Working

The “How Does a Casting Director Work?” Edition

Bernie Telsey gives a few tips about what he’s looking for in an audition.

Bernie Telsey
Casting director Bernie Telsey.

Photo illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker. Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images

Listen to this episode of Working with guest Bernie Telsey:

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Bernie Telsey has been casting hit musicals, films, and TV shows for more than 20 years. In this week’s episode of Working, Telsey talks about what he’s looking for in an audition, how diversity has changed on the stage and screen during his time in the business, and how finding talent isn’t necessarily the hardest part of the job.

In a Slate Plus extra, Bernie and Arun talk about casting Ricki and the Flash with Meryl Streep. If you’re a member, enjoy bonus segments and interview transcripts from Working, plus other great podcast exclusives. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/workingplus.

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Email: working@slate.com
Twitter: @arunNYC

Production by Jayson De Leon.