I had a couple of good auditions this week but the best was for an upcoming episode of CBS' Cold Case. My wife and I used to watch the show on a regular basis and then lost track of it. We've always marveled at the challenging casting because quite often episodes include flashbacks to old crimes and the CDs have to cast actors to play the same characters, 20 years or so apart. Interestingly enough, we came across an episode the night before I got the audition call from my agent.

In any case, I went in to read for the small role of a fireman. I got to WB in plenty of time (heads-up to anyone who uses Gate 8: it's all torn up and you have to park on the other side of the studio or on the street) and found my way to the offices. I had gotten the sides the day before so I'd already memorized and worked on them.

My competition ran the gamut -- from those who looked too young (to play a mid-thirties fireman) and those who looked like they just stepped off the hook and ladder truck. I was somewhere in the middle. I've actually been a fireman (my Dad was one and my brother is one currently) so playing the part was no problem. The interesting thing is that that really doesn't matter. It's all about how you look.

I didn't get the part (though the casting assistant seemed to like my read) and I'm guessing it had a lot to do with looks. The character only had a few lines and minutes of airtime. As a result, they needed someone that "reeked" of fireman -- instantly recognizable as a firefighter.

Just another interesting side of the casting equation. There’s so many more pieces to this puzzle than just your acting ability.