One of the most recognizable and longest-running criminal dramas on television, “Law & Order,” has an iconic opening and an A-list ensemble. Before the program was abruptly cancelled by the network in 2010, the original “Law & Order” had its premiere on NBC in September 1990 and ran for 20 seasons.
The long-running “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” are just a few of the spinoffs that the show gave birth to.
However, the original “Law & Order” underwent a reboot in February 2022, with a shortened 10-episode run, similar to many cherished television programs. Fans of the franchise may be asking how to get a job on the venerable series now that Season 23 concluded in May 2024 and Season 24 is just a few months away, in October.
This comprehensive guide includes all the information you need to know about the casting process, as well as details on future auditions, suggestions from the amazing cast, and even a behind-the-scenes look at how to land a role on “SVU.”
What is the plot of “Law & Order”?
“Law & Order” centers on “the police, who investigate crime, and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders,” as anyone who has read the disclaimer at the beginning of each episode will tell you. Frequently drawing directly from the news, the show examines the crimes that the NYPD deals with on a daily basis as well as the legal system that renders the decision.
Dick Wolf’s “Law & Order” has investigated hundreds of crimes over the years, ranging from drug cartels to drunk drivers. “Law & Order,” a beloved example of the crime procedural genre, examines the personal lives of its major characters and how their relationships are affected by their jobs in addition to following one case through to its conclusion each week.
Who makes up the “Law & Order” cast?
With 23 seasons under its belt and a 24th in progress, “Law & Order” has seen a number of well-known actors come and go. Throughout the more than 500 episodes of the show, there has always been a wealth of talent, from Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston to Angie Harmon and Benjamin Bratt.
The original cast of Season 1 is as follows:
- Guy Dzundza in the role of Sergeant Max Greevey
- Chris Noth in the role of detective Logan Mike
- As Captain Donald Cragen, Dann Florek
- Ben Stone, District Attorney Executive Assistant Michael Moriarty
- Paul Robinette, Assistant District Attorney, played by Richard Brooks
- Adam Schiff, district attorney, played by Steven Hill
The cast of “Law & Order” Season 24 is as follows:
- Reid Scott in the role of Vincent Riley, the detective
- Jalen Shaw, Detective Mehcad Brooks
- Nicholas Baxter, District Attorney Tony Goldwyn
- Hugh Dancy in the role as Nolan Price’s executive assistant district attorney
- Samantha Maroun, assistant district attorney, played by Odelya Halevi
- Maura Tierney portraying Jessica Brady, Lieutenant
At the conclusion of Season 23, Camryn Manheim, who portrayed Lieutenant Kate Dixon, abruptly left the show. The following season clarified that the character had gone to Miami with her deaf son Patrick, who had secured employment in the Sunshine State. In Season 24, Tierney will take Manheim’s spot in the cast.
Who are the “Law & Order” casting directors?
For this newest season of “Law & Order,” Jonathan Strauss and Philip Huffman of Jonathan Strauss Casting have been the principal casting directors. Having cast the television shows “Chicago P.D.” on NBC and “FBI” on CBS, the duo is aware of what it takes to keep a popular brand going.
According to Huffman, casting for procedurals may call for filling 20 to 30 roles that are not part of the main cast for a certain episode. A lot of actors will only have one episode. However, some may return for a longer arc or make sporadic appearances during the length of the show therefore, be ready for numerous rounds of auditions.
Those who are not familiar with Strauss’s crew may be pre-screened, and those who are called back for a producer session will read in front of a writer, an executive producer, and a CD. The creative team will put out bids as soon as the shooting schedule is finalized because decisions are made quickly.
According to Huffman, actors should be adaptable in the audition room if they want to leave a lasting impression. If you can make simple speech or jargon sound natural, you will also stand out, so even if this role doesn’t work out, you might get asked back for another.
How is the “Law & Order” casting procedure conducted?
Dick Wolf, the creator of “Law & Order,” has always assisted the casting team in selecting the best candidate for a particular position. “Principal casting is really significant to me. A show can succeed or fail based on its casting, according to Wolf. “I want actors to be prepared, to understand the character they are playing, and to demonstrate some depth in their reading.”
Wolf added that he makes an effort to be open-minded when casting because a lot of considerations go into such a significant choice. “Do you think this person could be the character? Sometimes it’s just their physical appearance,” he remarked.
We occasionally give someone another chance after giving them more than one glance or if we sense that the performer may have been apprehensive or not quite focused. We are as transparent as we can be, to put it briefly.
Occasionally, the applicant who shines in the audition is the one you least expect [to]. Also, he mentioned that because of his ability to “cast under pressure,” his experience in advertising had given him a “terrific foundation.”
Wolf continued, “You have to offer an actor who can perform exactly the way the customer wants when you have a client watching over your shoulder. You also desire that ideal fit while casting a television show.
Being chosen to oversee the “Law & Order” revival was a literal dream come true for Scott (Det. Vincent Riley). It was the one show that got away, ever since I was a young actor making my way in New York. He told NBC Insider, “I never got a chance to do it, and all of my fellow actors and actresses were all doing their guest-star turns and really cutting their teeth on this incredible show.”
