How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks Podcast

How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks, breaks down an actor's journey, one topic at a time. Join award-winning actor, writer and host Robert Peterpaul alongside industry talent and experts as they discuss how to build a successful career as a performer and beyond in the entertainment industry. From inspirational casting stories to practical advice on the craft of acting, tune in to expand your skill set and book that role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.

Commercial Casting: How to Stand Out Among 10k Submissions with CD Carol Rosenthal

Submit a question!How do I audition for commercials? If you're an actor pondering this question, this is episode is a must-listen! Jumpstart your commercial career with commercial Casting Director Carol Rosenthal. The industry vet joins actor Robert Peterpaul for a transformative chat on how actors can break into commercials and start booking. We share practical ways to stay ready year-round, avoid common casting profile mistakes, and optimize your self tapes for every commercial genre.Key insights from this interview for actors:How to start getting commercial auditionsHow to get a commercial agent/ if you need oneQuick playbooks for Super Bowl, luxury, medical, food chain and celebrity-led commercialsWhat a commercial casting season looks like now and how to stay readyHow “real people” casting calls actually workSmart and subtle things casting loves to see in a headshotHow to use improv and other special skills to your advantageWhy she wants to apologize to actors for self tapesHow to optimize your casting profile to make casting’s job easierHow to get a commercial agent/ if you need oneCAROL ROSENTHAL has spent over 25 years casting the faces you see (and the voices you hear) in commercials - but she didn’t start behind the scenes. In the early ‘90s, Carol was in front of the camera as a series regular on FOX’s sketch comedy shows The Edge and In Living Color, with guest star turns on shows like Seinfeld, Mad About You, and Murphy Brown. From there, she worked her way through many corners of TV and film production before finding her true calling in commercial casting, where she’s been ever since.Off-set, Carol is a mom and avid thrift shopper who's always on the hunt for her next treasure. She can also often be spotted handing out cashews to the local crow population. To her neighbors, she’s the “crazy crow lady” - to the crows, she’s basically room service. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

From 'Hocus Pocus' to 'Chucky:' Legendary Producer David Kirschner on What Makes Characters Come Alive

Submit a question!What makes an actor unforgettable? Much like a horror flick, it’s the choice nobody saw coming. This Halloween week, Robert Peterpaul sits down with legendary creator, illustrator, and producer David Kirschner, the creative mind behind Hocus Pocus, Chucky, An American Tail, and more, for a spooktacular conversation on the art of building memorable characters right from the audition.David shares what he’s learned from working alongside extraordinary talents like Bette Midler, Jennifer Tilly, Bill Paxton, and Steven Spielberg. From the unexpected choices that make casting teams take notice to the humanity hiding underneath even the most wicked villains, this conversation is packed with inspiration for actors looking to make their work stand out.In this interview for actors, we discuss:How childhood memories, personal experiences, and observing people can inform a performance.Why physicality plays an integral role in legendary acting choices.What actors can learn from the layered villains and lovable misfits of David’s filmography.David shares the worst creative note he ever received—and the words from Steven Spielberg that changed his confidence.The key ingredients David looks for in his cauldron of repeat collaborators.David reflects on the changing entertainment landscape and AI’s growing impact on voice work.Plus, we play Hocus Focus, our Halloween-inspired rapid-fire game for tricks, treats, and practical advice for actors.Whether you're prepping for your next self-tape, searching for a fresh character choice, or simply looking for a little creative courage, this episode is your reminder to bring you into the work.DAVID KIRSCHNER is an award-winning film producer, writer, and creator best known for Hocus Pocus, the Child’s Play franchise, Curious George, An American Tail, and The Land Before Time. His extensive career spans film, television, animation, and horror, bringing some of pop culture’s most memorable characters to life. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

