What does go on Inside & Out at an audition...

I'm very happy to say that there's a whole bunch of productions going on now in the SW compaired to 5 years ago. A few new companies have been able to be formed the smaller ones are able to do a little more each year. Generally that means everyones doing a good job - the audiences are getting behind the shows and everyone involved so be pleased :-) As the local talent spreads itself out those who use to watch shows are having a go too. But yeh, Wizard of Oz is rather similar. 4 out of 8 of the leads are the same as WoZ 2002, and the others have been leads in many productions in various companies. But that's what leads & triple threats do. We behind the desk knew we were gonna wear a few missiles but lots of actors were somewhere else. I mean it was lovely of all the charming thespians to consider the scarecrow beyond approach and let him be the only one to audition for the roll. Flatterly from his peers! There was 2 lions & 3 tinmans. Even so from my point of view the old had to prove to me that they were still the best for the role. Anyone new had the advantage of being fresh. Thankfully we had a dozen Dorothy's. But I'd consider "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" a make or break song for the character, and it's the 1st song in the play. We had about 5 actors who did a good job. (Most unfortunately being influenced by Aussie Idol - if I said I didn't want any pop licks I did generally mean it...) Keeping Neville happy (above) our 1st criteria for most roles was whether they could sing. 2nd act, 3rd dance. (Not all musicals flow this way, nor do all characters) In the flavour of this particular thread behind the doors agony burbled around as we looked as 80 children (with 20 places) 40 adults (18 places) & 20 or so for the leads. 'What went on outside' the audition might have realized 'what went on inside' didn't have many choices. I do agree with Jeff & Daniel as an approach that I usually take myself. "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." (Jeff) "MPAC doesn't "completely" pre-cast. They think about people who would suit the role prior to the audition. I think this isn't such a bad thing when you have to audition 100 plus people." (Daniel) I'm perusing a score for MPAC just now where the lead lady (young lady) needs to reach 3 D's above middle C (most girls seem to reach a G just below that) & the young man B above middle C (and guys an E below that for the most part). They gotta be able to do it comfortably too. I can think of a few who could cope and so it passes that test at least. These things do need to be considered. Buy the time audition day comes around much expense and time/effort has already been expended - it makes sense to have a few checks that things go well and a pleasant experience unfolds. Well, that is perhaps a little more behind the scenes... I'm sure others have additions too. Luke ...Smiling Goes A Long Way...