How to Be Cast in a Production by Ryan Murphy

Something with Ryan Murphy’s name always seems to be in the works. From the trailblazing anthology series “American Horror Story” to the musical musings of “Glee,” the writer, director, and producer are unconstrained by genre.

Actors from a variety of backgrounds are likely interested in appearing in Murphy’s upcoming productions because of this. However, what is required to join the creator’s endeavors?

Our comprehensive guide examines the the auditions operations of a variety of Murphy projects, delving into the diverse casting procedures and offering audition tips from well-known actors associated with his most well-known movies and television shows.

Which projects are Murphy’s most well-known?

Murphy has a vast library, however his most well-known pieces are as follows:

• “Tuck/Nip” (2003–2010)

• “Glee” (2009–2015)

• (2010) “Eat Pray Love”

• The 2011 film “American Horror Story”

• From 2012 to 2013, “The New Normal”

• (2014) “The Normal Heart”

• From 2015 to 2016, “Scream Queens”

• The 2016 film “American Crime Story”

• “Feud” (2017–2024)

• “Pose” (2018–2021)

• “9-1-1” (2018–)

• From 2019 to 2020, “The Politician”

• “Hollywood” (2020)

• “Ratched” (2020)

• The 2020 film “The Boys in the Band”

• “The Prom” (2020)

• The 2020 film “9-1-1: Lone Star”

• In 2021, “American Horror Stories”

• In 2022, “The Watcher.”

• “Monsters” (2022–)

• 2024’s “Grotesquerie”

• In 2024, “Doctor Odyssey”

• The 2024 film “American Sports Story”

Who are Murphy’s main casting directors?

The casting crew for Murphy’s most recent television shows, “Doctor Odyssey,” “Monsters” (Season 2), and “Grotesquerie,” was led by Tiffany Little Canfield. However, during his career, Murphy has frequently worked with the Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer Casting team.

Murphy collaborated with Robert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, and Carol Kritzer on a number of television programs, such as “9-1-1,” “Monsters” (Season 1), “American Horror Story,” and “Glee.”

Murphy has also collaborated with Alexa L. Fogel on “Feud” and “Pose,” and with Eric Souliere on several television shows, such as “American Horror Story” and “Nip/Tuck.”

“[We’re both there] to collaborate and do the work—and we should both be prepared,” Fogel informed us, reminding us that CDs and performers are at the audition for the same reason. Actually, that’s the finest approach to make an impression on Murphy’s coworkers.

Dawson informed us, “It’s about doing your homework.” “You had better know what you’re talking about if you’re going to use medical jargon, or it will sound jumbled.” or those who don’t research word pronunciations.

“How long would it have taken to realize how to say “Potomac”?” is what you want to ask. Those items simply remind you that you haven’t done the task. People who work hard are liked by everyone. Sometimes people come in and say, “I’ll do that since I only had time to prepare one scene.” It simply sets you up for failure.

In agreement, Souliere advised us to “be ready. I can recall instances where it’s evident that the performer has studied the material, is familiar with the lines, and has dedicated time and energy to giving it their all. I am able to determine who has completed the work and who has not.

It’s very annoying when they haven’t. It will be a wonderful encounter if the person is not anxious, is being themselves, and is ready. You will either be a good fit for that position or we will keep you in mind for a future project.

What steps are involved in the casting process for a Murphy production?

Dawson advises bringing your individuality to the audition while casting one of Murphy’s projects. In fact, I think it’s wonderful that Murphy watches for a brief moment at the start [of your self-tape], no more than 30 seconds.

Describe anything significant about yourself, the character you’re reading for, or the plays he performs. Probably no more than 15–20–30 seconds, just a private moment. However, he added, “I think it’s sometimes important to just see the person for a second.”

“You become interested in the individual or a brief excerpt or narrative,” he added. “Sarah Paulson was friends with Michael Learned, who portrayed Evan [Peters]’ mother in [‘Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’].” She opened the recording with a brief, humorous narrative about Sarah Paulson.

That must have pleased Ryan. Since we are no longer in the room, simply a small portion of your personality—nothing too huge.

Angelica Ross (“Pose,” “American Horror Story: 1984”) did just that. Before every audition, Ross consults acting instructor Brad Calcaterra. She insisted on being there when she was in the room, saying, “He gives me notes and then I forget it all.”

In particular, Ross stated, “I had prepared myself thoroughly for Blanca’s audition for ‘Pose,’ and once I entered the audition room, I had a whole thing prepared.” To get to the audition, I foolishly walked down the streets of New York City wearing these really short ’80s short-shorts and high-heeled heels.

I was in a charley horse by the time I entered the audition room. “Are you OK?” they ask. In need of a moment? And I respond, “No, I’m fine!” I recently acquired a charley horse.

