Regina Moore, a leading veteran Nashville Casting Director for film, commercials, music videos and print provides critical information for actors and parents regarding the casting process from her perspective.
Recently, BNA Talent Group asked Nashville Casting Director Regina Moore for insight and perspective on auditions and casting calls in town.
BNA: From knowing you personally and professionally over the years and by reviewing your website (
http://moorecasting.com), you are one busy Nashville casting director. Over the years of casting, what was one of your favorite projects to cast?
REGINA: It was difficult as we were casting in quite a few markets to find the talent, but I would say The Liberty Mutual Series of commercials a couple of years back. The Director was very creative and I was very excited that almost all of the talent selected were from Nashville.
BNA: As an agency, we sometimes encounter actors that don't invest
much into a professional headshot. How important, from a casting director viewpoint, is having a professional headshot versus a picture that the actor's friend or neighbor shot? Does it ever exclude someone from potentially being seen during a casting session?
REGINA: First impressions are lasting. I just want the photo to look like them when they walk in the casting room. An overly airbrushed professional headshot falsely representing an actor and is just as damaging as a candid shot with bad lighting. When deciding on a professional headshot, make it true to who you are. Makeup should be everyday makeup, the way you would normally wear it. The same with hair and clothing. I cannot tell you how many times I have looked at a photo and thought, “Is this the actor’s younger Brother or Sister”? This is the norm for the Director to request a digital shot at the casting of each actor, as they audition. They want an accurate representation of the actor to refer to when making choices. If you have changed hair cut or color, or gained or lost weight, please update. Many actors think “Oh, it is O.K. I still look like that!” No you do not! It shows how serious you are when you understand the importance of an accurate photo for the Talent Agent to submit and the Casting Director to consider.
BNA: What is the biggest mistake (overall) that you encounter when an actor comes to audition for you for a project? (Either in the waiting room or in the casting room?)
REGINA: Waiting Room mistakes – While in the waiting room , I would say that talent feel they can be rude to my staff and I will not 
find out about it. I know the actor thinks, “Well that has nothing to do with my ability to act”. I think it has a lot to do with it. I don’t want to put my client through a day of dealing with an individual with a bad attitude. Believe me, I will get a call complaining of the terrible day makeup and hair have had dealing with the actor’s attitude and production complaining will make a mental NOT to hire that Actor again. If a client has to be on a set all day with talent and crew they want to pick the best, not only in reference to their talents, but also those that make the work day pleasant. It’s like that in every other work place setting. Those that cause waves, usually do not last very long. Casting Room mistakes – Please be prepared. If you did not get the script, which you always should have (If it was sent ahead of time), please ask when you arrive if time permits for you to get it and look it over. It depends on the way the audition has been laid out. It is a waste of your time if you are not prepared and a waste of my audition time if you want to just wing it. Also, please understand that I am on a schedule, so I will not have time to socialize, if there are other actors waiting to audition.
BNA: What are a few do(s) and don't(s) that you wish every actor or parent understood before walking into one of your casting sessions?
REGINA: Adults – Always have everything that I have requested 
that you bring to the audition, promotional materials, casting sheets, etc… Know Your Script! Be prepared to make changes. Just because you rehearsed it that way does not mean that is the way the Client may want it. The key thing is seeing the Actor take direction and the ability to make changes. Parents – I will not invite you into the casting room because I will not have the full attention of your child, if you are there. Also, I have had Parents to start directing their child when I tell them what to do. That is confusing for the Child. There will only be one Director on the set. Also, if your child just does not want to be at the audition, let it go. It disturbs me to see Parents bribing their child to get through the audition. If the child wants to truly be there, bribery is not necessary.
BNA: Any last recommendations for actors or parents concerning auditioning (training, headshots, resumes, etc.)?
REGINA: Please do not expect a high school or college acting class to carry you through your career, It is a skill that must be developed and honed. Everyone wants to compete on a professional level, but are reluctant to put the time and energy into the ongoing growth required to excel in the art of acting. Preparation is required, so you will be ready when that opportunity arises. If you work a 9 to 5 job, they expect you to stay up on the skills that define your job. How is Acting any different? Take the time to prepare and know it will take time to meet your goals. Be patient, believe enough to want to be the best by preparing and waiting for you time to come.
BNA Talent Group owner, Josh Robbins, highly recommends the highly successful workshops for performers in which Regina Moore and her team at Moore Casting conduct multiple times throughout the year. There are several workshops dated to begin soon, so please visit http://www.moorecasting.com/workshops/ to take your acting craft into your own hands and better prepare yourself for the next audition!
ABOUT REGINA MOORE | MOORE CASTING
Regina Moore has been working in the Entertainment industry for twenty-five plus years. Starting out as a talent, Regina understands the artistic side of the camera. Due to her creative nature, it wasn’t long before Regina was working in various areas of production. She’s been instrumental in educating talent and supporting communication between the talent and the talent agent. She serves as a voice on Film/Television related boards and organizations. As a trained actor and coach, she has that special eye for talent, and knows how to bring the best out of an actor in the audition process. She recently released the book "Words On A Page - Monologues for Young Performers" co-authored by Cali Moore. Click here to purchase the highly recommended book.
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