episode helps actors reconnect to behavior, simplicity, and truthful work.

What if the biggest thing hurting your auditions… isn’t your acting?

Lear...

Some actors perform every script exactly the same way.

Which is fascinating… because sitcoms and crime dramas are not emotionally identical species.

In this Episode, we’re talking about musicality, genre, rhythm… and why the script itself may already be telling you how to act.

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What if your obsession with “feeling the emotion”… is actually hurting your acting?

Today we’re talking about the difference between feeling something… and doing something.

And trust me— this one tends to make actors very uncomfortable.

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What if the very thing your acting class praised… is the exact thing hurting your auditions?

Today we’re talking about the disconnect between acting training… and actually getting cast.

And trust me… this conversation might sting a little.

But it may also completely change how you approach your work.

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If you’ve ever created a 10-page backstory for a 2-page audition…
If you’ve ever decided your character had a childhood trauma… that no one asked for…
Or if you’ve ever walked into a room feeling very prepared… and still didn’t book it—

This episode might save your career.

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What if I told you that most actors don’t lose jobs because they’re not talented…
They lose jobs because no one knows where to put them.
Today, we fix that—without labels, without limits, and without the word “type.”

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Today we are talking about something that every actor has… every actor worries about… and almost every actor gets wrong.

Your demos.

Your video reel.
Your voice-over demo.

Now, I’m going to say something right up front that might shift your thinking immediately:

Your demo is not there to show how talented you are.

It’s there to make casting feel confident about where to put you.

That’s a very different job.

And once you understand that… everything changes.

<...

Did you ever walk out of an audition thinking:

“I nailed that.”

You felt connected.

Prepared.

Alive in the scene.

And then…

You didn’t book it.

So the actor brain starts spinning.

“Was I bad?”

“Did they hate it?”

“What did I do wrong?”

But here’s the truth most actors never hear:

The best actor doesn’t always get the job.

The best match does.

And once you understand why…

Auditions be...

We’re breaking down why redirects exist, what casting is actually testing, and how learning to adjust with ease can make you unforgettable in the room.

Because actors who adjust with confidence are remembered.

Actors who freeze… disappear.

#taking direction, # Audition strategy

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Let me tell you something that might sound unfair—but it’s true.

Casting starts forming impressions within the first 15 seconds of watching you.

And no, it’s not about talent or perfection.

It’s about presence.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really happening before your first line, why rushing reads as nerves, and how one small shift can instantly make casting lean forward instead of pull back.

If you’ve ever wondered why some actors feel watchable the moment they appear—this is the conversat...

Actors: here’s casting insights from Casting Actors Cast with casting director Jeff Dreisbach:

"Let me tell you something that might sound unfair—but it’s true.

Casting starts forming impressions within the first 15 seconds of watching you.

And no, it’s not about talent or perfection.

It’s about presence.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really happening before your first line, why rushing reads as nerves, and how one small shift can instantly make casting lean forward instead of pull back.

If you’ve ever wondered...

Today we’re talking about something every actor experiences but almost no one talks about honestly enough.

The slow period.

The quiet stretch.

The stretch where nothing seems to be happening.

Today’s episode is called Your Acting Momentum Plan: Moving Forward When Nothing Seems to Be Happening.

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Today we’re talking about a subject that sits right at the heart of what makes performances compelling, memorable, and bookable.

Today’s episode is called Acting for Humans: Why Authenticity Beats Technique Every Time.

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Today we are diving into one of the most important audition skills in today’s industry.

Self-tapes.

Specifically, we’re talking about something most actors never realize they’re doing wrong.

Today’s episode is called The Self-Tape Trap: Are Your Choices Helping or Hurting You?

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Today we are talking about something that quietly sabotages more auditions than lack of talent, lack of training, or lack of experience combined.

Overthinking.

Yes. The invisible career killer.

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Today’s episode is called:

How to Be the Actor Everyone Wants to Work With.

Notice I didn’t say “best actor.”

I didn’t say “most talented actor.”

I didn’t say “most trained actor.”

Find out it you are one of these actors!

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Today’s episode is called:
“The Best Secrets of Every Successful Actor.”

And I want to start by disappointing you — just a little.

There is no secret handshake.
No magic agent.
No single audition that changes everything.

But there are patterns.

And after decades of watching actors succeed, stall, disappear, return, rebuild, and thrive — I can tell you this:

Successful actors don’t do different things.
They do the same things — consistently.

Let’s talk about those things.

Learn m...

Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast for actors, from a casting director, who wants to help you stop fighting the word brand and start using it intelligently.

Today’s episode is called:
“Best Methods to Uncover Your Brand.”

