Young actors who are just starting out will have more opportunities to work as more studios and streaming services embrace the young-adult category. Consider Jenny Han’s 2009 book trilogy, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which is available on Prime Video. The 2022-debuting series revolves around a summertime love triangle involving three teenagers in a seaside New England hamlet.
Her books had already been adapted for the small screen by Netflix, which debuted three movies based on Han’s best-selling romantic comedy trilogy “To All the Boys,” starting in 2018 with “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”
In the same way that those films catapulted Noah Centineo and Lana Condor into stardom, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has elevated rising talents Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno.
There’s still space for additional promising teenage performers to join the series, with two seasons completed and a third in the works. Everything you need to know to get cast on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” will be covered in this guide, which also features tips from the show’s top talent regarding auditions and insights into what the CDs are looking for.
What’s the story behind “The Summer I Turned Pretty”?
The sitcom centers on 15-year-old Isabel “Belly” Conklin (Tung), whose family spends the summer months at the Cousins Beach home of her mother Laurel (Jackie Chung) and friend Susannah (Rachel Blanchard). Belly chooses to pursue her long-standing passion on Susannah’s son Conrad (Briney) this summer, but things become more difficult when Jeremiah (Casalegno), his sibling, also shows an interest.
Who plays in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” cast?
Seasons one and two included:
- As Isabel “Belly” Conklin, Lola Tung
- Conrad Fisher, played by Christopher Briney
- Jeremiah Fisher, played by Gavin Casalegno
- Steven Conklin played by Sean Kaufman
- Laurel Park, played by Jackie Chung
- Susannah Fisher, played by Rachel Blanchard
- Taylor Madison Jewel, played by Rain Spencer
- Nicole, played by Summer Madison
- Cleveland, played by Alfredo Narciso
- Cam, played by David Iacono
- As Shayla, Minnie Mills
- Healy, Kelsey Rose, as Dara
- Gigi, played by Lilah Pate
- María Jocelyn Shelfo
- Skye, played by Elsie Fisher
- Julia played by Kyra Sedgwick
- John Conklin played by Colin Ferguson
- Scott Tom Everett as Adam Fisher
Who are “The Summer I Turned Pretty” casting directors?
The main CDs behind the series are David Rapaport and Lyndsey Baldasare (“You,” “Riverdale,” “The Flash”) of Rapaport/Baldasare Casting.
The two seasoned professionals in the field hope that applicants succeed. “We sincerely hope the actor succeeds. Rapaport told us, “I’ve said this before: selfishly, I want you to do well because it makes me look good.” “Actors should come in, feel at ease, and give it their all. The audition process is strange. It’s like walking into a room full of strangers and having to show yourself absolutely vulnerable and open.
He went on, “I think some actors think we want to make them feel less than or embarrassed, when it’s actually the exact opposite.” “I want them to do well; I want them to feel as comfortable as possible; and I want them to see it as a chance to act and perform and, maybe, receive some guidance and, if possible, workshop it.
I believe that learning at work may be a truly enjoyable experience. Our ultimate goal is for you to succeed.
How does “The Summer I Turned Pretty” casting operate?
Only a few weeks after connecting with a management, Lola Tung secured the role of Belly, although most performers struggle for years before receiving their big break. “I think there’s this role that you could be right for,” my now-manager suggested to me the first time she saw my monologue, the actor told W.
“I was in my first year at Carnegie Mellon, and I did my entire audition over Zoom. I began recording tapes for the part at home with my housemates while I was living in Pittsburgh, Tung told Seventeen. Then I handled Jenny’s and a few producers’ callbacks through Zoom in its entirety.
Working with or getting to read for so many different actors was truly amazing, as did reading for Jenny. They greatly facilitated the audition procedure.
“I got on with Jenny and some of the producers after I got a call saying they wanted to Zoom with me and just kind of get to know me a little bit better,” the woman went on. “After a few minutes, Jenny broke the news that I had the part. It was really thrilling, and I called my mother in tears afterwards. That evening, I also rejoiced with my roommates.
Tung and Briney’s chemistry read over Zoom as well. “I auditioned three actors for the role of Belly, but it was immediately apparent who was the best fit,” he said to Bazaar. “She possessed every characteristic that makes Belly Belly, and she continues to maintain her integrity and sense of groundedness in her work.
