So, I came across this story in the Times. If you are too lazy to hit the link, here's the deal. Apparently a casting director, Daryl Eisenberg, was "broadcasting live" from the audition room. Meaning, she is "tweeting" her reactions during actual auditions (Not during the auditions, she clarifies. After the actor has left the room.) Well, now there is (or was) a whole uproar by Actor's Equity and, of course, many others in the business regarding what is ethical in an audition room.
Look, I'll just say this. Most performers are phenomenally insecure. Furthermore, they are obsessed with access to people who can make decisions on their career (i.e., casting directors). So, if an actor "follows" Ms. Eisenberg on Twitter, checked out her page about the time they are done auditioning, and received a "bad review," there will be a VERY busy bartender in midtown about a half hour later. Because not only did the actor not get a callback, they are paranoid that their bad habits are broadcast on the internet.
For the most part, the audition room is supposed to be a safe room. It's a very awkward setting with a small amount of people sitting at a table on the far side of the room (sometimes only 1 or 2) and actors have to bear their souls (for better or worse). That's the job interview, essentially. "Hi, nice to meet you. I see you've trained at NYU. Great. So, I'm sure you know many people in the waiting room. Now, take every risk you've been afraid to take in your life. And do it in 16 bars." They should be able to do what they need to without being embarrassed on the internet. I know she did not mention names or take videos, but if someone goes to her page and reads the list, they can see what time she commented and begin their shame spiral. Then again, if she liked them, they can do the Happy Dance.
And, look, I'm not addressing the "American Idol" auditions (and many like them) where the actor/singer is taped for public consumption. The auditionee (if that's a word) is notified and has to sign a release form acknowledging this, lest they sue for misrepresentation. And, of course, they tape you for film and TV, but it's not for the world to see.
Maybe there is no right or wrong answer to this. The world is changing and communication changes with it. I just think it lacks class. Yeah, they may suck. But, it's about being constructive to the person in the room. By "tweeting" (and I'm really growing weary of the term), the usual "ok, the actor's out of the room" gossip now has a much bigger audience. We've all heard audition horror stories (and some of us have probably been a part of them), but does that condone live updates to, literally, the world about how you are so annoyed at hearing "All That Jazz" for the umpteenth time? What do you think?
In the Times piece, it states that Ms. Eisenberg has met with Equity and apologized and is looking forward to putting this behind her. So....sorry to bring it up again....I've been busy. But, look, she "tweeted" all about it.
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