Yes you can email casting directors, but you should not do so without a good reason. It is often not worth emailing them to ask for an audition out of the blue.
If you have a new headshot, agent, showreel, or role then it can be worth emailing to update them.
This will ensure that the casting directors have your most up to date information on file and may help to keep you in the forefront of their minds.
Bear in mind that if you are a young or relatively new actor then there is a high chance that your email will not be noticed or responded to.
Even if you are well known, there is a large possibility that your email will fall on deaf ears. We do not recommend emailing casting directors you do not know when you are starting out.
You should have some acting experience under your belt before you consider contacting a casting director.
It is very poor etiquette to email a casting director on the weekend.
Many casting directors do not like this, unless it is an exceptional circumstance where you are personal friends with them.
Remember that the weekends are their free time too, and everyone needs to decompress and recharge.
For the best possible results, email casting directors during the standard 9-5 weekday working hours.
The subject line of your email should make it clear what the message is regarding. Include the name of the character and your name i.e. “Submission for Blake by Henry Smith”.
If the casting call has included a contact name, ensure that this is who you address your email to. Give a brief description of why you are ideal for the role and your personal qualities that make you a good fit.
It is often wise to include an alternate contact method, such as a mobile phone number. Sign off your email with your name and a professional closing statement such as “Best wishes”.
The body of the email should reiterate your name and the specific role you are applying for.
How do you write an email to a casting director?
One of the most important things to check when emailing a casting director is your spelling and grammar. This applies especially to their name. Receiving an email addressed to a misspelling of your name is not going to get into anyone’s good books.
These emails are similar to a CV and cover letter, and poor grammar will always send yours to the bottom of the pile. Run a spell check, proofread, and maybe even ask a friend to double check your email before it is sent.
It is wise to tailor your email to the specific casting director that you are contacting. It is surprisingly easy to spot copy and paste jobs, and this does not give off a good impression.
Research the casting director and look at the type of talent they already promote. If they are similar to what you have to offer, it is probably worth dropping an email.
You should highlight your key strengths that you think will appeal to the casting director.
Many casting directors have some guidance on how to approach them in emails. Check their socials and interviews that they have done to sound out what they are after.
It is good to be concise and to the point in your email communications. Have a positive tone and speak about recent achievements that you think will interest them.
If someone has advised you to contact the casting director, mention that person’s name. People will pay more attention if there is some level of personal connection.
Flattery will get you everywhere. It is wise to include compliments about the work that the casting director has done, provided they are genuine. People can smell fakery a mile off and this will immediately drop you in their estimations.
You should also include personal strengths that make you suitable for the role you are discussing.
We recommend including a link to any recent showreel footage that you have, or an open invitation to see you perform in an upcoming event.
To project a professional appearance in your email you should try and get your address as close to your acting name as possible.
It is good to also include an up to date headshot and a signature that includes your representation.
We recommend also including a link to your website, showreel, IMDB, or anything similar. This will allow the casting director to see your portfolio and increases the chance of getting a response.
The headshot should be included in the body of your email rather than as an attachment. When referencing your portfolio, link to the actual location rather than just saying “you can find my profile on IMDB”.
