Interviews, Monologues, Acting Tips and Advice

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In this interview, casting directors Jessica Kelly (Euphoria, Y2K) and Lisa Parasyn (Schitt’s Creek, Lost Girl) share what it took to cast the new comedy series Overcompensating, from collaborating with Benito Skinner to finding actors who could bring both humor and heart to their roles.

They discuss what makes an actor stand out in auditions, the challenges of casting cameos for a new series, and why empathy and authenticity are key ingredients in a memorable performance. Plus, they offer their best advice for self-tapes, including why your first few moments on camera are crucial, and why it’s essential to know your lines.

If you’re an actor looking to improve your audition game or simply curious about the casting process behind one of this year’s buzziest new shows, this interview is packed with valuable insights.

Timestamps: 
•  (00:02) Intro
•  (00:44 - 01:31) Jessica explains her connection to A24 and Jonah Hill’s company, which led her to the project. She brought Lisa on to cast the Canadian roles.
•  (02:13) Initially, only Benito Skinner was attached to Overcompensating. Mary Beth Barone had to audition despite the role being written for her.
•  (02:52 - 04:07) Benito was very involved, reading with actors in auditions. 
•  (04:43 - 05:28) The casting process included over 100 roles and many cameos. Casting big names and surprise cameos was challenging since the show was unproven at the time.
•  (06:04 - 07:33) Actors who brought truth and natural humor stood out. Holmes was highlighted as a standout for her unexpected and brilliant performances.
•  (08:11 - 09:25) Jessica received 6,000–8,000 submissions for one role.
•  (10:49 - 12:02) Many actors submitted similar reads for each audition. Those who stood out brought heart and individuality, rather than just broad comedy. Authenticity and connection to the character were vital.
•  (12:38 - 13:20) Memorable actors are those who show empathy and depth, not just technical skill or charisma. They can deliver simple, authentic performances that suggest an inner life.
•  (13:59 - 15:13) Self-tape advice for Actors 

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#Overcompensating #CastingDirectors #JessicaKelly #LisaParasyn #BenitoSkinner #ActingTips #SelfTapeTips #CastingAdvice #OvercompensatingInterview #DailyActor #ActorsLife #AuditionTips #TVCasting #BehindTheScenes

In this interview, casting directors Jessica Kelly (Euphoria, Y2K) and Lisa Parasyn (Schitt’s Creek, Lost Girl) share what it took to cast the new comedy series Overcompensating, from collaborating with Benito Skinner to finding actors who could bring both humor and heart to their roles.

They discuss what makes an actor stand out in auditions, the challenges of casting cameos for a new series, and why empathy and authenticity are key ingredients in a memorable performance. Plus, they offer their best advice for self-tapes, including why your first few moments on camera are crucial, and why it’s essential to know your lines.

If you’re an actor looking to improve your audition game or simply curious about the casting process behind one of this year’s buzziest new shows, this interview is packed with valuable insights.

Timestamps:
• (00:02) Intro
• (00:44 - 01:31) Jessica explains her connection to A24 and Jonah Hill’s company, which led her to the project. She brought Lisa on to cast the Canadian roles.
• (02:13) Initially, only Benito Skinner was attached to Overcompensating. Mary Beth Barone had to audition despite the role being written for her.
• (02:52 - 04:07) Benito was very involved, reading with actors in auditions.
• (04:43 - 05:28) The casting process included over 100 roles and many cameos. Casting big names and surprise cameos was challenging since the show was unproven at the time.
• (06:04 - 07:33) Actors who brought truth and natural humor stood out. Holmes was highlighted as a standout for her unexpected and brilliant performances.
• (08:11 - 09:25) Jessica received 6,000–8,000 submissions for one role.
• (10:49 - 12:02) Many actors submitted similar reads for each audition. Those who stood out brought heart and individuality, rather than just broad comedy. Authenticity and connection to the character were vital.
• (12:38 - 13:20) Memorable actors are those who show empathy and depth, not just technical skill or charisma. They can deliver simple, authentic performances that suggest an inner life.
• (13:59 - 15:13) Self-tape advice for Actors

If you liked this video, please be sure to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsjy6It6J9BTVdL0NVNGDsQ?sub_confirmation=1

DAILY ACTOR: https://www.dailyactor.com

FOLLOW DAILY ACTOR:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dailyactor
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailyactor
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#Overcompensating #CastingDirectors #JessicaKelly #LisaParasyn #BenitoSkinner #ActingTips #SelfTapeTips #CastingAdvice #OvercompensatingInterview #DailyActor #ActorsLife #AuditionTips #TVCasting #BehindTheScenes

