Aconda Williams never set out to become an actor. You’d never know it, but at one point, Williams even disliked being in front of the camera.
Through unexpected turns and persistence, she has landed roles with brands like Foot Locker and WhatsApp — all on Casting Networks. Williams’ journey offers a candid look at the challenges and small victories behind building an acting career today.
Insights From Aconda Williams
- Actively seek and audition for commercial roles to gain professional experience and union eligibility.
- Building relationships with casting directors can increase opportunities for bookings and referrals.
- Securing a union card, like a SAG card, is a great way to advance your acting career and access higher-profile jobs.
How did you decide to become an actor?
It’s funny because I didn’t want to be an actor. During college, I went to school for broadcasting.
I deal with chronic migraines, and it was too difficult to manage with the workload. I thought, “Okay, let me try getting behind the camera or in front of the camera.” I didn’t even like the camera. I hated pictures. Every time my mom would take them, I hated it.
Slowly, I started to get into taking photos and acting, watching more movies. That’s kind of how I landed here. It was not on purpose, but now I love this.
How did you first discover Casting Networks?
I was on set for a commercial for The Athlete’s Foot, maybe five or six years ago. A girl on set told me about Casting Networks. I checked it out, and from there it was like, “Wow, I’m getting all these auditions!”
I didn’t have an agent at the time. It was just so many auditions and opportunities. It just went up from there.
Your first SAG project was with Foot Locker. What was the audition process like?
It’s funny because my agent texted me, “Hey, you have an audition for Foot Locker.” I’m like, “My gosh, it’s a SAG project!”
I had worked with that casting director many times, so I was excited to get the opportunity to audition for her. Honestly, we had the original audition and then the callback. I texted my agent back like, “I know I got this job. I know I booked it.” She texted me a few days later, “You booked it!” I screamed.
The audition was through Casting Networks, and I believe it was done by Stacy Gallo Casting.
What ended up happening when you got on set?
First, they showed us around. There was a cafe there. We then went to the Foot Locker location. It was very relaxed and a great experience. I met a lot of people.
Honestly, [the shoot was] kind of in and out. We sat there for a little while, shot for maybe an hour. I got some free Nike shoes, so that was pretty cool. It was a great time.
[My role] was a shopper. They had me looking at shoes, pretending I’m a shopper, and buying a new pair of shoes. A few of the other people were Foot Locker employees with the jersey [uniform] on. I think they had Kevin Durant in the commercial as well, because this was in Arizona [when he was playing for the Phoenix Suns]. I was living there at the time.
Are you currently a SAG member, or are you still on your way?
I’m a must-join right now, so I’ve been very choosy with projects and stuff.
This was the last voucher I needed [to join]. When I found out, I thought, “Yes!”
You also just booked a job with WhatsApp. Tell me a little bit more about that one.
For the audition, they had us explain what kind of apps we use and how we keep in touch with family members.
I think I got up at like, five in the morning [for the shoot day]. The streets were empty and we shot in the heart of Times Square on this circle that said, “WhatsApp.” We had to stand in the middle of it, and then have a conversation with somebody next to us.
It was a very interactive thing. Of course, there were people around, and they wanted it to be more realistic, instead of [looking like a] commercial. That was outside. We also shot some stuff inside at a cafe nearby, which was cool. It was fun being in Times Square shooting.
What are some other successes you’ve booked on Casting Networks?
I booked The Athlete’s Foot commercial, as well as work for Kat Von D, Snapchat, Coca-Cola and Adidas. Aside from Foot Locker and WhatsApp, those are the really big ones that I’ve booked on Casting Networks.
What do you think helps someone succeed on Casting Networks?
Just keep submitting. I’m so used to being told “no,” that I don’t think about booking it. I audition because I love doing this. It’s fun. I’m on Casting Networks every day faithfully.
It’s a great platform with so many opportunities. It’s the main platform I use, and it has helped me with my success.
I like that you can upload multiple photos and videos, and that you can select them for each submission and cater to that submission. On the app, I like how you can filter it. I recently discovered that you can filter by age and state. It’s just really user-friendly.
What audition tips and advice do you have for your peers?
Be yourself. Know your personality, be who you are, and then show that in the audition.
I think sometimes we get so focused on booking it, or focused on messing up. I’ve messed up in so many auditions where I’ve stuttered [and then decided], “I’m going to send this because it’s what we do as humans,” and I end up booking it.
Be yourself, have fun with it, and don’t be so serious.
Final Takeaways
Landing your first commercial gig can be a game-changer for any new actor, opening doors to bigger opportunities and professional growth. Aconda Williams’ journey shows that persistence, preparation, and making the right connections are key to success. Here are some practical steps new actors can take to follow a similar path:
- Always prepare thoroughly for auditions to showcase your best self confidently.
- Network consistently with casting professionals to stay top of mind for upcoming roles.
- Don’t hesitate to audition for smaller roles; they can lead to bigger breaks and union membership.
- Understand the value of getting your SAG card as a milestone in your acting career.
- Stay patient and persistent, knowing that every audition builds experience and momentum.
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