What are casting directors REALLY looking for in auditions and callbacks? Interview with Jacole Kitchen, Casting Director for La Jolla Playhouse

2022-06-06

You guys, this episode is GOLD!!! I sat down with Jacole Kitchen, Casting Director for the La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego, CA), and asked her all the questions I’ve been dying to know about the casting process and what directors and casting directors are looking for in auditions. And, boy did she deliver! We talked about: What is the role of a casting director? What place does “type” have in today’s climate of color-bold casting, reimagining roles, and creating equity f...

You guys, this episode is GOLD!!!

I sat down with Jacole Kitchen, Casting Director for the La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego, CA), and asked her all the questions I’ve been dying to know about the casting process and what directors and casting directors are looking for in auditions. And, boy did she deliver!

We talked about:

What is the role of a casting director?
What place does “type” have in today’s climate of color-bold casting, reimagining roles, and creating equity for actors of all backgrounds?
What makes an actor stand out in the audition room?
What is expected in a self-tape?
And so much more!

Jacole is incredibly generous and dropped truth bomb after truth bomb about what actors should be doing in their auditions.

Jacole’s full bio:

Jacole Kitchen is the Director of Arts Engagement and In-House Casting at La Jolla Playhouse, spearheading numerous community based programs. She works closely with our San Diego veterans and other communities underserved in theatre arts.

She is also the resident casting director working in tandem with NY casting offices for La Jolla Playhouse Productions including: six-show season, POP Tour, and various developmental workshops and readings.

In addition, Jacole is an educator and private coach for acting, auditions and professional development. Formerly, Jacole was a bicoastal talent agent at Kazarian/Spencer/Ruskin, specializing in professional theatre actors, directors and choreographers.

Directing credits include, Pick Me Last and Light Years Away (La Jolla Playhouse/Pop Tour), The Music Sounds Different to Me Now (La Jolla Playhouse/WOW Festival), Cardboard Piano (Diversionary Theatre), An Iliad (New Village Arts) and September and Her Sisters (Scripps Ranch Theatre/ OoaL New Play Festival). Assistant/Associate directing credits include, Escape to Margaritaville, Tiger Style and Guards at the Taj (La Jolla Playhouse), HONKY, The Oldest Boy and Detroit (San Diego Repertory Theatre).

Get out a pad of paper for taking notes, and press play now!

Xo,

Korrie

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