Auditioning For Film and Television with Casting Associate Dane Millward

Inside the Casting Process: Auditioning for Film & TV with Casting Associate Dane Millward

Saturday September 19th., 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Before attending the workshop, actors will be sent a short individual scene or monologue to prepare in advance. During the session, you will work with a reader to support your performance. Your work will be video recorded by Thinking Actors and sent to you after the workshop for personal reflection and review.

The material will be used for audition technique and feedback only.

Introduction: Casting Associate background and industry context

The Casting Associate may cover:

• Their current professional title

• Their casting background

• Types of projects they have worked on

• What their role involves day-to-day

• How Casting Associates support Casting Directors

• What they look for in the audition process

• Common misunderstandings actors have about casting

How casting works: practical overview

• What happens when a breakdown is released

• How actors are submitted or selected

• What casting teams need from a self-tape or audition

• Why preparation, clarity and flexibility matter

• What makes a strong first read

• What makes an actor easy to work with

• How actors can help themselves without overthinking

This educational workshop is structured to help actors understand that the scene work is not about “impressing casting”, but about building a repeatable audition process.

• What do we actually need to see from an actor?

• Why a simple, truthful read is often stronger than an overworked one

• Why taking direction is a major part of the audition process

• How to avoid trying to guess what casting wants

Scene Work: individual performances

Each actor will perform their prepared scene. After that, you’ll receive feedback and an adjustment (a fresh performance consideration or note). You can then either try the scene again with that adjustment in mind, or we can keep it as a discussion, depending on what feels most useful in the moment. The aim is not to judge or rank anyone. The aim is to explore how small adjustments can make the work clearer, more specific and more audition-ready.

Format per actor or pair

1. First performance
Actor or pair performs the prepared scene.

2. Initial response
Casting Associate gives a brief, focused response.

3. Feedback and adjustment 

4. Optional second pass or discussion
Actor either performs again with the adjustment or discusses the note.

Question & Answers

For CDG compliance, the Casting Director/Associate can’t take away any personal materials, links or submissions from the day. However, he/she can answer, generally, about what makes a Spotlight profile, headshot or showreel more effective.

Workshop summary

• Casting Associate introduction

• How casting works

• Scene work briefing / format 

• Scene work: Individual/pair performances with feedback and optional rework

• Group reflection and take away learning points

• Q&A: Open forum on casting, auditions and professional practice

Disclaimer

• This workshop complies with CDG Guidelines

• Please note that this workshop is a professional development session only. It is not an audition, job interview or casting opportunity, and attendance does not guarantee or imply employment, future contact, audition access or representation.

• The session will focus on audition technique, self-tape practice, the casting process, professional etiquette and practical feedback on prepared material.

• Please also note that the Casting Associate/Casting Director will not take away CVs, headshots, showreel links, Spotlight links, business cards or other promotional material. Any material discussed will be for use during the workshop only.