Casting Confidential

Rose Rosen, CSA

Casting Confidential is a podcast hosted by casting director Rose Rosen, CSA, offering a direct, unfiltered look at how casting actually works. Each episode features Rosen alongside a rotating co-host casting director and notable actors, pulling back the curtain on the professional relationship between actors and casting—and how decisions are really made. These are not surface-level conversations. The show focuses on process, context, and the often-misunderstood mechanics of auditions, callbacks, chemistry reads, and career-building choices. Casting Confidential is designed for actors who want clarity, not clichés. Listeners gain practical insight into what casting directors respond to, what they overlook, and how strong auditions are shaped long before a tape is submitted. The goal is simple: better information leads to better work in the room. Membership: Deeper Access, Real Feedback For actors who want to go beyond listening, the Casting Confidential Membership offers live, interactive opportunities: Monthly Performance Feedback Sessions Members submit a recent self-tape or scene and receive direct, professional feedback from casting directors. These sessions focus on specific, actionable adjustments—what’s working, what isn’t, and how to sharpen future auditions. A reader is provided.Live Episodes with Industry Guests Members are invited to exclusive live recordings featuring candid conversations with working actors and casting professionals.Casting Confidential is where casting directors speak plainly about the work—how we find actors, how we build ensembles, and what actually helps an actor stand out over time. Follow @castingconfidential on Instagram. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your support helps us continue bringing you substantive, high-level conversations from inside the casting room. Pull up a chair. This is how casting really works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    60. Nina Gold In Conversation With Rose Rosen

    This week on Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with legendary casting director Nina Gold for a deeply honest and timely conversation about craft, instinct, collaboration—and the historic moment casting is finally recognized by the Academy Awards. From shaping global phenomena like Game of Thrones and The Crown to her breathtaking work on Hamnet, Nina’s casting has defined tone, launched careers, and built entire worlds. And now, as the first-ever Academy Award for Casting approaches, she reflects on what this milestone truly means for the profession. Nina speaks candidly about collaboration with directors, the power of saying no, and how casting is a balance of research, intuition, and conviction. “It’s not like last year we weren’t trying really hard to do a really good job. We’re just going to keep trying to make good work—Oscar or no Oscar.” This is a conversation between two casting directors about responsibility, visibility, and what this moment means for everyone who has done this work—often without recognition—for generations. If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or someone who still thinks casting is just a list of names, this episode is for you. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy — the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit https://rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on Patreon Join the Casting Confidential community for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry: https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential For more episodes and resources, visit: https://castingconfidential.com Hosted by Rose Rosen. CREDITS Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA https://instagram.com/roserosencasting Guest Nina Gold Editor MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright https://instagram.com/ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson https://instagram.com/aceshotthat Follow the show and join our community: https://instagram.com/castingconfidential https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential ** Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  2. FEB 16 · BONUS

    BONUS: What Award Recognition Really Means for Casting

    This year marks a historic shift in the entertainment industry. For the first time, casting is being formally recognized at major awards including the Academy Awards and the Critics' Choice Awards. On this episode of Casting Confidential: The Round Table, we break down what that recognition actually means — and what it doesn’t. After 35 years of advocacy, casting directors are finally being acknowledged above the line. But why was the craft overlooked for so long? And why does it still so rarely get mentioned in speeches, press coverage, or theatrical award shows like the Tony Awards? The conversation dives into: Why directors often get credit for “finding” talent How casting’s work begins long before cameras roll Why the craft is essential yet often invisible The difference between creative collaboration and final decision-making And how real industry recognition could shift moving forward We also reference the documentary Casting By, which chronicled the long road toward acknowledgment for casting professionals. If you’re serious about understanding how casting actually works, this one pulls back the curtain. Sponsor: Rafy App Rehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on PATREON Join the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry. JOIN HERE For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com. SPONSORS: RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON HERE: JOIN HERE CREDITS: Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting ROUNDTABLE PANELISTS: Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @kimberlyskyrme Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA @loudenkubin Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @robincarus Editor MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson @aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential @roserosencasting Join our Patreon here! ** Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  3. FEB 9

