How can performers turn the audition process into a collaborative partnership? In our first episode of our Casting Director Mini-Series, Jennifer sits down with casting director Sujotta Pace to pull back the curtain on the casting process and reframe how actors see the people on the other side of the table. A former actor herself, Sujotta shares how she collaborates with directors and creative teams to clarify vision, why preparation and bold choices matter more than perfection, and how to “book the room” even if you don’t book the role. She offers tips for self-tapes, reaching out when a project aligns with your strengths, using your emotions to bring truth to your work, and demystifying the many factors that go into casting decisions. Together, they reframe an audition as an invitation, unpack casting directors as the actors’ advocate, and give tips for ways to enter the field of casting. This conversation is a powerful reminder that casting is more about partnership, collaboration, and the shared goal of bringing great stories to life.

About Sujotta: Sujotta Pace, C.S.A. (She/Her) is a freelance Casting Professional specializing in short films, new media content, podcasts, and plays (in New York and regionally). She is a Casting associate on the Roundabout Theatre Company/C12 Casting team (Broadway, Off-Broadway) and serves on the Board of Directors of the Casting Society, as well as a member of Theatre Producers of Color. Select casting director credits include the world premieres of Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Perelman Performing Arts Center) and Bad Kreyol (Signature Theatre Company). As an associate, she has contributed to &Juliet (Broadway), Home (Broadway), Yellow Face (Broadway), Tammy Faye: A New Broadway Musical (Broadway), Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical (Broadway) and the world premiere of Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical (Regional). Sujotta is committed to fostering brave, creative, and collaborative spaces. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, her passion for actors and casting is reflected in her thoughtful, intentional approach and the material she chooses to champion.

Sujotta's IG: ⁠@sujotta

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