Authentic Casting in Voice Acting: Stop the Excuses and Do It Right

Why Authentic Casting in Voice Acting Matters

Let’s cut to the chase: authentic casting in voice acting is non-negotiable. It’s about time the industry wakes up and takes this seriously. Enough with the excuses and half-hearted attempts. It’s not rocket science to ensure characters are voiced by actors who genuinely represent them.

As an actor and casting director, it is on you to make authentic casting decisions. It’s not that hard. Stop pretending it’s some impossible challenge. Do your job and do it right. Authentic casting means actively seeking out and hiring actors who truly reflect the characters’ race, backgrounds, genders, sexuality, and experiences. It’s about time we stop perpetuating stereotypes and start showing some respect for diversity.

Easy example of an authetic casting created by myself using canva images

There are countless roles available every day. It’s not like you’ll run out of opportunities if you skip the ones you don’t fit. Everyone needs money and those breaking into the industry need roles. But that’s no excuse to audition for characters you can’t authentically represent. It’s really a simple concept.

CHECK OUT THESE THREADS ABOUT AUTHENTIC CASTING

Authentic representation as asians in VO by Rebecca Wang

feelings regarding authentic casting by Ariana Rosario

Authentic casting importance by Vikram Rajan

Portraying struggles with authentic casting by Bree Frankel

Authentic representation by Angie Min

Casting directors, you hold the power. You can either contribute to the problem or be part of the solution. Lazy casting choices are unacceptable. Do your homework, expand your networks, and reach out to diverse talent pools. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the voice acting landscape is inclusive and representative.

Actors, it’s time to stand up for authentic representation. Advocate for yourselves and your peers. The industry will (hopefully) listen and make the changes that have been long overdue.

A GOOD video all about authentic casting and stories by Jonna-Lynn Alonso

Let’s Talk More…

As an occasional writer for All Ages of Geek, I know firsthand that their morals align with mine. They have always cast authentically for their projects, such as “I Married a Monster on a Hill.” Fuyuki, a standout character, took almost a year to cast properly. I am also a beta reader for the series, and I can attest to the importance of genuine representation in storytelling. This level of dedication should be the standard, not the exception. For indie projects it may take longer, but big name projects you have the following IT WILL NOT TAKE LONG to find the right actor. There are SO many actors looking for roles with the right marketing your casting call will find it’s way to the right actor!

All Ages of Geek casting call for Fuyuki from I Married a Monster on a Hill

I’m not on Twitter anymore because it can be very TOXIC, but I still see plenty of casting directors and actors making excuses for folks who aren’t cast authentically, especially the bigger names in the industry. It’s infuriating.

All Ages of Geeks official twitter tweeted out: “Hey voice actors! Our writer Rachel is working on an article about the importance of authentic casting! Can anyone give us their opinions on this? She would love to feature some responses!”

Here is what voice actors had to say

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Check out the original tweet for more responses

More Thoughts on Authentic Casting

Let’s be clear: authentic casting isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting quotas. It’s about giving characters the depth and authenticity they deserve. When characters are voiced by actors who share their experiences, the narrative becomes richer and the audience connection becomes stronger.

Ignoring the need for authentic casting is a slap in the face to everyone involved. It sends a clear message that the industry values convenience over authenticity and is willing to perpetuate misrepresentation. This has to change.

The problem of inauthentic casting isn’t limited to just big-budget productions; it plagues indie projects as well. Whether it’s a small indie game or a major Hollywood film, the lack of authentic representation can be seen across the board. In indie projects, there is often a misconception that budget constraints justify lazy casting choices, but this is a cop-out. Authentic casting doesn’t require a bigger budget, just a commitment to doing what’s right.

Big projects, on the other hand, often have the resources but lack the will to cast authentically. Instead, they opt for star power over genuine representation, perpetuating a cycle of misrepresentation and exclusion. Both indie and big projects need to take responsibility and prioritize authentic casting. It’s not just a matter of integrity; it’s about respecting the stories and the audiences they aim to serve. No more excuses. Authentic casting should be the standard, not the exception. Again. IT IS NOT THAT HARD TO AVOID THIS. Honestly, I shouldn’t even have to write articles like this, or other folks shouldn’t have to put out countless tweets, reddit posts, articles, anything about this issue. It’s pretty simple. JUST CAST AUTHENTICALLY!

