Kate Brinegar, former Head of Casting for Fox Family Channel is a former actor as well. She and I spoke briefly about what it is that makes a former actor a good casting director, and what makes an actor stand out to her, from the other side of the desk.
What Makes a Former Actor a Good Casting Director?
“We speak the language. We know we come from the same places. We speak Actor Speak. We ask the right questions,” Brinegar said.
What Made You Want to Get into Casting?
“I was doing a national commercial as an actor in Chicago. I was fascinated with the behind-the-camera process,” she explained. “I was at Northwestern University for Theatre and Speech. One month later, I was given the opportunity to do PA work for a commercial production company. I then became an AD, then a producer, and over a five year period in Chicago, eventually became a combination casting director-producer-sales rep. I just knew the job really fulfilled me.”
Key Things She Looks for in an Actor
Professionalism. “I want you to show up, be on time, be prepared, deliver no excuses, and ask any questions you have before your reading,” Brinegar listed.
Pet Peeves
Brinegar does not want to hear an actor explain that she just got the material. “Also, have your headshot and resume ready for me when you arrive.”
Most Gratifying Part of Her Job
“I am very grateful to be in the group of casting directors who are former actors. I’m very proud of that. Actors are very courageous, very wonderful, sensitive people for whom I have such respect. I am grateful to have that respect for people I get to work with – and hire – every day.”
This interview was conducted in early 2001 and it originally appeared in Casting Qs: A Collection of Casting Director Interviews by Bonnie Gillespie, available at Amazon.