How to Get Cast in a Tyler Perry TV Show or Movie

How to Get Cast in a Tyler Perry TV Show or Movie

Learn how to get cast in a Tyler Perry’s Tyler Perry Studios production

Tyler Perry, the creator, and CEO of Tyler Perry Studios has dominated the film business for more than 15 years. As an actor, writer, director, and producer, he manages the biggest movie production company in Georgia and works on several films and series at once. Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) has been a significant economic force in the state, creating jobs and spending millions on the production. Perry is often praised for his work ethic and unique ability to tell stories that resonate with a large audience. Naturally, Mr. Murdoch has spent a lot of time mining for talent to participate in his numerous projects on his wide spectrum.

What distinguishes Perry’s films from the competition is that many of the actors who are cast in these parts are usually unknown or have struggled to obtain significant work: “There’ve been many times that people will come in and audition and they weren’t the best talents but they had a hunger and a zeal,” Perry says. “That hunger is enough to catapult them to greatness in what they’re doing. And I’m always looking for the underdog.”

If you’re interested in working for Tyler Perry, this in-depth guide explains how the TPS casting process works, how to audition, and advice from the man himself, as well as his casting director and actors.

What is the Tyler Perry Studios’ casting procedure?

Casting Perry is known for his insistence on finding individuals who have something to prove, have struggled to find work, or haven’t yet been given a chance. Tyler Perry Studios has long been extremely encouraging, straightforward, and approachable when it comes to people seeking a chance. The studio’s official Facebook page recently shared a helpful handbook for those wanting to audition for any Tyler Perry production.

To be considered for a role in a Tyler Perry film, there are a few simple things you can do:

-Register with Central Casting Georgia. This is the only official agency that Perry uses for casting. Be sure to create an online profile and select “Film & Television Projects” from the list of options.

– Attend one of the many open calls that are announced on the Central Casting website and in local publications such as GA casting calls. These open calls are for a wide variety of projects, including background roles, principal roles, and extras.

-If you’re selected to audition for a role, prepare well and give it your best shot! Many successful actors have landed their first big break by auditioning for a Tyler Perry production.

Tyler Perry Studios gets the word out about casting calls for leads, minor parts, background actors/extras, dancers, musicians, and stand-ins/photo doubles using a few casting agencies, mostly Southern Casting Associates, which you can find on Project Casting. Despite being very hands-on and having the final word, Perry has enough assistance managing talent searches. Since its founding in 2006, Tyler Perry Studios has helped many aspiring actors and actresses get their start in the entertainment industry. Among its successful alumni are Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Lance Gross, and Keshia Knight Pulliam.

To cast her films, Tyler researched the market and found that many producers were looking for a specific type of person. She started by reading each script thoroughly to figure out who she needed for it to work, then pored through notebooks full of headshots and resumes. She also sought actors from the local community, professional, and even church groups. Tyler also realized that some of the people she needed were not actors at all, but everyday citizens with interesting stories. When it comes to pulling off a production, Tyler is known for being very hands-on. She is involved in every aspect of her movies, from the writing and casting to the directing and editing. This level of involvement allows her to create the specific vision she has for each project.

Sometimes she’d have to wade through more than 1,000 applications for a production that just required 20 actors, eventually narrowing down the list to about 200 for an in-person audition.

In 2016, the Tyler Perry Studio team held open auditions (also known as “new talent”) for Atlanta-based actors (also known as “fresh faces”) to appear in current and upcoming productions. Actors who had never auditioned for the company before were now able to submit general submissions. 

Finally, in 2020, the studio released a casting call for residents of Atlanta to participate as paid extras, background actors, and stand-ins on the set of Perry’s White House drama “The Oval.” 

Check out Project Casting for more Perry auditions.

Who are the most famous Tyler Perry Studios casting director?

