By Sara Uhlig
Casting director Sheila Jaffe and actress Patti D’Arbanville spoke to a small group of performing arts students in Crites Hall about their seperate bodies of work.
Jaffe, who has cast some of the biggest box office films, such as “The Fighter” and “Ted,” is a Savannah Film Festival regular, choosing to speak to students nearly every school year. D’Arbanville, known for her work in FX’s “Rescue Me,” and most recently appearing in the film “Morning Glory,” also spoke to students during last year’s festival.
The theme of the talk between the two women was unanimous: never stop.
The two women both spoke highly of walking out of auditions with your head held high, regardless of how it may or may not have gone. Having the perspective of both a casting director as well as someone who has been in the business for over 30 years was a refreshing dynamic. D’Arbanville has appeared in both film as well as television, and Jaffe has cast both.
“We’re on your side. We want you to succeed, we want you to get the part,” said Jaffe.
Friends for many years, the pair were a wonderful addition to the performing arts master classes being held this week. Having the perspective of a casting director is a beneficial tool for actors to know how to both prepare for auditions, as well as succeed in them. But unlike many other industry professionals, who forewarn young actors of the horrors within the business, the two women kept the optimism alive.
“This job is fun! You should have fun,” said Jaffe, closing out the class.
Not far behind was D’Arbanville adding in, “and you get paid!”
