Catching Up with George Gallagher: The Changing of the Audition Game. Ep 18
Douglas chats with his good friend George Gallagher about how production and casting are shifting across markets. They compare in-room auditions—where rapport, reading the room, and charisma can influence outcomes—with the current self-tape and live Zoom era, describing self-tapes as a technical, often demoralizing “vacuum” but also empowering because of control over time and the ability to review the final product. They share strategies and challenges: fast turnaround, experimenting with lighting and cinematic setups using phones and apps, managing sound quality, and coping with reader availability.
They recount anecdotes about bombing auditions, booking from standout tapes, casting their own series, and observing how in-person charisma can change casting outcomes. The conversation includes examples of actors taking bold risks in auditions and emphasizes risk-taking as a key differentiator. They reflect on training and mentorship (Wynn Handman, Meisner-based work, Harold Guskin, Tim Phillips), the value of audience feedback, and concerns about AI-written content lacking a human voice.
They predict increased hunger for real-life experiences while also acknowledging the theater’s financial struggles.
00:00-Catching up with an old friend
00:04-The Atlanta Film Scene05:44 Self-Taping Challenges and Techniques
10:39-Casting Insights and Strategies
15:18-Navigating the Audition Process
32:12-The Struggles of Booking Roles
32:20-Self-Taping Techniques and Tools
33:35-The Impact of Self-Taping on Auditions
38:48-The Importance of Taking Risks
46:06-The Future of Theater and Live Performances
54:47_The Rise of Micro Dramas
57:17-Reflections on Acting Training and Mentorship
01:05:33-Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
George Gallahger’s Bio
Actor George Gallagher can currently be seen as 'Lorenzo' in the Season 2 premiere of Taylor Sheridan's 1923: A Yellowstone Prequel and as the recurring character Lance Etzioni in the Tyler Perry-produced series 'Perimeter', now streaming on BET+. In addition, George played 'Levi' in the 2024 Netflix feature film 'The Six Triple Eight', a WWII drama starring Kerry Washington, Dean Norris, and Oprah Winfrey, now streaming on Netflix. The film was also a 2024 Oscar nominee for Diane Warren's song The Journey. Critically acclaimed, he has graced the New York stage as well as regional theaters, delivering notable performances at The Irish Arts Center and the Obie Award-winning Classical Theatre of Harlem, where he played 'Angus' in Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner's Caligula, opposite Tony Award winner André De Shields. His Slamdance hit Over the GW received critical praise from The New York Times & Variety - his other standout roles include Altered States of Plaine (Turner Networks) and The Abstraction. After drama school, George trained under acting legends Harold Guskin, Wynn Handman, Terry Schreiber, Milton Katselas, Austin Pendleton, and Gene Frankel.
Follow George at:
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www.DouglasTaurel.com
www.theamericansoldiersoloshow.com
www.landinghomewebseries.com
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Host Douglas Taurel of the Actors Podcast chats with good friend George Gallagher. Douglas and George both began their careers with legendary acting teacher Wynn Handman.