12 Questions with Adam Belcuore, Casting Director at the Goodman Theatre

Rachael: What's your sign?
Adam: Leo... Grrrrr.

How did you fall into this wacky business?
I went to school because I wanted to be an actor, graduated, and then discovered I didn't want to be an actor. Directing, producing, and casting soon followed.

What about your job as Goodman Theatre's Casting Director would shock actors?
It would shock them to know that directors rarely think the audition went as badly as the actors think it went.

Does the way you work change from one play or director to the next?
Yes. It's my job to follow the director's lead. However it is they work dictates how I work. Yes, there are similarities - at the end of the day, I still have to set up appointments, distribute sides, etc. - but directors differ greatly. Some are very involved; they give detailed descriptions, cut sides, see lists in advance, etc. Others are very hands off; sitting back and letting me prepare and present who I think would be best for the play.

You are also a theatre director; how does that inform your work in casting?
Hopefully it gives me the ability to present those actors outside of the director's preconceived notions. Theatre is collaborative at this stage of the process as well. When I read the script, certain people come to mind. This happens before I even speak to the director about what they're thinking. By the time the auditions arrive, I've created a list of potential actors from both "my production" and "their production". In the end, it's their production that we're producing. However, my ideas often help them to either communicate what they aren't looking for or open their eyes to another way of looking at a role.

What is your favorite aspect of working with actors?
I just love good actors - their creative energy and incredible emotional availability. In auditions, I get to see moments of performance that never make it onto the stage. It's a very exclusive audience to be a part of, and some of my favorite moments of theatre have happened in that room.

As a casting director, what is your biggest pet peeve?
When actors assume things. You know what happens when you assume...

What is one piece of advice that you would give an actor straight out of college?
Specifically for those who move to Chicago: Go see theatre. Go to Off Loop theatres and find ones you like. Once you've identified the work that speaks to you, get involved with those companies. They need the help and it will get you networked into the community very quickly. Nothing speaks better of you than how hard and well you work.

What is the tackiest thing you own?
Probably my bare butt tissue dispenser. The tissues come out of the crack...

What's always in your fridge?
Cheese.

If you weren't a casting director what would you be?
A chef.

What is your favorite junk food?
Ice cream. Haagen-Dazs peanut butter and chocolate.