She is an inspiration to many.” She approaches her work with the compassion, understanding, and modesty of someone who has done it all their life.
Belly’s brother Steven, played by Sean Kaufman, was enrolled in SUNY Purchase when he was approached by his manager to try out for the show. He said to Teen Vogue, “I just got very lucky.” “I didn’t give it much thought.
I adored the movies and knew Jenny Han from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” However, I thought, I’m a college student. Since I can’t win this, I’ll simply go ahead and do it. I’ll send it out, let it go into thin air, and never hear from it once more.
“After that, I was in college rehearsing for a play, and I just remember getting a call back and they said, ‘Hey, we actually want you to come back for this chemistry read,'” he went on. “The procedure just continued, and as I got more eager and prepared for the inevitable letdown, it never happened! In the end, I made the reservation. It turned out that I had to leave college for it, which was fortunate.
When does “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 3 filming begin?
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes caused a delay in production, even though it was supposed to start last year. “Although we’re excited to return, there’s still a significant obstacle: I haven’t read any screenplays. We’ll see where it goes,” Briney stated to GQ.
“I can’t wait to finish this story,” he continued. “I recall that I read the books as soon as I made the reservation. And I thought, “I sincerely hope we get to see this through to the end because I would be disappointed if these characters weren’t able to sort of experience the whole story arc on screen.” I am appreciative. I can’t wait to start working on it again. There is still more work to be done.
Follow along here for updates.
Where are casting calls for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” available?
There aren’t any open notices for the series at the moment. Check out these streaming gigs that are now seeking talent in the interim. If you want to be ready for when casting for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” resumes, you can also read our guide on how to audition for Prime Video.
Check out these resources if you’re interested in participating in other YA adaptations:
Which are the most effective ways to get a part in “The Summer I Turned Pretty”?
Keep your instrument in good working order. Actress Kyra Sedgwick, who plays Susannah’s half-sister, advises prospective candidates to “come really prepared and be willing to change something.” To truly understand all the subtleties, I believe it’s crucial to read a screenplay twice. Working with someone on your audition is crucial, even if it’s simply to read with them—a buddy or someone else.
Even if you don’t have a job right now, it’s still a good idea to keep relevant, she continued. “Working always imparts knowledge. And as I always say, or rather, as Kevin [Bacon] usually says, you better be studying if you’re not working or getting paid to work.
I’ll paraphrase him: “A painter can paint at home, but we need to be hired.” In between jobs, we need to preserve our instrument in top condition. When I initially started out, that definitely set me apart from a lot of folks my age.”
Enjoy yourself in this space. David Iacono, a newcomer to the profession, takes the ups and downs of the business with a positive outlook on his role as Cousins Beach local Cam. “Acting gives you the opportunity to contribute to the telling of a story that has the potential to touch someone’s heart and make them feel seen,” he said to us.
As most people are aware, life is usually difficult. Particularly with today’s technology, which undoubtedly has a tonne of benefits, it can be quite simple to feel like you’re the only one going through what you’re going through. Being able to connect with someone and share a narrative that inspires them in some manner is incredibly valuable for actors.
Read Aslo: Methods for Casting “Wednesday”
“The one piece of advice that always comes to mind is that, nine times out of 10, you’re not going to get the job; so you might as well have fun when you’re in [the room],” he adds, adding another crucial piece of advice.
Honor the qualities that set you apart. The actress Rain Spencer, who plays queen bee Taylor, claims that she experiences life’s trials of patience and becomes frustrated just like everyone else before realizing her own perspective.
She told Refinery29, “Normally, I call a friend and go for a walk to vent and tell them how I’m feeling.” I occasionally take out my journal and jot down a long list of affirmations. Like I’ll put it in writing: “I have all I require and more.” I just need to tell myself statements like “I lack nothing” to shift my perspective.
It’s important to keep in mind that each actor has a unique quality to offer, she continued. “I believe the greatest guidance I have ever been given is that every individual is deserving of ten stars.” There aren’t really any nines.
Even if everyone has experienced such feelings at times, it is untrue. Furthermore, no one is better or worse than you since there [are] no 11s. The entire tale is made up. Nobody else will ever be able to walk in your shoes; you belong here.
Be the first to comment on "‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Casting Procedure"