I read a lot of K Callan's new book called "How to Sell Yourself as an Actor" (I didn't want to spring for the $20 price tag). In it, I swear she seems to be recommending CALLING Casting Directors. She thinks repeatedly calling a casting office is a way of "shaming" (or was it "guilting"?) the CD's office into granting you a meeting.

What do others think of this? Any thoughts, Bonnie? I generally like Callan's advice, but I wonder if she's wrong on this one...

Hi, akter. I think your instincts are dead on. Personally, I would only call if it is VERY important. I have had some CDs tell me to give them a call on certain occasions, but this is after I had already met them and they had seen my work. Casting directors run very busy offices and spend much of the days negotiating contracts with agents or running casting sessions- so I would be hesitant to hound a CD by phone trying to get them to schedule a meeting. I like Callan's books as well, but in this case I would suggest using your best judgment on a case by case basis.

I agree with Erin--you MAY find occasion to call a CD now and then, but in general it's probably going to bring you more frustration than anything else. What would you say, after all? "I'd love to meet you!" To which they'd reply, "Send your headshot." So you send it and call back "Did you get my headshot, what do you think?" To which they reply, "Yes, it's in my files and we'll call you if you're right for a part..." and so on...
After all, I don't know if shaming a CD is possible....

I was told never to call unless asked to