Is it okay for actors to reach out to writers to get a role?
Question from a subscriber
Janie Haddad Tompkins sent in this question:
“… a few times I’ve deeply connected to a role by a writer and have wanted to reach out to share the profound resonance - and, I have done that when I’m feeling emboldened! but don’t know the best practices on this - I come at my work with artistic earnestness and am always seeking amazing material for female characters over 45, so it only happens in a blue moon anyway!”
I certainly don’t speak for all writers on this, but in my opinion, I think it’s okay to reach out to writers — but there are rules.
It should be done thoughtfully, courteously, and with respect to the writer’s privacy. This means no stalking. I wouldn’t reach out to them on multi-platforms because that’s creepy. And if they don’t respond the first time, let it go.
If their profiles are private, that means they want their privacy. Respect that.
Here’s what not to do
One random guy DM’ed me on social media with this:
“Yo Mike. I got a killer script. You’re going to want to make it.”