Dear Casting Directors: Stop Ghosting Us

There are plenty of articles about what you wish we as actors knew—show up on time, dress the part, make bold choices, don’t ask for feedback. But it’s time to flip the script and tell you at least one thing actors wish casting directors knew: not hearing back after a callback is unprofessional, disrespectful, and completely avoidable.

I’m not talking about open calls or initial auditions, where hundreds of actors come and go in a blur. This is about callbacks, when we’ve made it to the final rounds, when we’ve rearranged schedules, put jobs on hold, and held our breath waiting for an answer, the least you can do is tell us if we didn’t book it.

Actors Have Lives

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2023-33 only about 8,600 acting jobs will open up each year. Meanwhile, studies show that 90% of actors are unemployed at any given time, and only 2% actually make a living from acting alone. So yes, when we’re being considered for a job, it matters. Every role, every paycheck, every opportunity affects not just our careers but our livelihoods.

But here’s what happens far too often: We get a callback. We’re put “on hold.” We wait. And wait. And wait. No updates. No decision. No respect for the fact that we might have other jobs on the line.

In 2017, I was once offered a role in a musical workshop—nothing huge, but a solid opportunity with a producer I’d worked with four times before. I said yes. Then, a national commercial put me on hold for the same day the workshop started. I immediately informed the producer, told them I’d keep them updated, and waited for an answer.

By the Friday before I’d still not heard anything, despite my agent reaching out to the commercial production. Saturday? Nothing. Sunday? Still nothing. So I had a choice to make, and given that the commercial was paying so much more, I chose to turn down the workshop.

Monday morning rolled around. The commercial shoot was set to start at 6 AM. Yet at 10 AM—four hours after the shoot had already begun—casting finally released me from my hold. The worst part? That producer has never called me in for another workshop since. Because of a lack of communication, I lost out on a working relationship I had spent years building.

Practice What You Preach

Actors are constantly told to be professional. To be flexible. To respect the process. But where is that same respect in return? And even industry professionals agree this is a problem.

An article in Stagemilk defines a great casting director as someone who “appreciates that we are waiting to hear and lets us know as soon as they can.” Casting Networks reminds directors to “respect actors’ time and commitments.” On The Stage says casting should always be handled with “professionalism, kindness, and respect.” So why is it still an accepted industry norm to ghost actors after final callbacks? Especially in an age of easy and quick methods of messaging.

A Simple Fix

Would we like a detailed breakdown of why we didn’t book a particular role? Sure, that’d be nice from time to time. But honestly, we don’t need an essay. All we need is a yes or no. A quick email. A simple message so we can move on. That’s it.

Because at the end of the day, actors aren’t just headshots or resumes. We’re people—people who clear our schedules, memorize pages of sides, pour ourselves into every role, and, frankly, keep this industry running.

Imagine an audition process where actors aren’t left in limbo. Where every callback is met with clear communication. Where being “on hold” actually means something. Where casting directors recognize that actors have careers to manage, choices to make, and lives to live—just like anyone else.

This industry thrives on relationships, and how you handle communication matters. A little respect goes a long way—and trust me, actors remember and talk about which casting offices treat them like professionals and which ones don’t.

So, casting directors, it’s time. Time to stop ghosting. Time to respect the work we put in. Time to do what should have been happening all along—simply letting us know.

Patrick Oliver Jones
Actor, Producer -UNITED STATES
Patrick Oliver Jones has been in the performing arts on stage and screen for more than 30 years. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama he brought his Southern charm and hospitality to New York City, where credits include off-Broadway world premieres and classic musicals. He was in the original casts of First Wives Club in Chicago and two North American tours The Addams Family and Evita. He’s currently on the road with the Beetlejuice North American Tour as Otho. In regional theater, Patrick has been recognized with acting nominations for such roles as Bruce in Fun Home (Henry Award) and Bela Zangler in Crazy for You (SALT Award). On camera there have been numerous national commercial appearances (including voiceover work) as well as co-starring roles on primetime television dramas like Blue Bloods and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. As a producer, Patrick has three shows on the Broadway Podcast Network: Why I’ll Never Make It now in its eighth season, a theater history podcast Closing Night, and The Spotlight Series focusing on those making a difference in the arts and beyond. In 2022 and 2024 he received Communicator Awards of Distinction and Excellence from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for his work in podcasting. His producing efforts also include stage works at various off-Broadway spaces, theater festivals, and concert venues in New York City.

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Patrick Oliver Jones

Patrick Oliver Jones has been in the performing arts on stage and screen for more than 30 years. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama he brought his Southern charm and hospitality to New York City, where credits include off-Broadway world premieres and classic musicals. He was in the original casts of First Wives Club in Chicago and two North American tours The Addams Family and Evita. He’s currently on the road with the Beetlejuice North American Tour as Otho. In regional theater, Patrick has been recognized with acting nominations for such roles as Bruce in Fun Home (Henry Award) and Bela Zangler in Crazy for You (SALT Award). On camera there have been numerous national commercial appearances (including voiceover work) as well as co-starring roles on primetime television dramas like Blue Bloods and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. As a producer, Patrick has three shows on the Broadway Podcast Network: Why I’ll Never Make It now in its eighth season, a theater history podcast Closing Night, and The Spotlight Series focusing on those making a difference in the arts and beyond. In 2022 and 2024 he received Communicator Awards of Distinction and Excellence from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for his work in podcasting. His producing efforts also include stage works at various off-Broadway spaces, theater festivals, and concert venues in New York City.