Casting the lead roles for WORD AND DEED, a series that spans three full seasons, was never just about talent on the page. It was about finding the right chemistry between two characters whose relationship drives the emotional heart of the story. The lead male role is Agent Derrick Miller/Pastor John Crossley, and his female co-star is Agent Kimberly Daniel/Jessica Crossley.

After reviewing several online video submissions, I narrowed the field down to four standout actors for each lead role, male and female. These finalists were then invited to in-person auditions, where the real test began: chemistry.

To simulate the relationship between the leads, each male actor auditioned opposite every female actress, giving me the chance to see which pairing brought the most authentic emotional energy to the screen. I selected two different scenes that revealed different layers of their dynamic:

One scene placed the couple in a tense argument inside a car. Chairs were set up to mimic the confined space. This scene tested their ability to convey frustration and humor. Screenshots of the video auditions.

The second scene jumped ahead to an emotionally heavy moment from Season Two, to gauge how deeply they could tap into vulnerability and intensity.

All sessions were recorded so I could revisit the performances before making final decisions.

The auditions were held at a local library, which turned out to be a smart and affordable choice. Not only was it budget-friendly, but it also offered a safe and neutral public space for meeting with cast members.

Because WORD AND DEED is planned as a three-season arc, every actor was required to commit to the full journey of the show. This isn’t just a role, it’s a long-term partnership in telling a powerful story of faith, struggle, and redemption.

Congratulations to Raymond Ritzau and Beck Rosser.