Yes, Your Social Media Posts Can Cost You Landing the Role

by Chris Peterson

If you’re an actor who wants to work, your online presence matters. A lot. It’s no longer just about your headshot, your resume, or how well you read in the room. Casting teams are absolutely checking your social media, and what they find could be the difference between getting the part or being passed over.

This isn’t about politics or opinions. It’s about professionalism, conduct, and community. If your profile is filled with bullying, inappropriate jokes, mean-spirited posts about other performers, or even questionable photos and videos, it raises red flags. And before you say, “Well that’s just who I am,” understand that every production is built on trust and chemistry. If your online behavior suggests you might be a disruption or a liability, that’s often the end of the conversation.

I’ve seen it firsthand. I was once part of a discussion about final callbacks for a lead role. There were two top contenders. Everyone loved both of them in the room. It was a tough call. Then one of the producers casually pulled out their phone, looked up one of the actors on what was then still called Twitter, and scrolled. The smile disappeared almost immediately. What they saw wasn’t illegal or overtly offensive, but it was bitter. Arrogant. Dismissive of other artists. There were sarcastic comments about previous productions, veiled jabs at fellow performers, and a general tone of “I’m better than all this.” We didn’t need a debate after that. The role went to the other actor.

It didn’t come down to talent. It came down to who we trusted to show up, contribute, and be part of a team.

And in community theatre, especially in smaller towns and tight-knit areas, this matters even more. You might think people forget, but they don’t. If you bullied someone online last season or made nasty comments about a show someone directed, word spreads. Fast. You may not even realize that the person you went after is close friends with the music director, the stage manager, or the artistic director. Or maybe you directed that negativity at the director themselves. Either way, forget getting cast. People remember how you made them feel, and no one wants to welcome drama before the first rehearsal even starts.

It doesn’t have to be a viral post to do damage. A single complaint about a theatre you worked with, a bitter comment about not getting a role, or a vague but pointed jab at your castmates can make the rounds quickly. Theatre is built on trust and collaboration. When you make people feel unsafe or unwelcome, they will move on to someone who doesn’t.

Actors aren’t just cast for their talent. They’re cast for the energy they bring into the room. You might be able to sing the roof off the place, but if your online presence suggests negativity, ego, or conflict, directors and producers will almost always choose someone else.

Think of your social media as your permanent, public audition. Use it to celebrate others, share your growth, promote your work, and connect with your community. If something is better left unsaid, it’s probably better left unposted too.

You don’t need to be fake. You just need to be intentional. Because your next role might be one post away from disappearing.