‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Casting Directors On Bringing in Famous Faces From Meryl Streep to Keegan-Michael Key
variety.comJazz Tangcay Artisans Editor After three seasons, it should be easier to cast the kids of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” but Emmy-nominated casting director Wendy O’Brien says that the show’s popularity has made it tougher. “It’s a struggle to find and vet young actors that don’t have a lot of experience.
Especially when you’re talking about a kindergarten class,” admits O’Brien, who took home the gold two years ago for the same show.
While a 5-or 6-year-old might not have much acting experience under their belt, O’Brien says the upside to the series and its success is that she has seen an uptick in the number of kids being submitted for her consideration. “A lot of them are auditioning in nice blue collared shirts, already in character.
We’re definitely seeing more newcomers trying out,” she says. Before O’Brien even sends casting suggestions to the producers, she goes through a culling process where she seeks kindergarteners with natural ability over a shiny, telegenic face.
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