    59. Christine Ebersole on Craft, Casting, and Is This Thing On

    In this episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen and guest co host, acclaimed casting director Shayna Markowitz sit down with legendary actor Christine Ebersole for an honest, deeply insightful conversation about craft, longevity, and what really happens behind the casting process. Christine shares stories from her extraordinary career spanning Broadway, film, television, and cabaret. From Saturday Night Live and Tootsie to Amadeus, War Paint, and her latest film Is This Thing On, directed by Bradley Cooper. She opens up about navigating auditions at every stage of life, trusting instinct over industry noise, and why perseverance matters more than timing. Shayna offers a rare look at casting from the other side of the table, including how actors with long-established careers are cast, how Zoom auditions have changed access and connection, and why casting directors are always rooting for actors to succeed. The conversation also touches on the long-overdue recognition of casting as an Academy Award category and what that means for the future of the profession. This is a must-listen for actors seeking clarity, confidence, and truth about how careers are actually built—without mythology, without guesswork. Sponsor: Rafy AppRehearse, memorize, and self-tape anytime with Rafy, the app that scans your sides and lets you practice with realistic reader voices. With over 60 voices, a built-in teleprompter, multilingual support, and a script library called Playhouse, Rafy gives actors full control over their process. Visit rafy.app and use code CONFIDENTIAL15 for 15% off. Go Deeper on PatreonJoin the Casting Confidential community on Patreon for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry.
patreon.com/castingconfidential For more episodes and resources, visit castingconfidential.com.
Hosted by Rose Rosen. SPONSORS: RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL15 JOIN THE CASTING CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ON PATREON HERE: JOIN HERE CREDITS:  Host, Creator & Producer Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting CO HOST Shayna Markowitz GUESTS: Christine Ebersole christine.ebersoleofficial Editor MZ Studios mzstudiosdallas.com Original Music Orville Wright ohyeahbeats Artwork Ace Anderson aceshotthat FOLLOW THE SHOW AND JOIN OUR COMMUNITY ON SOCIALS: @castingconfidential Patreon **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  4. JAN 5 · BONUS

    BONUS: Casting Confidential with Kerry Barden & Amber Chardae Robinson: Inside the Casting of Palm Royale

    In this powerful episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by acclaimed casting director Kerry Barden (The Help, Winter's Bone, Dallas Buyers Club) and dynamic actor Amber Chardae Robinson (Palm Royale, Judas and the Black Messiah, LOOT). Together, they take a deep dive into the casting process for Palm Royale—a stylized period drama full of glamour and hidden grit. Kerry shares the meticulous process behind assembling the series' all-star cast and discusses the nuance of reading actors, casting with authenticity, and balancing tone in a heightened world. Amber offers a candid look into her experience portraying an undercover FBI agent in a world steeped in 1960s privilege, reflecting on the personal and political weight of her role. From actor vulnerability and the importance of energy in auditions to industry scams and the power of saying yes to the journey, this episode is filled with essential insights for working actors and industry professionals alike. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where Amber and a guest actor perform a brand-new original scene and receive live feedback from Kerry. SPONSORS: RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10 MZ Studios Dallas https://mzstudiosdallas.com Join Our Membership here: https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Co Host: Kerry Barden @kerrybardencasting Guest: Amber Chardae Robinson @ambershardae Feedback Actor Lewa Greenwood @lewagreenwood Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Editor: MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  5. 10/06/2025

    58. Shiri Appleby on Acting, Directing, and Owning Your Journey

    In a powerful Season 3 finale, Rose Rosen along with her co host casting director Kimberly Skyrme, welcome the multi-talented Shiri Appleby (Roswell, Unreal) for an inspiring deep dive into her remarkable journey from child actor to acclaimed director. Shiri shares candid insights into her audition experiences—including the game-changing moment that landed her Roswell—and reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into directing. She discusses the evolution of casting, navigating self-tapes, and the importance of staying creatively fulfilled both on and off set. Plus, listeners are treated to a live feedback session with guest actor Alison Bauer in a dynamic scene read with Shiri. Sponsors: Casting Networks @castingnetworks https://castingnetworks.com/confidential Wright Positive Films @shemeka_wright https://www.wrightpositive.com RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10 MZ Studios Dallas https://mzstudiosdallas.com Join Our Membership here: https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Co Host: Kimberly Skyrme @kimberlyskyrme Guest: Shiri Appleby @shiriappleby Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Editor: MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Sides: StageMilk **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  6. 09/29/2025 · BONUS

