An Ode To The Casting Director

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the constant loop of auditions, side-eye from industry gatekeepers, and the occasional breakdown on a chaise longue, Sophie Fisher’s An Ode to the Casting Director has you covered. It’s funny, raw, and painfully relatable—whether or not you’ve ever had to slate your name into a void.

The direction by Linda Ludwig was clean, clear, and confident. The staging felt natural and un-fussy—no contradictions, no over-complication. Just the right amount of guidance to keep things flowing, which is refreshing when Fringe shows sometimes try to reinvent gravity.

The set & visuals were minimal but spot-on. A handful of well-chosen pieces (yes, the lamps deserve their own applause) created a space that was simple yet effective. It never distracted from Sophie’s performance, and instead let the story take center stage.

The multimedia used was a real highlight (props to Mia Taylor the camera operator). The use of live video during “audition room” moments was a clever trick—it let us see everything from an audience perspective and added that extra layer of scrutiny you feel in a casting panel. It worked seamlessly and added a lot of texture to the show.

Lighting? Fine. Functional, not flashy. A steady wash and some warm lamp light—it did its job, but it didn’t elevate much either. Sound by Joseph O'Brien, on the other hand, was tight. Ringtones, voiceovers, all well-timed and perfectly balanced in volume. Subtle, but it kept the rhythm sharp.

Sophie's performance is where this show really soars. Sophie is a powerhouse—funny, vulnerable, sharp, and emotionally honest. Her storytelling is packed with moments of laugh-out-loud comedy, gut-punch honesty, and everything in between. She holds the audience in the palm of her hand.

The script (also by Sophie) for the most part, strong and coherent. There were a couple of beats that felt like they sagged slightly—but honestly, that’s nitpicking. Overall, it’s a solid, well-structured piece that balances comedy and raw truth beautifully.

An Ode to the Casting Director feels like therapy, stand-up, and a brutally honest diary entry rolled into one. It’s funny, engaging, and refreshingly human. Not perfect—but definitely a Fringe gem worth catching.