July 07, 2024

28 - Susan Salgado: “Casting Director: Dance Moms, Super Bowl, Beyonce, Lady Gaga”

55 minutes

Episode Summary:

Susan Salgado, a seasoned casting director and producer, offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating the dance industry from her initial steps in the Philippines to her influential role in Los Angeles. Susan's journey, marked by a transition from dancer to industry insider, highlights her 10-year career in casting for reality TV shows and her efforts to bridge opportunities for local dancers through intensives in Vegas.

Susan also underscores the significance of slating skills for commercial auditions, where personality and on-camera presence can make or break opportunities. The discussion expands into the realm of direct bookings, a growing trend where dancers are hired directly by choreographers or directors, bypassing traditional auditions.

The episode also covers the logistical and strategic aspects of building a dance career in competitive markets like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, providing insights into the visa process for foreign dancers aiming to work in the U.S. Susan shares her personal experiences and lessons from touring with artists and participating in high-profile gigs like Cirque du Soleil.

Show Notes:

(0:03) Dance industry insights with casting director and producer.

(2:17) Dance background, casting career, and intensive for local dancers.

(8:03) Auditioning for dance projects, including preparation and dress code.

(14:32) Importance of preparation and communication in auditions.

(16:32) Auditioning for commercials and TV/film

(22:03) The importance of networking and social media presence for dancers, regardless of agent representation.

(26:27) Casting for VMA performance, social media research, and client expectations.

(28:38) The importance of social media for dancers, including highlighting dance reels and keeping personal and professional accounts separate.

(33:59) Touring and casting with industry professionals.

(39:57) Dance Instagram tips and challenges for dancers in the US market.

(45:38) Immigration paths for foreign dancers to work in the US

(50:20) Training and networking for young dancers.

Biography:

Susan Salgado, a seasoned Casting Director and Producer, boasts an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the entertainment industry. Her impressive network spans across the industry's biggest names, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MTV, BET, VH1, TLC, HGTV, DIY, Nickelodeon, Disney, Quibi, OWN, Animal Planet, Discovery, Bravo, GSN, TVOne, Lifetime, and many others.

From live shows to reality television to commercials, Susan has excelled in every facet of her craft. Her impressive portfolio includes credits such as recruiting musicians and vocalists for Beyonce's iconic Formation Tour and Coachella performances, Lady Gaga's electrifying "Monster Ball" Tour, and the international sensation, Chippendales.

In the realm of television, Susan's accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. She has left her mark on numerous hit shows, including "The Four" on Fox, "Boy Band" on ABC, Beyonce's mesmerizing halftime performance at Super Bowl 50 and the Grammy Awards, the sensational "Hairspray Live!", and "The Next: Fame is At Your Doorstep" on CW.

Susan's groundbreaking work also extends to reality TV, where she played a pivotal role in the success of the hit show "Married At First Sight" in its inaugural season, as well as casting for "Deal Or No Deal Models," "The Apprentice" (season 4), four seasons of "Making The Band," "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition," "Dance Moms," "Born to Dance," and an extensive list of other notable productions.

Susan's talents extend into the world of commercials, where her discerning eye has helped select talent for brands like Diesel, Shoe Carnival, SBC Global, Motorola, Coors Light, Nature's Care, Budweiser, and Reddi Whip, among others.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/tripletcasting/

https://www.facebook.com/susan.salgado.33

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