I leaned down and placed my heel on top of the chair so that my legs were visible through the short-shorts. I then used an improv technique that made that moment into my audition. It had a profound effect on the room.

I didn’t realize I was bringing Candy into the room,” she said. “I’ve discovered that I should always enter the room with the character. I’m still here. I am her; it’s not just on paper. You are looking for me.

But for Matt Bomer (“The Normal Heart,” “The Boys in the Band”), the casting process took longer. Bomer informed us that his talk with Murphy on his involvement in “The Normal Heart” ended up being quite lengthy. “I said, ‘If you could stop production, I’ll lose fifty pounds in the middle of this and then come back for that second part.'” This was before ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ or anything like that had been out.

That was something we kind of thought of collectively. Since he had me do a guest appearance on “Glee” and then “The New Normal,” I always felt like I was conducting a series of screen tests for it, even though he has never said as much,” Bomer remarked. “Okay, this is a test of my mettle,” I thought.

Before the movie came to be, he continued, “I just tried to give both of those pieces my best work ethic.” I’m thankful that everything turned out as it did. However, it was most likely a two-year procedure.

In many respects, [Murphy] is the man who helped shape my career, and I am incredibly grateful to him for providing so many people in our community with chances. I adore him and will always be thankful to him because without him, we would be in serious problems.

Where are the auditions and casting calls for Murphy’s projects held?

Murphy is known for keeping his projects under wraps. “We have to be very careful about keeping everything secret,” Souliere said to us. We alter the character’s name each time we post a casting call.

“If it does get out, people have no idea what anything means because there is never any plot, the sides are fake, and the names are changed,” he added.

Additionally, all actors who apply are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which prohibits them from claiming to have auditioned for the show or sharing any details about the character or audition. We take great care to ensure that viewers are taken by surprise.

Therefore, the likelihood of you ever seeing a public casting call for one of Murphy’s productions is extremely low.

Which audition techniques are most effective for getting a part in a Murphy production?

Be yourself to them. Paulson informed us, “I felt I had to remove myself from the work at the beginning of my working life.” The actor has already worked with Murphy on projects including “American Crime Story,” “American Horror Story,” and others.

In fact, I believe that I am the only thing that sets me apart from other actors. You’re applying the filter, “I want to give them what they’re looking for,” when you feel that you must sacrifice your individuality or your perspective in order to achieve what you believe they want or what your agency has stated they’re looking for.

They have no idea what they’re trying to find. They want to be shown what they are looking for because they already know what it is. But the thing that will make it different, special, and one-of-a-kind is if you don’t disclaim yourself and let the note sort of run through you like a sieve or a colander, allowing yourself to pour out of it.

Put your own achievement first. “Remain focused on your own paper. Avoid glancing around to discover what others possess that you lack. I regret spending so much of my twenties feeling envious of other people and their possessions.

According to Andrew Rannells (“The Boys in the Band”), “it was a lot of wasted energy.” “You should not look at other people and envy their careers and occupations because you will receive what you deserve if you do what you do. Invest your time and attention in anything else.

Be yourself, not for the attention. “The most difficult thing is how to continue. How do you proceed? This, I believe, still holds true today. You can’t go wrong as long as you enjoy [performing]. “Don’t pursue acting if your goal is fame, wealth, or power,” Dylan McDermott, popularly known as “Hollywood,” told us.

“I was busting my ass while performing in a play, and that was one of the most important lessons I ever learned.” I’m bleeding out and sweating after spending about three hours onstage. The audience consists of three individuals.

However, that evening taught me a valuable lesson: I asked myself, “Why am I acting?” For whom is it intended? Is it to gain the audience’s approval? No, I love it, so it’s for me. Therefore, it makes no difference if 100 million people, 10 billion people, or just one person are watching. It’s for you. You can never go wrong as a result.

Accept the unknown. According to Jeremy Pope (“Hollywood”), “I think young Jeremy, he was very fearless.” “You didn’t know anyone when you moved to New York?” These are the questions I ask myself now.

The one thing I would tell myself, though, is that it’s acceptable to feel afraid and to be uncertain about the outcome. Follow your intuition and have faith in your gut. You’re confident that you’ll work hard, prove yourself, and arrive when called upon as scheduled. I would simply remind myself to embrace that. You’re going to feel lost and bewildered, and it’s going to be frightening and difficult.

Pope went on to say, “Have faith that things will turn out in an unthinkable way and rely on your friends and the people you’re meeting.” The story was the best I could have written. I feel like I should just lean forward and close my eyes right now because of everything that’s occurring to me. I’m just leaning at this point. All of this is a dream.