12 Questions with Erica Daniels, Casting Director, Steppenwolf Theatre

Rachael: What's your sign?
Erica: Libra!

How did you fall into this wacky business?
I broke my leg after graduating from Northwestern with a Theatre Degree and did an internship at Jane Brody Casting. Eighteen years later, here I am, and my Tom Lascher headshots are still in my National Photo box. 

What is something about your job as the Casting Director of Steppenwolf that would shock actors?
I do NOT rule the world and do NOT have the ability to make or break someone's career. I am just not that powerful. I just pretend to be. The myth of 'the casting couch' is simply a myth, unfortunately. Oh, and I actually really do LIKE my job and LIKE actors.

Does the way you work change from one director or play to the next?
Yes. Working with a director for the first time is always the biggest challenge as you get to know their taste in actors and how they work and how much time they want to spend with each person. One director may love the very same actor that another director does not respond to. The big difference is director to director which always then affects the plays. I love working with a director more than once because the relationship just grows and gets better and better and more and more clear. Steppenwolf is all about 'repeatable relationships' and I think that benefits the play tremendously especially with regards to the casting director/director relationship. 

What can make your day suck?
Just a day when the casting falls apart and really good actors are having an off day and you know your director is worried that you just don't have the role filled yet. Also, a day when you think the cast is set and suddenly an actor has to drop out and you have to tell your director and/or writer. You really do try to cast an ensemble and then things shift.

What is your favorite aspect of working with actors?
The moment I get to call someone and book them on a job is the greatest! I know I am helping someone achieve their dreams and to hear the excitement and thrill in their voice is simply the best. I also just love watching actors grow and get better and going to the next level of their work. I like that I come in to work and every day is a new adventure.

As a casting director what is your biggest pet peeve?
I hate it when actors are unprepared, not on time and have no interest in being there. Have a good attitude. This is a job interview. Don't audition for the play if you have a conflict and cannot do the performance dates. Don't invite me to see a really bad play. I remember the bad a lot longer than I remember the good.

What is one piece of advice you would give an actor right out of college?
Be yourself. Have a few good monologues that allow us to see the real you. Don't get stressed out. It could take a year for you to get your bearings after school. There are a lot of working actors so take classes and keep yourself fit and healthy so when you get a call or audition, you are presenting your best self. Make sure your picture and resume truly represent you. Remember that your quality of life is also very important. Don't feel the need to do something just because a friend of yours is. Chicago is a great place to be in this industry. Ask questions.

What is the tackiest thing you own?
Too much to write

What are you reading right now?
People Magazine is a weekly must have in the industry.

If you weren't a Casting Director, what would you be?
An FBI Agent- oh wait, I tried that and it didn't work out.

What is your favorite junk food?
Pizza