Open casting calls are long, arduous affairs. It can feel like you’re shouting into the void when you’re one of thousands who turn up for a single part. Many actors feel like they’re just not worth the time and effort, but that can be a critical mistake.
The whole point of open casting calls is to discover new talent and give unrepresented actors a chance.
Unlike other casting calls, open auditions are not just sent to trusted talent agencies. They are publicized and advertised widely to allow more people to audition for the role. This means that they are ideal for actors who are just starting out.
Open casting calls are often used for theater shows, smaller productions, and some adverts. Occasionally larger productions will post open casting calls for big budget films. Famously, JJ Abrams and Lucasfilm held open auditions for the roles of Rey and Finn in the new Star Wars Trilogy.
When it comes to deciding whether open casting calls are truly worth the effort, you need to figure out where in your career you are.
For the most part, open casting calls only benefit unknown, unseen actors. They are a chance for you to get in front of casting directors and producers when you normally wouldn’t get the chance.
Another great thing about open casting calls, is that success can really catapult your career. Being cast from an open audition will mean you get screen or stage time which is more likely to get you an agent and further parts.
If you’ve already been in a few projects, and you’re being invited to closed calls, the open casting calls are going to be of less use to you.
We hesitate to call them useless because anything can happen. That being said, you may be wasting your time if the casting team are looking for undiscovered and unrepresented talent.
One final note, open casting calls are quite often aimed at children and young actors. This is because many are unrepresented and unknown. If your child wants to pursue an acting career, then going to open casting calls is definitely worth their time.