Casting Confidential

This episode of Casting Confidential was recorded live at the Imagine Museum during the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida — and it was a conversation worth being in the room for.Rose Rosen sits down with Canadian-American actress Alison Thornton, known for School Spirits, Nancy Drew, Dare Me, The Mental State, and the festival film What Comes Next, for a candid, grounded conversation about what it actually takes to build a career in this industry and keep loving it along the way.Alison started working professionally at 10 years old, booking her first job within three months of getting an agent, and she hasn't stopped since. In this conversation, she talks about learning on set as a kid, navigating rejection before she had the emotional framework to contextualize it, and the shift from simply taking direction to developing a real artistic point of view.They dig into the self-tape process — the pros, the pitfalls, the diminishing returns of take nine, and why some of Alison's best recent work was recorded at 3am in a temple in Japan. They talk about what casting is actually looking for versus what actors assume casting is looking for, the difference between doing good work and trying to be perfect, and why staying curious as a human being is one of the most underrated tools in a performer's toolkit.The episode also features a live Q&A with the Sunscreen audience, a real-time scene with live feedback, and a genuinely fun, unfiltered exchange between Rose and Alison that captures exactly what makes this show worth listening to.Whether you're early in your career or deep in the middle of it, this one has something for you.SPONSOR:RAFY APP — Use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% offRehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process.Episode Sponsors:Sunscreen Film Festivalhttps://sunscreenfilmfestival.comImagine Museumhttps://www.imaginemuseum.comRafy Apphttps://rafy.appGO DEEPER ON PATREON:Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry.JOIN PATREON HEREFor more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com.CREDITS:Host, Creator & ProducerRose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingGuestAlison Thornton@ali.g.thorntonEditorMZ StudiosCamera:Joel Goldberg@filmmakingiswhatido Feedback Actor:Meryl Rifkinhttps://www.instagram.com/meryl_rifkin_realtorOriginal MusicOrville Wright@ohyeahbeatsArtworkAce Anderson@aceshotthatFollow the show and join our community on socials:@castingconfidentialPatreon**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this roundtable episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by three casting directors for one of the most candid conversations the show has ever hosted. Kimberly Skyrme, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, and Robin Carus pull back the curtain on what actually happens after actors leave the room — what casting directors say to directors and producers, how reputations are built or quietly damaged, and why your behavior from the parking lot to the audition monitor matters just as much as your performance.The conversation covers the way casting directors advocate for actors up the chain, how prior history with a performer shapes a current submission, and what it really means when a casting director isn't effusive. The guests also dig into the importance of professionalism on set, the ongoing communication breakdowns between casting and production, and why this industry is far less of a totem pole than most actors think — and far more of a cycle where everyone depends on everyone else.Honest, practical, and packed with insider perspective, this episode is essential listening for any actor who wants to understand the long game.SPONSOR: RAFY APP Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off.JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON:JOIN HEREJoin the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry.For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com.CREDITSHOST, CREATOR & PRODUCER:Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencastingROUNDTABLE PANELISTS:Kimberly Skyrme, CSACheryl Louden-KubinRobin CarusEDITORMZ StudiosORIGINAL MUSICOrville Wright@ohyeahbeatsARTWORKAce Anderson@aceshotthatFOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS:@castingconfidentialPatreonOpinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casting is now formally recognized by both the Academy Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards. On Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen sits down with actors shaping today’s film and television landscape, award-recognized casting directors, and industry leaders to break down how casting actually works, who gets in the room, how decisions are made, and what moves careers forward. No mythology, no guesswork—just honest conversations about the process.In this episode, Rose is joined by casting directors Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Kimberly Skyrme, and Robin Carus for a candid conversation about what casting professionals actually watch in self-tapes.Actors often speculate about whether casting directors watch their full audition, how important the first few seconds are, and whether small details matter. The truth is more nuanced. The panel breaks down what they really notice when reviewing self-tapes and why the details actors sometimes overlook—like following instructions, labeling files correctly, and reacting truthfully—can make a major difference.They discuss the purpose behind audition sides, why casting often selects shorter scenes for first rounds, and why reacting and listening are just as important as speaking. The conversation also explores subtle moments that reveal craft, including the moment before a line begins, the moment after a scene ends, and the clear distinction between the actor and the character.If you’ve ever wondered what casting directors truly see when they watch your tape, this episode offers rare, unfiltered insight from the people reviewing them every day.Sponsor: Rafy AppRehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process.Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off.Go Deeper on PatreonJoin the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry.JOIN HERECREDITSHost, Creator & ProducerRose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingROUNDTABLE PANELISTS:Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrmeCheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA@loudenkubinRobin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarusEditorMZ Studios@mzstudiosdallas.comOriginal MusicOrville Wright@ohyeahbeatsArtworkAce Anderson@aceshotthatFOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS@castingconfidentialPatreonJOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON HERE:JOIN HERE**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with legendary casting director Nina Gold for a deeply honest and timely conversation about craft, instinct, collaboration—and the historic moment casting is finally recognized by the Academy Awards.From shaping global phenomena like Game of Thrones and The Crown to her breathtaking work on Hamnet, Nina’s casting has defined tone, launched careers, and built entire worlds. And now, as the first-ever Academy Award for Casting approaches, she reflects on what this milestone truly means for the profession.Nina speaks candidly about collaboration with directors, the power of saying no, and how casting is a balance of research, intuition, and conviction.