On December 8, 2009, CBS announced that it would not renew As the World Turns and its final episode on the network will air on September 17, 2010. Casting for day players, under-fives, and extras will continue through August, 2010. The show could still be picked up by another network. If not, General Hospital will become the longest running daytime soap opera on television, having marked its 46th year on air in 2009.
See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles.
Please submit photos and resumes by mail only.
No phone calls or personal drop-offs.
Principal Actor Casting:
Mary Clay Boland
As The World Turns
JC Studios
1268 E. 14th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Under-Five Actor Casting:
LaMont Craig
As The World Turns
JC Studios
1268 E. 14th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Extras Casting:
Kate Martineau
As The World Turns
JC Studios
1268 E. 14th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Production Companies:
Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies (they will most likely end up in the trash can), they do not cast the films. They hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.
Telenext Media Inc.
1268 East 14th Street
Brooklyn, N. Y. 11230
Procter and Gamble Productions
524 W 57th St
New York, NY 10019
Columbia Broadcasting System
7800 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Executive Producer: Christopher Goutman
Producer:
Vivian Gundaker
Directors:
Habib Azar, Sonia Blangiardo, Michael Eilbaum, John O'Connell, Jennifer Pepperman and Maria Wagner
Starring:
Maura West
Michael Park
Roger Howarth
Terri Colombino
Marie Wilson
Story:
Set in the closely-knit community of Oakdale, IL, As The World Turns centers on the complex lives of the Hughes, Montgomery, Ryan, Snyder, Stewart and Walsh families.
Photo and Resume Information for Daytime Drama Submissions
*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
Unsolicited phone calls and personal visits to Daytime Drama offices are prohibited. Not only does it display a huge level of non-professionalism, it is extremely inconsiderate of the soap's casting directors time. They receive hundreds, and even thousands of photos and resumes every week. They certainly can not accommodate being inundated with phone calls from actors, and aspiring actors. Talent Agents who know soap opera casting directors can call them if it is for a very important reason such as rescheduling a client for an audition. The only exception is if a soap has an "extras call-in line" to check in for work.
____________________________________________________
I have been receiving some inquiries regarding what type of photos and resumes to send to a soap opera casting director or agent. Here is a sample of a professional actors resume and photo. The photo should not be a school photo, glamor shot, or a snapshot taken by a non-professional photographer. The photo should be color and professionally taken. Just remember that your photo is your calling card for Soap Operas. It should represent the "real" you, the way you look in everyday life. If your hair is long in the photo, then your hair should be long when you walk in the soap casting office. If your skin is fair, then you should not come to the casting office with a dark tan. Always keep your photos up-to-date according to your look.
Also, there is no such thing as an "application" to fill out for acting jobs. Just the 8"X10" color photo and resume.
The photo can be taken either horizontal or vertical.
Sample Headshots:
Actress Cheyenne Logan
Sample Resume:
Always write in your AFTRA membership number on your resume for soap opera work.
Click Here for a sample Beginners Resume.
One last note about your photos:
If you can't afford to pay a professional photographer to take your photos right now, you can try something else. If there is a school nearby that has a photography department, go there and see if you can do "testing". Testing is when you exchange your time posing for a photography student in exchange for them taking some theatrical headshots and giving you some prints.
________________________________________
After you get your photos done, get an original 8"x10" print from the photographer, then have that duplicated. Here is where I recommend (you can do it by mail):
Argentum Photo Lab
Your name and any union affiliations should be printed on the bottom of the photo, either on the border or on the corner of the photo itself. Both the photo and resume should be exactly 8x10" and stapled back-to-back on all four corners. Do NOT paper clip the resume, but staple it on all four corners. That way if by some chance the photo does become detached from the resume, the casting director can match them up again. I use a light blue, light grey, or sand color parchment paper, it looks good and is stronger than regular thin printing paper. Paper clip your cover letter to the front of the photo and resume, and have that trimmed to 8x10 so they are all the same size. Send it out in a large clear (transparent) 9"x12" envelope.
Include a very brief cover letter with your submission, stating that you are interested in auditioning for an acting role, or that you are seeking representation by an agent.
Beginners Resume for Soap Operas
I am often asked about what to put on a resume when you have little or no experience. Well, we all have to start somewhere. When I first started acting, I only had some extra work that I had done. And I still landed an agent. Some people may say to lie. DO NOT lie! The business side of the entertainment industry is a tight knit community, and you will most likely be caught. You do not want to burn bridges in this business, especially when you are first starting out.
So here is a sample of what you should put down on a resume when you are starting out:
(NEVER list your home address or the school you attend if you are a minor for safety reasons, use a PO BOX or a parents work address if possible)
____________________________________________________________
Savannah Starlet
Date of Birth:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
Height:
Weight:
Acting and Modeling Objectives:
Films
TV Shows
Commercials
Commercial Print
Experience:
Class Skits: Anne Frank-Mrs. & Mr. Van Dann.
Training:
High School Drama Club
Special Skills & Talents:
Singing
Dancing
Drawing
Sports & Hobbies:
Ballet, Soccer, Ice Skating, Basketball, Swimming, and Cheerleading. Like to hang out with friends, and volunteer for things to help people and animals.
