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Casting Confidential

Rose Rosen, CSA

Casting Confidential is a podcast hosted by casting director Rose Rosen, CSA, offering a direct, unfiltered look at how casting actually works.

Each episode features Rosen alongside a rotating co-host casting director and notable actors, pulling back the curtain on the professional relationship between actors and casting—and how decisions are really made. These are not surface-level conversations. The show focuses on process, context, and the often-misunderstood mechanics of auditions, callbacks, chemistry reads, and career-building choices.

Casting Confidential is designed for actors who want clarity, not clichés. Listeners gain practical insight into what casting directors respond to, what they overlook, and how strong auditions are shaped long before a tape is submitted. The goal is simple: better information leads to better work in the room.

Membership: Deeper Access, Real Feedback

For actors who want to go beyond listening, the Casting Confidential Membership offers live, interactive opportunities:

  • Monthly Performance Feedback Sessions
  • Members submit a recent self-tape or scene and receive direct, professional feedback from casting directors. These sessions focus on specific, actionable adjustments—what’s working, what isn’t, and how to sharpen future auditions. A reader is provided.
  • Live Episodes with Industry Guests
  • Members are invited to exclusive live recordings featuring candid conversations with working actors and casting professionals.

Casting Confidential is where casting directors speak plainly about the work—how we find actors, how we build ensembles, and what actually helps an actor stand out over time.

Follow @castingconfidential on Instagram.

Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your support helps us continue bringing you substantive, high-level conversations from inside the casting room.

Pull up a chair. This is how casting really works.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S4 · E69
    July 20 · 1 hr 16 min

    69. Allison Jones on Casting Widows Bay, Comedy, and 40 Years in the Room

    In the Season 4 finale of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with Emmy-winning casting director Allison Jones—the casting force behind Veep, The Comeback, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, Barbie, and generations of defining comedy ensembles. The conversation arrives as Allison’s latest project, the Apple TV+ series Widow’s Bay, emerges as one of this year’s Emmy surprises. The genre-bending comedy earned 19 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and recognition for six members of its cast. Allison shares how the Widow’s Bay ensemble came together, including the nerve-racking visa race to secure British actress Kate O’Flynn, now an Emmy nominee for her performance in the series. Rose and Allison also talk candidly about how casting decisions are actually made: the long lists, months spent waiting for studio decisions, and the strange reality that casting directors are often the last people to learn whether an actor has been approved. Allison reflects on how the process has changed since she began casting in the early 1980s—from the months-long chaos of traditional pilot season to today’s self-tapes, Zoom auditions, and worldwide casting searches. She also explains why authenticity matters more than elaborate self-tape production. The performance is the point—not perfect lighting. The episode closes with a live feedback session featuring returning guest Connor Ratliff, actor, comedian, and host of the podcast Dead Eyes. Connor performs a monologue and receives real-time notes from Allison before sharing the remarkable story behind the title of his podcast. It’s a candid conversation about building ensembles, recognizing distinctive performers, navigating an unpredictable business, and creating work that lasts. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Continue the Conversation in The Casting Lab The public episode is only part of the conversation. Join The Casting Lab on Patreon for bonus discussions, extended conversations, live Q&As, and the complete Season 4 archive—available throughout the show’s hiatus. Join The Casting Lab https://www.patreon.com/c/castingconfidential Casting Confidential Official Merchandise Shop Casting Confidential merchandise For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Allison Jones Connor Ratliff Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Follow Casting Confidential: Follow the @castingconfidential and join us in The Casting Lab on Patreon: @castingconfidential The Casting Lab on Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 13 · 10 min

    BONUS: Beyond the Velvet Rope: What Casting Directors Actually Do

    Rose Rosen and a panel of CASTING LAB casting directors-- Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Robin Carus and Kimberly Skyrme tackle a word actors use constantly to describe casting — and pull it apart. Are casting directors really standing between actors and opportunity, or is something else going on? The panel makes the case for retiring that old framing altogether, offering sharper, truer alternatives: conduit, facilitator, creative collaborator. They talk through what casting directors actually control versus what comes down from producers and directors, why self-taping has widened the door rather than narrowed it, and what actors can do — from self-identifying in submissions to simply stating their location — to make it easier to be seen and considered. It's an honest, no-mythology look at how decisions really get made, and a mindset shift worth sitting with. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on Patreon Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. patreon.com/castingconfidential Shop our Merch Store here: https://castingconfidential.dashery.com For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting PANEL Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA @loudenkubin Kimberly Skyrme, CSA https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyskyrme Robin Carus https://www.instagram.com/robincarus Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential https://www.instagram.com/castingconfidential/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 6 · 1 hr 19 min

