Had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with legendary casting director Jane Jenkins for a talk.
Jane has cast for legendary directors Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, and Rob Reiner for many years. Her casting credits speak for themselves, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stan by Me, A Few Good Men, and so many more iconic films that shaped generations of movie lovers.
In this clip, Jane shares something every actor needs to hear about self-tapes: Bring your true, authentic self. Keep is simple, keep it honest and keep it real!
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can bring to a tape is simply you!
To my fellow CAS actors, we are rounding up all of our free talks and will have them available on our site very soon. Stay tuned! Sonya xx
#hollywood #casting #actors #selftape #acting
Oscar incoming! Jesse Buckley in Hamlet is seriously incredible. The way she delivers every line keeps you completely locked in. One of those performances you can’t take your eyes off. She’s raw, magnetic, absolutely extraordinary!
#hamnet #jessiebuckley #hollywood #oscar #paulmescal
Auditioning is your first win, you have been picked by casting to tape! Give your best interpretation of the character.
Auditioning isn’t separate from the job, it is the job!
Let’s stop treating auditions like a test and start treating them like a chance to share our take
a chance to perform.. then everything shifts.
Here Dan Levy and Kieran Culkin articulate something many actors privately experience: auditioning is not the same as acting.
Thoughts?
Behind the scenes on The Pitt 🎬
A reminder to actors: this is the level of preparation required before stepping on set. Know your material so well that it lives in your body, #not just your mind. Be fully immersed in your character before the cameras roll.
Because once we’re on set, everything is moving at once: walking, talking, props, adjustments, noise, and constant chaos. Preparation is what allows us to stay present and deliver truth in the middle of it all.
Do the work early. Show up ready. Then trust it and play.
If you haven’t watched #thepitt what are you waiting for ?!!! 🙌🏻.
Have a great week and happy Chinese new year !!! ❤️
Sonya x
Script to screen from Sinners!
This is why we love movies. They write the scene one way… and then the wonderful actors uncover something even deeper within it.
Such a cool transformation to watch. #sinners #awardseason
READ WITH A TOP TV CASTING DIRECTOR 🎬 Ready to step into the world of episodic television?
Join us Saturday, March 14th at 11AM PT for an exclusive Masterclass / Live Read with renowned casting director Lisa Zambetti, CSA @lisazambetticasting
If you’re interested in shows like Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS, and other major TV dramas, join Lisa who has cast for tons of Episodics!
In this Masterclass Lisa will assign a great guest star level scene for you prior to the class and she will read with you on the day with a redirect.
✨ WHAT TO EXPECT
You’ll be assigned a guest-star level scene before class
Lisa will read with you live
You’ll receive professional redirects just like in a real audition room
Insight into what casting directors truly look for in episodic actors
Spots are limited , don’t miss this chance to work directly with one of TV’s top casting directors. Head over to our link tree for more details and to book.
Our new personalized journals have officially arrived for the CAS community!
Track Your Training: Document your Masterclasses and CAS workshops in one dedicated journal.
Capture the Breakthroughs: Jot down notes, Casting director feedback and contact details… and those “aha!” moments so nothing gets lost after a session.
Manage Your Bookings: Keep a running log of the casting offices you’re reading for and track your callbacks to stay on top of your career.
Stay Inspired: A simple way to stay organized, motivated, and connected to your progress.
Make It Yours: One of the journal features a one-of-a-kind custom look—just let us know what name you’d like printed on the cover!
Visit our store on the CAS site!
Imagine Martin Scorsese ripping a page out of his passport just to give you his phone number. Before Catherine O’Hara was an icon, she was just a shy waitress who kept saying yes to improbable doors. I’m sharing this beautiful story of hers, worth the read. RIP O’Hara .. Thank you for the joy. 💔
Tarantino apparently didn’t script this moment beat-for-bet, he just gave Leo a few loose ideas and let him run. DiCaprio built the entire meltdown on the spot, and it ended up becoming one of the most intense scenes in the film. 🙌🏻
#LeonardoDiCaprio #Tarantino #ActingMasterclass #MovieScene
From Phone Booth to the Big Screen:
This is the self-tape that landed Odessa A’zion her role in MARTY SUPREME and some actors are now saying that all rules are out the window.
More and more, we’re seeing bold, unconventional tapes break through. And here’s the truth: what matters isn’t the backdrop, the lighting, or the perfect setup.
What matters is your authentic interpretation of the character. This tape is brilliant. Odessa is undeniably talented, and you can see exactly why she booked it.
In an interview, she shared that she was doing night shoots, didn’t have access to a proper setup, and got creative. She worked on this tape for four nights after filming, and apparently the neighbors were complaining about the noise 😅
Thoughts? #odessaazion #martysupreme #selftape
✨ GOLDEN ADVICE ALERT ✨
Straight from 4× Emmy Award–winning Casting Director @john_frank_levey_ the creative force behind The West Wing, Shameless, ER, and more — during his incredible masterclass with us at CAS. 🙌🏻
When someone with this résumé speaks, you listen. 🎬🔥