React First, Then Speak: The Acting Science Method with Faith Hibbs Clark

Submit a question!Faith Hibbs Clark is a casting director, educator, author and creator of the Acting Science Method. The method is a film and TV training approach that combines nearly 30 years of casting experience with research in communication science, psychology, body language and human behavior. Before casting projects for major studios, she worked as a deception detection expert, reading body language for CEOs, trial attorneys and politicians. Today she mentors actors with practical, evidence-informed tools for understanding not just what books the job, but why.In this episode, Faith joins host Robert Peterpaul from a medieval village in France. She explains why all acting is a lie, why your body delivers the scene before your lines do, and how to create believable performances on demand. She shares her "reaction first" formula for script breakdown and how body language coding can trigger real emotion. She also covers why forcing eye contact can backfire, and how to calm audition nerves without losing control of the room. Plus, she answers questions from our creative community and shares her science-backed approach to goal setting. No lab coat necessary. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

What a Working Actor's Lifestyle REALLY looks like with K Callan (Widow's Bay)

Submit a question!What does it really take to build a long acting career? Uncover the realities of embracing an actor's lifestyle from soup to nuts with Widow's Bay star K Callan. The veteran actor and author brings decades of television and film experience to a practical and empowering conversation on working in the industry alongside host (and her upcoming co-star) Robert Peterpaul.In this interview for actors you'll discover:• Why an actor must always be "ready"• Acts of kindness that can truly change everything• Why rejection isn't personal (and neither is booking a job)• How to start your career no matter where you reside and build your creative cohort• “Work begets work” and how networking actually happens over years• How to cope with dry spells in a healthy way• The key to goal-setting and following through• Finding the tone on a show like Widow's Bay and much more.K CALLAN is a veteran actor whose remarkable career has spanned over six decades, with memorable roles onscreen from films like Joe, American Gigilo, Bad Day and Knives Out to TV series like All in the Family, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, How I Met Your Mother, The Chosen, Poker Face, Brooklyn 99, Veep and Apple TV’s hit Widow’s Bay. K is also an author and longtime champion of working actors, having written the beloved industry guide How to Sell Yourself as an Actor, now in its seventh edition, and other reference books.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Should You Improvise in a TV Audition? Emmy-Winning CD Wendy O’Brien (Abbott Elementary) Explains

Submit a question!Comedy auditions don’t fall apart because you aren’t funny, they fall apart because you’re trying too hard to show it. Emmy-winning casting director Wendy O’Brien (ABC’s Abbott Elementary and FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) joins actor and host Robert Peterpaul to get radically practical about what booking comedy of all kinds really takes. From grounded mockumentary style series to heightened multicam energy, Wendy shares how to clock tone fast and what she hopes actors do before they ever hit record.In this interview for actors, you will learn:How to utilize improv in comedic auditionsThe underrated skill she wishes more comedic actors hadWhat her and the casting team look for on Abbott ElementaryHow to truly understand an audition's tone, even within a subgenreWhy sometimes the best self tapes don't have backdrops or ring lightsWhy actors don't need to drop big bucks on headshots, plus much moreCASTING DIRECTOR WENDY O'BRIEN has amassed a 35-year career, earning widespread acclaim in the industry. She is an Emmy Award winner for ABC’s Abbott Elementary, having been nominated a total of six times, with additional nominations for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and the HBO drama Carnivale. O’Brien is also a four-time winner of the Artios Award—the Casting Society of America’s highest honor—and has received seven other Artios nominations. Her exceptional work on the series Men of a Certain Age was recognized with a Peabody Award.Recent credits include the films Brian and Love Language, both premiering at the 2026 SXSW Festival, as well as the Netflix film Bad Day starring Cameron Diaz, along with Little Brother featuring John Cena and Eric Andre. She also cast the new Netflix series The Hawk (starring Will Ferrell) and Kill Bert (starring Bert Kreischer).Currently, O’Brien is just starting back on the sixth season of Abbott Elementary and the third season of NBC’s Happy’s Place. She also just finished working on the fifth season of Netflix’s Lincoln Lawyer and the 18th season of FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, along with Hulu’s reboot of the series Prison Break and the new Apple series She’s Fine.O’Brien resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters and continues to row competitively in national and international regattas. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Netflix Star Carlacia Grant Submitted the Same Self Tape Twice to Book Outer Banks [Re-Release]