    RERELEASE: Lamorne Morris on Comedy, Craft, and Creating Your Own Lane

    Lamorne Morris has always been one of the most thoughtful actors working today.Not long after his Emmy-winning performance in Fargo and his standout role in Saturday Night, he joined Rose Rosen for a candid conversation about building a career that lasts. We're bringing this episode back because it's just as relevant now as it was then. Lamorne talks about navigating success after New Girl, why comedy is often underestimated, the reality of auditions, developing new projects, producing, podcasting, and the business decisions actors rarely hear about. With the benefit of hindsight—and an Emmy on his shelf—you can hear the mindset that helped get him there. In this episode: Life after New Girl Winning opportunities long before winning awards What actors misunderstand about career longevity Comedy, drama, and breaking expectations Auditions, casting, and staying ready Producing, podcasting, and creating your own opportunities The business side of being a working actor Whether you already know Lamorne from New Girl, Fargo, Saturday Night, or his podcasts, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a lasting career. SPONSOR: RAFY APP Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/castingconfidential Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. Shop Our New Merch Store Here: https://castingconfidential.dashery.com JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Lamorne Morris @lamorne Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 29 · 11 min

    BONUS: Your Audition Didn't Fail. Here's What Actually Happened.

    Together, our Casting Lab Casting Directors dig into why talented actors don't always land the role, what "booking the room" really means in practice, and the professional habits that determine whether casting wants to see you again. They also share the story of an actor who was found years later through notes a casting director never deleted. That's not luck. That's what happens when you leave the right impression. Whether you're trying to understand why you keep coming close but not landing the role, or you're ready to build the kind of reputation that makes casting directors your advocates, this episode is for you. SPONSOR: RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ — Use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit https://rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Join The Casting Lab on Patreon for: bonus episodes • extended conversations • monthly live Q&As • exclusive discussions you won't hear on the public podcast https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential For more episodes and resources, visit https://castingconfidential.com CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA https://instagram.com/roserosencasting GUESTS: Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA https://instagram.com/loudenkubin Robin Carus, CSA https://instagram.com/robincarus Editor MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright https://instagram.com/ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson https://instagram.com/aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: https://instagram.com/castingconfidential https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E68
    June 22 · 1 hr 2 min

    68. Inside The Morning Show, Prestige TV, and the Casting Director Who Shapes It All — Victoria Thomas

    In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with Emmy Award-winning casting director Victoria Thomas, CSA — the woman behind some of the most celebrated ensembles in prestige television, including The Morning Show, The Last of Us, Watchmen, Nickel Boys, Bosch: Legacy, Bel Air, and Insecure. Victoria pulls back the curtain on how a show like The Morning Show actually gets cast season after season, what it means to think like a filmmaker when you're in a casting chair, and why budget, scheduling, and creative vision all have to collide before a single offer goes out. Rose and Victoria dig into the strategic conversations that happen before the cameras roll — from building lists and considering audience expansion, to the rare joy of introducing a fresh face into a high-profile ensemble. They talk about what it's like to cast day players for scenes opposite Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, why Victoria still prefers in-person auditions for the moments that matter, and what she actually looks for when actors walk into her Beverly Hills office. This episode is packed with practical insight for actors at every stage — from self-tape dos and don'ts, to the truth about why you didn't get the role (hint: it's almost never what you think), to the one underrated actor quality Victoria keeps coming back to: the ability to adjust. SPONSOR: Rafy App Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Shop Our New Merch Store Here: https://castingconfidential.dashery.com GO DEEPER ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/castingconfidential Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUEST: Victoria Thomas, CSA Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E67
    June 15 · 57 min