With the surge of AI, lazy casting, and big names getting excuses for roles they shouldn’t be playing, it’s hard to believe the industry will change. The reliance on AI to replace genuine human talent and the continuous overlooking of proper representation for convenience is a disgrace. The industry is allowing laziness to prevail, giving a free pass to big names to take on roles they have no business portraying. It feels like every step forward is met with two steps back. Big names and small names must come together and ONLY audition for roles they fit. AGAIN it’s not that hard.

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But there is hope. There are those of us who refuse to back down, who will continue to demand authenticity and proper representation. We won’t stop pushing for change, and we won’t be silenced by the industry’s complacency. The importance of authentic casting in voice acting cannot be overstated. It’s a straightforward yet powerful step toward a more inclusive and representative industry. Casting directors and actors must step up and ensure every character is given the respect and authenticity they deserve. No more excuses. Get it done.

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Why Authentic Casting is Necessary

Some folks argue that authentic casting isn’t necessary, especially in voice acting. They think anyone can voice any character as long as they have the talent. But let’s be real—voice acting is just like screen acting. Authentic representation matters just as much. When casting for screen roles, it’s crucial to match the actor’s identity with the character’s identity to provide a genuine portrayal. The same principle applies to voice acting.

How Casting Directors and Actors Can Ensure Authentic Casting

Casting Directors

Make a Detailed Character List:
- Clearly define who your character is, including aspects like race, gender, sexuality, cultural background, and other significant traits. Stop being vague and get specific.

Good example on how to give details on the character and requriments. source

Provide Character Background:
- If you don’t have visual art or specific imagery, describe the character thoroughly to the actors. Paint a verbal picture of who they are and their story. Stop being lazy.

Good example how to give specifics without art. source

Expand Your Talent Pool:
- Go beyond your usual sources. Seek out diverse talent pools to find actors who genuinely represent your characters.
Prioritize Representation:
- Ensure your casting decisions reflect a commitment to diversity and authentic representation. Avoid defaulting to convenience or star power.

Actors

Read Requirements Carefully:
- Before submitting an audition, thoroughly read the character requirements. Understand who the character is and what they represent. Stop skipping the details. To many times casting diretctors have to call out actors because they don’t read requirments. DO NOT audition if you dont have the requirments needed to cast authentically. EASY WORK.

Example of casting director who CLEARLY had the requirments for the character and yet actors still auditioned who did not fit the role. source

Advocate for Authentic Roles:
- Seek out roles that align with your true identity and experiences. Don’t be afraid to pass on roles that don’t fit authentically. Stand up for what’s right.

Example on how to say no to a role you do not fit…IT IS EASY! source

Summary: Why Authentic Casting in Voice Acting Matters

Importance of Authentic Casting:
- Authentic casting in voice acting ensures characters are represented accurately and respectfully.
- Avoid perpetuating stereotypes and prioritize genuine representation.
Casting Directors’ Role:
- Make detailed character lists specifying race, gender, sexuality, and cultural background.
- Communicate these details clearly to actors.
- Seek out diverse talent pools and expand networks.
- Prioritize representation over convenience or star power.
Actors’ Responsibilities:
- Read character requirements carefully before auditioning.
- Advocate for roles that align with your true identity and experiences.
Challenges in the Industry:
- Both indie and big projects struggle with authentic casting.
- Indie projects often use budget constraints as an excuse.
- Big projects prioritize star power over genuine representation.
Impact of AI and Laziness:
- The rise of AI and lazy casting decisions harm the industry.
- Big names often get excused for inappropriate casting.
- Authentic casting is essential, not just for integrity but for the audience’s respect.
Hope for Change:
- Despite challenges, there is hope for improvement.
- Commitment from casting directors and actors is crucial for a more inclusive industry.
- No more excuses—authentic casting should become the standard.

Ensuring authentic casting is a collaborative effort between casting directors and actors. By taking these steps, both parties can contribute to a more inclusive and representative industry. No more excuses. It’s time to get it done right.

Check out my other articles here on All Ages of Geek