How to Be Cast in “Suits: L.A.”

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When Suits originally aired on the USA Network from 2011 to 2019, it garnered modest acclaim, and its stars—Patrick J. Adams, Gabriel Macht, and Meghan Markle—were largely unfamiliar to mainstream audiences. That is, until Markle’s transformation into the Duchess of Sussex made headlines worldwide. Yet, it wasn’t a royal wedding that cemented the show’s legacy it was its resurgence on Netflix.

Nearly five years after the finale, the legal drama found new life on the streaming platform, becoming one of 2023’s most-watched series. Its renewed popularity inspired creators to expand the franchise with an exciting new spinoff.

“Suits: L.A.” is set to premiere on NBC this February 23, promising a fresh take on the beloved legal drama that captivated audiences for years. With its strong potential to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor as a multi-season hit, the show opens doors for aspiring actors eager to make their mark. If you’re aiming to seize an audition opportunity, here’s your essential guide to navigating the casting process for “Suits: L.A.”

What is the purpose of “Suits: L.A.

Created by “Suits” mastermind Aaron Korsh, Suits: L.A. introduces Ted Black (Stephen Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York City who seeks redemption and reinvention in Los Angeles. Now representing elite clients at Black Lane Law, Ted faces the high-stakes collision of criminal and entertainment law.

As the firm’s lawyers blur the line between their personal lives and professional duties, loyalties are tested, secrets unravel, and the true reason behind Ted’s move to the West Coast slowly comes to light.

Who makes up “Suits: L.A.”cast?

“Suits: L.A.” Season One stars:

  • Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell
  • Rick Dodsen, played by Bryan Greenberg
  • McDermitt, Josh, as Stuart Lane
  • In the role of Erica Rollins, Lex Scott Davis
  • Kevin, played by Troy Winbush
  • Roslyn (Azita Ghanizada)
  • Samantha (Rachelle Goulding)
  • Garrett, played by Nathan Witte
  • Egan, Carson A., as Eddie Black
  • Amanda Stevens, played by Maggie Grace
  • As Dylan Pryor, Victoria Justice plays
  • The role of Elizabeth Smith by Sofia Pernas
  • Ted’s father, Matt Letscher
  • Lester Thompson, played by Kevin Weisman
  • Leah, played by Alice Lee

Gabriel Macht, celebrated for his portrayal of Harvey Specter in the original Suits series, is confirmed to return for multiple episodes in the upcoming spinoff. While fans eagerly anticipate his comeback, NBC has yet to announce whether other beloved cast members—such as Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross), Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane), Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen), Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt), or Gina Torres (Jessica Pearson)—will also make guest appearances, leaving the door open for exciting surprises.

Who is “Suits: L.A.”‘s casting director?

Jeffrey Todd (“The Santa Clauses”), Stephanie Huante (“Doctor Odyssey”), and Drew Kretchmer (“Pinky”) are presently associated with Season 1 of Suits: L.A.. Meanwhile, Bonnie Zane and Gayle Pillsbury (“Pretty Little Liars”) previously held the role of casting directors for the original Suits series.

Zane, who played a pivotal role in shaping the cast that cultivated a devoted fanbase, shared her desire to challenge some of the industry’s deeply rooted beliefs about the casting process. “I want to see a shift in how people view what makes a show successful,” she explained. “A celebrity name doesn’t guarantee a hit.

Read Also: How to Cast on “Silo” on Apple TV+

The evidence is clear. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than discovering fresh talent, giving new faces the opportunity to lead a show, and watching them soar to stardom.” She emphasized the often-overlooked role of casting directors, saying, “We work behind the scenes and don’t expect recognition—though it’s always nice.” With a smile, she added, “I take pride in my own achievements, but the true joy comes from seeing others rise.”

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How does “Suits: L.A.”‘s casting process operate?

Korsh shared with Entertainment Weekly that he considers his scripts for Suits: L.A. to be among his best work, and while the team is confident they’ve assembled a talented cast, the true test lies in how well the new actors gel together on-screen. Reflecting on the rare chemistry of the original Suits ensemble, he acknowledged that replicating such a dynamic is uncertain.

“I have to hope they’ll find their rhythm and chemistry, which I believe they have, but the audience will be the ultimate judge. You can’t predict it. Suits was a rare phenomenon, and I feel this cast has the potential to create that same magic,” he explained. “With time, maybe we’ll capture that lightning in a bottle once again.”

Macht and Adams have consistently affirmed that their chemistry was immediate, a bond they continued to share with the actors portraying their love interests and colleagues. Bonnie Hammer, Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal, explained the casting challenge for Rachel Zane, emphasizing the need for someone who was “engaging, relatable, youthful, and beautiful in a non-traditional sense, yet carried an authenticity.” Korsh elaborated on the complexities of casting Rachel, noting that the role demanded a balance of “toughness and attitude while still being approachable and likable.”

That’s when Markle truly stood out. “After her screen test, we all exchanged looks like, ‘This is the one!’” Korsh shared. “She has this rare balance—sharp and intelligent, yet retaining a certain sweetness.” According to Vanity Fair, Markle recalled arriving at her audition in black jeans, a plum spaghetti-strap top, and heels. However, on a whim, she stopped by H&M to grab a simple black dress, fearing her outfit was too casual for a lawyer’s role. As expected, they asked her to change, and despite never trying it on, the dress fit perfectly—just like she did for the role.

