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, 11:13 pmMe: "It seems the only reason nepotism is profitable is because directors are incapable of spotting talent during auditions."
You: "I don't have to cast every actor who auditions for me...."
I think you took that sentence out of context. I was implying that the only argument Paul had offered in favour of nepotism was that "directors are incapable of spotting talent during auditions."
(see what you've done? Now it's me vs you...)
I'm not particularly convinced by your "nepotism not making things stagnant" argument either... Hell, they may have all left because things WERE nepotic there. Essays could be written on whether nepotism is a cause of stagnancy! Anyone got time to do a PhD??
I'm glad to hear you don't indulge in nepotism and do cast strangers, but the big question is... When will you do a play that has roles for 30 year olds??
This seems to have drifted way off track from your original theory. Suffice to say I think I can play more than just long-haired nice people. Despite my urbane sophistication I can grovel in the muck with the worst of them (and I love it!).
You: "I don't have to cast every actor who auditions for me...."
I think you took that sentence out of context. I was implying that the only argument Paul had offered in favour of nepotism was that "directors are incapable of spotting talent during auditions."
(see what you've done? Now it's me vs you...)
I'm not particularly convinced by your "nepotism not making things stagnant" argument either... Hell, they may have all left because things WERE nepotic there. Essays could be written on whether nepotism is a cause of stagnancy! Anyone got time to do a PhD??
I'm glad to hear you don't indulge in nepotism and do cast strangers, but the big question is... When will you do a play that has roles for 30 year olds??
This seems to have drifted way off track from your original theory. Suffice to say I think I can play more than just long-haired nice people. Despite my urbane sophistication I can grovel in the muck with the worst of them (and I love it!).
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