Submit a question!Re-Release! With Netflix's hit series Outer Banks ending, How We Role is throwing it back to our premiere episode with ones of the show's stars, Carlacia Grant.Actor Carlacia Grant joins host and actor Robert Peterpaul to break down what it means to be an actor in this day and age, rolling through everything from self tape tips to the process of creating a character on set to the sacrifices that come with chasing a dream.This interview for actors features:What it takes to call yourself a working actor todayWhy studying multiple acting methods can actually be an assetHow to break down a fully-dimensional character and stay in their zone on setWhat it's like working on a popular Netflix series and much moreCARLACIA GRANT found a passion for acting at a young age and has quickly made herself one to watch. Grant's breakout performance was on Netflix’s top series “Outer Banks.” She stars as ‘Cleo,’ a confident and fearless Nassau girl, whose world collides with the Pogues, alongside Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, and Charles Esten.On the small screen, Grant appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s well-received megachurch drama series “Greenleaf” as well as the critically-acclaimed miniseries “Roots” alongside legendary actors Laurence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker. Grant also recurred on NBC’s crime drama “Game of Silence” and recently guest starred on FOX’s medical drama “The Resident.”  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Can you Really Work as a Local Hire? feat. CD Kimberly Wistedt (The Hunting Wives, Outer Banks)

Submit a question!What is a local hire actor? Can I be a local hire if I live somewhere? How does getting cast a local hire work?Acclaimed Atlanta-based Casting Director Kimberly Wistedt breaks down all the ins and outs of working as a local hire, and how it can be a fulfilling path to steady acting work. The kind creative, who's worked on local casting for series like Netflix's Out Banks, The Hunting Wives and His & Hers, candidly spells out the rules for working in regional markets across the country alongside host and actor Robert Peterpaul.In this interview for actors, you will learn:What a local hire actor really means, and how to get hired repeatedly without living in the stateThe actor "white lies" that can get you into trouble with productionHow to weigh the best market for you to thrive as an actor and personDiscovering stars amongst local talent like Madelyn Cline on Outer BanksKey mindset shifts that will transform your auditionsWhat Casting sees and makes them click in a submissionWhat makes a strong creative pitch, plus much moreKIMBERLY WISTEDT, CSA, is an Atlanta-based casting director who spent over 13 years at Fincannon & Associates before launching her own independent practice. Credited on 60+ productions spanning independent and studio features, network, premium cable, and streaming television, Kimberly is a University of Florida theater alumna who began her training under Broadway legends Tara Rubin and Bernard Telsey. She is a 5x Artios Award Nominee, a 2026 Children's & Family Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program (Descendants: The Rise of Red), and an actively voting member of the Television Academy. Kimberly brings a dialed-in perspective and fresh eye for talent — with precision, instinct, and ingenuity in every casting room. Credits include Judd Apatow's The Comeback King, Netflix's Outer Banks, His & Hers, and The Hunting Wives, HBO's The Righteous Gemstones, Amazon's The Summer I Turned Pretty, Paramount+'s Tulsa King, and AMC's entire Walking Dead franchise. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How 'Snowfall' Actor Reign Edwards Approaches Character Preparation

