What is my Actor Typecast? Examples and Tips
We asked about how well you knew your typecasts on Instagram and Y’ALL! It was almost 50/50!
Typecasts are VITAL for your acting career because they represent how casting sees you. Read that again: how CASTING sees you. Not how you see you, or your family or your friends. Casting.
Not knowing your typecasts for the industry & market you’re in is one of the most common struggles for actors. Or maybe you DO know your typecasts, but your headshots don’t accurately reflect them? Also a major problem. No matter what you’re struggling with, read on to learn about what typecasts are, how to figure out what types you can play, and advice for the common fears and struggles actors face with typecasts.
what are actor typecasts: q&a
Let's start with the basics!
Q: What ARE Typecasts?
A: The "types" of characters an actor is most likely to be invited to audition for and play. Often also referred to as "essences", typecasts can be based around a combination of physical appearances, energy/vibe, and age range.
Q: What are some examples of typecasts?
A: High school jock, gritty dystopian survivor, no nonsense nurse, wise wizard, maternal teacher, goofball best friend, compromised double agent, scrappy trailer park resident, tough bodyguard, free-spirited yoga instructor, rookie cop, etc.
Q: What's the best typecast to be?
A: No one typecast is "better" or "worse" than another. All types of characters and essences are vital to storytelling. Own your typecasts. Trying to force yourself into a type that isn't realistic or truthful to you will limit your career.
Q: I want to be a lead actor. Do I have to hit the gym and try to look like Brad Pitt or Jenn Aniston?
A: Not everyone is a traditional "leading person" - nor should you try to be if it's not true to your typecast. (Besides, this outdated concept of what makes a "leading person" is evolving - focus on the types not the size of the role).
Q: Once I have my typecasts am I stuck with them for the rest of my life?
A: Some of your typecasts can and likely will change over time (as you age, grow, and evolve physically and emotionally). That's natural! Others you can carry with you for many, many years. It just depends!
Q: I was told that one of my typecasts is [insert negative/mean/evil/unattractive/scary type here]. But I'm not like that at all and I don't want to embrace that type!
A: Not all of your typecasts have to or will be exactly like how you are in real life. They might not be "likeable". Some of the nicest people in the world can play terrifying villains. That's okay! We're actors, remember? While you have the right to choose not to embrace a type...there's a big chance you could be leaving a lot of opportunities and money on the table.
Q: I KNOW I'm so good at playing XYZ type in class, but casting just never brings me in for those types of roles! I'm so frustrated!
A: Just because you can act the heck out of a scene in class doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what you will be invited to audition for in the real world (for a number of reasons). Typecasts aren't intended to limit you. They're a tool to provide specificity for casting directors that can open the right doors for you and help you build your career. If you're struggling with this - it might be time for a career consultation.
how to figure out your types
Many on camera acting classes offer opportunities for your teacher or other students to pick scenes for you based on type. Make note of these. Ask questions as to what inspired the choice if needed.
Ask people from different parts of your life (as in everyone from your best friend to someone you just met, etc.) how they see you. How they describe you. What their first impression was. Which actors remind them of you. What jobs they could imagine you having. And why. While they’re unlikely to give you an "industry standard answer" to what your typecasts are, it can help to gather data and information to bring to a career coach.
Watch what’s shooting in your market. Learn the styles. Notice who is cast in every role (not just the leads). What shows/roles do you see your essences fitting in?
Join The Actor’s Toolbox program to really help you nail down all the details of how to represent your types in a good headshot (and your other actor materials too)!
Get a career consultation with an experienced coach. (P.S. Alex does these!)
