How to Prepare for Severance Season 3 Auditions: How Dichen Lachman’s Bold Choices Are Inspiring
Why Severance Season 3 Auditions Are the Talk of Hollywood?
If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking into prestige TV then stop scrolling and check this article, now It is your moment. Severance Apple TV+’s mind-bending hit can soon start its casting for its highly anticipated third season. But what all required you take to stand out in an audition for a show that’s redefining the rules of television?
The answer might surprise you and it starts with the story of Dichen Lachman, whose transformative audition for Ms. Casey changed the character forever.
The Audition That Changed Everything
When Dichen Lachman first auditioned for Severance, she had no idea she was about to influence the show’s creative direction. Originally reading Ms. Casey as fierce and aggressive, Lachman’s instincts and willingness to collaborate with casting director Rachel Tenner and executive producer Ben Stiller led to a complete reimagining of the character.
The result? A haunting, serene presence that became a fan favorite and a pivotal force in the show’s emotional core.
“She had beauty, mystery, complexity, and her instincts were on point,” recalls Tenner. “Ms. Casey’s voice took shape on set, with Ben’s guidance and John Turturro’s partnership.”
What Makes Severance Auditions Unique?
- Bold, Specific Choices Win: Casting director Rachel Tenner seeks actors who bring a unique perspective—those who surprise the creative team while staying true to the script’s tone.
- Chemistry Is Key: Ben Stiller is hands-on in the audition room. He values actors who connect deeply with the material and the ensemble.
- Simplicity Over Showiness: For a series with dark humor and subtle tension, restraint and authenticity are more powerful than overacting.
Exclusive Tips for Landing a Role on Severance
- Study the Show’s Tone: Watch previous seasons to understand the blend of sci-fi, satire, and psychological drama.
- Prepare, Then Let Go: Know your lines, but be ready to adapt in the room. Collaboration is part of the process.
- Show Your Passion: The cast emphasizes resilience and joy in the creative process. Let your enthusiasm shine through1.
Must watch the Interview of Dichen Lachman
How to Get Noticed for Severance Season 3
- Follow Official Casting Calls: Keep an eye on platforms like Backstage and Apple TV+’s official announcements.
- Network With Industry Pros: Attend workshops and panels featuring Severance’s casting team.
- Create a Standout Self-Tape: Use high-quality video and clear audio. Showcase your unique interpretation of the material.
How to Prepare for an Audition for Severance Season 3
Auditioning for Severance Season 3 is a unique opportunity, but the show’s distinctive tone and high standards mean preparation is key. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on expert advice from the casting team and cast members
1. Understand the Show’s Tone and Themes
- Severance blends sci-fi, psychological thriller, and dark comedy. Watch previous seasons to absorb its unsettling, nuanced style and the duality of the “innie” and “outie” personas.
- Characters are layered and often subtle—avoid overacting or caricature.
2. Do Your Homework
- Treat the audition like any other: break down the scene, analyze your character’s motivations, and understand the context—even if details are limited3.
- Prepare to play with ambiguity; sometimes you’ll have little information about your character due to secrecy around plot twists1.
3. Make Bold, Specific Choices
- Casting director Rachel Tenner values actors who bring a unique, specific point of view to their audition—even if it’s not exactly what the team envisioned.
- Don’t be afraid to interpret the material in your own way. Strong choices stand out and can even influence the character’s direction, as seen with Dichen Lachman’s audition for Ms. Casey.
4. Keep It Simple and Authentic
- Simplicity is powerful, especially for Severance’s dark humor and subtle tension. Avoid overplaying; focus on honest, grounded performances1.
- Let the material speak and trust your instincts.
5. Be Open to Collaboration
- Ben Stiller is hands-on and loves working with actors. Be ready to adapt and take direction in the room.
- Chemistry with the creative team and other actors is crucial.
6. Embrace Resilience and Passion
- Rejection is part of the process. Adam Scott and John Turturro stress the importance of perseverance and self-improvement—“Just do it the best that you can do it, because you can only compete against yourself, really”.
- Let your passion for acting and the project shine through.
7. Stay Flexible and Creative
- Patricia Arquette advises actors to keep their creative spirit alive and adapt to the unknown. You may not know your character’s full arc, so be ready to evolve with the role.
8. Practical Steps
- Watch previous episodes to study the tone and performances.
- Practice self-taping with high-quality video and audio if auditions are remote.
- Monitor reputable casting platforms like Backstage for official calls.
- Prepare to build chemistry in callbacks or group reads.
Who Can Be Eligible for Auditioning for Severance Season 3?
1. Professional and Aspiring Actors
- Open to both established and emerging talent: The casting director, Rachel Tenner, values unique perspectives and specific choices, so both experienced actors and newcomers with strong instincts are considered.
- No strict fame requirement: Dichen Lachman, for example, landed her role by making bold choices, not by being a household name.
2. Actors Represented by Agents and Unrepresented Actors
- Agents: Many roles are submitted through talent agencies.
- Self-submissions: Some roles may be open to self-tape submissions via casting platforms like Backstage, especially for new or supporting characters.
3. Diversity and Inclusivity
- The show embraces diversity in casting, seeking actors of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities to reflect the complex world of Severance.
4. Location and Availability
- Willingness to work where the show films: Most likely in the U.S. (New York or Los Angeles), though remote auditions/self-tapes are common in early rounds.
- Schedule flexibility: Must be available for callbacks, rehearsals, and shooting dates as required.
5. Legal Eligibility
- Work authorization: Must be legally able to work in the country where filming occurs (e.g., U.S. work visa or citizenship).
- Age requirements: Roles may specify age ranges, but generally, adult actors (18+) are eligible; some roles may call for younger actors with parental consent.
6. Passion, Preparation, and Professionalism
- Resilience and passion: As echoed by the cast, persistence, openness to feedback, and a genuine love for acting are key.
- Preparedness: Ability to handle scenes with little context and to collaborate with the creative team.
How to Find Out About Auditions
- Monitor casting calls: Check reputable platforms like Backstage, Actors Access, and official Apple TV+ announcements.
Network: Attend industry workshops or panels featuring the Severance casting team.
