Does your playing age NEED to include your actual age?

Hey, I get the same response from Casting Directors and Directors when they are auditioning me and then they ask “how old are you?” And then I just watch their jaws hit the table lol

I’ve been advised that you don’t have to declare your actual age. Branding yourself for the roles you’d be cast for is more important- I mean the film industry still casts late 20’s/early 30’s to play late teens haha

I was put forward for a role (my actual age) and the CD just said we’re not casting younger- made me feel both happy & sad lol

So anyways, with the rant over. You can give your DOB or age in your Resume/Cover letter, but list your playing age for what you would convincingly, on screen, be able to portray- Just my two cents worth

• 3 years ago
• 1

Nope. For the vast majority of people their actual age DOES fall somewhere in their playing age range, but it's called playing age for a reason and if you're lucky enough to be perpetually young looking your stated age range should reflect that.

And there's never a reason to declare your actual age except for insurance or legal purposes (i.e to confirm you're over 25 for alcohol or gambling ads, etc) - other than that the only time someone needs your DOB is when they've sent you a contract and need all your details. :-)

• 3 years ago
• 2

Absolutely what Joseph says. The term "playing age" means just that! It's how old you look not how old you are.
All the best.
Sue

• 3 years ago
• 3

thanks everyone!
I guess its true that unless its for like Joseph says about licensing, asking your age could be deemed inappropriate- potentially illegal if it affects if you are cast or not

• 3 years ago
• 4

I think you do look your age... but let me qualify that (with risk of offending others).

Genetics certainly plays a part, but lifestyle and life choices contribute more to our ageing. That's why I feel you look your age. People tell me all the time I don't look my age - I tell them I do. I point out that others don't look their age, as in they look older.

I feel that most people use "you don't look your age" as a compliment because they want to believe that they themselves look their age and that others look younger. It's the same with obesity - fat people think they're average sized, and they think average sized people are skinny or even anorexic.

Your b&w photo and the pic of you in the red dress, you definitely look like you could be 30 because of how you 'hold yourself', your outward confidence. "Looking your age" isn't just in your face, it's also in your body shape and 'swagger'. Hairstyle can add or deduct years too.

Back to the original post... definitely put down what age you look like to others. It might include your real age, but it doesn't need to.

• 3 years ago
• 5

Hi,
The rule of thumb from agencies is plus or minus 5 years.

I kinda disagree as makeup can take off 10 years or add 20 years.

Does this help ?

Rav

• 3 years ago
• 6