Why is there so much precasting?

I am just a fringe dweller - (I snuk in here 'cause no ones in 'Tech Talk' - I wonder if i need a visa now?) - but! heres my two brain cells worth???Sure it happens in possibly every Theatre and Life - You wont get away from it.Although in community theatre, where you are a member and should be afforded all rights and privileges, it should never happen. But it is possibly worse!Put yourself in the place of the Director, you have put your hand up, procured the script, had the mise en scene designed with your team in place - and now for the auditions? Try it yourself it is a big ask and task.You want to do your best and ensure the best of the production, even if you have just lobbed there you will try and glean who can do what or who would be available - you hedge your bets as best you can, because at the end of the day it is yours thats on the line.I never tell anyone they have the part until I am satisfied, after the audition process. However I see and hear this all the time "how about doing such and such and Ill take the lead or play whats a name or who ever".Unfortunately, it is something you have to bear - sure I believe it is dishonest to all members who audition in good faith - But what do you do, wait until the revolution?All I can say is dont give up - you are obviously worth it - So keep going and you will crack it - It is great training anyway and then when it happens you will be pre-cast for ever and ever and..!Joe McCabe> Don't deny it doesn't happen. How many times have I seen more> than three times the necessary people audition and many people who> deserve the part to see one of the director's relatives (wife/husband,> daughter/son, brother/sister and so on) get the part, despite the> fact their audition was actually inferior. And it's not because they> the right "look" either. Why bother auditioning the part> if the casting is a foregone conclusion? Is it just for show?