    BONUS: Breaking the Typecast

    In this bonus breakdown episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by three powerhouse casting directors—Robin Carus (New York), Kimberly Skyrme (DC), and Cheryl Louden-Kubin (Atlanta)—to explore one of the industry's most enduring debates: typecasting. From its roots in the old studio system to its modern-day implications, the conversation unpacks when typecasting helps actors build careers and when it starts to hold them back. Together, they share insights on how to leverage your “type” strategically, how to prepare to break out of it, and why knowing your lane doesn’t mean staying in it. Plus, hear memorable anecdotes—including one about discovering the perfect cop on the side of the road—and practical advice on making your submissions stand out. Sponsors: Casting Networks @castingnetworks https://castingnetworks.com/confidential RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10 MZ Studios Dallas https://mzstudiosdallas.com Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Join Our Membership here: https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  7. 09/22/2025

    57. TJ Wilk & the Rise of Vertical Films

    In this dynamic episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, dives deep into the booming world of vertical filmmaking with breakout star TJ Wilk and Atlanta-based casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin. TJ shares his unique journey from modeling and music to leading over 17 vertical films, racking up more than 250 million views across platforms. He discusses his audition process, mastering the emotional intimacy of vertical acting, and the evolving landscape of mobile-first storytelling. Cheryl offers insight into casting for this format, its surprising reach, and why it's here to stay. Plus, don’t miss our Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where one lucky actor reads live with TJ and receives real-time notes from our expert panel. Sponsors: Casting Networks @castingnetworks https://castingnetworks.com/confidential Wright Positive Films @shemeka_wright https://www.wrightpositive.com RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10 MZ Studios Dallas https://mzstudiosdallas.com Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Join Our Membership here: https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Co-Host: Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: TJ Wilk @jwilkofficial Editor: MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat Sides: StageMilk **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
  8. 09/15/2025 · BONUS

    BONUS: Callback Confidence – Navigating the Next Step

    In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen, CSA, dives into the vital world of callbacks — the crucial second look that often determines who books the role. Joined by fellow casting professionals, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Robin Carus and Kimberly Skyrme, the conversation highlights why callbacks matter just as much as the initial audition and how actors can prepare to stand out a second time. From the importance of replicating your audition look (yes, wear that pink sweater again!) to maintaining a positive, professional attitude, this episode is full of essential advice for navigating the callback process. You'll hear real stories — some inspiring, some cautionary — that underscore how callbacks are more than just a repeat performance; they're about building relationships and showcasing flexibility. Sponsors: Casting Networks @castingnetworks https://castingnetworks.com/confidential RAFY APP https://rafy.app/ Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10 MZ Studios Dallas https://mzstudiosdallas.com Follow the show and join our community on socials: @castingconfidential Join Our Membership here: https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member Host, Creator and Producer: Rose Rosen, CSA @roserosencasting Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Editor: MZ Studios https://mzstudiosdallas.com Music: Orville Wright @ohyeahbeats Artwork: Ace Anderson @aceshotthat **Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
4.9
out of 5
171 Ratings

About

Casting Confidential is a podcast hosted by casting director Rose Rosen, CSA, offering a direct, unfiltered look at how casting actually works. Each episode features Rosen alongside a rotating co-host casting director and notable actors, pulling back the curtain on the professional relationship between actors and casting—and how decisions are really made. These are not surface-level conversations. The show focuses on process, context, and the often-misunderstood mechanics of auditions, callbacks, chemistry reads, and career-building choices. Casting Confidential is designed for actors who want clarity, not clichés. Listeners gain practical insight into what casting directors respond to, what they overlook, and how strong auditions are shaped long before a tape is submitted. The goal is simple: better information leads to better work in the room. Membership: Deeper Access, Real Feedback For actors who want to go beyond listening, the Casting Confidential Membership offers live, interactive opportunities: Monthly Performance Feedback Sessions Members submit a recent self-tape or scene and receive direct, professional feedback from casting directors. These sessions focus on specific, actionable adjustments—what’s working, what isn’t, and how to sharpen future auditions. A reader is provided.Live Episodes with Industry Guests Members are invited to exclusive live recordings featuring candid conversations with working actors and casting professionals.Casting Confidential is where casting directors speak plainly about the work—how we find actors, how we build ensembles, and what actually helps an actor stand out over time. Follow @castingconfidential on Instagram. Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your support helps us continue bringing you substantive, high-level conversations from inside the casting room. Pull up a chair. This is how casting really works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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