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Empathy Casting
24 September 2026

Empathy Casting

Casting Actors Cast

About
What do casting directors actually think when you're auditioning? Are they judging you? Do they already know who they want? Do they only call in actors they know?

In this episode of Casting Actors Cast, casting director, former actor and master teacher Jeff Dreisbach introduces “Empathy Casting”—a different way for actors to understand the person on the other side of the audition.

Jeff takes you behind the casting process to explain why casting directors are more like “personal shoppers” for producers and directors, why a great audition doesn't always result in getting the role, how concentration can be mistaken for criticism, and why casting isn't searching for the “best” actor—but the right creative fit for a

particular project. Most importantly, you'll discover why the casting director isn't your opponent. Casting wants actors to succeed

because every compelling audition provides another creative possibility.

Stop trying to read the room. Stop inventing stories about what casting is thinking. Bring your interpretation, your preparation and your unique creative point of view—and let everyone else do their job.

Casting Actors Cast with Jeff Dreisbach — practical insights from both sides of the audition table.
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