What Casting Directors Really Want to See: A Conversation with Kate Lumpkin

“The most useful thing you can do on social media is show who the heck you really are.” – Kate Lumpkin

As actors, we’ve all wondered: What do casting directors really notice?
Is it your headshot? Your song choice? The perfectly curated Instagram grid?

This week on the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast, we sat down with casting director Kate Lumpkin—recently named one of Broadway Women’s Fund’s 50 Women to Watch on Broadway—to pull back the curtain on the casting process. Kate has cast over 90 theatrical productions across the country and is known for her refreshing transparency about how actors get discovered.

Here are the biggest takeaways from our conversation, plus a Q&A section with Kate’s most empowering advice for actors.

1. Social Media Can Help You Book the Job

“Show who the heck you really are. The thing you love, that makes you the artist you are—share that over and over again.” – Kate Lumpkin

Kate emphasized that casting directors do look at social media—and it can work in your favor.

• Pin a reel or clip of you doing your best work.

• Make your contact information easy to find (setup am “email me” button on your Instagram page).

• Share your authentic artistry, not just what you think will get likes.

Cringe culture, Kate reminded us, is killing authenticity. If you’re worried something feels “too much,” that may be the very thing that makes you stand out.

2. ECCs and EPAs Still Matter

It’s tempting to think open calls are a waste of time. Kate disagrees.

She’s cast Christines and Raouls for Masquerade (the new immersive Phantom production) directly from EPAs.

Even if you’re not cast right away, auditioning is a muscle. Every call is a chance to practice, build relationships, and remind a casting office who you are. And remember—the assistants in the room today will be associates and casting directors tomorrow.

3. Reframe “Failure” as a Pivot

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as failure. There’s learning and moving on.” – Kate Lumpkin

Kate shared her own pivots—from child actor to anthropology student to casting director—and how she wrestled with the stories she told herself about “failure.”

Her reminder for actors:

• People aren’t judging you nearly as harshly as you think.

• Every experience informs the next one.

• A pivot doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re building a career with longevity.

4. Casting Directors Are “Theatrical Anthropologists”

Kate describes casting as building communities and culture before a show even begins.

That means she’s not just looking at vocal range or dance skills—she’s looking for humans who will shape a company.

Practical takeaway: be the person someone would want to ride the tour bus with. Your talent gets you in the room, but your professionalism, kindness, and authenticity make you castable.

5. Focus on Health First

Heading into audition season, Kate’s number-one piece of advice wasn’t about reels or headshots.

“I think actors should be putting all of their energy into their health, wellness, activism, humanity, friendships, and family. None of the other tools matter if you don’t have that.”

Your artistry depends on your humanity. Prioritize wellness, relationships, and connection—the work will follow.

Q&A with Kate Lumpkin

Q: What makes a performer’s online presence useful to a casting director?
A: Contact info that’s easy to find, pinned reels of your best work, and posts that reflect who you really are—not a watered-down version of yourself.

Q: Do EPAs and ECCs actually lead to jobs?
A: Yes! I’ve cast leads straight out of EPAs. At the very least, it’s valuable practice and a way to get on a casting team’s radar.

Q: What do you wish actors knew about the decision-making process?
A: Casting directors don’t make final choices—we open doors. Many factors are outside your control. Do your best work, and know you’re remembered for future projects.

Q: If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about casting?
A: More time and better spaces. The process is expensive, which limits how much time we can spend with actors. In a perfect world, casting would be warmer, less rushed, and more holistic.

Final Takeaway for Actors

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need the fanciest headshots or a flawless Instagram grid. What matters is authenticity, consistency, and humanity.

Show who you are. Keep showing up. And remember—you’re not behind; you’re building a career that unfolds in seasons.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Kate Lumpkin on the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast.
👉 And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!