Cherin Perelman worked as a certified public accountant for over a decade before becoming a casting director in New York City. While few formal educational requirements exist, aspiring casting directors can benefit from courses in theater, directing, and business management. However, gaining real world experience through internships and assistant positions with casting agencies and directors is arguably most effective. It requires working from the bottom up over time to gain experience, contacts, and a comprehensive understanding of matching actors to roles. Successful casting directors display curiosity, patience, and a desire to meet new people to properly assess an actor's fit for different opportunities.