Industry Member Volunteer Information
This page is for industry members (casting and talent reps) looking to volunteer for a shift and/or donate a toy. If that’s you - keep reading! If you’re an performer looking to sign up - you’re lost, but don’t panic. Please return to the Toy Drive Main Page and follow a link from there.
SO WHAT IS THIS EVENT?
I’m looking for casting community members and talent reps at all levels of experience to volunteer for the 4th annual Casting by Them x ADC/Ennis Francis Houses Toy Drive to get presents to kids living right here in Harlem just in time for the holidays.
The drive will take place IN PERSON in NYC on Monday 12/13 from 1:30pm-4:30pm Eastern and ON ZOOM on Tuesday 12/14 from 2:30pm-8:30pm Eastern.
Background information on this yearly event can be found on the Toy Drive Main Page.
It’s the same format as all these drives, if you’ve ever participated in one of those with me… anytime since 2013! 🤯
In any case, all that’s needed on the casting/talent rep side is your presence and attention; I take care of everything else.
WHAT’S THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Shifts are:
Monday 12/13 IN PERSON in NYC from 1:30pm-4:30pm Eastern in Midtown
Tuesday 12/14 ON ZOOM from 2:30pm-5pm Eastern
Tuesday 12/14 ON ZOOM from 6pm-8:30pm Eastern
Signup link is at the end of this page.
WHO SHOULD VOLUNTEER?
Casting community members and talent reps at all levels of experience are encouraged to sign up and participate. And because there’s a virtual component again this year, industry members from everywhere are able to participate.
People who are new to casting/talent representation, especially - SIGN UP! This is a great way to meet other people in the industry. Most of the jobs I’ve gotten throughout my career are thanks to relationships I made producing these events over the last 8 years. And also, you’ll just get to meet other people who do what you do - community is everything. Sign up!
Signup link is at the end of this page.
WHAT TO EXPECT
IN PERSON - EVERYONE is being required to show proof of vaccination in advance - actors, monitor(s), accompanist(s), and all industry members. EVERYONE. My top priority is keeping this event as safe as possible. If people aren’t vaccinated for whatever reason, I’m encouraging them to sign up for the virtual event. Happy to give you more info on the size of the room we’ll be in and additional safety protocol, just email me.
ON ZOOM - plan to be on camera for the duration of your shift. A virtual song/monologue drive is already pretty impersonal and cold; I want to make sure we add the humanity of the actors at least being able to make eye contact with you all during these shifts.
Other than that, all you need to do is be present and watch actors perform a short cut of a song or 1-minute monologue or whatever they choose to do for a minute to showcase their talents - they choose how they’re using their time.
You’ll receive headshots and resumes (hard copies for in-person and a digital packet for Zoom) and a list of the actors in your shift. It’s not a class, so there’s no feedback or adjustments (there also isn’t time for that) - actors just come in, you exchange some pleasantries, they do their thing, and then they’re on with the rest of their day. Rinse and repeat for the duration of your shift. That’s all!
FYI - I like to take a photo (or screen shot on Zoom) of all the industry volunteers on each shift just to share on social media and, again, make it all feel a little more human and a little less cold. If you don’t want to be in that photo, you don’t need to be.
HOW DOES THIS EVENT COLLECT GIFTS?
Actors don’t need to donate a gift in order to participate in this FREE event, but if they’re able to, they sign up to donate a gift.
REMINDER - YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP TO DONATE A GIFT (or gifts plural!) Actors don’t have work, but a number of us behind the scenes have been back at it, so if you’re interested in donating a gift (or two… or three), please read more here: Donation Superstars Info.
You can also donate a toy without signing up to volunteer. And if you have friends who aren’t even in #TheBiz who might want to donate a toy (or toys plural) - send them that page, too. Every bit of generosity helps us reach our goal!
PLEASE NOTE: We are looking for donations of NEW gifts in their original packaging - we are not looking for donations of used gifts.
HOW DOES THIS WORK FOR PERFORMERS?
Detailed information about how performers can sign up can be found here: castingbythem.com/toys
Share that link with any performers!
WANT TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER?
Here’s the RSVP link: 2021 Gift Drive - Industry Member Signup
PLEASE NOTE: When picking a shift, as noted, check off ALL the shifts you’re available for. I’ll only schedule you for ONE of those shifts, but it's helpful having everyone's broader availability, so I can make sure each shift is evenly covered. It might take me a few days to reply, depending on the number of responses and what everyone’s availability looks like, so I thank you in advance for your patience and generosity of spirit.
INTERESTED IN (ALSO) DONATING A TOY?
Even if you can’t sign up for a shift, you can still sign up to donate a toy - NOT AT ALL REQUIRED, but a lot of you ask about donating, so wanted to make sure you knew. Info on donating toys is available on the Donation Superstars page.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email me at andrew.casting@gmail.com
Thank you all for your generosity! It takes a village and I appreciate you all showing up for these every time!
Andrew