Five Ways to Network with Industry Pros

Hello, fellow actors. Welcome back to Casting Actors Cast — the podcast for actors,

from a casting director, who wants you to stop doing weird things in the name of “networking.”

Today’s episode is called:“ Five Ways to Network with Industry Pros.”

And before you tense up — no, this is not an episode about:

• Collecting business cards

• Cold-emailing casting directors at 2 a.m.

• Or pretending to be someone you’re not

Because real networking — the kind that actually works — looks nothing like what most actors imagine.

Let’s begin with a truth that might surprise you:

Most industry professionals are not looking to be impressed. They’re looking to feel comfortable.

So today, I’m going to walk you through five realistic, humane, repeatable ways to network — without selling your soul or losing your dignity.

FIRST: REDEFINE NETWORKING (PLEASE)

Networking is not:

“What can this person do for me?”

Networking is:

“How can I show up consistently and professionally in shared spaces?”

That’s it.

Casting directors, agents, directors — we notice patterns.

• Who shows up prepared

• Who listens

• Who follows through

• Who makes the room easier

That’s networking.

 CALL TO ACTION #1:

Replace the word networking with relationship-building. Say it out loud. It changes your energy immediately.

METHOD #1: BE MEMORABLE FOR THE RIGHT REASON

Actors often ask:

“How do I stand out?”

Wrong question.

The better question is:

“How do I feel safe, prepared, and specific?”

You don’t need to be flashy. You need to be clear.

• Know why you’re in the room

• Know what you’re working on

• Know how to say thank you

People remember ease.

CALL TO ACTION #2:

After any professional interaction, ask:

“Did I leave the room clearer than when I entered?”

That’s the goal.

METHOD #2: FOLLOW UP LIKE A PROFESSIONAL, NOT A FAN

A follow-up is not a pitch. It’s a bookmark.

A good follow-up:

• Is short

• Is timely

• Mentions something specific

• Expects nothing in return

Bad follow-ups:

• Long emotional essays

• Repeated check-ins

• Asking for favors immediately

CALL TO ACTION #3:

Draft a three-sentence follow-up template you can reuse. Simple. Calm. Professional.

METHOD #3: CLASSES ARE NETWORKING (YES, REALLY)

Actors underestimate this constantly.

Classes are not just for training. They are for visibility.

Casting directors watch how you:

• Prepare

• Adjust

• Listen

• Support others

We’re always clocking behavior.

 CALL TO ACTION #4:

Treat every class like a low-stakes professional rehearsal. Because someone is watching.

METHOD #4: BE USEFUL (WITHOUT TRYING TOO HARD)

The fastest way to build goodwill? Be someone who:

• Shares information

• Supports peers

• Recommends others

Industry pros remember connectors.

You don’t need power. You need generosity.

CALL TO ACTION #5:

Once a month, recommend another actor — sincerely — without attaching yourself to it.

That energy comes back.

METHOD #5: PLAY THE LONG GAME (THIS IS THE SECRET)

Real networking happens over time.

Casting directors don’t say:

“That actor emailed me once — I’ll cast them.”

We say:

“I keep seeing them. They’re solid.”

Consistency beats intensity every time.

FINAL THOUGHT

Networking isn’t about chasing. It’s about showing up well.

Be prepared. Be kind. Be consistent.

That’s it.

If this episode helped you, pass it along to an actor who’s overthinking this whole thing.

I’m Jeffrey Dreisbach. This is Casting Actors Cast. And I’ll see you next time.