12 Questions with Melissa Pryor of
TPR Casting

Rachael: How did you get started in this crazy business?
Melissa: I went to WMU for theatre performance and halfway through my senior year decided that I wanted to be a Casting Director (with no real knowledge as to what the job entailed). I loved working with actors and wanted to help them create successful careers. I interned around Chicago (The Goodman, Neo-Futurists, TP&R) before landing a gig with the lovelies I currently work with!

What have you learned in casting that might shock or surprise people?
I have learned that skill/talent/personality will help earn you the callback and that booking the job sometimes comes down to the insignificant details--is he too much taller than she is, is her hair too blond, do they look enough alike or are they too similar?

What is your favorite junk food?
This is gross-but I'm really into Funyons right now.

What is your favorite part of casting?
I love when a major project makes its way to Chicago and discovers what fantastic talent & resources we have here.

What is your sign?
I'm a Capricorn. Its pretty accurate.

You often run commercial casting sessions with kids, in your opinion, what makes a great audition for say, an 8 year old?
Oh man, I love auditioning kids. A great kid audition consists of lots of energy, a fearless attitude, and a real desire to be acting & having fun.

What is the funniest thing a kid ever did in a casting session?
Hands down the best/funniest audition: We were auditioning children for the new Meet the Parents movie and each boy had to sing a song of their choice. One boy brought in a large plastic sword and tucked it down the back of his shirt for the entire audition. When asked to sing his song he unsheathed his sword and proceeded to play it like a guitar and sing American Woman in probably the most authentic Lenny Kravits impression a 5 year old will ever master. The entire time he played the sword using what I think were the correct guitar tabs for the Guitar Hero version. It was truly awesome.

What is the best advice you have for parents of very young kids (7 years and under) who want to act?
Please make sure that your kids are honestly interested in auditioning. If they express a desire to act I recommend attending a workshop or class where you can ask any questions you may have about the business so that you're not lead astray and can make informed decisions about agents, auditions, headshots and the rest.

Which words do you least like to hear?
"No.", "The project has been postponed indefinitely." & "Sorry I'm late/I forgot my headshot."

What is the most common problem you see from young actors in casting sessions?
This starts to creep in during the tween years: a lack of self-confidence. I just want to see you being you! You can do no wrong if you're true to yourself.

If you weren¹t a casting director, what would you be?
A counselor, a florist or a time-traveler.

PC or Mac, and why?
Macs are sassier.