Pre-casting
Wed, 17 Jan 2001, 11:10 pmWalter Plinge8 posts in thread
Pre-casting
Wed, 17 Jan 2001, 11:10 pmThis topic gets my blood boiling!! A veery controversial topic. I find nothing worse than going to an auditon, trying your hardest, doing a great audition, only to find out (or not which is most often the case!) that someone already has that part! I think it is fair to say that Director's need to have enough people in mind in order to cast a play (or else there would be no point in performing it), however, these should be suggestions only, and not then develop a closed mind to other possibilities, or new people that happen to audition for the part/s. At a theatre where I have been a member for a couple of years, there is a standard unspoken rule, that there are certain directors who you don't bother to audition for, because they have a completely closed mind! What upsets me is, how does a new person entering into a theatre group to get cast in a play, if they won't be looked at as a possiblity? In my case, I have had 20 years experience in amateur theatre, and have not been able to prove myself, because some groups don't even do one-act plays, so there is no forum to display your talent. I think it is a shame, that to get into a play, I have to travel all over the metro area to audition, because the theatres that are close to me really want proven talent in their shows!
What do others think?
Just thought I would prompt a little debate/discussion on a topic which is close to my heart.
Chris.
What do others think?
Just thought I would prompt a little debate/discussion on a topic which is close to my heart.
Chris.
RE: Pre-casting
Fri, 19 Jan 2001, 09:18 pmWalter Plinge
Thanks for your comments Indi, and I agree with you completely. However, not all directors think the same way you do. Some clubs have a policy of open auditions, so directors have no choice but to run the audition, however, if they have a definite actor pre-cast in a role, then they do not have the courtesy to say that this role is taken, or probably taken. I have been to auditionsat several clubs and know that there are several directors who have a closed mind at the audition.
I went to one audition, and was asked to read a part which I was not suited to, read about six lines, and did not get a chance to try for other characters which would have been more suitable. I also went for another audition recently and read for a part which I know was already pre-cast (among other roles) and would have appreciated being told not to bother reading that character.
As far as directing shows go, I have directed many different shows, big and small, children, teens and adults, and have been on the "other side" of the picture. Of course you don't audition a play, if you don't have any chance of casting it, but you need to give new or different faces a chance.
Also, there have been some shows I have seen by some directors, that always have the same people in them, even though many other people of many years experience have auditioned for the roles.
I have missed out on parts for shows because there have been many people trying out, and the director has chosen the ones that match the closest (eg: husband and wife, sisters etc) which is fair enough, but at least you feel like you've been given a good opportunity to display your skills.
All I am asking for is a fair chance at an open audition, and for honesty from directors.
I went to one audition, and was asked to read a part which I was not suited to, read about six lines, and did not get a chance to try for other characters which would have been more suitable. I also went for another audition recently and read for a part which I know was already pre-cast (among other roles) and would have appreciated being told not to bother reading that character.
As far as directing shows go, I have directed many different shows, big and small, children, teens and adults, and have been on the "other side" of the picture. Of course you don't audition a play, if you don't have any chance of casting it, but you need to give new or different faces a chance.
Also, there have been some shows I have seen by some directors, that always have the same people in them, even though many other people of many years experience have auditioned for the roles.
I have missed out on parts for shows because there have been many people trying out, and the director has chosen the ones that match the closest (eg: husband and wife, sisters etc) which is fair enough, but at least you feel like you've been given a good opportunity to display your skills.
All I am asking for is a fair chance at an open audition, and for honesty from directors.
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