Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amWalter Plinge44 posts in thread
Is acting casting?
Sat, 12 May 2001, 01:53 amI have a theory: that acting is casting.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
If a character in a play is urbane and sophisticated, then you cast an urbane and sophisticated actor. If the character is neurotic, you cast a neurotic actor. That kind of thing.
If, instead of asking a loose-hipped type to play a starched collar, or an intellectual to play an ignorant, uneducated type, a director were to cast actors who are as close as possible to type, how different do you think it would make the process of working and playing the piece?
How many actors can actually play anything? And how many are only good within a limited range of roles? And can a director justify casting their play entirely with "types", who match -- IRL -- some or all of the characteristics of the people they're playing?
I had thought of making this a poll, but I think it's better served in this forum, where lengthy dissertations -- in either direction -- can be offered.
I look forward to a substantial, thought-provoking debate,
peace,
David M.
RE: Is acting casting?
Mon, 14 May 2001, 06:54 pmVive La Nepotisme!?!
It is SO easy to defend a system when you benefit from that system. SO easy to justify the perpetuation of a system when it's to your benefit.
It seems the only reason nepotism is profitable is because directors are incapable of spotting talent during auditions. Surely not! If directors are having trouble seeing talent, perhaps they could restructure their auditions?
Doesn't nepotism promote stagnancy? Fewer actors auditioning because they know they will never get a challenging role.
Doesn't nepotism stifle creativity? If you work with a more diverse group of actors, there's a greater opportunity for creativity.
Come on, be brave. Take the chance and cast people you DON'T know.
Oh I dunno, maybe I should get off my soap box here... I don't want to ostracize myself...
You know what these nepotic systems are like. You only get one chance. If you blow it, you're out for life!
It is SO easy to defend a system when you benefit from that system. SO easy to justify the perpetuation of a system when it's to your benefit.
It seems the only reason nepotism is profitable is because directors are incapable of spotting talent during auditions. Surely not! If directors are having trouble seeing talent, perhaps they could restructure their auditions?
Doesn't nepotism promote stagnancy? Fewer actors auditioning because they know they will never get a challenging role.
Doesn't nepotism stifle creativity? If you work with a more diverse group of actors, there's a greater opportunity for creativity.
Come on, be brave. Take the chance and cast people you DON'T know.
Oh I dunno, maybe I should get off my soap box here... I don't want to ostracize myself...
You know what these nepotic systems are like. You only get one chance. If you blow it, you're out for life!
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