#FFB: Benton Whitley (Casting Director, Stewart/Whitley)
Continuing to expand our Fit for Broadway horizons, today is another FFB first; a Broadway casting director! Giving us the FFB perspective from the other side of the audition table, Benton Whitley is sharing how fitness and health play an integral role in his career as he casts our favorite Broadway shows (including my current fav, The Great Comet! Seeing it for a 3rd time this weekend! #loveit)
Today Benton is sharing his FFB journey and next week, he'll be back to define what it takes to be Fit for Broadway in the current musicals on The Great White Way! Yep yep, get excited you guys!! Information is gold and it's always important to get a fresh perspective on being Fit for Broadway, in the audition room & beyond!
NOTE FROM BENTON: Hello FFB! Benton Whitley here, Broadway Casting Director for NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, CHICAGO THE MUSICAL, ON THE TOWN, and PIPPIN to name a few. Growing up originally training as an actor I got the fitness and health bug while clocking in long hours in the classroom and rehearsals. When I made the leap to the other side of the table I carried those healthy habits with me. Now almost 10 years into being in NYC my weekday routine finds me in the audition room by day, at the theatre by night, and squeezing in healthy meals and trips to the gym somewhere in between! Weekends are spent in my Fort Greene neighborhood with my boyfriend and friends taking in the sights and sounds of the relaxing, yet lively, Brooklyn borough.
“Fit for Broadway” pullover from fitforbroadwayapparel.com | Click HERE or click the picture!
Q: Benton, you already know how excited I am about this, FFB’s first Broadway casting director! And you love fitness and health as much as I do, so obviously this had to be a two-part feature! Let’s start at the beginning. What was your journey to Broadway?
A: My journey to Broadway started while growing up in rural North Carolina. My parents, for the purposes of childcare and to fulfill my insatiable need for attention and activity, signed me up for a community musical theatre program at the age of 4. From that moment on I ate, slept, and breathed musical theatre. I went to high school at the North Carolina High School of the Arts and majored in Drama and from there went to the University of Michigan and got a degree in Musical Theatre.
Q: I feel like we had parallel journeys in a lot of ways— performing background which morphed into a career more aligned with our authentic self. I hear from many readers who are interested in transitions similar to ours. What were some of the key reasons you were drawn to casting over performing and how have you continued to feel more aligned with your current work?
A: Halfway through my time in college I had that crisis 20-year-olds have where I realized I did not want to be an actor after all. It was the epiphany that if I chose to pursue acting, I would not have the stability I value in life. I was a basket-case! I had to figure out another way to stay within the world of theatre, but not be a performer. So I started to explore the other side of the table and took internships with Broadway producers and casting directors. After about a week into a casting internship, I thought to myself, “this is the job for me, casting!” It’s the perfect combination of being both artistic and administrative. It’s also incredibly satisfying for my type-A personality to be able to achieve daily, monthly, and weekly goals, all while maintaining a steady schedule.
Q: How have fitness and health played a role in your career as a Broadway casting director?
A: Being a casting director involves long grueling hours in both the office and the audition room. By committing to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I became more productive at work and in my personal life. I carve out time every week to make sure I go to the gym and prepare and eat healthy meals. I also average 8 hours of sleep a night!
Q: I imagine your job is quite mentally and emotionally taxing. Do you have any daily practices that keep you centered and balanced?
A: First and foremost, for the past 2 years I have eaten a full breakfast on a daily basis and drink anywhere between 6-8 glasses of water a day. I’ve found that including these in my daily practice have improved my stamina and are crucial for me in being able to get through long days in the audition room and office! I also take the time each morning to make a list of the things I want to complete that day in order to center my thoughts. It’s calming to write down goals and to know what needs to be accomplished!
Q: Fill in the blanks.
A: The best part about being a casting director is… helping actors reach their goals.
The most challenging part of being a casting director is…being the mediator between Creatives and Producers.
Q: I imagine if I was a casting director I would be snacking all day between every audition ha! Do you have any go-to snacks/ energy boosts for a long day in the audition room?
A: I typically limit coffee to two cups a day and NEVER after 4PM so that I can fall asleep! For snacks I stock up on protein bars and fresh fruit like sliced pineapple or watermelon. Also I cannot stress this enough: Water! Water! Water!
Q: Did you (do you) have a mentor who inspired you to become a casting director?
A: I had a professor at University of Michigan who took me under his wing and allowed me to assist him on several productions and encouraged me to explore other ways to channel my talent and skill set, which ultimately led me to casting!
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring casting directors?
A: Read playbill.com everyday so you’re following what’s happening in this industry and so you’re ahead of the curve on people and shows coming down the pike. Keep track of what’s coming up and who the new names are. Go see new shows, readings, workshops. Make friends with other creative types. Also Internships! There is no formal training for casting directors so the only way to gain experience and make the relationships you need is by interning in casting offices.
Q: You cast long running shows like Chicago in it's 20th year now! What is the biggest difference between casting it in the 90's and casting it now?
A: Social media and online actor presence is the BIG difference and it’s vital! If I don’t know you, I google you. And you need to be in control of what I find. Have a website that’s true and sells you for who you are and your talents! Do not underestimate twitter, facebook, snapchat, and Instagram. I have all four and of course I use them personally, but professionally as well, and you should too!
Benton Whitley Instagram: @ben_ley | Benton Whitley Twitter: bentoncastman
Stewart/Whiley FB: Stewart/Whitley | Stewart/Whitley Instagram: stewartwhitley | Stewart Whitley Twitter: StewartWhitley_
Website: www.stewartwhitley.com
