What does go on Inside & Out at an audition...
Tue, 23 Oct 2007, 08:54 amMusically Savage15 posts in thread
What does go on Inside & Out at an audition...
Tue, 23 Oct 2007, 08:54 amI am curious...
I'm aware of what occurs within the doors at our closed auditions at MPAC, Mandurah (because I'm in there) but every audition seems to include a colourful influx of ideas that roam the corridors.
From Volunteers outside who declare random things of what "They're" looking for to another actor quite wittingly dropping the idea that they want someone tall. Better chance for them now... It is another sub-plot at auditions that does keep me amused but I thought I'd open it for a best of... worst of... Do the Directors really pre-cast?
This might be a nice opportunity for Thesbians to gain some insight into the process. :-)
And for some to realize they left an audition for no real reason. :-( (Somebody told them they couldn't sing?...)
Not particularly related is the latest auditions we held. Wizard of Oz at MPAC. It had it's own novel of antics produced. But I was there. I probably deserve much of the blame for who got in. (That and the 100 plus who auditioned...) I'm the MD. The genre is 'Musical' folks. I tended to think that the MD had a large part to play. Apparently not all MD's in the community circle have done this. Actors enter into a new play with a lovely view of how things run from time to time...
So let me know... What does go on at an audition?
Luke
Truth
Tue, 23 Oct 2007, 10:03 amDo directors Pre-Cast. Yes some directors do pre-cast. Some do not.
There are several ways this can be done.
- Some characters are pre-cast well before the auditions and as such should be announced accodingly,
- Director (on the side) suggest to certain actors that if they want the part, they can have,
- Director asks specific people to audition with an idea of what part they could play. If they turn up, they get cast,
- As above but the director keeps the role he has in mind for them secret,
- As above but does not promise anything for certain,
- Director has in mind people he would like to have in the cast, but does not tell them hoping they will turn up.
These are examples of pre-casting only. The benefits of pre-casting are that you can ensure your lead roles get filled easily. The cons is that it can p!$$ others off. Personally, honesty is always the better approach if you are pre-casting.
I prefer having people in mind, and keeping them there. If they turn up and audition, then they should be measured against other applicants equally. If they are still your prefered choice, then fair enough. This gives the opportunity for unexpected talent to come forth also.
In my current production, I did not pre-cast at all. I took a gamble with who turned up, and I had casting problems with two of my three main parts. I then had to post-cast if you like. If I had pre-cast these roles, I would have saved myself a huge head-aches and possibly have been able to start rehearsals much sooner than I did.
Ultimately, there has to be a workable balance; either be upfront or be fair.
Absit invidia
Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director