You can, and most casting directors enjoy getting one, but none of them expect it. If you send a note, keep it short and specific, never ask for anything, and skip the gift unless you booked the job. We asked 21 casting directors how they feel about thank you notes, and 22 whether you should apologise after a bad audition.
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Most do, but it is a nice extra, not an expectation. Of the 21 casting directors we asked, not one said a thank you note would count against you, and none said they expect one. Ricki Maslar said a note helps her remember the actor, Gayle Pillsbury keeps them all, and Deborah Barylski called it polite and respectful.
A good number were relaxed about it. Lisa Beach joked that you could save the stamp, Amanda Mitchell would rather actors didn't spend money on her, and Rachel Sutton said you don't have to thank her every time, because she is doing her job.
Something real and specific. Risa Bramon Garcia said a generic "thanks, had a great time" means little, but a note that speaks from the heart is welcome. Kahleen Crawford suggested naming something specific the casting director did to help you, because it tells them that approach works.
Make it easy to place you, too. Lisa Zambetti asks actors to include their photo, since once an episode wraps she can forget who she brought in. And Kym's rule: just say thank you. Don't ask for feedback, and don't ask them to keep you in mind.
Not necessarily. Blair Hickey and Brian Wold argue that an audition is your job, not a favour, and a thank you in the room covers a standard audition. Save written notes for when someone goes out of their way, like moving your time slot or bringing you back.
Ryan Basham suggests a simple order of priority: always when they book you, next when they went above and beyond, such as a final callback or a pin, and after routine auditions only if you have the time.
Kym's guide: if the casting director brought you in directly and you have their email, a short email is fine. If the audition came through your agent or manager, don't email the casting director. Send a handwritten card instead. She suggests keeping a box of cards in your car so you can write one straight after the session.
Only to say thank you. Never follow up to ask how it went or whether you got it. If you have representation, news about the role comes through them. For anything more than a thank you, let your agent or manager do the talking.
No. Ryan Basham says a handwritten note is more than enough after a regular audition. John Frank Levey was blunt about gifts sent before an audition: to him, that reads as a bribe. Keep gifts for when you have actually booked the job.
It's lovely, but never required. All 8 casting directors we asked about this said a gift when you book is a nice gesture and not an expectation.
Several noticed the same thing: the actors in the smallest roles often send the biggest presents. Bonnie Zane said it breaks her heart when a gift costs more than the actor made that day, and that a note is plenty for a day player. Risa Bramon Garcia would rather have a small, meaningful gesture than a big basket. Greg Apps suggested a note thanking the casting directors who supported you along the way.
Simple, shareable and safe. Wine, flowers and chocolate came up often, but so did caution. Meg Morman advised against homemade baking and suggested anything edible be sealed or come straight from a bakery, because of allergies. John Frank Levey and Victoria Burrows both mentioned their own dietary limits.
Ryan Basham's rule of thumb is that a gift shouldn't feel like it cost more than about $25, so nobody feels bribed or in your debt.
Usually not. Of the 22 casting directors we read on this, 16 said there is no need. Several said actors are poor judges of their own auditions: Lou Mitchell has heard actors say they were terrible while sitting on her shortlist, and Ricki Maslar warned an apology can plant doubt that wasn't there.
The exception is behaviour. Seth Yanklewitz, Meg Morman and Sunny Boling said if you were rude, apologise. If you truly fell apart, Gayle Pillsbury suggests having your rep ask whether you can send a self tape. Deborah Barylski said a short note with no excuses can work. Kym suggests framing any note as a thank you rather than an apology.
Some do, some don't. Blair Hickey and Brian Wold say most casting directors dislike postcards because most are generic mass mailings. A specific card, sent to a named person such as an associate, with a reason you fit their projects, has a much better chance. For more ways to stay on casting's radar, see how to get in front of casting directors.
You can, and most casting directors appreciate one, but none of the 21 we asked expect it. Keep it short, specific and free of requests.
Email is fine if the casting director brought you in directly. If the audition came through your agent or manager, send a handwritten card instead.
Not after a regular audition. A modest gift is a nice gesture when they book you, but casting directors told us it is never expected.
Usually not. Most casting directors we asked said everyone has off days and actors often misjudge their own work. Apologise only if you were rude.
No. Follow up only to say thank you, and let your agent or manager handle any news about the role.
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