Casting Tips from RSC

How do you present yourself when you're not there?

Your initial written approach to a Casting Director speaks volumes about you before you even get a foot in the door. Last month, the Royal Shakespeare Company offered 22 IdeasTap members the exclusive opportunity to meet with a member of their casting department and get one-to-one advice on their CVs, cover letters and photograph.

It was one of the most popular opportunities that we've ever run on the site, and many of those who didn't make the final 22 asked us to pass on some of the advice offered. Here are some of the highlights:

-The RSC has an open door policy and welcomes CV's from all actors

-Don't gush in your cover letters. Be concise and to the point

-Broaden your network. Try to make contact with a variety of different people rather than focusing on a few selected contacts

-Keep going

-Casting directors will come and see you in fringe productions so don't be afraid to ask

-Casting directors aren't so scary after all. They are normal people and you shouldn't be afraid to approach them

-Choose a headshot that best represents your personality and style. Ask people who know you and your work to help you choose the one that they think says the most about you

-Smaller companies appreciate it when you show interest in their work, but larger companies tend to get it all the time so beware of overdoing it

-You can make your name big on your CV. Be proud of it

-Be bold. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and get a foot in the door

-Make sure your headshot is bright and clear

-You can use headings to organise batches of similar work. For example, your work could be divided into Stage and Screen

-Use Spotlight. Every actor should be on Spotlight as casting directors use it all the time

-Reorganise your CV for every application and adapt it to cater to the specific company you're applying to

-You don't need every single credit to appear on your CV

-You can get cast without an agent so don't feel intimidated