Submit a question!Do you dream of acting on television? Are you a TV actor in need of a little inspiration? Television star Reign Edwards (The Wilds, Truth Be Told, Snowfall, High Potential, The Rookie) joins host Robert Peterpaul to breakdown the process of booking work on networks and streamers from beginning to end. From specific craft quips to insights on the business side of acting, the Daytime Emmy-nominee generously gets real about achieving television success. In this interview for actors, you'll learn:• How to build self-tape choices around what feels human • Key takeaways from working with acclaimed co-stars like Octavia Spencer• Tips for staying grounded after booking a major gig and fighting imposter syndrome • From your wardrobe fitting to filming on set: how to raise your voice in a professional way• Why actors should really read over contracts and ask questions• Tangible ways to nail intense emotional scenes • Quick-hit audition tips on slates, callbacks, co-stars, and voiceovers, plus much moreREIGN EDWARDS was most recently seen in a flashy role in season 2 of ABC's hit series HIGH POTENTIAL, as well as ABC’s THE ROOKIE. She was also seen starring in Season 3 of Apple TV hit series TRUTH BE TOLD opposite Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union. On the film side, she last starred opposite Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine in the Miramax comedy film OLD DADS, which Burr wrote and directed (it was a Netflix major hit that topped the charts for months). In 2022, Reign concluded her iconic series regular role of 'Rachel Reid' in Amazon’s hit series THE WILDS. Other credits include starring in the Hulu/Blumhouse anthology series INTO THE DARK and her breakout role on FX’s critically acclaimed series SNOWFALL. She also recurred on CBS hit series MACGYVER and had a three-year stint as 'Nicole Avant' on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, which earned her three Emmy Award nominations. Other select credits include Reign starred in Wayfarer Studios’ LOVE YOU ANYWAY opposite Charlie Gillespie, as well as CBS Films’ thriller HELL FEST, produced by Gale Anne Hurd. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Questions Every Actor Needs to Ask with 'Cape Fear' & 'The Wire' Star Jamie Hector

Submit a question!The best way for an actor to build an authentic character boils down to asking the right questions. Jamie Hector, who’s been seen on television hits like The Wire and Cape Fear, reveals how leading with curiosity and empathy paved his way to working alongside greats like Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. In conversation with host Robert Peterpaul, Jamie explores the art of getting to the truth of every role.In this interview for actors, you'll learn:The serendipitous training that prepared Jamie for his breakout roleWhy asking specific questions is the foundation of every great performanceWhat he first does when he reads the script for a show like Cape FearLessons from working with titans like Spike Lee, Amy Adams, Javier Bardem and Steven SpielbergWhy slowing down during your script analysis and scene work breeds more nuanced, truthful charactersPractical tips for actors at every stage: from audition prep and self-tapes to understanding the business side of actingJAMIE HECTOR is a two-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and actor whose career spans more than two decades. Known for his commanding presence, emotional depth, and authenticity, he has built a remarkable body of work. Most recently, Hector stars in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Cape Fear and serves as executive producer of the two-time Emmy Award-winning sports documentary series The Story of My Number on the YES Network.A graduate of New York’s Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Hector gained recognition as Marlo Stanfield on HBO’s The Wire. He further cemented his TV star status with his portrayal of Detective Jerry Edgar in Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, while also developing his skills as a director and producer. Additional television credits include We Own This City, Queen of the South, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Strain, and Heroes. Film credits include Vacation Friends 2, All Eyez on Me, Night Catches Us, and Max Payne.In 2026, Hector expanded his creative voice with Enough, a YA short film series he directed, centered on a Brooklyn performing arts student navigating identity and vulnerability in the age of social media. Beyond the screen, Hector is the founder of Moving Mountains Inc., a nonprofit providing free arts education to inner-city youth, and the author of five Scholastic children’s books—reflecting his lifelong commitment to mentorship, education, and storytelling. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How To Find Your Actor Brand (Without the Cringe): ReelArc's Steven C. Schmidt

Submit a question!How do I find my actor brand? Does hearing actor brand make you cringe? What if it could make you feel empowered in your career instead? Yes, "actor brand” can sound like a dirty phrase, but the truth is: we work in an industry built on perception and opinions, and your career benefits when you can get ahead of those. Director and Co-Founder of Reelarc Steven C. Schmidt joins Robert Peterpaul on the mic in this empowering episode to unpack actor branding as something far more human than a marketing trick. We talk about how the industry runs on bets, why a thumbnail can decide what gets watched, and how your job is to make it easier for casting, reps, and creatives to understand the value you bring.In this interview for actors, you'll learn:• How the truth about an actor's brand is deeper than you might think, and what it actually means• Why “predictable traits under pressure” will keep you booking again and again• The North Star of choosing authenticity above all else• The three pillars of actor branding to take your career to the next level• Tactical tips on headshots, resumes, reels, websites and more• Why you may not need to be on social media, after all• How an actor brand is really just for you in the endSTEVEN C. SCHMIDT is a director, DP and co-founder of Reelarc, the leading demo reel production company in the country. After entering the industry as a performer, Steve found he was better suited to help other actors discover their unique appeal and thrive. To put this passion into action, he co-founded Reelarc in 2014 alongside Guy Chackes (a guest from last season who broke down how to create your best demo reel), he’s spent his 10,000 hours working with actors both on their branding and giving head-turning performances on set.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How Actors Can Play the Long Game with Netflix Casting Director Julie Tucker

