Bridgerton Auditions: How to Get Cast in Shonda Rhimes' Hit Netflix Series

Aspiring actors dreaming of waltzing into the world of Bridgerton must understand the fiercely competitive casting process for Shonda Rhimes’ hit Netflix series. The show’s commitment to diverse casting and top-tier theatrical talent means the bar is high, but the path is clear: master the self-tape, follow specific submission guidelines, and embrace persistence.

While official open casting calls are currently closed for the immediate future, with Seasons 5 and 6 confirmed—and a goal of eight total seasons—savvy hopefuls must prepare now to secure a coveted role in Regency London.

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The Regency-Era Phenomenon

Bridgerton, created by Chris Van Dusen, is a beloved period drama based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels. The series follows the romances of the eight Bridgerton siblings and the elite of Regency-era London, known as the “ton.”

Executive produced by Shonda Rhimes as part of her landmark deal with Netflix, the show is known for its intricate plots involving grand balls, arranged marriages, and the constant, witty narration of the mysterious gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews).

Casting Director Secrets: Who Holds the Key?

The casting process for a show of this magnitude is led by top-tier professionals.

Kelly Valentine Hendry was the principal Casting Director (CD) for the initial Seasons 1 and 2, and also cast the successful spinoff, Queen Charlotte.
Cole Edwards, who started as an associate, took the lead for Season 3. The CD leadership for the upcoming Seasons 4, 5, and 6 remains a closely guarded secret.

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The show’s casting is notable for its deliberate break from period drama tradition, featuring a widely diverse ensemble across various races and ethnicities. Hendry has stated her approach is to cast the widest possible net, often tapping talent from the U.K.’s rich theater scene.

How to Get Noticed by the Casting Team?

Landing a role on Bridgerton often starts with a professional submission and a flawless self-taped audition.

Direct Contact and Submissions

CD Kelly Valentine Hendry encourages actors to reach out politely, even without an agent, but insists on clear, concise communication.

Subject Lines are Crucial: Use a brief and specific subject line that clearly states your key attributes and the project. For example: “Actor 6’2″ Blonde Hair re: Bridgerton.”
Be Prepared to Self-Tape: If you get in touch correctly, the next step is often a self-tape request.

Self-Tape Perfection: Hendry’s Pro Tips

Directors and producers often watch tapes with sensitive headphones, making technical quality just as important as the performance.

Avoid White Backdrops: Opt for a flattering blue or gray background.
Prioritize Lighting: Ensure you are well-lit to look your best on camera.
Clear Audio is Essential: Good sound quality is non-negotiable. Place your reader slightly away from the camera so their sound doesn’t distract from your performance.
Don’t Overthink It: Aim for a perfect tape, but avoid paralyzing perfectionism.

The Audition Journey: From Tape to Callback

The path to joining the cast is often indirect, emphasizing the importance of versatility and collaboration.

Flexibility is Key: Actors, including Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), initially auditioned for other parts before the production team guided them toward the roles they ultimately played.
The Waiting Game: Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne) submitted tapes for two roles and waited three months before getting a callback for a chemistry read with Regé-Jean Page, which ultimately led to her casting.
Theater Focus: Given the U.K. casting culture, the production team frequently sources talent from the local theater scene, giving an advantage to those with strong stage experience.

A Critical Callback Note: Take Direction

One of the single most common reasons actors are rejected after an initial strong showing is a failure to take direction at the callback. If a CD or director gives a note, you must incorporate that change in your subsequent read. Not doing so shows a lack of coachability, which is a major turn-off.

Upcoming Seasons and Finding the Next Open Call

The future of Bridgerton is secure, meaning more roles will become available.

Season 4 Focus: The upcoming season, based on An Offer From a Gentleman, will focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).
Seasons 5 & 6 Confirmed: Netflix has already renewed the series through Season 6. Season 5 is predicted to follow Eloise Bridgerton’s story and is slated to film in the U.K. in Spring 2026 for a Spring 2027 debut.
Long-Term Goal: Showrunner Shonda Rhimes has stated a goal of eight seasons—one for every Bridgerton sibling.

Currently, there are no open casting calls. However, with filming dates for Season 5 approaching, actors should diligently watch major industry casting pages and official Netflix channels for updates.

Advice from the Stars: Resilience and Mindset

The series stars have offered crucial advice for navigating the tough industry.

Be Persistent and Resilient: Phoebe Dynevor, who started acting young, advises actors to “just keep going.” Success often comes only when you are truly ready.
Learn to Deal with Rejection: Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) stresses that the career involves an “awful lot” of rejection. She advises actors to “regroup” and find joy in their work rather than beating themselves up over missed opportunities.
Don’t Beg for the Job: Dynevor found a turning point in her career when she adopted a more casual, confident attitude, thinking, “I’m just going to do what I think’s right, and they either take it or they don’t.”

Bridgerton Auditions: How to Get Cast in Shonda Rhimes’ Hit Netflix Series