Audition as Networking

Casting as Networking is an industry program designed for professional actors. The program is conceived as a combination of auditioning, education, and professional networking, aiming to connect regional actors with leading European casting directors and film professionals. This year’s edition will be led by two prominent German casting directors, Nicole Schmied and Anja Dihrberg-Siebler, who will meet and evaluate selected professional actors from Croatia and the region during the workshop. Participants will learn what the casting process looks like on the international market, what casting directors expect from actors, and how to position themselves more effectively for European film and television projects.

Selected participants will perform a short scene prepared in advance, after which the casting directors will offer specific feedback on their presentation, material choice, and performance in front of the camera.

The workshop is free and open to spectators, and will be conducted in English.

Professional actors and drama academy students can apply by sending a CV, headshot, and a link to their showreel (if available) to: audicijakaonetworking@gmail.com. The number of spots is limited.

For more information about the workshop, visit Instagram: @audicijakaonetworking and @petit.teatar

language: English | the workshop is open to spectators

workshop leader

Katarina Madirazza

Katarina Madirazza is a professional actress. She graduated from ADU in Zagreb and the Prague Film School. She is active in theatre, film and television, in Croatia and abroad. She is the founder of the Petit Theatre, where she conducts the workshop Audition as Networking. She had the idea for the workshop after attending numerous domestic and foreign workshops herself, where she recognised a problem plaguing numerous actors, as well as film and TV productions – a lack of auditions and a constantly repeating handful of actors! With its unique concept, the workshop offers actors the opportunity for networking with producers, directors and casting directors through the audition process, introducing them to fresh and undiscovered talents.

casting director

Anja Dihrberg-Siebler

After studying Art History and working at renowned theatres, Anja Dihrberg-Siebler transitioned to the film industry. With her own casting company she handled the casting for over 300 productions so far, working with directors from Europe and around the world such as Emily Atef, Robert Schwentke, Terrence Malick, Olivier Assayas, and Marjane Satrapi. With over 30 years of experience, she is regarded as one of the most distinguished Casting Directors in Europe. She is a founding member of the German and the International Casting Association

casting director

Anila Gajević

Anila Gajević (Sarajevo, 1979) is the founder and director of Zona, the first casting and talent agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the leading agencies of its kind in Southeast Europe. She represents some of the most prominent actors in the region and beyond, with credits on films and series such as Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, The November Man, Snowpiercer, Skyfall, Game of Thrones, Cold War, The Night Manager, among others. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work and a member of the Association of Filmmakers in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the European Film Academy.

casting director

Nicole Schmied

Nicole Schmied has worked as a Casting Director since 1999, and in 2004 she founded her own agency, Schmied Casting, in Vienna. She works across public television, feature films, and streaming platforms.