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?
Thu, 17 May 2001, 08:34 amWalter Plinge
"Well, isn't that an unusual twist of fate?? I was Vitoller in Wyrd Sisters too!"
Aah! Now I can put a face to a name!!
"I won't ask you what you thought though. I think it's always hard for actors to judge other actors who play roles they themselves have played. Well, I do anyway!"
No, not really. I just always assume that I was ten times better than they were, and then worry that maybe they were ten times better than I was and I'm just kidding myself... ; )
Ah, the insecurity of being an actor, isn't it great!
In all sincerity - well done that man!
"I played Doug in Cosi... Muah ha ha haaaa!!!! He was fun."
Yeah, our Doug reckoned it was great as well, Henry, on the other hand, was a totally satisfying role to play, but very, very taxing... I was knackered after every performance.
I just think it weird that after all the musicals I've done in the last x years, the first show I do where I REALLY get to sing is a PLAY!
Aah! Now I can put a face to a name!!
"I won't ask you what you thought though. I think it's always hard for actors to judge other actors who play roles they themselves have played. Well, I do anyway!"
No, not really. I just always assume that I was ten times better than they were, and then worry that maybe they were ten times better than I was and I'm just kidding myself... ; )
Ah, the insecurity of being an actor, isn't it great!
In all sincerity - well done that man!
"I played Doug in Cosi... Muah ha ha haaaa!!!! He was fun."
Yeah, our Doug reckoned it was great as well, Henry, on the other hand, was a totally satisfying role to play, but very, very taxing... I was knackered after every performance.
I just think it weird that after all the musicals I've done in the last x years, the first show I do where I REALLY get to sing is a PLAY!
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