    67. Live from Sunscreen Film Festival: Alison Thornton on Auditions, Authenticity, and the Long Game

    This episode of Casting Confidential was recorded live at the Imagine Museum during the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida — and it was a conversation worth being in the room for. Rose Rosen sits down with Canadian-American actress Alison Thornton, known for School Spirits, Nancy Drew, Dare Me, The Mental State, and the festival film What Comes Next, for a candid, grounded conversation about what it actually takes to build a career in this industry and keep loving it along the way. Alison started working professionally at 10 years old, booking her first job within three months of getting an agent, and she hasn't stopped since. In this conversation, she talks about learning on set as a kid, navigating rejection before she had the emotional framework to contextualize it, and the shift from simply taking direction to developing a real artistic point of view. They dig into the self-tape process — the pros, the pitfalls, the diminishing returns of take nine, and why some of Alison's best recent work was recorded at 3am in a temple in Japan. They talk about what casting is actually looking for versus what actors assume casting is looking for, the difference between doing good work and trying to be perfect, and why staying curious as a human being is one of the most underrated tools in a performer's toolkit. The episode also features a live Q&A with the Sunscreen audience, a real-time scene with live feedback, and a genuinely fun, unfiltered exchange between Rose and Alison that captures exactly what makes this show worth listening to. Whether you're early in your career or deep in the middle of it, this one has something for you. SPONSOR: RAFY APP — Use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Episode Sponsors: Sunscreen Film Festival https://sunscreenfilmfestival.com Imagine Museum https://www.imaginemuseum.com Rafy App https://rafy.app GO DEEPER ON PATREON: Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN PATREON HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Guest Alison Thornton @ali.g.thornton Editor MZ Studios Camera: Joel Goldberg @filmmakingiswhatido Feedback Actor: Meryl Rifkin https://www.instagram.com/meryl_rifkin_realtor Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 8 · 16 min

    BONUS: How Casting Directors Actually Land Name Talent

    What does it really take to attach a recognizable actor to a project? Not a wish list. Not a phone call to an agent. Not magic. In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with roundtable casting directors Cheryl Louden-Kubin and Robin Carus to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood processes in the industry. They break down how casting directors define "name talent" (hint: it's not one-size-fits-all), what producers need to have in place before they can even begin chasing a name, and why proof of funding often matters more than the script itself. Robin walks through the real-time experience of attaching three marquee names — Tony Danza, Tom Cavanagh, and Michael Longfellow — to an off-Broadway production in just two and a half weeks, navigating cabaret schedules, Netflix specials, and a revolving cast of agents and managers on a chain email nobody wanted to be on. But this conversation isn't just for producers. The same principles that help projects attract talent are the principles that help actors book work. Casting, at every level, comes down to one question: Do you make the decision easier? Whether you're trying to land your next role or package your next project, this episode offers a rare look at the business side of casting that most people never get to see. SPONSOR: RAFY APP Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA @loudenkubin Robin Carus, CSA @robincarus Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E66
    June 1 · 1 hr 15 min

    66. Linda Lowy & Morgan Smith on Casting Imperfect Women, Hacks, and What Actors Need to Know

    In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with Emmy Award-winning casting director Linda Lowy and Emmy-nominated casting director Morgan Smith of Backyard Casting for one of the most candid, insider conversations the show has ever had. Together, they pull back the curtain on how casting decisions really get made — from building ensemble casts for major television series, to navigating the executive world of HBO Max, to surviving a merger, a strike, and finding their way back to the work they love. Linda and Morgan share the story behind casting Apple TV+’s Imperfect Women alongside already-attached stars Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss — including the months-long search to find their third lead, Kate Mara. They also talk about returning to Hacks, after Linda helped shape the show from the inside during her time at HBO Max. They go deep on the professional relationship that defines Backyard Casting: how they divide the work, how they handle disagreement, and why casting is ultimately a math problem wrapped in taste. Then, in a special Casting Confidential Feedback Session, Patreon member and actor Kimberly McCoin performs an original scene written specifically for this episode, and Linda and Morgan deliver real, in-the-moment direction — the kind actors rarely get access to. This episode is honest, warm, and loaded with insight for actors at every level. About the Guests Linda Lowy is a three-time Emmy Award-winning casting director and four-time Artios Award winner whose work has helped define modern television. Her credits include Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Station 19, Friday Night Lights, Inventing Anna, Hacks, and Apple TV+'s Imperfect Women. She is a recipient of the Casting Society's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award and is co-founder of Backyard Casting. Morgan Smith is an Emmy-nominated casting director and co-founder of Backyard Casting. She has worked alongside Linda Lowy across many of television's most acclaimed series, including Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, Station 19, Inventing Anna, Hacks, and Imperfect Women. Sponsor RAFY APP Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on Patreon Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry — including member opportunities like the Feedback Session featured in this episode. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. Credits Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Guests Linda Lowy @lindalowycasting Morgan Smith @morgansmithcasting Feedback Actor: Kimberly McCoin @presently_poised Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Follow the Show @castingconfidential Patreon patreon.com/castingconfidential castingconfidential.com **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 25 · 8 min

