Casting About 2007

In a captivating fusion of fact and fiction, CASTING ABOUT is a poignant documentary that delves into the intricacies of the casting process. This immersive experience puts the viewer in the shoes of a filmmaker, offering a glimpse into the lives and emotions of 350 actresses vying for three coveted roles in a dramatic film. The narrative weaves together a rich tapestry of footage from audition sessions held across five cities - Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles - with intimate interviews, mesmerizing monologues, and poignant scene work.

The journey begins when filmmaker Barry J. Hershey embarked on a mission to cast actresses for a dramatic film he had co-written and intended to direct. The idea of incorporating casting footage into the fiction film was born from his own experiences in film school over two decades prior. After meticulously reviewing the 70+ hours of audition tapes, Hershey decided to transform this treasure trove of material into a standalone film.

As the viewer sits in the director’s chair, they are privy to the innermost thoughts and emotions of these talented actresses as they bring their characters to life. The film masterfully blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting us to peek behind the curtain of the casting process. It also probes the delicate balance between voyeurism and intimacy, leaving us pondering the nature of performance and authenticity.

The documentary features 184 actresses, many of whom deliver stunning monologues from the works of renowned playwrights such as Eric Bogosian, David Hare, Richard LaGravenese, Susan Miller, Keith Reddin, Nina Shengold, and Alfred Uhry. Through this thoughtful exploration of the casting process, CASTING ABOUT not only sheds light on the demanding craft of acting but also pays tribute to the courage and vulnerability required to bring a character to life.