Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/51766
DRAMA should get the role. "When Rosamund Pike walked in, something happened…It was just a personality thing," Dixon said. "When you are watching the two actors read and you get lost in the scene, I think that's when you have chemistry." KNOW THE TONE Casting in comedy productions presents another challenge, Dixon notes. While a dramatic scene can play out in any number of different, but believable ways, with comedy, timing is everything — a scene is either funny or it isn't. Jennifer McNamara, the casting director of NBC's 30 Rock, has no shortage of actors that want to be on the hit show, but finds that some auditioners haven't done the most basic homework. "Sometimes we have actors come in that maybe have never seen the show. Know the show, know the humor," she advises. The bottom line is that, when auditioning for ensemble work, actors are looking to become part of something greater than themselves. That means taking casting directors' advice and learning how to fit in with the existing personalities, bringing the proper mindset for the time and place in which the story takes place, and understanding the tone of the piece. And never forget to listen. Especially to the casting director. "We're on the same team," Dixon said. "It's my job to make the actor look good so he can make me look good." This story originally appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of Screen Actor. SAG.org 1994 Special Issue 2012 - SCREEN ACTOR 52 1996 1999 COMEDY 1998 1997 1995