Casting Confidential
Casting Confidential is a podcast hosted by casting director Rose Rosen, CSA, offering a direct, unfiltered look at how casting actually works. Each episode features Rosen alongside a rotating co-host casting director and notable actors, pulling back the curtain on the professional relationship between actors and casting—and how decisions are really made. These are not surface-level conversations. The show focuses on process, context, and the often-misunderstood mechanics of auditions, callbacks, chemistry reads, and career-building choices. Casting Confidential is designed for actors who want clarity, not clichés. Listeners gain practical insight into what casting directors respond to, what they overlook, and how strong auditions are shaped long before a tape is submitted. The goal is simple: better information leads to better work in the room. Membership: Deeper Access, Real Feedback For actors who want to go beyond listening, the Casting Confidential Membership offers live, interactive opportunities: Monthly Performance Feedback Sessions Members submit a recent self-tape or scene and receive direct, professional feedback from casting directors. These sessions focus on specific, actionable adjustments—what’s working, what isn’t, and how to sharpen future auditions. A reader is provided. Live Episodes with Industry Guests Members are invited to exclusive live recordings featuring candid conversations with working actors and casting professionals. Casting Confidential is where casting directors speak plainly about the work—how we find actors, how we build ensembles, and what actually helps an actor stand out over time. Follow @castingconfidential on Instagram. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your support helps us continue bringing you substantive, high-level conversations from inside the casting room. Pull up a chair. This is how casting really works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
In this powerful episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by acclaimed casting director Kerry Barden (The Help, Winter's Bone, Dallas Buyers Club) and dynamic actor Amber Chardae Robinson (Palm Royale, Judas and the Black Messiah, LOOT). Together, they take a deep dive into the casting process for Palm Royale—a stylized period drama full of glamour and hidden grit.
Kerry shares the meticulous process behi...
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 her
audition experiences—including the game-changing moment that landed her Roswell—and reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into dir...
In this bonus breakdown episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by three powerhouse casting directors—Robin Carus (New York), Kimberly Skyrme (DC), and Cheryl Louden-Kubin (Atlanta)—to explore one of the industry's most enduring debates: typecasting. From its roots in the old studio system to its modern-day implications, the conversation unpacks when typecasting helps actors build careers and when it starts to hold th...
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...
In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen, CSA, dives
into the vital world of callbacks — the crucial second look that often determines who books the role. Joined by fellow casting professionals, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Robin Carus and Kimberly Skyrme, the conversation highlights why callbacks matter just as much as the initial audition and how actors can prepare to stand out a second time.
From the importanc...
In this standout episode of Casting Confidential, Emmy-nominated actor Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere, HBO) joins host Rose Rosen and casting director Robin Carus for a candid, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting acting career.
From humble beginnings as a social worker to two decades on the improv circuit, Jeff’s story is a testament to persistence, self-awareness, and the ...
Ever wondered what really happens after you hit “submit” on an audition tape? In this behind-the-scenes bonus drop, Rose Rosen is joined by three powerhouse casting directors—Robin Carus (New York), Kimberly Skyrme (DC), and Cheryl Louden-Kubin (Atlanta)—for a candid, coast-to-coast conversation on what goes down in a casting director’s inbox.
From how tapes are reviewed and shared with producers, to the factors influencing call...
Actor Brandon Jay McLaren joins Rose Rosen, CSA, and casting director Molly Knight for a conversation about what it truly means to be a working actor. With credits spanning Power Rangers, Graceland, Snowfall, The Rookie, and Netflix’s new limited series Wayward, Brandon has built a career defined by range, adaptability, and consistency.
He shares stories from his earliest auditions, including the VHS tape that landed him Power R...
In this special live edition, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by casting directors Robin Carus, Cheryl Louden Kubin, and Kimberly Skyrme for an in-depth discussion on the critical role casting directors play in independent filmmaking. Recorded at the Gasparilla International Film Festival, in front of a live audience, the panel explores why casting should be budgeted from the start, how a casting&...
