Success Story: Shirley Bryant Talks Starting Acting Later in Life, Booking Commercials

Shirley Bryant entered the acting game a bit later than most. Since then, Bryant has made Casting Networks part of her morning “do,” sifting through casting calls while sipping her coffee and booking national roles in the process. Bryant told us all about her journey, sharing successes and advice along the way.

Insights: Lessons From Shirley Bryant

Regularly check casting platforms like Casting Networks for new opportunities each morning.

Apply for roles that match your skills, practice self tapes and don’t get disheartened by rejection.

Set up a dedicated audition space at home with good lighting and minimal distractions.

Thinking about joining Casting Networks? Sign up for a free trial today!

How did you decide to become an actor?

I want to say I was kind of pushed a little bit, but not pushed. I was 59. I was 34 years into my career and was asked to take a new job. I was like, “I don’t want to learn anybody else’s name. I’m good.”

That night, after I had a meeting with my boss, I said, “Let me think about some of the things that I was currently doing at work and the skills that I was using.” I thought about emceeing a program, taking photos for the website and things like that. Being in the green room with our marketing team and how much I enjoyed that, I decided, “Hey, what the heck, let me try it.” That was my journey into the acting/modeling industry.

What was your career at the time?

I was an HR/Recruiting/Diversity Manager for a large utility company. I enjoyed my job because that was also a place where I went out to all the different schools and organizations looking for talent. In a sense, it was almost a win-win because I was a headhunter, so I know how to search for jobs for others and search for people. It was like an automatic connection going into this industry.

How did you first discover Casting Networks?

I Googled it to be exact. I didn’t know anything about this industry, so I was like, “Okay, how would I find jobs?” Casting Networks came up and it’s history from there. I read the casting calls when I get up in the mornings. It’s almost like my morning “do.” I go out on the patio, get my coffee and I search for opportunities to hopefully be successful in this industry.

Photo courtesy of Shirley Bryant.

You’ve booked a nationwide commercial through Casting Networks that’s currently airing. What commercial is it? What was the audition process like?

It’s for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This was when we were experiencing a hurricane here in Florida. I saw the specs and I was like, “I can do that.” There was one little caveat, [but] I always say “Go for it,” because you just never know. There was a comment on the posting that said you must be able to swim. I’m like “Oh boy, I’ve got everything [else], but I can’t swim.”

When I did my self tape, I said, “Hi, I should not have applied for this because I can’t swim. It’s not that I have a fear of water, but I can’t swim.” Then I got a callback.

When the guy called me back, I was like, “I think you might have the wrong person. I can’t swim.” They said, “No. We love your personality and we have something else for you.”

There were two of us that were interviewing with the director. I guess they were doing a final check to see if they liked you. You had to say your name and if you could swim. I’m like, “Hold on, hold on, wait. Listen, before you go through that. I think you guys still have the wrong person,” because in my mind I’m still thinking they need me to swim. The guy said, “When you say your name, just say you can’t swim. We got you.”

What happened when you got on set?

It was amazing. I went to Tennessee. The girl who played my daughter was actually from Florida. [It’s just so funny that] we met on set in Tennessee, which was beautiful. It was a great opportunity to be able to share my talent, meet new people in a different state, and then hopefully build relationships. I think that’s what’s important.

From that, I have spoken to another agent in that area to grow my talents.

Do you still keep in touch with the person who was your daughter for the shoot?

Absolutely. Funny thing, we had met each other before on another set in Florida. We did a Hard Rock commercial. She was [in a] principal role and I was one of the backgrounds, so we didn’t talk. [In Tennessee] I was like, “I know you from somewhere.” She said, “You and I are in the same commercial!” It’s amazing how this all works. We’re friends on social media, and that’s a good thing.

What would you say helps somebody succeed on Casting Networks?

I think being successful on Casting Networks is putting in the work. Number one: you’ve got to do your research and read. Make sure that you’re applying for jobs that you meet the qualifications for, and don’t get discouraged. Always know that you’ve gotta get in it to get a yes or a no; and if you meet the qualifications, then apply. The most they can do is say no. Don’t get discouraged when you get that no, but just go forth again and work harder.

I enjoy self tapes. Practice on it. Practice with your family. Get a reader. Get someone to help you. Someone interested in the industry is also interested in helping you. If you get someone who is only reading for you, they’re not reading with you. You can’t display what you need to display to the director, the casting director or whoever is reviewing your self tape. It’s important that you put in the work and be positive and know that when it’s for you, you’ll land that job. That next job is always right around the corner.

What’s some audition advice that you can share with your peers?

There are a lot of auditions that will come your way. Unless it’s a callback [where you’re going] into a studio, you can do all of your auditions right in your home. Make sure you have a space in your house where you can get yourself prepared for auditions. Change that room into a set.

Don’t dress the part unless the posting says so. Be yourself and share the knowledge that you’ve learned. Also, find a mentor—someone who will guide you and help you through the process. Finally, make sure that the lighting is right. Get that ring light, make sure that backdrop is nice and clear, and go for it!