![For aspiring actors trying to get their foot in the door, casting calls can be a daunting experience. Sure, you know the basics (i.e. memorize your lines, know your character), but do you really know what impresses those all-powerful casting directors? Take note from industry veteran Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, known for casting such notable movies as Stomp the Yard, Notorious, and Whitney Houston’s final film, Sparkle. With over 10 years in the business, Byrd has helped launch countless careers, including Laz Alonso [Jumping the Broom, Avatar], Michael Kenneth Williams [Boardwalk Empire], and, if you follow these tips closely, you could be the next star in the making to go from the casting couch to the big screen. —Aliya Ewing](http://cdn3.blackenterprise.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/04/Twinkie-Byrd-620x480.jpg "Twinkie-Byrd-620x480")
- For aspiring actors trying to get their foot in the door, casting calls can be a daunting experience. Sure, you know the basics (i.e. memorize your lines, know your character), but do you really know what impresses those all-powerful casting directors? Take note from industry veteran <strong><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2012/04/12/sparkle-casting-director-tracy-twinkie-byrd/">Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd</a></strong>, known for casting such notable movies as <em>Stomp the Yard</em>, <em>Notorious</em>, and <strong>Whitney Houston</strong>’s final film, <em>Sparkle</em>. With over 10 years in the business, Byrd has helped launch countless careers, including <strong>Laz Alonso</strong> [<em>Jumping the Broom, Avatar</em>], <strong>Michael Kenneth Williams</strong> [<em>Boardwalk Empire</em>], and, if you follow these tips closely, you could be the next star in the making to go from the casting couch to the big screen. <em>—Aliya Ewing</em>
- <strong>Don’t Try to Impress Anyone but Yourself: </strong><br><br> “‘Impressing’ means you’re putting on,” explains Byrd. “Be your authentic self—and if you don’t know your authentic self that’s a problem.” As well known for her infectious energy as she is for her casting expertise, that’s a problem Twinkie never had to worry about. People gravitate towards her for who she is not what she does. “I’ve been told I light up an entire room,” she laughs.
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- <strong>Don’t Be on time, Be Early:</strong><br><br> “To be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable—period,” Byrd states. “If I’m not 30 minutes early, I’m late as far as I’m concerned.” This is a general rule of thumb in many industries, so it’s always best practice to be punctual because time is money.
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- <strong>Study Your Craft or Prepare to Fail: </strong><br><br> “So many people, young actors especially, don’t know whose shoulders they stand on,” says Byrd. “They don’t know Robert Hooks, they don’t know Ben Vereen, Richard Roundtree, Diahann Carroll… They don’t know anything.” Being passionate about a career path means being knowledgeable, so no matter how talented you are you wont get far if you don’t take the time to study your craft.
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- <strong>Say, You’re Welcome: </strong><br><br> While Byrd recognizes showing gratefulness is a good idea, actors should also leave the audition knowing they did a job worthy of compliment. “The true answer to, ‘Thank you’ is, ‘You’re welcome,’” she says in reference to actors who reply, “No, thank <em>you</em>,” when she shows gratitude for a great performance. “It’s my job to audition you—know that you did your best.”
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- <strong>Find Inspiration in Living Your Life:</strong><br><br> “Your life informs your work,” says Byrd. “Living and giving to the fullest will help your craft. You may go hiking, camping, jump out a plane, work in Haiti… and a script may come across your desk and make those connections. I always find scripts that speak to my passions. You’d be surprised at what comes to you.”
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