“And after that… I had come into an article regarding the return of the show. And for some reason, I suddenly realized, “Oh, they’re going to target me again.” And on my birthday, three days later, my agent gives me a call and says, “So, something came up out of the blue.”
Say what, Law and Order? “How did you know that?” she asked. Let’s zoom in a little bit; I had no idea how I found out. I’m so happy that it seemed like the correct decision at the right moment.
Where are casting calls and auditions for “Law & Order” held?
There aren’t any casting calls for “Law & Order” available right now. However, local performers should keep a watch out for notices, especially regarding background work, as the series is set and filmed in New York City.
The franchise is a great location for budding actors to gain their start, no matter how minor the role. After all, a gazillion celebrities have starred in both the original series of the franchise and its offshoot, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
What are the top audition strategies to get a part on “Law & Order”?
Give up control of what you cannot control. Actors can only control themselves during an audition, according to Anthony Anderson, who portrayed Detective Kevin Bernard. The actor suggests putting everything else aside and concentrating on your strengths.
“I always believe that even if I don’t get the job, they will keep my name in mind for the next opportunity that crosses their desk, so I give it my all every time I walk into a casting room,” he said. “The only constant in the equation that you have control over is yourself.” According to Anderson, he says this to himself all the time: “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
Pretend as though you already have the role. Benjamin Bratt, who portrayed Detective Rey Curtis from 1995 to 1999, advises bringing the attitude that you’ve already been cast for the part to the audition.
“I used to think that everyone in the room, including the director and producers, wanted me to be the guy because that would mean their jobs were done. And I would enter the room with a confidence that told them, rather than arrogance, that I am the ideal actor for the part. Additionally, it would occasionally work and occasionally not,” he informed us.
Having experienced the other side of the procedure, I advise being ready. I would commit my lines to memory and show that it’s not the last performance by holding the pages in my hands. But they want your eyeballs if the audition is being videotaped.
Finally, I always remember to avoid being a chatty Charlie. Nobody in the room is interested in learning about or comprehending your approach, I assure you. They’re just indifferent. Engage them in return, but keep your focus on the task at hand. The biggest impression is typically made when you come in and get things done.
Remain open-minded. Harmon had to learn the hard way to never say no while playing ADA Abbie Carmichael from 1998 to 2001. Harmon revealed in an interview with Michael Rosenbaum that her fear prevented her from attending an audition.
She was told she should pursue a career in singing by an acquaintance—who also happened to be Eric Clapton’s drummer—during a night out with pals. He scheduled an audition with Clapton, but due to fear, Harmon had to cancel at the last minute.
When she ran into the drummer again a month later, she gave it another go, but by then the opportunity was gone and she was lost. “You know the emotion you’re feeling right now?’ he asked, glancing at me. And I replied, “Yes.” “Don’t ever feel it again,” he says. I never have, too,” she remarked.
Be ready to go, but keep an open mind. One of the key CDs for the franchise, Strauss advises performers to be prepared for their auditions while still appearing adaptable. “Have the guts to perform deliberately but subtly, draw from the context of their scenes, and make bold and specific choices with their auditions.”
As many times as not, treat your first take as if it were your last, Strauss advised the Auditions. Actors frequently lose roles due to a variety of circumstances outside their control rather than anything they do or their acting prowess. Actors have to understand that their presence at the audition indicates that I believe they have a good chance of getting the part. They ought to put me right and do us both a favor.
Stay in the moment. Sanford Meisner’s coaching continues to be essential to “S.V.U.” actor Mariska Hargitay, who has played the enduring Detective Olivia Benson for 25 years in all iterations of the show. Meisner’s method allows an actor who is completely memorized to be fully present and create magic on screen or in person. Hargitay bases her finest advice around this method.
Hargitay told us, “Probably the most advice I give young people is to study Meisner.” That kind of basis it is. Without being present and truly understanding how to listen and respond, we are unable to act as a conduit for the scene.
According to Hargitay, she asks herself, “Was I present? ” after every scene. Was I paying attention? Were the things I was thinking correct? Was I living my truth? That’s the distinction between understanding your instrument and honing it.
How to be cast in Law & Order: SVU
Are you curious about the casting process for “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”? It’s safe to say that the spinoff, now in its 26th season, has found its own beat. Huffman has some advice for getting a part on “SVU,” as he is also the CD for the show. The following is something to bear in mind:
Stay adaptable. Arrive prepared, but be willing to follow the creative team’s lead. Accept all they advise, and allow them to lead you in unexpected directions.
Be straightforward. Actors that don’t appear to be acting are Huffman’s preference. Thus, if you’re reading for a smaller role, don’t go overboard. He does, however, suggest that you “take your time and dig in” if you’re trying out for a role as a victim of sexual assault, for instance.
Live in the now. Performers frequently inquire about any information they should be aware of regarding the part before starting, but Huffman would rather see what the actor contributes to the picture first. It’s possible that someone will add something unexpected. When it occurs naturally, that’s fantastic,” he remarked.
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