This week on Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by the unstoppable Danielle Pinnock—actor, writer, creator, and viral comedy powerhouse. Best known for her role as Alberta on CBS's Ghosts, Danielle takes us behind the scenes of her multifaceted career, from interning at Cindy Tolan Casting to training at Temple University and the Royal Conservatoire.
With casting director Robin Carus co-hosting, the episode dives into Da...
In this bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, reunites with powerhouse panelists Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Kimberly Skyrme, and Robin Carus for a candid conversation about the future of casting. As AI tools, self-tapes, and digital workflows redefine the casting landscape, the panel explores what technology can never replace: the human touch, the eye for talent, and the years of experience casting professionals br...
In this episode, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by casting director Kimberly Skyrme and multi-talented actor and comedian Johnny Pemberton (Fallout, Superstore, 21 Jump Street). Johnny opens up about his unique journey from improv and stand-up to film and TV, offering a candid look at what makes auditions work—and what doesn’t.
Together, they explore the value of making bold choices, the evolving landscape of self-tapes, and wh...
In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, welcomes a dynamic panel of top casting pros: Robin Carus, Cheryl Louden-Kubin and Kimberly Skyrme. Taken from an exclusive Q&A with our Casting Confidential members, (link below to join) this episode dives into how actors can best connect with casting directors—what works, what doesn’t, and what really leaves a lasting impression.
From email etique...
In this episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, sits down with actor, comedian, and writer Danny Jolles (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Babylon, Hacks, Ted, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert). Danny shares his candid journey from NYU’s Strasberg Studio to stand-up stages and TV sets, opening up about early-career challenges, the critical role casting directors play, and how he’s navigated the shifting landscape of auditio...
This week on Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by industry pros Robin Carus, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, and Kimberly Skyrme for a vital bonus
episode focused on actor resumes. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned performer, understanding what casting directors are really looking for on
your resume is key.
The panel dives into best practices—from formatting tips and font choices to the power of special skills ...
In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen sits down with actor and podcast host Rob Peterpaul for a candid and insightful
conversation originally featured on How We Roll, brought to you by Casting Networks. Together, they dive deep into what Rose calls the "Five Pillars of Best
Business Practices"—essential strategies every actor should embrace to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in entertainment.
Season 3 of Casting Confidential is in full swing, and this week, Rose Rosen is joined by co-host and D.C.-based casting director Kimberly Skyrme for a dynamic
conversation with actor Chandler Riggs. Best known for his breakout role on The Walking Dead, Chandler reflects on his early auditions, growing up in the industry,
and the challenges of transitioning from child actor to adult professional.
From his first self-tapes to navi...
In this bonus episode, host Rose Rosen, is joined by a panel of top casting professionals - Kimberly Skyrme , Robin Carus and Cheryl Louden-Kubin to dig into one of the most vital actor tools: the headshot.
They tackle everything from slate shots and filters to how to make your image pop in a sea of thumbnails. The team shares candid insights on what makes a photo truly stand out, focusing on authenticity, current looks, and t...
Welcome back to Casting Confidential, where host Rose Rosen, is joined by Emmy-nominated casting director Seth Yanklewitz and acclaimed actress Poorna
Jagannathan for an insightful conversation on authenticity of casting.
Poorna shares her journey—from early auditions to industry recognition—while Seth breaks down his process for finding talent that not only fits the role, but
elevates it. Stay tuned as actor Adolyn H. Dar, I...
In this bonus episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen welcomes acclaimed casting professionals Kimberly Skyrme, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Kimberly Ehrlich, and Robin Carus for a dynamic discussion on the art and impact of great auditions.
From nailing the moment before a scene to crafting immersive storytelling in self-tapes, the episode is packed with actionable advice for actors looking to elevate their craft.
The panel...
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