Comments on: Think Typecasting is the Death of Your Career? Think Again.

By: Melody

Melody — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 05:36:23 +0000

In reply to Mariann Aalda. I love that approach! Good job Mariann!

By: Mariann Aalda

Mariann Aalda — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:55:59 +0000

Hi, Tracy, I’m a woman of color and I’ve been there. The key is to be clear about what your message is. What do YOU want to say? Then find a way to infuse that message into every character you audition for. I’ve been in the business more than 40 years, so now I’m facing “little old lady” stereotypes. I always offer them another way to go as a “Badass Boomer Chick,” which is how I’m branding myself these days because that’s who I am and that’s how I want to represent women of my generation. Know your market and know your tribe. Don’t try to sell yourself in the room…make yourself irresistible so that YOU are what they want to buy.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 04:00:26 +0000

interesting concept. I like the points you made. Will do!
Thank you.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:55:37 +0000

In reply to Tracy.

Yes, I get what you’re saying, and it pretty much proves my point. Initially, they do want you to fit in the box. If you don’t fit in some box to begin with, they don’t know what to do with you. I have had dozens of actor clients tell me that an agent they met with or a casting director they met at a workshop said, “I don’t know what to do with you.” And yes, I’ve also had people tell me what you’re saying, “can you act more Black?” which is the same kind of thing.

My suggestion for actors who have a strong type is to play into type first. (Not all actors have a strong type–they’re even more undefined which is an even bigger problem.) Then as you get more credits, further develop your own persona. In mythology and marketing, we could say to “transcend the stereotype,” where they start to see you as more than the original type-casting.

If you’ve gotten the kind of work you want by going a different route and avoiding playing into type, then good for you, Tracy, and more power to you!

By: Tracy

Tracy — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:43:45 +0000

If you’re an actor of color, yea it may get you work but thats it just keeps you type cast or stereo-typed cast because Hollywood doesn’t take chances.

Especially on actors of color, specifically women of color. Hollywood doesn’t think outside the box except if your a white actor. Take it from a working actor who’s been in the biz a long time and directors are still asking you Can you act more black!