Submit a question!Emmy-Winning Casting Director Julie Tucker (Netflix's The Beast in Me) shares honest insights on how the entertainment industry is shifting and what golden acting advice remains true no matter what. The CD and teacher joins How We Role: a Podcast for Actors host Robert Peterpaul to chat self-tapes, survival jobs, and what actors can control right now in their career.In this interview for actors, you'll learn:• Why virtual auditions still dominate and what returning to offices looks like• Kindness as respect that creates safety and courage in auditions• A healthy actor mindset for beginners and why it can be a golden period• Survival jobs that feed your craft and build character (literally)• What makes an audition feel undeniable versus merely “good”• The differences in casting a limited series versus network TV• Why you should stop after three self-tape takes • How casting is championing you behind the scenes• Why a mistake in the audition can actually help you book, plus moreJULIE TUCKER, C.S.A., is a two time Emmy-winning and five-time Artois Award-winning Casting Director with a career spanning two decades. The East Coast-based creative has worked on everything from the Oscar-nominated short film Red White & Blue starring Brittany Snow to the Queen Latifah led hit CBS series The Equalizer. Some other notable credits include: The Americans, The Affair, Nurse Jackie, Damages, Six Feet Under and Homeland. Today's chat revolves around her more recent hit: the Netflix juggernaut The Beast in Me starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

What Great Actors Do Before Even Saying a Word: CD Tiffany Little Canfield (The Tesley Office)

Submit a question!Casting Director Tiffany Little Canfield of the prestigious Telsey Office has helped cast everything from the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-led WICKED films to Ryan Murphy’s chilling Netflix anthology MONSTER. She joins host and actor Robert Peterpaul to unpack what casting directors actually respond to— and why the best auditions stop trying to be “right” and start telling the story.In this interview for actors, you’ll learn:• Common trends she sees in stars from Ariana Grande to Anne Hathaway • Why breakdowns and slates aren't necessarily for actors and should be taken with a grain of salt• How you can make strong choices (and what that means) from the first frame• Why technical self-tape perfection isn't what Casting is really looking for• Unpacking the psychology of "small roles"• Whether social media plays a part in the casting process• What great creative partnerships look likeTIFFANY LITTLE CANFIELD, CSA, is a casting director for theater, film, opera, television and commercials at one of the nation’s busiest casting offices, The Telsey Office.  Her team's recent film projects include “Wicked: For Good,” “Wicked, Part One,” “The Idea of You” and the upcoming “Verity,” starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett.  Some of Little Canfield’s recent television projects include “Paradise,” “Monster: The Eric and Lyle Menendez Story” and “Monster: Ed Gein,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Beauty.” She has been honored with many Emmy nominations for her television work.  Little Canfield was honored with the Casting Society of America’s Media Access Award for promoting awareness, accessibility and accurate depictions of people with disabilities.  She and Bernard Telsey, founder of The Telsey Office, also won the Robert Altman Spirit Award for their work on the film “Margin Call.”  An opera lover, she cast Baz Luhrmann’s production of Puccini’s “La Boheme” (Broadway and Los Angeles companies) and “Anna Nicole the Opera” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.  Little Canfield is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ Drama program. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How to Audition for High Stakes TV Thrillers with Emmy-Winning Casting Director Julie Schubert (The Diplomat)