    BONUS: LIVE in London at WeAudition Actor's Pro Expo — With Nancy Bishop & Mark Summers

    This episode was recorded LIVE in London at the WeAudition Actor's Pro Expo In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down LIVE with two of the most respected international casting directors working today — Nancy Bishop, CSA, and Mark Summers , CSA— for an unfiltered, live conversation about what actually happens on the other side of the audition room. From the real reasons actors don't get cast, to how to connect with casting directors like a human being, to what the industry looks like in 2026 and beyond, this episode is packed with honest, practical insight that actors at every level need to hear. Nancy and Mark pull no punches on the name game in film, the evolving role of self-tapes, what your headshot and showreel are actually for, and why staying in the conversation — and creating your own work — may be the most important thing you can do right now. Follow Actor's Pro Expo on Instagram @actorsproexpo for up to date info on both their in person Expo in London every year and the upcoming virtual expo Verticast Actor's Pro Expo! We'll be there! SPONSOR RAFY APP — Use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Guests Nancy Bishop, CSA @nancybishopcasting Mark Summers @marksummerscasting Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Follow the Show @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 18 · 57 min

    RERELEASE: Actor Feedback- Whose Job Is It?

    Today we have a rerelese of a still very relevant topic: FEEDBACK. On today's episode of Casting Confidential our panel of esteemed casting directors will discuss the pursuit of feedback! Audition feedback is a hot commodity in the entertainment industry. Actors yearn for it, talent agencies compete for it, and casting directors bestow it like gold. Tune in now as we delve into the invaluable treasure trove of feedback and explore who bears the responsibility of delivering it. Join veteran casting director ROSE ROSEN and her dynamic panel of industry experts in a candid, no-holds-barred virtual round table discussion. Delve into the casting business in each weekly episode of the podcast, where we reveal insights and stories from the fiercely guarded world of casting. Get ready to laugh, learn, and uncover the secrets behind the scenes that shape the creative content consumed worldwide. What do casting directors truly wish producers understood? What brings them the greatest joy? And how can actors elevate their craft to stand out? Casting Confidential pulls back the mysterious curtain on the reality of survival in show business. Do you have what it takes? Join the conversation and find out for yourself. Today's episode is sponsored by : Casting Confidential on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/castingconfidential Join the CCP Community on Patreon and follow our panel on Instagram! Casting Confidential Podcast @castingconfidential Rose Rosen, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roserosen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠casting Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kimberly Ehrlich, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyehrlich4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Paisley Baker, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@coatcheck3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Orville Wright ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ohyeahbeats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CCP Disclosure The opinions expressed in the Casting Confidential podcast are solely the opinions of each individual casting director and do not represent the opinions of any other official group or entity. Furthermore, nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E65
    May 11 · 1 hr 10 min

    65. AI, Casting, and the Future of the Actor's Career

    Rose Rosen sits down with casting director, entertainment strategist and creative producer Robert Martin Jr. and international casting director Luci Lenox for one of the most grounded, honest conversations about AI that actors actually need to hear. Not the fear version, not the hype version — the real one. Together, they break down what AI is actually doing inside casting offices right now, why your online presence matters more than ever, how to protect yourself and your work in the age of large language models, and why the self-tape era is demanding a whole new set of skills from performers. The conversation also includes a live coaching segment featuring actor Claire Schoonover, with real-time feedback on eye line, connection, and performance — the kind of insight you rarely get from the outside looking in. If you've been wondering how to stay relevant, stay protected, and stay human in an industry moving faster than anyone predicted, this episode is your starting point. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on Patreon Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. SPONSORS: Rafy App @rafy.app VeriCast Actor'sPro Expo @actorsproexpo CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen @roserosencasting GUESTS: Robert Martin Jr. @therobbyjr Luci Lenox @luci_lenox @theactorshome Feedback Actor: Claire Schoonover @brownschoon Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon patreon.com/castingconfidential **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 4 · 1 hr 6 min

