Life Lessons for Actors from Casting Director Kim Marie Swanson
Casting Director Kim Swanson
Many actors have inspiring accounts of what led them to Los Angeles to pursue the craft, and every story is special in its own way. But they can also learn from others’ journeys, especially those of casting directors, who have unique perspectives on the perseverance it takes to make it as an actor. Like many other casting directors, Kim Marie Swanson started out as a performer, specifically as an actor, singer, and dancer before working in the corporate world of St. Louis. But Swanson always had a knack for casting and helped a local producer cast three projects that all won Emmy awards in St. Louis before even calling herself a casting director.
Bigger projects followed like “The Treatment” and multiple campaigns for Anheuser-Busch. She eventually made the move to full-time casting in LA and now has a long line of credits under her name, which include “Showdown at Area 51” and “My Haunted House.” Swanson took time from her busy schedule to share with Casting Networks some key life lessons from her journey that are sure to help others in the business — especially actors.
Lesson 1: Take the Leap
Swanson says that when it comes to taking a big step in your career—such as making the initial move to LA—sometimes you just have to take the leap. “It’s part of the journey, no matter what the outcome … but you have to step out in faith at some point,” she advises. Her own leap of faith, leaving St. Louis, came after carefully exploring the LA market. She reached out to LA casting directors, asking to shadow them and offering to help out in their offices for free. Among those who took Swanson under their wing was Ronnie Yeskel, who even let Swanson sit in on her producer session with Larry David for “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” David praised Swanson’s contributions during the meeting and asked when she’d be making the move to LA so that he could hire her. Those words of encouragement stuck with her. “That’s what gave me the gumption to continue moving forward,” she recalls.
Lesson 2: Show Human Kindness
Swanson acknowledges Yeskel’s incredible kindness in giving her that opportunity, and points out that she was one of many people who helped Swanson along the way. Casting director Deborah Barylski let Swanson stay in her spare room for a summer and helped her secure one of her first LA jobs. Swanson hasn’t forgotten that generosity, and she’s mindful about being just as generous to others, especially in the audition room. “Sometimes the universe has [actors] walk through the door because they just need to be reminded not to give up on their dreams,” she says. “I’ve had actors stand in my room and cry because they were on their last leg. It puts you in a unique position to remind other people of human kindness because they have you all to themselves for a moment, and God puts you there for a reason. There are no accidents.”
Lesson 3: Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Swanson doesn’t take for granted the gifts she’s received along her journey and emphasizes the value of giving thanks, especially for actors. “When you come in the [audition] room,” she says as a reminder to actors, “you’re getting an opportunity to act and to practice auditioning that you’re not paying for. So, we’ve already gifted you something right out of the gate.” Keeping this perspective, she says, can help take the pressure off actors and ease their audition nerves.
Lesson 4: Make Friends Instead of Contacts
Swanson was the first regional member on the national board of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and recalls how she became friends with a fellow board member. “He just seemed like a really nice guy,” she says, “like I really wanted to get to know him. We’ve become dear friends since, and that’s Russell Boast, who’s now the president of CSA.” Swanson emphasizes that connecting with people shouldn’t feel like a business transaction. “I think that that’s a mistake that a lot of people make,” she remarks. “When they go out networking, they go out to see who they can find that can do something for them.” She suggests, instead, seeking out new friends and finding ways to help them.
Many may find Swanson’s life advice helpful. Setting aside fear to take a needed step forward is usually a life-affirming move. Showing human kindness is never a bad thing nor is maintaining a grateful attitude. And selflessly connecting to others can oftentimes lead to fruitful working relationships. If actors, in particular, take note of the Swanson’s insights, it can especially benefit their careers. Following her advice, actors may even find themselves in their own producer session with Larry David one day, on the other side of the camera.
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