Tyler Perry Studios has had a few CDs connected to it, including Alpha Tyler and Reuben Cannon (who also produced many of Tyler’s films), but Rhavynn Drummer is the main name linked to his works. Since 2011, her eye for talent has been responsible for some of the most successful TV shows and blockbusters (“For  Better or Worse,” “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “If Loving You is Wrong,” “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” “Nobody’s Fool,” and “A Fall from Grace”). She also held an open call in 2016 for new actors to work on Tyler’s projects. Before becoming a Casting Director, Drummer began as an intern at the firm and advanced to the positions of assistant, associate casting director, and then CD. With a background in theater acting herself, she has a distinct—and extremely actor-friendly—approach to her job.

She is credited with discovering and/or developing the careers of stars like Tiffany Haddish, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Lance Gross, and Taraji P. Henson. Tyler has said that he often relies on her casting instincts to help him make decisions about his productions. So, if you’re looking to work with Tyler Perry Studios, make sure to submit to Rhavynn Drummer first and foremost.

She tells it like it is, sharing that TPS and the casting crew are “the human resources for talent,” noting they’re “always looking for new actors and musicians since I never know what part will appear in a script, so we want to be prepared.”

The hardest part of casting a voice actor is not the creative work, but rather fielding their auditions. Drummer also casts 10-20 speaking roles per series and three to five voice actors per film for TPS. She explains, When I cast a voice actor, I’m attempting to hear how they connect with the script and scene vocally.

What is the most famous Tyler Perry Studios production?

The most famous Tyler Perry Studios production is probably the “Madea” franchise, which includes the movies “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” “Madea’s Family Reunion,” “Boo! A Madea Halloween,” and “A Madea Christmas.” The franchise has been extremely successful, with each movie-making more than its predecessor at the box office. In total, the Madea movies have grossed over $500 million worldwide. Perry has also produced several other successful films, like “The Family That Preys” and “Why Did I Get Married?”

What is the Tyler Perry Studios open call policy?

The Tyler Perry Studios’ open call policy is that they hold open calls for new talent periodically. When they do, actors who are interested in working with the studio can submit their headshots and resumes to an email address that is provided. The studio team will then review the submissions and invite actors to come in for an audition if they are interested.

What Tyler Perry projects are currently casting?

Tyler Perry Projects now casting include

Tyler Perry’s Sistas

Tyler Perry’s The Oval

And so much more!

Where can you find Tyler Perry Studios casting calls and auditions?

The best place to find Tyler Perry Studios casting calls and auditions is through Project Casting. Project Casting posts current casting calls on their website, as well as information on how to submit for each one. 

What are the best tips for auditioning for a Tyler Perry project?

If you’re gearing up for the audition room at Tyler Perry Studios and need a little boost of confidence/inspiration, check out these tips from casting directors and actors.

-Be Yourself: This is possibly the most important piece of advice that can be given. Casting directors and filmmakers are always on the lookout for genuine, authentic talent, so let your true personality shine through when you audition.

-Do Your Research: Come into the room knowing as much as possible about the character you’re playing and the project you’re auditioning for. This will show that you’re serious about the role and that you’ve put in the effort to prepare.

-Make a Good First Impression: Dress appropriately, be on time, and be polite and respectful to everyone you encounter in the room. Remember, you want to make a good impression from the moment you walk in the door.

-Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks: When you’re auditioning, it’s important to take risks and go outside of your comfort zone. Try something new and see what happens – you may just surprise yourself.

-Be Confident: This one goes hand in hand with being yourself. Own your talent and be proud of your work. When you walk into that audition room, let the casting directors see how confident you are in your abilities.

-Stay Positive: This industry can be tough, but it’s important to stay positive and keep your head up. There will be good days and bad days, but the key is to always move forward.

-Network: Meeting other actors and casting directors is a great way to build relationships in the industry and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes. Attend industry events, workshops, and panels whenever possible.

What are the most important things to remember when auditioning for Tyler Perry Studios?

The most important things to remember when auditioning for Tyler Perry Studios are to be prepared and to be yourself. The studio is looking for actors who are ready to bring their best performance to the table, so make sure you know your material inside and out. And, above all else, just relax and have fun! The casting team wants to see your personality come through in your audition.