Casting masterclass with Chloé Boreham and Nicolas Derouet

Over the course of three Friday morning sessions, students were offered a rare opportunity to explore the realities of the casting profession in France. Led by casting director Nicolas Derouet and coordinated by Australian creative producer and actress Chloé Boreham, the masterclass focused on the often-overlooked aspects of the audition process: professional conduct, preparation, adaptability and the practical realities of working in the industry.

To better understand the impact of the workshop, we spoke with Christina Reingruber, a third-year student at Cours Florent who has already gained professional theatre experience alongside her training.

Learning the Reality of the Casting Industry

“Overall, the experience was extremely valuable. It really showed me how strong the connections are at Cours Florent. I was delighted with the workshop. Chloé was incredibly organised and completely on top of everything. In just three mornings, I learned so much about what I’m actually going to face as an actor in the industry. These are things you simply don’t realise when you’re still at drama school.”

For Christina, one of the most valuable aspects of the masterclass was its direct connection to professional practice.

“Because it was a collaboration with a renowned working casting director, we were able to dive straight into the realities of the industry and how it actually functions. It was very cool to hear that directly from Nicolas.”

Auditions and Self-Tapes: Understanding Today’s Casting Process

The masterclass combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students first explored the key stages of the casting process before moving on to hands-on work.

Through a combination of live auditions and self-tape exercises, participants were able to experience the different formats that now shape the casting process. The workshop reflected the increasingly hybrid nature of casting and offered valuable insight into the expectations of the industry.

How to Behave in Front of a Casting Director

Beyond acting technique, the workshop placed significant emphasis on professional behaviour and personal presence.

“We spoke a great deal about how to behave in front of a casting director. It’s important to understand who you are as an artist, but also to read the room and adapt to the people around you.”

For Christina, this lesson extended beyond the audition itself.

“Even in informal situations, such as sharing a lunch table with a casting director, you should show curiosity and personality. Be yourself. It’s about knowing who you are privately, while also understanding how you present yourself professionally.”

The workshop highlighted a key reality of the profession: casting directors are not only looking for talent, but also for people they can imagine working with over the course of a production.

Casting Tips Every Actor Should Know

Alongside broader reflections on the profession, students also received practical advice that can make a real difference during auditions.

One tip, in particular, stuck with Christina:

“We were told to avoid audition slots immediately before lunch,” she laughs. “Casting directors might be hungry. Morning slots or late-afternoon appointments can sometimes work in your favour.”

The masterclass encouraged students to think about every aspect of the casting process, from preparation and organisation to managing nerves and presenting themselves confidently.

Building Confidence for Future Auditions

For Christina, the workshop also provided a valuable opportunity for self-reflection.

“The feedback helped me identify exactly what I need to work on. Auditioning is about giving yourself enough time to prepare, setting clear deadlines and removing unnecessary pressure.”

More importantly, it reinforced a healthier approach to rejection and uncertainty.

“If one audition doesn’t work out, there will always be another.”

Rather than seeing casting as a test to pass or fail, students were encouraged to view it as an ongoing part of their artistic development.

Preparing for a Career in Film and Television

Despite her initial nerves, Christina found the experience both motivating and inspiring.

“Meeting a real casting director was very interesting. I was very nervous at first, but Nicolas was very approachable and generous with his time. We were able to ask lots of questions. I only wish we’d had even more time.”

Her conclusion is unequivocal:

“I would absolutely recommend this workshop to every student.”

In an industry where talent alone is rarely enough, opportunities like this masterclass offer something essential: a clearer understanding of the profession and the tools needed to navigate it. Through Chloé Boreham’s structured approach and Nicolas Derouet’s industry insight, students left not only better prepared for future auditions, but also more aware of what it truly means to step into a casting room.