As a director, callbacks are an event that gives you mixed emotions. It's very exciting to see actors try on all the different roles. You have been reading the script for soooo long and now you get to start to visualize what the show and the characters might look like. You hear the text being read out loud. If it is a really great audition - actors will surprise you with their "take" on how they might perceive the character.
You start to get even more excited about the project--because it starts to feel "real."
You hope that every actor that walks through the door is the "right" one---so that your search is over.
You hope that every actor that walks through the door is the "right" one---so that your search is over.
Casting a show -- I feel that is the most important step in the process of putting together a production.
You really want to be thoughtful about the process. Because getting the right people in the right roles will ultimately make your job thereafter so much easier -- Not to mention that it can make or break a show.
You really want to be thoughtful about the process. Because getting the right people in the right roles will ultimately make your job thereafter so much easier -- Not to mention that it can make or break a show.
On the flip side of this -- You know that you will be impacting several people's lives.
And that is a huge responsibility. For some, there will be great disappointment, frustration... and not understanding why they did not get cast. I (believe it or not) think about that deeply.
I know what it feels like not to get cast in a show that you really want to be in; or getting a role that you were not all that interested in playing. And lets not kid ourselves -- EVERYBODY wants the lead-- and many feel they will get cast in that coveted role. But often times, that is not the case.
And that is a huge responsibility. For some, there will be great disappointment, frustration... and not understanding why they did not get cast. I (believe it or not) think about that deeply.
I know what it feels like not to get cast in a show that you really want to be in; or getting a role that you were not all that interested in playing. And lets not kid ourselves -- EVERYBODY wants the lead-- and many feel they will get cast in that coveted role. But often times, that is not the case.
It is very difficult to disappoint people -- especially people you have worked with before.
But, that is the JOB. I am the person who has to make the tough decisions. And since the Director is ultimately responsible for the show--good or bad-- I have to do what I feel will serve the project the best.
More thoughts on auditions later.
Happy snow storm!!
More thoughts on auditions later.
Happy snow storm!!
Wonderful words filled with insightful wisdom Jacie.
ReplyDeleteI agree, casting a show is the most important step in the process.
I also agree that "that is the JOB." To cast the way a show needs to be casted. Not everyone can be the lead, and not everyone in the world can make the show.
It seems like in the professional world of theatre, auditions and call backs for actors are viewed as a job interview. In most cases, technically it is their job, but they apply and dozens may also apply (or audition) for the same role and only the best candidate will get the job. I'm sure sometimes people audition a lot just to stay connected in the community, or for experience in just auditions for later down the road. So the professionals I feel view it very differently.
Here at YPC, a professional theatre company in many ways, but still falling back on core values and putting emphasis on the education and advancement of all the young artists who pass by in a class or a show, rather than trying to exploit the talent in these kids to further your own company (well that's my opinion at least).
And so because of that, I feel it's a very different vibe auditioning here at YPC (that's a good thing). I feel YPC has proudly developed a non-threatening environment for young kids to audition and feel comfortable taking risks they may not have ever taken before. So in my mind, it's hard to balance those values of putting emphasis on the kids (like you say Jacie, in how you think deeply about how auditioners may react or feel with your decisions in casting) in an audition setting and doing "the JOB."
Thanks for writing this blog. I look forward to more thoughts by such wise caring people.