That's it! You see, if a casting director really REALLY likes your photo and your look, they will call you in. Regardless of experience, or if you are in the Screen Actors Guild or AFTRA.
So here is a sample of what you should put down on a resume when you are starting out:
(NEVER list your home address or the school you attend if you are a minor for safety reasons, use a PO BOX or a parents work address if possible)
____________________________________________________________
(your phone number here)
(Your email here)
(Your email here)
(AFTRA Number if available)
Date of Birth:
Hair Color:
Eye Color:
Height:
Weight:
Acting and Modeling Objectives:
Films
TV Shows
Commercials
Commercial Print
Experience:
Class Skits: Anne Frank-Mrs. & Mr. Van Dann.
Training:
High School Drama Club
Special Skills & Talents:
Singing
Dancing
Drawing
Sports & Hobbies:
Ballet, Soccer, Ice Skating, Basketball, Swimming, and Cheerleading. Like to hang out with friends, and volunteer for things to help people and animals.
____________________________________________________________
That's it! You see, if a casting director really REALLY likes your photo and your look, they will call you in. Regardless of experience, or if you are in the Screen Actors Guild or AFTRA.
A day on the set of a Soap Opera
When you get booked to work on a soap, there is a very standardized procedure you will go through regardless of the show.
Background Actors:
When booked on a soap, you will receive a phone call (usually just the day before) and be given specific instructions on what type of character you will be playing, call-time, location, and any wardrobe or props to bring (such as briefcase, umbrella, etc.) ALWAYS bring a pencil and small notepad to take notes and directions on the set. Extras generally show up several hours after the principal actors of the show and sometimes even work only several hours, however are still paid for a minimum of 8 hours. The first item on the schedule is to SHOW UP ON TIME, always give yourself extra time for traffic, a restroom stop, or whatever. Some soaps do not have parking for extras directly on-lot, you may have to park in another lot a block away from the studio, so allow for that time also. If for some god-forsaken reason you realize you will be late, CALL the show's "emergency line" immediately. You should ALWAYS ask for this number when you are being booked.
Upon arriving at the studio, find and check in with the stage manager. The stage manager can almost always be found somewhere right outside or inside the sound stage, just start asking around. You will sign in and be given a taping schedule with your scenes marked. The scenes on the schedule are numbered, and the cast members and extras are listed below each scene. Then you should immediately go to the wardrobe department and have them check your wardrobe, they will tell you what to wear. Next you should check the dressing room assignment sheet which should be posted just outside the wardrobe department or near the stage managers podium just outside the entrance to the sound stage. If not, ask the stage manager. Go to the extras dressing room and change into your wardrobe and get your hair/makeup in order so as to be readily prepared to go to the sound stage when your scene(s) is called. You should be alert and listen for your scene(s) to be called.
When you are taping your scenes, stay completely quiet and pay close attention to the stage manager and director. If you are relatively new to soap extra work, you will be told when and where to make crosses, sit, and other stage directions. As you become better trusted with more experience, you will be able to keep an eye on the off-camera monitors and make crosses and movements naturally without direction or interrupting the principal actors.
NEVER leave the set unless specifically given permission by the director or stage manager.
Principal Actors:
Principal actors will be booked at least a week before the taping date, and will be given the full script at that time. ALWAYS bring a pencil and small notepad to take notes and directions on the set. Actors are commonly given a call-time of 5:00am or 6:00am in the morning. The same rules apply as to NEVER be late as they do for extras. Actors are usually given a parking spot directly on the studio lot. When you show up, you also check in with the stage manager and are given a taping schedule and private dressing room assignment.
A "dry blocking session" usually happens early in the morning with no cameras, just the director giving the stage movements, and marks (colored pieces of tape where the actor will stand when delivering their lines.) You then report to wardrobe, where they will usually provide the clothes for you to wear. You then proceed to the makeup department and get your makeup and hair done. Then you wait for your scene to be called for a "Camera Blocking", which is a more detailed rehearsal. Down time should be spent going over your lines with the other actors or even by yourself in your dressing room.
When you are taping your scenes, HAVE FUN and don't complain about anything. Be courteous and respectful to all of the hardworking crew members and stars of the show regardless of how they treat you.
Again, NEVER leave the set unless specifically given permission by the director or stage manager.
Background Actors:
When booked on a soap, you will receive a phone call (usually just the day before) and be given specific instructions on what type of character you will be playing, call-time, location, and any wardrobe or props to bring (such as briefcase, umbrella, etc.) ALWAYS bring a pencil and small notepad to take notes and directions on the set. Extras generally show up several hours after the principal actors of the show and sometimes even work only several hours, however are still paid for a minimum of 8 hours. The first item on the schedule is to SHOW UP ON TIME, always give yourself extra time for traffic, a restroom stop, or whatever. Some soaps do not have parking for extras directly on-lot, you may have to park in another lot a block away from the studio, so allow for that time also. If for some god-forsaken reason you realize you will be late, CALL the show's "emergency line" immediately. You should ALWAYS ask for this number when you are being booked.