And let me start by clearing something up immediately:

Your brand is not: A Costume

A Headshot Outfit

A Personality you perform

Your brand is simply this:

The clearest pattern of how others experience you.

That’s it.

And once...

Today’s episode is called:

“How to Act with Irony.”

And I want to start with a warning:

Irony is one of the fastest ways actors sabotage themselves.

Not because irony is bad —

but because it’s misunderstood.

So today we’re going to talk about:

*    What irony actually is

*    Why casting loves it when it’s done right

*    And how to play irony without losing truth

FIRST: WHAT IRONY IS (AND ISN’T)

Irony is not:

*    Sarcas...

Hello, fellow actors.
Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast for actors, from a casting director, who wants you to stop doing weird things in the name of “networking.”

Today’s episode is called:
“Five Ways to Network with Industry Pros.”

And before you tense up — no, this is not an episode about:

Because real networking — the kind that actually works — looks nothing like what most actors imagine.

Let’s begin with a truth that might surprise you:

Most industry professionals are not looking to be impressed.
They’...

Today’s episode is called:
“Getting Fired by Your Agent… What Next?”

And if that title made your stomach drop just a little — congratulations. You’re human.
Also, you’re not alone.

Let me start by saying something right up front, because I want to take the sting out of this immediately:

Getting dropped by an agent is not a career-ending event.
In fact — and I know this may sound wild — for many actors, it turns out to be a career-clarifying moment.

Now, before you throw your phone across the room, s...

Some people can’t even commit to a gym membership for four weeks — and you and I have been meeting here since 2020. Through lockdowns, through self-tape explosions, through new technology disrupting our industry faster than we can say “AI voice clone,” we have been learning together, laughing together, and building the kind of creative courage that keeps actors moving forward. So today isn’t about a new technique or a tough-love lecture. Today is a celebration. Today is a reflection. Today is a thank you to YOU — for being the kind of artist who keeps showing up. Because this podcast exis...

Self-tapes are where careers happen today. They’re the front door of the business. And like any front door — there’s a welcome mat… and there are also banana peels hidden right under the surface waiting to trip you up.

Today, we are shining a big bright spotlight on The Self-Tape Trap. Those choices actors make with good intentions — really good intentions — that accidentally sabotage the performance. These traps are sneaky. They can feel like “extra effort” or “smart choices” or “making it real” — but casting directors are watching self-tapes with a totally different lens. Find out much more on this episode...

We’re talking about overthinking.

That mental spiral where suddenly your brain is narrating your audition like it’s doing play-by-play commentary during the Super Bowl. “Here comes the second line — careful, careful — don’t mess this up — oof, eyebrow twitch — bad eyebrow! Reset! Reset!”

Overthinking is the enemy of presence. The enemy of impulse. The enemy of surprise. It’s like having a backseat driver take over your brain while you’re trying to actually drive the car.

So let me ask you a question: When you’re really living a moment — like REALLY living it — do...

Hey my amazing, wonderful actor friends! Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — where you and I get to hang out, learn a little, laugh a little, and uncover the real tools that help you prepare smarter, act better, and book more. I’m your host, Jeff Dreisbach — casting director, teacher, actor, and your industry friend who is in your corner, rooting for you every step of the way.

Today’s episode is one I wish I could just loop on a monitor in every waiting room at every audition everywhere. You know, like a public service announcement but with...

Have you ever walked into an audition and thought, “Okay… I’m confident. I’m confident. I’m confident,” while your body is screaming, “We’re absolutely not confident!”

Meanwhile, casting directors are looking at you like, “Are they… are they okay?”

Confidence is one of those weird acting ingredients you can’t fake, can’t force, but absolutely need— even though most actors have no idea what real confidence looks like.

Well, today we’re pulling back the curtain.

Because what you think confidence is…and what casting directors actually see as confidence… are two complet...

You ever notice that actors can make anything stressful? Audition? Stressful. Callback? Stressful. Self-tape? Stressful. Meeting someone who might know someone in the industry? Oh, that’s a full-blown cardio event.

Actors are the only people who can turn reading two pages of dialogue in their own living room into a scene from “Mission Impossible.”

Meanwhile, your acting career just left you a voicemail:
“Hi… yeah, it’s me… could you just… relax?”

Let’s talk about it.

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Today’s episode is part pep-talk, part reality check, and part comedic intervention.
Actors obsess over getting it right — especially on self-tapes. You know this. You’ve lived this.

But here’s the kicker:
Casting directors aren’t looking for perfect.
We’re looking for alive.

So today, we’re going to shatter the myth of the perfect take, unpack how perfectionism sabotages your work, and give you a step-by-step guide to capturing the kind of take that makes us go, “Oh! I didn’t expect that. Yes. Callback.”

Let’s get started with the...

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!

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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.

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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...

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...

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.