Jul 01, 2009

Don’t Get Typecast! Here are 4 Easy Ways to Stay Versatile:

Categories:  Acting Tips, Casting Directors, Headshots

Steve SchirripaIt’s good to know what roles suit you best, but versatility is the key to success. If you find yourself always auditioning for the same parts, try to mix it up a bit.

Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Bacala on The Sopranos for 7 years, is now playing a father on the ABC Family teen drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He was smart to go in a completely different direction and show his range.

Here are some things to remember:

1. Make certain you have a few different headshots that showcase a range of characters you can portray.

2. If you are most comfortable in comedic roles, go out of your way to occasionally audition for a drama and vice versa.

3. Keep your wardrobe up to date with a variety of different styles of dress. Have some formal, casual, trendy, glamorous, ethnic, business, and conservative clothes on hand.

4. If you’re a female, invest in a few wigs. And if you’re male, experiment with different styles of facial hair. Then have photos taken so you can show casting directors how versatile both your look and acting is.

By Casting Director Renee Godbout

Want one-on-one advice from Casting Director Renee Godbout? Click here to get your own Personal Casting Consultation today!

Tags: , , , ,

3 Comments to “Don’t Get Typecast! Here are 4 Easy Ways to Stay Versatile:”

  1. Karysa | July 4th, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    this is such good advice! I actually was worried that i would be asked to change my hair color and leangth because i am hesitant to cut it but if i can get some really good wigs it would take away the worry of only playing long curly haired girls. also i was more focused on different abilities and not on the versatility of appearance… yes i know the importance of looking “good” …but this helped bring it in to perspective. thanks

  2. So So True | July 5th, 2009 at 2:36 am

    I think is great advice for anyone that is seeking a career in the Industry. Now is alot of people are in the movies & Tv Shows. It would be great for their overall careers. How many times have you seen one of your favorite Actors play the same part. It’s always good to switch it up. Because someone might cast you any you never know what a casting director might be looking one the main reasons to change it up a bit and truly see your acting ability.

  3. Cha-Cha | July 5th, 2009 at 2:38 am

    it’s always good to be versatile, and let the Industry know that you have no limitations.

Leave a Comment