Pre-Casting ... Set In Concrete?

Casting Etiquette … and no, it’s not a new production, though come to think of written in the mould of “Last Tango in Little Grimley,” it could be very good. I digress.

May I pose a scenario for general discussion.

Let us imagine an audition is announced for a play, in which one would kill to win the lead role. You research the play, attend the reading and the subsequent audition, only to discover the director has somewhat obviously already cast the role, not only that, when you express an interest in another role, the director says, “I have somebody in mind, have you considered this part? It’s really good,” (the person in mind attended neither the reading, nor the audition).

Now, I have no problems with pre-casting and, I hasten to add, no problems with not being considered suitable for a particular role.  BUT I think it incumbent upon a director to inform potential actors that a particular role is not available. I find it disconcertingly unethical and have mentally noted not to audition at that particular theatre again.