When it came to casting Donna Paulsen, Macht suggested Rafferty for the part, a recommendation that Jeff Wachtel, former president of USA Network, vividly remembers. “Gabriel called me and said, ‘There’s this incredible actress I know. She’s not a regular, but she’s going to play my assistant. I’d love for you to read her.’” Rafferty, fresh off the disappointment of a pilot not getting picked up, was eager to seize this new opportunity.

Rafferty explained, “I wanted to make Donna an essential part of the story,” despite the fact she was living in Los Angeles at the time. “I told them to say I was based in New York and a local hire. So, I took matters into my own hands, flew myself out, arranged my own stay, and played Donna.”

Abigail Spencer, who portrayed Dana Scott, shared her experience with her recurring role: “Originally, I was only supposed to appear in one episode. But then Korsh reached out to me, saying, ‘I wrote this part specifically for you.’ It was for a show called Suits that hadn’t aired yet. I received a DVD from casting director Bonnie Zane, who told me, ‘Just watch it.

I know it hasn’t premiered, but I believe it’s something really special.’ She was right. I watched it, and having just finished a stint on Mad Men, I immediately thought, ‘This is like Mad Men but for lawyers.’ I was hoping to be part of it, even if just for one episode.”

With the original cast’s unique chemistry in mind, the stars of Suits: L.A. were intentional about limiting their exposure to the original series before their auditions. Davis shared with Entertainment Weekly that she drew inspiration from the original female characters, but aimed to avoid becoming a “caricature” of what had already been done.

Greenberg, on the other hand, mentioned that he watched only the Suits pilot before deliberately refraining from watching more episodes. “I don’t want to replicate their work—I want this to be our own show,” he said. As Korsh pointed out, only time will reveal whether they’ve succeeded in capturing lightning in a bottle once again.

Where can I locate auditions and casting calls for “Suits: L.A.”?

Although “Suits: L.A.” was given a series order following the official announcement of its first season, it has yet to be renewed for a second season. Consequently, no casting calls are currently open for the show.

Given the success of the original legal drama, however, it is highly probable that the spinoff will be renewed for additional seasons or even receive a prequel spin-off. To stay updated on the latest casting opportunities, we recommend keeping an eye on the latest listings. Additionally, if you don’t already have representation, securing an agent is a smart move.

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Which audition strategies are most effective for getting a part on “Suits: L.A.”?

Focus only on what you can control. “The key is to stay determined and eventually reach a place where your focus narrows to what’s within your control. I’ve walked into auditions, made it to the final three, and as I observed the other two actors, it became clear that we had surpassed the point of interpreting the character.

Now, the decision is based on their vision of how the character should appear and fit into the ensemble. I look at the others, and they stand out in ways that are distinctly different from me. So, I remind myself to stay focused on what I can control, and let the rest fade into the background,” Amell shared with the auditions.

You are enough as you are. “I once had the privilege of auditioning for a renowned casting director named April Webster, responsible for casting iconic shows and films like Lost and Mission Impossible. Having never met her before, I was surprised when, mid-scene, she paused and told me with a simple yet powerful statement, ‘You need to know that you’re enough.’ I was stunned. No one had ever voiced it to me before, and in that small Burbank room, this woman, whom I’d never met, truly saw me,” Markle reflected in Darling.

“She could see the self-doubt seeping through my layers of self-tanner and too much blush,” she explained. “You need to understand that you are more than enough,” she told me. “Less makeup, more of the real you.” She compared me to a ‘shrinking violet,’ subdued and lifeless, my true joy and vibrancy hidden behind a curtain of insecurity. It was like receiving the most powerful therapy session, one I couldn’t have paid for. That moment hit me hard—it was a true wake-up call.”

Make yourself available. “To bring your dreams to life, you have to make space for them to happen,” Greenberg shared on the “Acting Real With Kat Foster” podcast. “If you want to write a song, you’ve got to sit at the piano, pick up the guitar, or grab a journal and start creating. You have to show up—maybe something will come of it, maybe it won’t. But if you don’t show up, nothing will happen.”

Avoid falling into the trap of comparison. “It’s essential not to measure your journey against others because each of us is on a unique path, and every path is distinct,” Justice shared with students at Oklahoma State University. “Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and success means different things to different people. Don’t compare your progress with someone else’s because your journey is beautiful, unfolding perfectly for you.”

Stay receptive, but maintain boundaries. “Listen to the casting directors,” Zane advised. “We know what we’re doing. Sure, some casting directors may not be the most pleasant, but kindness goes a long way. I strive to make actors feel welcome and offer constructive feedback. But it’s important to listen. I can’t understand why an actor would ignore a specific direction.”

She also cautioned against oversharing too early in the audition process: “Keep the focus on your work. Save personal stories for callbacks—especially with pilots, when we’re starting to build a team. But don’t turn your audition into a therapy session. Remember, everything in the room counts, not just your performance.”

About the Author

mudasar Rafique
Mudassar Rafique, a seasoned journalist with 10 years of experience, excels in uncovering and delivering news with a keen eye for detail. Renowned for insightful analyses and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he contributes to reputable publications. Passionate about staying informed, Mudassar views his role as a professional and personal mission to engage global audiences.

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