Submit a question!Emmy-winning Casting Director Julie Schubert gets refreshingly candid and practical about how actors can raise their odds on booking high-stakes. On the heels of her new series Netflix’s The Diplomat, Schubert joins host Robert Peterpaul to unpack everything from self-tape habits that quietly cost roles to concrete ways to make co-star scenes work in your favor.In this episode for actors, you’ll learn:• How to reframe networking as genuine curiosity and relationship-building• Why honoring the exact dialogue matters on writer-driven TV• What Julie looks for in a self-tape before she sends it to producers• A vital hack for eyeline placement in a scene with multiple characters• High-stakes scene tips for authority, subtext, and big moments• The reality of recasting, continuity, and last-minute emergencies• What it’s like working with stars such as Keri Russel, plus much more!JULIE SCHUBERT is an Emmy winning casting director based in New York. Select film and TV credits include: The Diplomat, Under the Bridge, House of Cards (Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting); Night Comes On (Sundance award winning feature), Deliver Us From Evil; Marvel's The Punisher; Marvel's Daredevil; Marvel's Jessica Jones; Marvel's Luke Cage; Marvel's Iron Fist; Marvel's The Defenders; Mindhunter; Confessions of a Shopaholic, among others. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

What Makes Actors Pop with 'Nobody Wants This' Casting Directors

Submit a question!The casting team behind Netflix's Nobody Wants is here to make sure "everybody" wants to cast you! Casting Directors Brett Greenstein and Collin Daniel join host and actor Robert Peterpaul to chat through what actually gets actors hired, from self-tape prep to how tiny choices can make a co-star role feel alive. In this episode for actors, you’ll learn:• What “being prepared” looks like in practical audition terms• If you need to be off book or not• How many actors are typically called in for co-star roles• How props can help or hurt you• What makes a performance feel specific, natural, and real• How they scout new talent on Instagram and TikTok• What they learn from working with legendary talent like Kristen Bell, plus much more!BRETT GREENSTEIN, CSA, and COLLIN DANIEL, CSA, launched Greenstein/Daniel Casting more than 20 years ago. Together, they have cast hundreds of hours of entertainment.Their television credits include the global Nobody Wants This, Never Have I Ever, Superstore, Reboot, Shrill, American Housewife, Home Economics, Kenan, BH90210, Melrose Place, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Odd Couple, and Hot in Cleveland. Their film credits include the RuPaul movie, Stop! This! Train!, and Good Burger 2 for Paramount+, which became the streamer’s most-watched original movie in its history. Additional credits: the animated series The Prince and Santa Inc., as well as the Lifetime movie The Menendez Brothers.In addition to being Artios Award winners, Brett and Collin have received several nominations, including for their casting work on Nobody Wants This. They were also Emmy nominees for casting The Muppets Mayhem on Disney+. Both Brett and Collin are members of the Casting Society of America and the Television Academy. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Keep It Simple: 'Shrinking' Casting Directors on Audition Advice That Books

Submit a question!What do TV casting directors actually want in a self-tape? We're scrubbing in with acclaimed Casting Directors Debbie Romano and Brett Benner of Romano/Benner Casting. From One Tree Hill to Scrubs to ABC's Scrubs revival to Apple TV’s Shrinking, these two are a true powerhouse pair. Sitting down with host and actor Robert Peterpaul, they break down auditions from a casting perspective and share how actors can make smarter, more grounded choices that actually lead them to getting on set.In this episode for actors, you’ll learn:• The real key to nailing co-star auditions (and why less is more) • How to approach self-tape auditions with clear, effective choices • Why nerves can actually improve your performance • When chemistry reads matter—and what casting is watching for • How and when to send two contrasting takes • Where improvisation helps—and where it can hurt your audition • The difference between grounded comedy and “too big” for camera • Behind-the-scenes insight into casting Shrinking, Scrubs, and moreCasting Directors DEBBY ROMANO and BRETT BENNER of Romano/ Brenner Casting established their partnership in 1999. As 4-time Emmy nominees and Artios-winners, this formidable twosome has cast everything from pilots to several long running series across genres, including their more recent triumphs SHRINKING on AppleTV and the SCRUBS revival for ABC.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How to Be a Scene-Stealing Character Actor with Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building)

