Step Into the Casting Room: A Self-Tape Workshop with Thyrza Ging & Cassandra Han

Sat 11 July 2026 | 14:30 – 16:00 | Ballroom 3, Galmont Hotel 

As part of Galway Film Fair, Spotlight is offering actors a unique opportunity to gain direct insight from acclaimed casting directors Thyrza Ging and Cassandra Han. 

Thanks to the support of Spotlight, Casting Society’s (CSA) Global Chapter and Filmmakers.eu, this workshop is completely free for actors to attend. 

Actors are invited to submit a self-taped monologue for the chance to take part in this special session. Thirty actors will be selected to attend the workshop and learn directly from Thyrza and Cassandra, with three participants chosen to receive live feedback on their self-tapes during the event. 

Using selected self-tapes as case studies, Thyrza and Cassandra will share practical advice and professional insight, offering attendees a rare opportunity to understand the casting process from the perspective of those reviewing auditions every day. 

Topics will include: 

  • What casting directors look for in a self-tape 
  • Common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong auditions 
  • Creating effective self-tapes with limited resources 
  • Performance choices that help actors stand out 
  • Technical considerations including framing, sound and lighting 
  • Preparing material for screen opportunities 
  • Building confidence and authenticity on camera 
  • How self-tapes fit into today’s casting process 

Whether you’re one of the selected participants or attending as an audience member, you’ll gain practical advice and industry insight that can be applied immediately to future auditions. 

Thyrza Ging has a Degree in International Commerce with Spanish from University College Dublin. She worked as a Casting Director for several years before joining Louise Kiely Casting in 2013. 

 Her TV credits include KIN (AMC & RTÉ), THE GONE (RTÉ & TVNZ), GOING DUTCH (Fox), THE TOURIST S2 (BBC) and OBITUARY (RTÉ & Hulu). Her film credits include LEE CRONIN’s THE MUMMY, WHITETAIL, TWIG & SOULM8TE.  Thyrza is a member of IFTA, the CDG & CSA.  

Upcoming credits include GROWN UPS (Netflix), and WEDNESDAY S3 (Netflix MGM). 

 

 Cassandra Han is an Artios Award-nominated casting director whose work spans Europe and North America. With more than two decades of experience casting international film and television projects, she specialises in connecting talent, filmmakers and productions across multiple territories. She currently serves as President of the Global Chapter of Casting Society (CSA) and is a recognised advocate for international collaboration within the screen industries. 

Her recent work includes THE WEIGHT starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe (Sundance 2026), THE PHYSICIAN II (Constantin/Amazon), and SAMIA, directed by Yasemin Şamdereli, which received a Special Jury Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. Her German-language credits include two upcoming Amazon features, SHE SAID MAYBE for Netflix, A TRILLION DOLLARS (Paramount+) and several films in the wildly popular THE THREE INVESTIGATORS franchise. 

How to Apply 

Submit a self-taped One-Minute Monologue via this application page <APPLY HERE> for the opportunity to be selected for this workshop. 

From all applications, the Casting Directors will select thirty actors to attend the workshop based on their self-taped One-Minute Monologue. Three of those participants will be chosen to receive live feedback on their self-tapes from Thyrza Ging and Cassandra Han during the session, while all selected participants will benefit from the insights, guidance and discussion generated throughout the workshop. 

Applicants must be actors at all stages of their careers 

The workshop is free of charge for selected actors. Travel and accommodation are not covered.