CD Workshops

Oh boy. Am I ready to open up a can of worms with this one?

For those of you who don't know, CD workshops are workshops held by casting directors. They're a way to get in front of casting people who are currently casting shows and it's an unofficial way to audition for them. Unofficial because the facilities that hold them charge each actor $40-$75 per workshop to be in front of the CD for a few minutes. In my mind, it's basically a "pay-to-audition" kind of thing.

I was pretty against CD workshops by principle for the longest time. I thought it was ridiculous to pay someone to audition for them, especially knowing they may not be casting anyone of my type. Until I met my current manager. He seems to be a fan of them, since it's a way to get new talent in front of casting, provided they are casting the right types of shows for you.

I've been thinking about the whole risk-vs-reward thing and I've now decided that CD workshops aren't completely evil. They can definitely be used as a tool in the actor's toolbox, provided they fit a few qualifications:

1) The CDs have to be casting the right types of shows for each actor. For me that means anything Disney/Nickelodeon (Young looking? High energy? Light and fluffy? So me!) and any kind of medical drama/crime scene show (because they use a lot of people. Lots of new patients and dead people needed all the time).

2) I have to be willing to see them several times. In sales, you try to get to the 4th "No". Why? Because for whatever reason, after people say "no" 3 times, they are more likely to say "yes". Why do you think sales people continue to persuade you after you decline? It's because people tend to say yes eventually. It's a proven fact.

So I don't want to scatter my efforts. I plan on targeting a specific group of people over and over, so I can make a better impression on them. I need to give them a chance to say no several times, so I can eventually get to that yes.


With all of that said, I think CD workshops will be a very small part of my overall marketing plan. Why? Because it's pricey and the chances of a CD calling an actor in from a workshop is slim.

I just RSVP'ed for a CD workshop this week. The CD is one that currently casts both a Nick and a Disney show, and she's one that I've auditioned for in the past (not through a workshop). We already have a connection, so I'm aiming for my 2nd "no" with her. Plus I think she's a really fun person (during my audition I got to throw a paper towel roll past her head).

I'll keep you updated on how it goes!