2008 Woodie Awards
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The Scene
Casting director shares industry tips
By Kristen Powell on 4/7/08
The Department of Performing Arts and the Student Government Arts Council hosted "A Day in the Studio Theatre," a series of events aimed at students looking to pursue a career in the performing arts, to coincide with National Arts Advocacy Day Friday.
One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion with Tony-nominated Broadway director Scott Ellis and Emmy Award winner Lora Kennedy, who is currently the head of casting at Warner Brothers, Motion Picture Division.
In an interview with The Eagle, Kennedy said she thought majoring in theater helped her in her career.
"I think it helped me, but there are a lot of people who have come from different backgrounds to this," she said. "I don't think it's a prerequisite, but I'm happy that I have it."
Later, she said, "If I went to back to school today, I'd probably get a degree in literature or art history, and then take theater classes ... because now I really wish I would have read more ... But for me, at the time [a theater major] was exactly what I needed, today I'm a different person, it wouldn't be what I'd go study."
Kennedy also said she thought hands-on experience was very important. She said the best way to get an idea of a job was to intern and stressed that having creative inspiration is important for those pursuing a job in the arts.
"Today, so many young people want it all now, but it is a learning process," she said. "To be good at anything you have to set your foundation and really learn. I would go to as much theater and as many movies and watch as much television, and read as many books and go to as many museums, and do whatever you can creative to add to the base of what you are. And then start there."
Having cast her first movie over 20 years ago, Kennedy has a firm grasp of the creative process. She has worked on such diverse films as "The Boondock Saints," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Syriana," perhaps her favorite project to date.
One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion with Tony-nominated Broadway director Scott Ellis and Emmy Award winner Lora Kennedy, who is currently the head of casting at Warner Brothers, Motion Picture Division.
In an interview with The Eagle, Kennedy said she thought majoring in theater helped her in her career.
"I think it helped me, but there are a lot of people who have come from different backgrounds to this," she said. "I don't think it's a prerequisite, but I'm happy that I have it."
Later, she said, "If I went to back to school today, I'd probably get a degree in literature or art history, and then take theater classes ... because now I really wish I would have read more ... But for me, at the time [a theater major] was exactly what I needed, today I'm a different person, it wouldn't be what I'd go study."
Kennedy also said she thought hands-on experience was very important. She said the best way to get an idea of a job was to intern and stressed that having creative inspiration is important for those pursuing a job in the arts.
"Today, so many young people want it all now, but it is a learning process," she said. "To be good at anything you have to set your foundation and really learn. I would go to as much theater and as many movies and watch as much television, and read as many books and go to as many museums, and do whatever you can creative to add to the base of what you are. And then start there."
Having cast her first movie over 20 years ago, Kennedy has a firm grasp of the creative process. She has worked on such diverse films as "The Boondock Saints," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Syriana," perhaps her favorite project to date.
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