    RERELEASE: Imposter Syndrome

    Today on Casting Confidential the roundtable shares their struggles with Imposter Syndrome and how they've overcome self-doubt to find success. That's a wrap on Season 1 of Casting Confidential, thanks for joining us! Season 2 premiers this Fall with even more casting secrets and roundtable conversations! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CASTING CONFIDENTIAL: Join veteran casting director Rose Rosen and her dynamic panel of industry experts in a candid, no-holds-barred virtual round table discussion. Delve into the casting business in each weekly episode of the podcast, where we reveal insights and stories from the fiercely guarded world of casting. Get ready to laugh, learn, and uncover the secrets behind the scenes that shape the creative content consumed worldwide. What do casting directors truly wish producers understood? What brings them the greatest joy? And how can actors elevate their craft to stand out? "Casting Confidential" pulls back the curtain on the reality of survival in show business. Today's Episode is sponsored by ⁠FILM TAMPA BAY⁠ Do you have what it takes? Join the conversation and find out for yourself. Join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Casting Confidential Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rose Rosen, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roserosencasting Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kimberly Ehrlich, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyehrlich4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Paisley Baker, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@coatcheck3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Artwork by: Ace Anderson ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thestripedheart⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: Orville Wright ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ohyeahbeats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ **The opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast reflect only the opinions of each individual casting director. They do not reflect the opinions of any other official group or entity. Additionally, nothing in this show should be construed as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 27 · 19 min

    BONUS: Why You're Not Booking — And What Casting Actually Sees

    You're doing more than ever — and still not booking. So what's actually going on? In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with Atlanta-based casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin for a candid, no-mythology conversation about what casting directors are actually watching for — and what's quietly working against you. They dig into the difference between being seen and being hired, why getting called back repeatedly is a compliment (not a consolation), what happens when actors ghost auditions, and why your attitude in the room — or on tape — tells casting everything. Cheryl also pulls back the curtain on submission numbers (yes, up to 6,000 per role), how relationships with agents and actors actually influence decisions, and what it means to be the kind of actor casting genuinely wants to fight for. This is the conversation actors need to hear, especially if you've been wondering why consistent effort isn't translating into consistent bookings. SPONSOR: RAFY APP RAFY APP Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON JOIN HERE Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Cheryl Louden-Kubin @loudenkubin Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon Patreon.com/castingconfidential **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E64
    April 20 · 59 min

    64. What Casting Actually Responds To — with Sharon Bialy and Karolina Wydra

    In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by two guests who understand the casting process from very different angles — and what unfolds is one of the most honest, layered conversations the show has had about what it actually takes to get hired, stay remembered, and build a career that lasts. Sharon Bialy is an award-winning casting director whose work has shaped some of the most acclaimed television and film projects of the past three decades. Her credits include Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Barry, The Handmaid’s Tale, Julia, El Camino, and Broadway productions including Jersey Boys and The Farnsworth Invention. She has received nine Emmy nominations and over 30 Artios Award nominations, and has spent over 25 years in partnership with Sherry Thomas at Bialy/Thomas & Associates. She has also served on the board of the Casting Society and has been a long-time advocate for inclusive casting. Karolina Wydra is currently starring as Zosia opposite Rhea Seehorn in Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus — Apple TV+’s biggest series to date — a world shaped by a global hive mind where tone, control, and presence are everything. Her work spans House, True Blood, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Twin Peaks, Sneaky Pete, and Justified. Originally from Poland and now based in Los Angeles, Karolina brings a grounded, controlled presence to every character she inhabits. Together, they get into what casting is actually watching for — in the room and on the self-tape. Sharon breaks down why she has never believed in the perfect audition, what it means to truly understand the soul of a character, and why Vince Gilligan always wants to see an actor’s first instinct before anything else. Karolina shares the remarkable story of how she landed Pluribus without an agent or manager — found by Sharon’s office in their own files after years away from the industry — and what it took to prepare for one of the most complex roles of her career. They also dig into what actors don’t always see: how casting offices keep notes for years and bring actors back when the role is finally right, why coming into the room still matters even in a self-tape world, how Vince Gilligan really works on set, how Pluribus received over 5,200 submissions for a Karolina's role, and why showing up as if you already have the job may be the most important mindset any actor can carry. The episode closes with a live feedback session featuring actor Shaun McDonald, who performs a cold read opposite Karolina — twice — with real-time notes from Rose and Karolina on presence, stakes, and what changes between takes. SPONSOR: RAFY APP | Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Sharon Bialy @sharonbialy Karolina Wydra @karolina_wydra Feedback Actor Shaun McDonald @shaun.mcdonald.actor Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 13 · 52 min

