Arts Professional Story: Erica Daniels, Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Erica Daniels, Casting Director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company

You should crash AEA Generals as a Non-equity Actor.

It is possible to gate-crash the Steppenwolf Equity general. I try to see as many people as possible and estimate 150-180 non-Equity actors had a chance to do their monologue the last time. It's a great way for me to get to know you. So, come early, around 8 AM, and put your name on the waiting list because actors are seen on a first come - first serve basis.

Understudying at Steppenwolf can lead to being cast for stage roles.

I don't waste people's time. I really invest in actors that I want to bring into the mix and understudying is a way to do just that. Many of our understudies perform during the run of the show and many go on to be in later shows here at Steppenwolf. Understudying is an excellent way for the theatre to get to know you. Many actors who have understudied here have gone on -- Kate Harris did a week for Amy Morton during Last of the Boys, for instance. Heather Prete did press night for Uncle Vanya and then went on to be cast as Kitty in Time of your LIfe. Rebecca Sohn understudied for Well Appointed Room, and then went on to be in this summer's First Look Repertory. I highly recommend understudying to actors and don't see it as anything but a win-win situation.

Realize your worth.

Remember that when you're called in for an audition somebody thinks you can do the role. Someone thought you were right. Whether or not the director is going to respond to you positively, the casting director thought this was an interesting idea. We always know what we're doing, so if you walk into a lobby and you're a blonde haired female and the only people in the lobby are African American men, just assume you're in the right place.

And remember, you have WORTH as an actor. If you feel you are being mistreated, let someone know (the union, your agent etc). You should NOT ever feel bad about yourself. This should be something you enjoy. When it stops being FUN, get out because Theatre is a tough industry on actors. Saying 'No' is okay. You don't have to come into an audition if you're not comfortable with the material. You must WANT to be there.

Auditioning is part of your job.

It's what you do. That being said, if a role makes you uncomfortable -- smoking, nudity or language is required and you wouldn't want to play the role, DON'T AUDITION! It is OK to say NO. I don't have an issue if an actor passes on an audition. What I mind is if someone comes in for an audition and then says NO if they get the job offer. I can't have people waste my time or my director's time. Saying 'no' and keeping your power and making decisions for your career -- that's what you need to start doing when you're young and continue doing until you're done in this business.

Play nice.

Be nice to everybody. The person that's opening the door for you and checking you in could be the head of the theatre or the studio tomorrow. This industry changes so much that you just have to play nicely in the sandbox. I see it over and over again, a director will cast someone who is easy to get along with and not as polished an actor before they will cast someone who is difficult to work with but slightly more polished. You must be nice to everyone in the room.

Erica Daniels is the Casting Director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and works with many other Chicago theatre companies on a freelance basis, including Profiles, About Face, Lookingglass, Chicago Children's Theatre and Collaboraction. Daniels spent a year as the Theatre Department Coordinator at William Morris in New York before returning to Chicago to work as an agent for Geddes, Arlene Wilson and Shirley Hamilton. With George Lane, she worked with writers including John Patrick Shanley, Richard Greenberg, Warren Leight and Kenny Lonergan and directors including Michael Mayer, Mark Brokaw, James Lapine and Daniel Sullivan. Daniels began her career as a casting assistant at Jane Brody Casting. She holds a degree in Performance Studies from Northwestern University.