We were so excited when Erica agreed to join us for an Acting Circle. Her resume is beyond impressive: Star Trek Intro Darkness, Altered Carbon, Criminal Minds, and many more. However, what really struck a chord with us was how respected she was in the community. Her class sold out almost instantly, and the waitlist quickly grew in length. People were eager to get to work with Erica, and after her class- we totally understand why. She has a this amazing capability of making actors feel supported in the room and really challenges them to look at scenes with a fresh perspective by providing really specific feedback.
Despite her busy schedule, Erica took the time to answer a few questions provided by our Acting Circle community.
Erica, tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in casting.
I loved acting but was terrified of auditioning (for my high school plays) so I aimed to find a craft that was as close as possible. I had an internship at a NY talent agency the summer after I graduated high school and they were kind enough to hook me up with a commercial Casting Director. I helped out for a single session; I sat in the waiting room answering phones, checking people in, taking polaroids and being among the actors... I thought it was the greatest day of my life. The energy of a Casting office that is full of actors is completely intoxicating.
After that summer, I went to the USC film school and spent every opportunity I could find interning with different agencies and Casting offices. My first real assistant job came just after graduation on a sci-fi show. I started on this journey at age 18 and haven't looked back.
You worked in LA for a bit, but have since relocated to the Southeast. Do you have any advice for actors looking to possibly relocate to this market?
Manage your expectations. You may have made headway in your old market but not as much as you wanted. In your new market, you're starting over. (Not from the very beginning, of course. You have your experience and knowledge, but you're starting fresh with relationships and community-building.) Expect the transition to take time. It won't be easy, but it may very well be worth it. Just don't *expect* overnight success. Enjoy the journey and your new home state.
If an actor has a lack of quality material for a reel what would your advice be?
Tape something! We are all relying HEAVILY on self-tapes right now. It's completely normal and appropriate to see a self-tape sample on someone's acting profile in lieu of (or in addition to) a reel. It's the best, safest option at your disposal right now.
What is the most difficult part of working in casting?
The most difficult part is the heart break. Falling in love with an actor for a role and others "not seeing it." Fighting hard for a passion project only to have that project disappear because they couldn't get the funds in order (or, ahem, COVID.) It's hard to remove your emotions around those things, and even though I've been casting for 20 years and know better, I STILL attach myself to a person/project/storyline and then have to manage my disappointment when those things don't come to fruition.
What is the most rewarding?
The most rewarding is when you see an actor just NAIL a read/role. And seeing the project come together (either via table read or dailies or a cut, etc.) It's like we've gestated this thing, worked our butts off to help it come to life and now it has in this glorious way... it's a very proud feeling
What the greatest misconception actors have when it comes to the casting process?
The greatest misconception actors have is that CDs or Casting staff are the enemy. WE ARE YOUR COLLABORATORS! WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED! If you succeed, WE succeed! The person on the other side of the camera (or the internet) may be a little cranky (we've got a lot of stress, yo,) but that doesn't mean we aren't happy that you're there or that we're rooting against you. Remember #CastingLovesYou
What’s the one thing an actor can do to make your life easier as a casting director?
READ. RESEARCH. Sometimes actors are in such a hurry that they skip or ignore their script analysis (reading), and they don't pay attention to tone (research). These are the two biggest issues that we tend to see in self-tapes. These are two techniques needed to prepare for in-person auditions... actors KNOW how to employ them, but self-taping is a game of over-thinking and it seems that sometimes actors can't see the forest for the trees. Trust your skill set. Trust your technique.
If you’re interested in taking classes with Erica, or any of our other teachers, head to www.actingcircles.com to see our full line up and get signed up right away!
The Acting Circle provides both actors and industry leaders the unique opportunity to work with one another in an educational, virtual environment. Being an actor is already so expensive, so one of our main goals is to keep classes affordable to actors so keep our classes affordably priced at only $35/class.