The popular image of auditions today is defined by the cruelty and cringe of reality TV. “People expect Nicole Scherzinger saying, ‘You’ve made it to judges’ houses!’ and Rylan crying,” says freelance casting director Jatinder Chera, one sceptical eyebrow raised. In the media, heartless rejection and impossible dreams seem to be the currency of castings. “But there’s a lot more to it than people really know.”
So casting directors get a bad rap. They’re seen as gatekeepers, rejectors and ghosters. When Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, deputy head of casting for the National Theatre, mentions her job to someone new, she will often get asked if it’s fun to be so mean. “That could not be further from what I try to do!”
