Casting Actors Cast

What happens to an actor when nobody is asking them to act? When the auditions slow down, the callbacks disappear, or the next job simply isn’t happening, actors often assume the frustration they’re feeling is about their career. But what if something else is going on? What if you’re creatively hungry? In Episode #439 of Casting Actors Cast, casting director, teacher, author, and former actor Jeff Dreisbach explores the psychology behind an actor’s need for creative self-expression—and why waiting for the industry to provide that expression can become emotionally exhausting. We’ll look at the complicated relationship between creativity, employment, money, identity, and the need for an audience. Why does being paid sometimes feel like proof that you’re a “real” actor? Why can a lack of performing leave you restless or discouraged? And how can you build a creative life that doesn’t depend entirely upon someone else giving you permission to participate? Most importantly, Jeff offers practical ways to recognize creative hunger and find outlets that keep your imagination, curiosity, and sense of play alive—even during the quiet periods of an acting career. Because there’s an important difference between asking: “Am I working?” and asking: “Am I creating?” The industry may decide when it hires you. It does not get to decide when you are allowed to be creative. ?? Casting Actors Cast — practical insight, encouragement, and a casting director’s perspective on the psychology, craft, and business of being an actor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actors are constantly told that film acting is "all about the eyes." But what does that really mean? In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, veteran casting director, actor, educator, and author Jeffrey Dreisbach explores one of the most misunderstood concepts in on-camera acting. Discover why the camera isn't actually watching your eyes—it's watching your thoughts. Learn why truthful thinking creates truthful behavior, why listening is one of the greatest acting skills, why the advice "don't blink" misses the point, and how simple eye-awareness exercises can strengthen your on-camera performances. Whether you're preparing for auditions, self-tapes, or your next film role, this episode will change the way you think about close-up acting forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actors hear it all the time: "Just be confident." But what does confidence actually look like—and can it really be created on demand? In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, veteran casting director, actor, educator, and author Jeffrey Dreisbach explores the psychology behind authentic confidence, why rejection affects actors so deeply, the difference between confidence and self-esteem, and why self-trust—not fearlessness—is the real foundation of a successful acting career. Drawing from decades behind the casting table, personal experience, and practical strategies you can begin using immediately, this episode will help you approach auditions, self-tapes, and your creative life with greater resilience, perspective, and purpose. Whether you're just beginning your acting journey or you've been navigating this business for years, this conversation will challenge the way you think about confidence—and perhaps change it forever. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another actor who could use a little encouragement today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Networking is one of the most misunderstood—and uncomfortable—parts of an acting career. Why do so many actors feel awkward introducing themselves to casting directors, agents, producers, and other industry professionals? In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, veteran casting director, actor, educator, and author Jeffrey Dreisbach explores the psychology behind networking anxiety and reveals why authentic relationships—not self-promotion—are the true foundation of a successful acting career. Through personal stories, decades of casting experience, practical exercises, and a fresh perspective on professional relationships, you'll discover how to replace pressure with curiosity, build meaningful connections, and create a network rooted in generosity, trust, and community. Whether you're attending a showcase, workshop, film festival, or simply meeting fellow actors, this episode will change the way you think about networking forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your definition of success has been making your acting career harder than it needs to be? In this episode, casting director Jeffrey Dreisbach explores how actors can build healthier, more sustainable careers by redefining success beyond bookings, awards, and external validation. Learn practical mindset shifts, casting-room insights, and strategies for finding fulfillment while continuing to grow as an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every actor has wondered, "How do I become this character?" In this episode, casting director Jeffrey Dreisbach reveals why the answer may already be inside you. Learn how your own life experiences, relationships, and humanity become your greatest acting resource, and discover practical techniques for creating authentic, memorable performances without abandoning yourself in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 them more opportunities than they realize. Let's talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices