Good Questions to Ask Casting Directors

Asking questions to a casting director can be a bit tricky.

On one hand, you risk irritating the casting director by asking the wrong question. On the other hand, you might get better knowledge about the role you are auditioning for and build a rapport with the casting director by asking thoughtful questions.

You have nothing to worry about; we have compiled 25 thoughtful questions you can ask your casting director.

1. What is the role you are casting for? This is to get more detailed input about the role. If you are unsure who is in charge of casting for the role you are applying for, you can also ask this question. 
2. What is the most important quality you look for in this character? This question is posed to have an idea of the casting director's preference or priority during the audition, as the casting director will likely have an ideal portrayal of the character/role.
3. Do you have specific notes or guidance for this audition? Just like the former, this question is posed to reveal the preferences of the casting director. 
4. How will submissions be accepted? This is to know how the submission of the applications, resumes, and headshots will be submitted and obtained. Whether it's going to be through the website, email, or any other means.
5. When is the deadline for casting call submission? This is to provide answers for the closing day to submit your application for casting for an audition.
6. How many auditions will there be? This is to discover if there are going to be different stages for the particular audition. And how many there might be, if so.
7. How will the auditionees be notified of their status? This is to know what medium the casting director will use to inform actors of the outcome of the audition.
8. What are the common mistakes actors make during an audition? This is to know actors' common mistakes during an audition and how to avoid them.
9. Do you give feedback to actors after an audition? This is posed so you can have positive and negative professional feedback, which could help your next audition and acting career.
10. Can you be considered for further roles if you are not selected for this role? This is to know the chances of working on the production of other or future roles if you do not get the role.
11. What should an actor do if they don't get cast in a role they want? This is to have a good idea of how to deal with rejection smartly.
12. How do you find actors for a project? This refers to the medium and the qualities an actor must possess to get cast by the casting director.
13. What are the most essential qualities you look for in an actor? Not restricted to the audition, this reveals the most significant qualities the casting director looks for in an actor.
14. How do you prefer to communicate with actors? This is to answer what medium the casting directors prefer or use to pass information to the cast. Do they prefer to talk to them through email, phone, or agencies?
15. What do you look for during an audition? This is to know what acting and non-acting skills the casting director looks out for during an audition.
16. Do you have any tips on how to stand out during an audition? Since casting directors are responsible for finding the right talent to fill roles in a variety of media, it's no surprise that they would have carried out several auditions. This question provides you with tips that you can make use of to stand out at not only the present audition but also the forthcoming ones.
17. Are there certain types of roles that are harder to cast than others? Does the casting director experience difficulty in casting some roles? If yes, what roles and why?
18. What character traits would make you not work with an actor? This is to have an idea of the casting director's red flags or pet peeves in an actor and how to avoid them.
19. What are your thoughts on networking and building relationships in this industry? This is to know how the casting director feels about actors using personal connections to get an audition or meeting.
20. How do you help actors and actresses prefer for their audition or shoot? Casting directors often work with actors and actresses to help them prepare for auditions or shoots. This question enables you to understand how the casting director can help others succeed in their roles.
21. Where is the shooting location? It's necessary to ask questions like this, especially if it is not clearly stated in the casting poster, to give you a good idea of what you could potentially be getting into.  
22. What is the production schedule? Knowing the production schedule and the time commitment required for the project is vital to see if it can work for you. This also gives you a good idea of what you could be getting into.
23. What are your thoughts on social media for actors? This is to see how the casting director experiences using social media to help actors develop their brand, increase their visibility and social media presence, and build their careers.
24. Do you have any experience working with actors who are well-known or who have a large following? This question can help you understand how the casting director handles working with high-profile clients and whether they have experience managing a team of employees.
25. How often should an actor try out for a new role? This question can help you understand the casting director's approach to casting. 

The answer should show how often an actor should try out for a role and when appropriate. 

You can also ask for specific strategies the casting director might have for encouraging actors to audition more frequently.

If you have any more questions or concerns, don't fail to address them. It is considered rude to quit a project later because you should have asked the casting director earlier for more information.

However, be sure to refrain from asking questions addressed in the original post. If you do so, not only will you be wasting their time, but you will not do yourself any favors with the casting people/producer.