    RERELEASE: Actors! Get On Casting’s Radar

    On today's episode of Casting Confidential we are buzzing on how to get on casting director's radar! From appropriate points of contact to Rose's secret on how to get her personal response, we’re dishing on how to be a hit with correspondence! Join seasoned casting director ROSE ROSEN along with her roundtable of casting directors in Casting Confidential where we bring you unfiltered, behind-the-scenes stories without the fluff! Each week we unveil the insider secrets that everyone's been dying to hear. Today's episode is sponsored by CCP MEMBERSHIP Join the CCP Community and follow our panel on Instagram! Casting Confidential Podcast @castingconfidential Rose Rosen, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@roserosen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠casting Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kimberly Ehrlich, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyehrlich4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Paisley Baker, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@coatcheck3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by Orville Wright ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ohyeahbeats⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CCP Disclosure The opinions expressed in the Casting Confidential podcast are solely the opinions of each individual casting director and do not represent the opinions of any other official group or entity. Furthermore, nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 6 · 15 min

    BONUS: The No-Callback Truth: What Casting Directors Wish Actors Understood

    Here's one of the hardest things to sit with as an actor: you gave a great audition — and you still didn't get the callback. So what actually happened? In this Roundtable episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen , CSA is joined by casting directors Robin Carus, CSA, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA, and Kimberly Skyrme, CSA for an honest, insider conversation about why callbacks don't always follow excellent work — and why that's not the same thing as failing. The panel pulls back the curtain on all the variables actors never see: physical matching, chemistry reads, creative politics, last-minute budget shifts, a director's personal history, and sometimes just the plain, unfair randomness of timing. They also get into why "booking the room" is a real career strategy, how casting directors remember and return to actors they love, what a post-audition thank-you note should (and shouldn't) include, and why the number of times a casting director calls you in is the real measure of your progress — not whether you booked the job. This one is practical, honest, and genuinely supportive. If you've ever been frustrated by silence after what felt like your best work, this episode is for you. SPONSOR Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Robin Carus, CSA @robincarus Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA @loudenkubin Kimberly Skyrme, CSA @kimberlyskyrme Editor MZ Studios Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E63
    March 30 · 53 min

    63. What Directors Actually Want: Sheldon Epps on Casting, Comedy, and Running a Room

    What does it actually look like from the director's chair? In this episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by casting director Robin Carus and legendary director Sheldon Epps — whose credits span Frasier, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Girlfriends, and two decades as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse — for a candid, insider conversation about how television and theater really function. Sheldon breaks down the difference between stepping onto a long-running hit versus shaping a show from the ground up, how much say directors actually have in casting, and what separates an actor who books from one who doesn't. The panel also tackles the pressure of hit-making in not-for-profit theater, the chemistry factor in casting, and why the best auditions feel like collaboration rather than combat. The episode closes with a live cold read and real-time feedback session with actor Jill Adler — a rare, practical look at how direction can transform a performance in real time. Whether you're an actor, a director, or someone trying to understand how decisions are made on both sides of the table, this one is full of honest insight from people who have sat in every room. SPONSOR: RAFY APP: https://rafy.app/ | Code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN PATREON HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting GUESTS: Sheldon Epps Robin Carus Editor MZ Studios: https://mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats: https://instagram.com/ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat: https://instagram.com/aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Join Our Community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • March 23 · 13 min

