Understanding the casting process can help you play the game—and book the role.
Why It’s Worth Knowing
You’ve probably been told: “Don’t take casting personally.” That’s true—but it’s also frustratingly vague. The truth is, casting follows a structure. Whether it’s a one-line co-star or a series lead, each role is cast differently, with different priorities.
Knowing what happens behind the scenes helps you prepare better, market smarter, and manage your energy where it counts.
Let’s break it down.
Background / Extras
These roles fill the frame and make the world look real.
How it works:
- Usually cast by separate background agencies
- No audition required—just photos, sizing, and availability
- Booked based on look, not performance
What they want:
- Believability (e.g., student, pedestrian, nurse)
- Reliability (show up, follow direction, blend in)
- Someone who won’t pull focus
Good to know:
This is a great entry point for new actors learning set culture. No pressure, but plenty of exposure.
Day Players (aka “Under 5s”)
One scene, a few lines, but important to story flow.
How it works:
- Booked through casting offices, sometimes via agents
- Often cast from headshots or tape with a quick turnaround
- Might have 1–5 lines in a scene with leads
What they want:
- Strong cold reading skills
- Natural delivery that doesn’t “announce itself”
- Someone who won’t need much direction
Good to know:
These roles can lead to more—if you’re professional and memorable for the right reasons.
Co-Star
Small part, but your face and choices matter.
How it works:
- 1–2 scenes, under 10 lines
- Often cast quickly and quietly
- Actor needs to “fit the world” of the show
What they want:
- Someone who feels like they’ve always existed in the show’s world
- Tone-matching (comedy, drama, network style, etc.)
- A quick study who takes direction well
Good to know:
These roles aren’t about flash—they’re about fit. Watch the show’s rhythm and mirror it.
Guest Star / Featured
You matter to the episode—and the episode may hinge on your performance.
How it works:
- More screen time, bigger emotional arcs
- Auditions are usually more competitive
- Sometimes offered directly to known talent
What they want:
- Depth, range, and subtlety
- An actor who elevates scenes and can carry a subplot
- Someone who looks like they belong with the series regulars
Good to know:
Treat this like a lead audition. Guest stars often steal the episode—and casting notices who can handle the weight.
Series Regular / Lead
These roles shape the show. And they shape your career.
How it works:
- Layers of casting: self-tape → callbacks → chemistry reads → testing
- Studio/network approval is required
- Often offered to known talent or built over years of relationship-building
What they want:
- Star quality that’s still relatable
- Emotional range across seasons
- A compelling actor the audience will root for every week
Good to know:
Your audition is just one part of the decision. Casting, producers, and even marketing teams weigh in.
Understanding Your “Role Lane”
Casting is always part creative, part logistics. They consider:
- Age range
- Ethnic authenticity
- Height/physicality
- Vibe, energy, and even voice
This isn’t about being “boxed in”—it’s about understanding how you’re seen right now so you can work strategically and stretch gradually.
So, How Do You Use This?
You don’t need to chase every role type all at once. Start where you are. Know what casting is actually looking for at each level. Target your materials and training to support those expectations.
And most importantly: show up ready. Even if you’re not right for this role, if you handle it well, casting will remember you for the next.
It’s not just about being talented. It’s about being ready, right, and real—for the role and for the moment.
