From Someone Who’s Heard It One Too Many Times, Let’s just dive straight in, shall we?
“Hey, Do you think I fit the role? or “Should I audition for role A or B?”
Oh boy. If I had a shilling for every time I’ve heard that question in an audition room or whenever I put out a casting call, I’d probably have enough money to shoot a whole season of a show in every county in Kenya.
Let me break it down for you: Asking a casting director if you fit a role is not just a bad question — it’s a rookie move. And here’s why.
1. You’re handing over your power
As an actor, your job is to interpret a character — not to beg for validation. When you ask me if you fit a certain role, what you’re really saying is: “I don’t trust my gut, so can you make the choice for me?”
Now imagine me sitting there, with thirty other actors waiting outside, each ready to own the role without blinking. Who do you think I’m remembering?
(Clue: Not the one asking permission to be seen.)
2. It screams lack of preparation
We put out briefs, breakdowns, sometimes even mood boards. We tell you the age, personality, vibe, even the star sign sometimes. And you’re still asking me if you fit? Having read the character brief, what do you think? If anything, I should be asking you if you believe you fit a certain role.
That’s like going on a date after reading someone’s entire dating profile… and still asking if you’re their type. Babe, read the room. Or at least the brief.
3. It’s not my job to mold you on the spot
I’m not here to coach you into confidence. I’m here to find the best actor for the role, period. I can give direction after a performance, but I’m not going to hold your hand through your self-doubt.
You want guidance? Book an acting class to get to know more of yourself and what characters strongly suit you.
4. Confidence books the room. Confusion books the door.
I’ll be honest — sometimes an actor walks in, not “fitting” the role on paper at all… but the conviction, the energy, the choice they bring? It forces us to look again. The number of times I have seen a brief change because an actor came in and knocked our socks off is not something I can ignore.
But if you walk in asking if you fit, you’ve already shrunk your presence before you even open your mouth.
5. You’re not the only one being assessed
We’re not just watching your acting. We’re watching your professionalism, preparedness, and energy. So when you ask if you’re right for the role — instead of showing us why you are — you’ve already failed one of the unspoken tests.
So what should you do instead?
Walk in with your interpretation. Be bold. Be wrong if you must — but be memorable. Let us, the casting team, do our job: assessing your fit.
You? Your job is to deliver a performance so good that even if you’re not the “type,” we reconsider the type.
In Conclusion…
Actors, we love you. We root for you. We want you to win. But please, stop asking your casting directors if you fit the role.
Show us. Own it. And even if it’s a no this time, trust me, we’ll remember the actor who didn’t need permission to shine.
Gerald Langiri – Casting Director