For many actors, working in commercials is an important part of their careers. However, the process of commercial casting can be confusing and differs from theatrical casting for film or television roles. Alyson Horn, a respected casting director and founder of AHC Casting in Los Angeles, discussed these differences in a recent conversation with SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
Horn explained that commercial auditions require a unique set of skills compared to those needed for theatrical roles. “The specificity that’s required in terms of booking a commercial is pretty crazy. If you think about a theatrical audition, everyone is [working toward] understanding massive amounts of information about the series and the character, whereas the commercial is telling a story in a matter of seconds. So you really have to be able, as an actor, to understand your role and what’s required of you to communicate, and it has to be very condensed. Actors who book a lot of commercials … are very skilled at understanding that.”
She also addressed common misconceptions actors may bring into commercial auditions and emphasized how success often depends on quickly grasping what is needed for each specific role.
The discussion was featured on the SAG-AFTRA podcast, which offers more episodes focused on topics relevant to actors’ careers. Listeners can access the podcast through various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or TuneIn.
SAG-AFTRA clarified that opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not represent the union’s official stance. Additionally, references to products or services during episodes do not imply endorsement by SAG-AFTRA.
Photo: Commercial casting director and AHC Casting Founder Alyson Horn and SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