Submit a question!How do you become a successful character actor? Emmy-nominated actor Jackie Hoffman joins How We Role to talk exactly that. Alongside host and actor Robert Peterpaul, Jackie reveals how to build a lasting career by trusting your instincts, protecting your comic timing, and showing up with the kind of energy people want on set and in the room. You've seen Jackie everywhere, from Broadway to Feud: Betty and Joan to Only Murders in the Building, and she brings the same sharp honesty to this conversation that she brings to her performances.This episode for actors covers:From Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez to Feud with Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon, she shares what it's like to work in top tier ensembles.What it really means to be a character actor and how to find the fun in the process.Her best advice for nailing auditions, landing jokes and trusting your instincts as an actor.Why she calls herself a "gut actor" + much more.JACKIE HOFFMAN is best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Mamacita in FX’s Feud: Betty and Joan. She has appeared in acclaimed series including Only Murders in the Building (Actor Award Nomination) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and in films such as Glass Onion, Birdman, and Kissing Jessica Stein. A Broadway favorite and Theatre World Award winner for Hairspray, Jackie is also an award-winning solo performer and a veteran of Chicago’s Second City. With a career spanning television, film, theater, and voice work, she’s celebrated for her unforgettable characters, razor-sharp wit, and larger-than-life stage presence. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How to Perform in Movie Musicals with Director Dave Solomon (Disney's 'Beauty & The Beast')

Submit a question!Curtain up on movie musicals! Writer-Director Dave Solomon, whose work has spanned Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast movie to Broadway's Elf musical, joins host and actor Robert Peterpaul to discuss breaking into the wondrous genre, and what he's learned from titans like Dolly Parton and Wicked's Jon M. Chu. 5, 6, 7, 8...This special episode covers:• How to carve out your own path and trust where it leads • Shifting performances for the stage versus the screen• Locking into tone without forcing “big” choices • Choosing an audition song that fits the project and fits you • What directors look for in collaborators • Technical skills for movie musicals from lip syncing to CGI• Working with legends like Dolly Parton and on the new Crazy Rich Asians musical• Creating original work in an oversaturated content landscape  and more!DAVE SOLOMON is a New York City-based writer and director for theatre and film. He’s been Associate Director to Scott Ellis, Joe Mantello, and Bill Condon on sixteen Broadway productions, including Elf, Side Show, Tootsie, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 9 to 5, Curtains, and Assassins. In film, he worked as assistant to Oscar-winner Bill Condon on Mr. Holmes and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and as Associate Director to Scott Ellis on A Christmas Story Live.Solomon recently directed and contributed additional book material for the new musical Already Perfect in London and staged a concert reading of The Rink for Classic Stage Company with John Kander, Jessie Mueller, Beth Leavel, and Santino Fontana. He’s directed national tours of Elf and Tootsie, the Japanese premiere of Tootsie, and is developing the new musical Pump Up the Volume.His film work includes Brenda & Billy (and the Pothos Plant), starring Santino Fontana and Sarah Stiles, which premiered at Tribeca, and the award-winning Photo Op, featured in over 25 festivals including Palm Springs ShortFest and Outfest.A Vassar College graduate, Solomon has also taught and served as guest artist at numerous acting studios and institutions.www.dave-solomon.com This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How to Take an Acting Note & Make it Soar with Casting Director & CGA President Thea McLeod