    BONUS: What We Say When You're Not in the Room

    In this roundtable episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by three casting directors for one of the most candid conversations the show has ever hosted. Kimberly Skyrme, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, and Robin Carus pull back the curtain on what actually happens after actors leave the room — what casting directors say to directors and producers, how reputations are built or quietly damaged, and why your behavior from the parking lot to the audition monitor matters just as much as your performance. The conversation covers the way casting directors advocate for actors up the chain, how prior history with a performer shapes a current submission, and what it really means when a casting director isn't effusive. The guests also dig into the importance of professionalism on set, the ongoing communication breakdowns between casting and production, and why this industry is far less of a totem pole than most actors think — and far more of a cycle where everyone depends on everyone else. Honest, practical, and packed with insider perspective, this episode is essential listening for any actor who wants to understand the long game. SPONSOR: RAFY APP Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON: JOIN HERE Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. CREDITS HOST, CREATOR & PRODUCER: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting ROUNDTABLE PANELISTS: Kimberly Skyrme, CSA Cheryl Louden-Kubin Robin Carus EDITOR MZ Studios ORIGINAL MUSIC Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats ARTWORK Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S4 · E62
    March 16 · 53 min

    62. John O'Hurley Live from the Chesapeake Film Festival

    Rose Rosen heads to the Chesapeake Film Festival for a conversation that's part masterclass, part reunion, and entirely worth your time. Joining her are actor and television icon John O'Hurley — best known as the unforgettable J. Peterman on Seinfeld and beloved host of Family Feud and Dancing with the Stars — and East Coast casting director and producer Kimberly Skyrme, the creative force behind countless regional and independent projects. John opens up about the cancellation that almost kept him from Seinfeld, the paralyzing stage fright he battled early in his career, and the single decision on opening night that changed his relationship with performing forever. He shares the philosophy he still carries every time he walks on stage — and what it actually means to own a room before you say a word. Kimberly talks about finding John at this same festival nearly a decade ago, why she consistently casts against type, and what she believes separates great casting from the kind that keeps actors in a box. Their ongoing creative partnership is a quiet testament to what happens when trust and collaboration show up on both sides of the table. The audience gets in on it too. Questions about voice acting, union cards, animation technique, and the value of studying your craft draw out some of the most candid moments in the conversation. And the episode closes with a live cold read — a local Chesapeake actor stepping up to do scene work with John in real time, with on-the-spot feedback from Rose and Kimberly. If you've ever wondered what it looks like when preparation meets opportunity, this one's for you. SPONSOR RAFY APP Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. GO DEEPER ON PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. Filmed Live at the Chesapeake Film Festival https://www.instagram.com/chesapeakefilmfest/ CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Co Host: Kimberly Skyrme, CSA https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyskyrme/ GUESTS: John O'Hurley Feedback Actor: Irene Magafan Special thanks: The Chesapeake Film Festival https://www.instagram.com/chesapeakefilmfest/ Robert Morris Inn https://www.instagram.com/therobertmorrisinn/ Editor: MZ Studios Original Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • March 9 · 23 min

    BONUS: What Casting Directors Actually Watch in Self-Tapes

    Casting is now formally recognized by both the Academy Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards. On Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen sits down with actors shaping today’s film and television landscape, award-recognized casting directors, and industry leaders to break down how casting actually works, who gets in the room, how decisions are made, and what moves careers forward. No mythology, no guesswork—just honest conversations about the process. In this episode, Rose is joined by casting directors Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Kimberly Skyrme, and Robin Carus for a candid conversation about what casting professionals actually watch in self-tapes. Actors often speculate about whether casting directors watch their full audition, how important the first few seconds are, and whether small details matter. The truth is more nuanced. The panel breaks down what they really notice when reviewing self-tapes and why the details actors sometimes overlook—like following instructions, labeling files correctly, and reacting truthfully—can make a major difference. They discuss the purpose behind audition sides, why casting often selects shorter scenes for first rounds, and why reacting and listening are just as important as speaking. The conversation also explores subtle moments that reveal craft, including the moment before a line begins, the moment after a scene ends, and the clear distinction between the actor and the character. If you’ve ever wondered what casting directors truly see when they watch your tape, this episode offers rare, unfiltered insight from the people reviewing them every day. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on Patreon Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE CREDITS Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting ROUNDTABLE PANELISTS: Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @kimberlyskyrme Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA @loudenkubin Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @robincarus Editor MZ Studios @mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS @castingconfidential Patreon JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON HERE: JOIN HERE **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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