Rachel Varela Zappia

Freelance Commercial and Theatrical Casting | SAG AFTRA Actor

Monrovia, California, United States

About

Rachel Varela was born in Meridian, MS and attended Tulane University with a dual degree in Theater and Digital Media Production. She completed over 30 theatrical productions upon graduation of high school and has since transitioned to film production with an emphasis of casting in Los Angeles. She has directed and produced short films and appeared in A&E TV series, "Breakout Kings" and ABC TV series, "Red Band Society," Tom Cruise's "Jack Reacher 2," and short films, such as "Madchen" and "Behind Blue Eyes." She was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Meridian and 2nd Alternate for the State of Mississippi Scholarship program.

Experience

  • Casting Assistant at Tiffany Company Casting
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 7 mos

    • Created a database of over 30K "real-people" talent within 2 years • Created workflows for virtually interviewing and auditioning talent safely during COVID 19 • Utilize Breakdown Services and LA Casting platforms to solicit agency submissions and then scheduled 300+ talent for commercials and feature film auditions and real-people casting • Communicate with advertisement agencies and directors to create a casting breakdown with audition sides • Manage time-efficiency of auditions by ushering actors through check-in and maintaining lobby • Organize and coordinate delivery of high volumes of headshots, resumes, and size cards to casting director • Serve as a reader opposite talent during live auditions • Check availability, book talent, Station 12 talent from agency and director selections

  • Real People Casting | Talent and Story Development at ASG Casting
    Jan 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 7 mos

    Freelance Casting associate for commercials and short films and theater productions. Our office works closely with clients to find the best talent for nonunion and union projects. We research and develop stories from real people and curate quality talent for major film and television productions.

  • Freelance Casting Assistant at House Casting
    May 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 3 mos

    • Used Breakdown Services and LA Casting platforms to solicit agency submissions and then scheduled 300+ talent for national commercials and feature film auditions • Communicated with advertisement agencies and directors to create a casting breakdown with audition sides • Ensured auditions moved in a time-efficient manner by ushering actors through check-in and maintaining lobby • Systemized high volumes of headshots, resumes, and size cards to be delivered to the casting director • Served as a reader opposite talent during live auditions o AT&T Commercial o National Toyota Commercial

  • Food Server and Hostess at Oakmont Country Club
    Jun 2016 - Feb 2020 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Oakmont Country Club is an exclusive private golf course that strives to offer its members and guests premier golf, dining, and social experiences in a family-friendly environment.

  • Film Production Teacher at San Rafael Elementary School
    Jun 2018 - Jul 2018 · 2 mos

    Students in our 5-week program are inspired while having fun learning as their classes prepare them for the upcoming school year. I created a curriculum for students from grades 3rd to 6th in a classroom of 45 students to learn Foley sound design, to make stop motion videos, to write and record radio plays, to act on-camera, and to write, shoot, and edit their own movies within 5 weeks.