Submit a question!What's the best way for actors to work with casting? Casting Director and CGA President Thea McLeod joins How We Role to share practical advice on enhancing this collaboration in a digital age. Thea and host Robert Peterpaul talk mindset, self-tapes, notes, and the small professional choices that make you memorable for the right reasons.Thea McLeod is one of Australia’s most respected casting directors, widely recognised for her extraordinary eye for talent across mediums. For more than fourteen years, Thea served as casting director of the long-running and beloved soap opera Neighbours, helping to launch and nurture generations of performers from Margot Robbie to Liam Hemsworth.In recent years, Thea has expanded her creative reach into producing, working on the Netflix original Measure For Measure, starring Hugo Weaving, which received multiple AACTA recognitions and widespread critical praise. Thea is currently casting Guy Pearce's highly anticipated supernatural thriller Poor Boy in addition to other ventures.A tireless advocate for her profession, Thea is in her fourth year as President of the Casting Guild of Australia. She is also the founder of the AACTA Young Stars initiative, helping create real pathways between emerging talent and world-leading casting directors.Together, Thea and I explore the ins and outs of the the actor-casting director dynamic. She graces us with a treasure trove of wisdom from specific self tape tips to how to really take an acting note. Be sure to share this one with an actor friend!This episode is a treasure trove of creative wisdom, covering:• How creatives can thrive with a community-driven mindset.• Tips for protecting your mental health in an unstable business.• How to make strong acting choices while staying true to the script and tone.• Little self-tape upgrades that make a big difference• Why receiving notes is a good thing and how you can really take them in.• Understanding talent negotiations and timelines.• On-set etiquette: punctuality, preparation, and respect for every department• When social media matters and how it can function as a marketing tool, plus much more. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

How to Be #1 on the Call Sheet with Actor Jenn Lyon

Submit a question!How do you become a lead on a major network series? NBC Stumble star Jenn Lyon* joins host Robert Peterpaul to unpack what being number one on the call sheet and leading a cast with joy really means.This episode focuses on how actors can work their way up, covering:How making bold (and even odd) audition choices can lead to booking.Learning from incredible #1's like Julianne Moore (on Sirens), Timothy Olyphant (on Justified), and Niecy Nash (on Claws).Technical aspects of shooting a mockumentary style show like Stumble.How to create a warm and inviting environment for guest stars and the crew on set.Tangible tips on the craft of acting from self tapes to comedic beats and much more!*Jenn Lyon is an award-winning actress who stars in the leading role of Courteney Potter in the hit NBC comedy series STUMBLE opposite Taran Killam. Likely best known for the role of Jennifer Husser in the hit TNT series CLAWS (opposite Niecy Nash), additional credits include the role of Chloe (opposite Julianne Moore) in Netflix’s limited series SIRENS, the villainous (and fan favorite) witch, Esther Finch, in Netflix’s DEAD BOY DETECTIVES, Paramount+ series HAPPY FACE (starring Dennis Quaid and Annaleigh Ashford), ELSBETH (starring Carrie Preston) as well as Linda on Hulu’s ENGLISH TEACHER (for which she garnered critical acclaim and Emmy buzz). You also may recognize her as Lindsey from JUSTIFIED or you might know her as the lady taking too long in front of you at any local grocery store. As a classically trained theatre actress, she has worked extensively on and off-Broadway. Broadway credits include Tom Stoppard’s 11-time Tony award winning THE COAST OF UTOPIA as well as Larry David’s FISH IN THE DARK.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Inside-Out Character Building for Actors with Oscar-Nominee Malgosia Turzanska (Hamnet)

Submit a question!How can actors collaborate with costume designers to fully bring a character to life and ground them in humanity onscreen? Hamnet’s Oscar-nominated Costume Designer Malgosia Turzanska* answers this question and many more, alongside host and actor Robert Peterpaul, in How We Role's insightful season 2 premiere. This special episode explores:• Vital lessons that actors can learn from costume designers• What actors should have prepared for costume fittings• Hidden design details in Malgosia's work (from Hamnet to Stranger Things) that anchor performers• The ways texture and weight influence performances, from breath to movement• Why authentic compliments matter in the entertainment industry and much more*Malgosia Turzanska was born and raised in Krakow, Poland. She has a BFA in Costume Design from DAMU in Prague, Czech Republic and an MFA in Costume Design from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her design credits include Season 1 of Stranger Things and the A24 horror films X and Pearl starring Mia Goth, which inspired many a Halloween costume over the past couple years. She had a rousing 2026 awards season, designing Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams and a film adaptation of the book Hamnet directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as Agnes. Among other accolades, Hamnet earned 8 Academy Award nominations, marking her first Oscar nod. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com.Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more:InstagramThreadsFacebookLinkedInYouTube