“It’s not like last year we weren’t trying really hard to do a really good job. We’re just going to keep trying to make good work—Oscar or no Oscar.”This is a conversation between two casting directors about responsibility, visibility, and what this moment means for everyone who has done this work—often without recognition—for generations.If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or someone who still thinks casting is just a list of names, this episode is for you.Sponsor:Rafy AppRehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy — the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process.Visit https://rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off.Go Deeper on PatreonJoin the Casting Confidential community for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry:https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidentialFor more episodes and resources, visit:https://castingconfidential.comHosted by Rose Rosen.CREDITSHost, Creator & ProducerRose Rosen, CSAhttps://instagram.com/roserosencastingGuestNina GoldEditorMZ Studioshttps://mzstudiosdallas.comOriginal MusicOrville Wrighthttps://instagram.com/ohyeahbeatsArtworkAce Andersonhttps://instagram.com/aceshotthatFollow the show and join our community:https://instagram.com/castingconfidentialhttps://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential** Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen and guest co host, acclaimed casting director Shayna Markowitz sit down with legendary actor Christine Ebersole for an honest, deeply insightful conversation about craft, longevity, and what really happens behind the casting process.Christine shares stories from her extraordinary career spanning Broadway, film, television, and cabaret. From Saturday Night Live and Tootsie to Amadeus, War Paint, and her latest film Is This Thing On, directed by Bradley Cooper. She opens up about navigating auditions at every stage of life, trusting instinct over industry noise, and why perseverance matters more than timing.Shayna offers a rare look at casting from the other side of the table, including how actors with long-established careers are cast, how Zoom auditions have changed access and connection, and why casting directors are always rooting for actors to succeed. The conversation also touches on the long-overdue recognition of casting as an Academy Award category and what that means for the future of the profession.This is a must-listen for actors seeking clarity, confidence, and truth about how careers are actually built—without mythology, without guesswork.Sponsor: Rafy AppRehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off.Go Deeper on PatreonJoin the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. patreon.com/castingconfidentialFor more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. Hosted by Rose Rosen.SPONSORS:RAFY APPhttps://rafy.app/Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON HERE:JOIN HERECREDITS: Host, Creator & ProducerRose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingCO HOSTShayna MarkowitzGUESTS:Christine Ebersolechristine.ebersoleofficialEditorMZ Studiosmzstudiosdallas.comOriginal MusicOrville WrightohyeahbeatsArtworkAce AndersonaceshotthatFOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS:@castingconfidentialPatreon**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a powerful Season 3 finale, Rose Rosen along with her co host casting director Kimberly Skyrme, welcome the multi-talented Shiri Appleby (Roswell, Unreal) for an inspiring deep dive into her remarkable journey from child actor to acclaimed director. Shiri shares candid insights into heraudition experiences—including the game-changing moment that landed her Roswell—and reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into directing.She discusses the evolution of casting, navigating self-tapes, and the importance of staying creatively fulfilled both on and off set. Plus, listeners are treated to a live feedback session with guest actor Alison Bauer in a dynamic scene read with Shiri.Sponsors:Casting Networks@castingnetworkshttps://castingnetworks.com/confidentialWright Positive Films@shemeka_wrighthttps://www.wrightpositive.comRAFY APPhttps://rafy.app/Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10MZ Studios Dallashttps://mzstudiosdallas.comJoin Our Membership here:https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-memberHost, Creator and Producer:Rose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingCo Host:Kimberly Skyrme@kimberlyskyrmeGuest:Shiri Appleby@shiriapplebyFollow the show and join our community on socials:@castingconfidentialHost, Creator and Producer:Rose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingEditor:MZ Studioshttps://mzstudiosdallas.comMusic:Orville Wright@ohyeahbeatsArtwork:Ace Anderson@aceshotthatSides:StageMilk**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this dynamic episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, dives deep into the booming world of vertical filmmaking with breakout star TJ Wilk and Atlanta-based casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin. TJ shares his unique journey from modeling and music to leading over 17 vertical films, racking up more than 250 million views across platforms. He discusses his audition process, mastering the emotional intimacy of vertical acting, and the evolving landscape of mobile-first storytelling. Cheryl offers insight into casting for this format, its surprising reach, and why it's here to stay.Plus, don’t miss our Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where one luckyactor reads live with TJ and receives real-time notes from our expert panel.Sponsors:Casting Networks@castingnetworkshttps://castingnetworks.com/confidentialWright Positive Films@shemeka_wrighthttps://www.wrightpositive.comRAFY APPhttps://rafy.app/Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10MZ Studios Dallashttps://mzstudiosdallas.comFollow the show and join our community on socials:@castingconfidentialJoin Our Membership here:https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-memberHost, Creator and Producer:Rose Rosen, CSA@roserosencastingCo-Host:Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest:TJ Wilk@jwilkofficialEditor:MZ Studioshttps://mzstudiosdallas.comMusic:Orville Wright@ohyeahbeatsArtwork:Ace Anderson@aceshotthatSides:StageMilk**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.