Leah Mangum is more than just a casting director; she’s a passionate storyteller whose love for the craft shines through in every project she touches. Mangum approaches each idea with a vision. Let’s explore her journey and how her love for storytelling shapes every casting decision she makes. Leah Mangum’s insights are invaluable for those who believe in the power of performance to tell a story.
You’re an experienced actress, casting director, producer, and writer who has been in show business since you were a kid. What drew you to the entertainment field?
I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I always loved watching movie musicals with my mom. I was a very rambunctious kid so my mom put me in dance class at the age of three. Right away I realized dance and the creative arts was a place where I can be anyone I wanted to be. It was a place where I can dream and be my true self.
Tell us about the specific moment or experience that inspired you to start working behind the scenes. How has your background as an actress influenced your approach as a casting director, and do you feel it gives you a unique perspective when working with actors?
I worked in commercials, film and television for many years as an actress. I performed any chance I could. I toured in musicals and attended Loyola University as a theater major. I grew to have such respect for all of the departments that come together to make a project work. When I moved to LA in 1997 I signed up to be an intern at a LA casting office. It was the best decision ever made. I was a reader for actors when they auditioned and I sat in the room with the director and producer and was able to hear all of their constructive notes. It really gave me so much knowledge on how the industry worked. I realized that I could be good at directing actors in the room so that I can help the producers / directors get what they need for each role.
With a passion for storytelling and an eye for talent, you’ve built a career that bridges the worlds of acting, casting, and production. How has your love for storytelling shaped your approach to casting and influenced the way you bring projects to life?
Learning about everyone’s job and what they did on a production really helped me see the whole picture of how the pieces are put together. This knowledge inspired me to start writing and it was so fun putting my own cast together as I wrote.
Please describe a time when casting someone unexpected made a huge impact on a project’s success.
The first thought that comes to mind is when I cast an actress in a film for the SyFy Channel. It was a wonderful role but what mattered to her most it that she could pay her rent for the next few months and it would allow her to stay in LA to continue working towards her dream. She really deserved that role but it made me feel so good that I could change someones life. By hiring her it also gave her the confidence and conformation that she should not give up.
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Your husband, Jonathan Mangum, is also in the business and is currently working on Let’s Make a Deal. With two young sons also in the performing arts, how are you able to juggle your schedules to maintain a balance between family life and your busy professional careers? What strategies do you use to ensure that both work and family time are prioritized, especially with all of you being so involved in the entertainment industry?
Having all of us in the industry really connects us even more as a family. We help each other with auditions and support each other, whether it’s seeing each others shows or concerts or just listening to the rough day we might have had. We really respect each other opinions and share our experiences and advice with one another.
You worked with Donny Osmond on the North American tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. What was that experience like, and how did working on such a large-scale production influence your career? Were there any key lessons you took away from that tour that have shaped your approach to casting and working in the entertainment industry?
Donny Osmond was such a big influence on me as a kid. I watched the Donny and Marie Show every Friday night. Touring with him was such an incredible experience. He was the star of the show and he was the sweetest and that kindness trickled down through the cast. Being on the road for three years really taught me discipline and how to be a part of a team. It also taught me how to save money. Having a weekly job for that long really allowed me to save and use the money to move to LA.
You sold a show to Yippee TV (The Fun Show) which will be available premiering in 2024. Please tell us more about the concept behind The Fun Show and what inspired its creation. What can audiences expect from the show, and how has the experience of producing it been different from your other projects?
The Fun Show was a passion project for me. I had a wonderful writing partner Teresa Thome and together we created a fun family show that I would have loved to have my kids watch. Our family and even our dog Clarissa were the stars of the show. Family is always the most important thing to me so being able to work together was a dream. I also say friendship over business, a decision I need to make often.
What advice would you give to actors when preparing for an audition?
Always be taking class and always be in a play. You need to be ready when that audition comes along. Find info on the casting director, director, producer. If the show is on the air watch a few episodes to get in touch with the tone of the show. Try to be off book as much as possible. Send two takes of every scene so the casting director sees you make two different choices. Making a choice is the most important thing.
What do you think sets apart actors who consistently land roles from those who struggle to break through?
I wish I had the answer… luck, timing, commitment, confidence, perseverance and being prepared.
Anything else you want to say?
I always tell actors to be themselves. There is only one you, don’t try to be anyone else. Never be nervous during your auditions, casting directors and all creatives want you to nail it. They are on your side and want you to be successful.
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