Upon arriving at the studio, find and check in with the stage manager. The stage manager can almost always be found somewhere right outside or inside the sound stage, just start asking around. You will sign in and be given a taping schedule with your scenes marked. The scenes on the schedule are numbered, and the cast members and extras are listed below each scene. Then you should immediately go to the wardrobe department and have them check your wardrobe, they will tell you what to wear. Next you should check the dressing room assignment sheet which should be posted just outside the wardrobe department or near the stage managers podium just outside the entrance to the sound stage. If not, ask the stage manager. Go to the extras dressing room and change into your wardrobe and get your hair/makeup in order so as to be readily prepared to go to the sound stage when your scene(s) is called. You should be alert and listen for your scene(s) to be called.
When you are taping your scenes, stay completely quiet and pay close attention to the stage manager and director. If you are relatively new to soap extra work, you will be told when and where to make crosses, sit, and other stage directions. As you become better trusted with more experience, you will be able to keep an eye on the off-camera monitors and make crosses and movements naturally without direction or interrupting the principal actors.
NEVER leave the set unless specifically given permission by the director or stage manager.
Principal Actors:
Principal actors will be booked at least a week before the taping date, and will be given the full script at that time. ALWAYS bring a pencil and small notepad to take notes and directions on the set. Actors are commonly given a call-time of 5:00am or 6:00am in the morning. The same rules apply as to NEVER be late as they do for extras. Actors are usually given a parking spot directly on the studio lot. When you show up, you also check in with the stage manager and are given a taping schedule and private dressing room assignment.
A "dry blocking session" usually happens early in the morning with no cameras, just the director giving the stage movements, and marks (colored pieces of tape where the actor will stand when delivering their lines.) You then report to wardrobe, where they will usually provide the clothes for you to wear. You then proceed to the makeup department and get your makeup and hair done. Then you wait for your scene to be called for a "Camera Blocking", which is a more detailed rehearsal. Down time should be spent going over your lines with the other actors or even by yourself in your dressing room.
When you are taping your scenes, HAVE FUN and don't complain about anything. Be courteous and respectful to all of the hardworking crew members and stars of the show regardless of how they treat you.
Again, NEVER leave the set unless specifically given permission by the director or stage manager.
Working as a Daytime Drama Actor
In 1984 I got my start acting by working on the ABC Daytime Drama "General Hospital". I attended a casting session with a friend and well known actor, Don Stroud. Don had only received his sides the morning of the audition and he asked if I would come along and help him read his lines on the way to the Sunset-Gower Studios where General Hospital was taped (it has since moved to ABC Prospect Studios). While Don was auditioning for the casting director, the associate casting director asked me if I was an actor. He told me that I did a very good job reading the lines with Don in the reception area of the casting office. Before you know it, I was working on the show with a recurring role as "Police Cadet/Officer McDonald".
I eventually went on to work on the other soaps "Days of Our Lives", "Santa Barbara", "The Young and the Restless", "The Bold and the Beautiful", and "Port Charles". As it turns out, once an actor gains some experience working on a soap, it becomes much easier to get booked on other soaps. The reason for this is because soap acting requires a different acting technique than film or most primetime television. It is a much more subtle and less animated form of acting. The pace of taping the scenes is also much faster because an entire episode is taped in a single day.
Stunts and complex physical action are fairly rare on soaps because they require lengthy post production work and time-consuming multiple takes. And with soaps now facing very low budgets and tight taping schedules, these types of scenes are not very often done.
The storylines often involve intricate, and sometimes confusing tales of characters who have affairs, meet mysterious strangers and fall in love, and who commit adultery, all of which keeps audiences hooked on the unfolding story twists. Crimes such as kidnapping, rape, and even murder may go unpunished if the perpetrator is to be retained in the ongoing story. Today's soaps often tackle issues such as teenage pregnancy, breast cancer, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and eating disorders. This has been a very good trend for daytime dramas, and I hope it continues.
I eventually went on to work on the other soaps "Days of Our Lives", "Santa Barbara", "The Young and the Restless", "The Bold and the Beautiful", and "Port Charles". As it turns out, once an actor gains some experience working on a soap, it becomes much easier to get booked on other soaps. The reason for this is because soap acting requires a different acting technique than film or most primetime television. It is a much more subtle and less animated form of acting. The pace of taping the scenes is also much faster because an entire episode is taped in a single day.
Stunts and complex physical action are fairly rare on soaps because they require lengthy post production work and time-consuming multiple takes. And with soaps now facing very low budgets and tight taping schedules, these types of scenes are not very often done.
The storylines often involve intricate, and sometimes confusing tales of characters who have affairs, meet mysterious strangers and fall in love, and who commit adultery, all of which keeps audiences hooked on the unfolding story twists. Crimes such as kidnapping, rape, and even murder may go unpunished if the perpetrator is to be retained in the ongoing story. Today's soaps often tackle issues such as teenage pregnancy, breast cancer, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and eating disorders. This has been a very good trend for daytime dramas, and I hope it continues.
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