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YouTube Video VVVzank2SXQ2SjlCVFZkTDBOVk5HRHNRLmpnQ2t5b2g1eEhn

Overcompensating Casting Directors Jessica Kelly & Lisa Parasyn on What Makes an Actor Stand Out

Daily Actor June 11, 2025 1:37 pm

Casting directors Robert Ulrich and Jackie Davies share what really goes into casting a hit like The Boys. From finding grounded performances in a heightened world to discovering breakout stars through self-tapes, they reveal what makes an audition stand out—and how trust, instinct, and great writing help shape the series.

Timestamps: 
•  (00:02–00:53) Casting heightened roles: The casting directors say it's not hard to find grounded actors due to the strong writing. They advise actors not to “push it” and keep performances real.
•  (01:21–01:48) Cast surprises: Susan Hayward’s portrayal of Sage helped define the character more clearly, even for the casting team. Valerie Curry also nailed her role.
•  (02:15–03:21) Nathan Mitchell as new Black Noir: They had early clues he’d return in a new way in Season 4. 
•  (03:48–04:53) Auditions from Antony Starr and Jessie Usher: Both actors thought their initial self-tapes were weak. 
•  (05:14–06:39) Zoom vs in-person auditions: Zoom/self-tapes have made casting more inclusive, allowing them to see hundreds per role. 
•  (08:14–09:24) Antony Starr’s performance: Starr wasn’t initially the physical type they envisioned but won them over with his tape. 
•  (09:49–10:49) Advocating for actors: Ulrich has built trust with showrunner Eric Kripke over 20 years, allowing him to strongly advocate for certain actors when he believes in them.
•  (12:04–13:31) What makes a good self-tape: Doesn’t need to look perfect—just be audible, visible, and show that the actor is prepared. 
•  (13:59–15:58) Staying on their radar: Strong note-taking helps them remember actors. Repeated auditions mean they like the actor. 

If you liked this video, please be sure to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsjy6It6J9BTVdL0NVNGDsQ?sub_confirmation=1

DAILY ACTOR: https://www.dailyactor.com

FOLLOW DAILY ACTOR: 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dailyactor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyactor/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailyactor
Twitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/DailyActor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedailyactor/

Casting directors Robert Ulrich and Jackie Davies share what really goes into casting a hit like The Boys. From finding grounded performances in a heightened world to discovering breakout stars through self-tapes, they reveal what makes an audition stand out—and how trust, instinct, and great writing help shape the series.

Timestamps:
• (00:02–00:53) Casting heightened roles: The casting directors say it's not hard to find grounded actors due to the strong writing. They advise actors not to “push it” and keep performances real.
• (01:21–01:48) Cast surprises: Susan Hayward’s portrayal of Sage helped define the character more clearly, even for the casting team. Valerie Curry also nailed her role.
• (02:15–03:21) Nathan Mitchell as new Black Noir: They had early clues he’d return in a new way in Season 4.
• (03:48–04:53) Auditions from Antony Starr and Jessie Usher: Both actors thought their initial self-tapes were weak.
• (05:14–06:39) Zoom vs in-person auditions: Zoom/self-tapes have made casting more inclusive, allowing them to see hundreds per role.
• (08:14–09:24) Antony Starr’s performance: Starr wasn’t initially the physical type they envisioned but won them over with his tape.
• (09:49–10:49) Advocating for actors: Ulrich has built trust with showrunner Eric Kripke over 20 years, allowing him to strongly advocate for certain actors when he believes in them.
• (12:04–13:31) What makes a good self-tape: Doesn’t need to look perfect—just be audible, visible, and show that the actor is prepared.
• (13:59–15:58) Staying on their radar: Strong note-taking helps them remember actors. Repeated auditions mean they like the actor.

If you liked this video, please be sure to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsjy6It6J9BTVdL0NVNGDsQ?sub_confirmation=1

DAILY ACTOR: https://www.dailyactor.com

FOLLOW DAILY ACTOR:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dailyactor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyactor/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@dailyactor
Twitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/DailyActor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedailyactor/

4 2

YouTube Video VVVzank2SXQ2SjlCVFZkTDBOVk5HRHNRLm9BMUM2S1RrMU53

How Robert Ulrich & Jackie Davies Cast The Boys: Self-Tapes, Surprises & Trust

Daily Actor June 3, 2025 2:46 pm

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