First thing’s first, double-tap if you’ve ever been guilty of calling recurring roles “reoccurring roles.”
A 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 role can be a co-star or guest star. It’s a role that appears in more than one episode as the same character.
Usually, recurring guest stars are determined before the first breakdown is ever released.
We’ll have an in-depth discussion with the writer/creative team who will (ideally) let us know the plans for that character. We’ll then try to gather as much information as possible (how many episodes they might be in, the size of the role, the story arc, etc.)
If we don’t know exactly how many episodes, we’ll guesstimate based on conversations, and likely ask your availability for the remainder of the season (just in case). It’s important when going in for recurring roles that you let your agent or the CD know about any immovable plans that may be set during the outside dates of the season.
A recurring co-star role is usually more sporadic.
Sometimes we know whether a co-star will recur and we’ll notate that in the breakdown. Other times, you might be offered just one episode, yet be pleasantly surprised to have the office check your avail for future episodes.
Because these types of roles are typically less vital to the storyline, they are usually booked on an “as-needed basis.” Examples might be a nurse from the same hospital, the same barista from the local coffee shop, a cop from the same town.
What this means for you: the writers see these types of roles as fun ways to create continuity in the world— 𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, they are not essential the way a recurring guest star might be.
So if you show up as an active collaborator, pay attention to the details presented to you, and do fantastic work, your chances of being brought back in one of these scenarios will 𝕤𝕜𝕪𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥.
#themoreyouknow #thecastingdirectorscut #terminologytuesday #actorlife
Related reading: What Is a 10/13 Series Regular? Guaranteed Episodes Explained, Are You Too Good for Co-Star Work? and Do You Just Need to Book One Co-Star Job?.
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