Pre-Casting: the act of assigning actors/actresses to roles in a production before the actual auditions occur.
Many professional theaters pre-cast roles. Using big name celebtities to promote their big ticket admission prices and to cover high production costs. But does this practice make sense in the smaller arena of community theater? A local theater group has announced auditions for an upcoming two-person show, but only has auditions for one of the two roles. Meaning that they have pre-cast the lead role. While I understand that we all like to work with a known talent, someone whose abilities, strenghths and weaknesses we are already aware of, doesn't this send the wrong message to anyone who might have tried out for that role? Like don't bother?
M&D has always had an open audition policy. Which means every role in a production is up for grabs. Yes, we encourage known local to talent to audition for certain roles, but we do not pre-cast. You never know what undiscovered talent is just waiting for that juicy lead role they have always dreamt of playing.
What does everyone here think? Should pre-casting be done at the community theater level? If so, why? If not, why? Talk amongst yourselves....
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8 comments:
Interesting how actors hate the idea of pre-casting until they're the ones pre-cast... wink, wink. I kid.
Having been pre-cast myself on occasion, I think that it depends on the circumstances.
Those who run theatre companies, or are charged with casting a play, can't afford to say "NEVER", even if it means causing a certain level of resentment in the community. So let's just set the absolutisms aside, and focus on why pre-casting happens at all.
There will be times that a director may know that a role may be difficult to cast but knows a person who would be perfect for it, and in the interest of serving the play, approaches that person with the promise of the role prior to auditions.
This is less about fairness and more about doing one's best to ensure the play has a successful outcome, even if it's not perceived that way.
That being said, I also think it's incumbent upon all parties to be extremely careful when one is considering pre-casting a role, for all the reasons people mention; it may discourage someone whose talents you weren't aware of to not bother showing up; and it's always bound to cause unhappiness amongst the ranks of actors who consider pre-casting a type of favoritism.
So, if you're going to do it, be sure that the risk involved in doing it outweigh the risks of not doing it. Above all, it needs to be the RIGHT thing to do- for the play, for the other actors in the cast, for the company, and for the community.
If you feel you have a compelling enough reason, be able to rationalize your decision, and stick to it. If you don't, reconsider pre-casting, and take your chances with the more accepted ways of getting a show up and running.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Thanks Anonymous. In the future, we will continue to ask you our posters the "deeper" questions, post more thought provoking interviews and behind the scene "stuff." This is not done to hurt, tear down, or be malicious to anyone person or theater group. It is merely offering another opinion amongst the wide array of others who have opinions to offer.
We at M&D all feel (not just Ken and I) feel strongly about the freedom to be able to say what you feel,without judgement, malice, or fear of making other "WRONG" for thier unique opinions. EVERYONE'S OPINIONS MATTER EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NEVER ALL COMPLWTELY AGREE WITH EACH OTHER. It's all part of learning, growing and improving not only our craft but also as individuals. I personally LOVE my friends who tell me when they don't agree with me or think I am wrong. It provides me a forum to discuss other possible ways of seeing things, people or situations. ALL WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
The lead role in the M&D show that is currently opening was pre-cast. The role of MacMurphy was chosen more than a year ago by the director (as is his privelege).
Readings were still done for this part without auditionees knowledge that the role was pre-cast.
I am amazed, yet again, by "Anonymous" posters who think they know something that is absolutely WRONG!
I myself auditioned for this role, so I can assure you dear brave Anonymous moron, that the role was NOT pre-cast. Try slinging mud with some truth in it once in a while it might stick.
As a director, I have no problem-, in pre-casting a role; however, I always eliminate that role from auditions. Yes it is a directors privilege to pre-cast a role; however, I feel it is unethical to include said role in auditions. Honesty always wins. Actors need to know their options. A true actor will "act". A seasoned actor has a choice: "Do I waste my time on this audition or do I not waste my time". There is enough talent in Colorado that being honest about pre-casting has never caused me one single problem in auditions, production etc. It has actually brought me additional respect.
I originally posted this an anonymous (only because, I like being anonymous in debates). However, in this case, it seems that anonymous is being considered to be the same individual. So I repost with my actual ID, and add to it.
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As a director, I have no problem-, in pre-casting a role; however, I always eliminate that role from auditions. Yes it is a directors privilege to pre-cast a role; however, I feel it is unethical to include said role in auditions. Honesty always wins. Actors need to know their options. A true actor will "act". A seasoned actor has a choice: "Do I waste my time on this audition or do I not waste my time". There is enough talent in Colorado that being honest about pre-casting has never caused me one single problem in auditions, production etc. It has actually brought me additional respect.
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I also introduce those who have been precast to those auditioning, as well as have them assist in the audition process. I enjoy vigorous audition processesses, to sort out the "men from the boys" so to speak. :) I am not saying that this role was pre-cast or not. However, I feel any role that is needs to be honestly and freely put forth as so. That is all. :)
Couple of times, precasting and auditions were involved with complications. I play a guy addicted to cocaine and the director has someone in mind. I saw the play. The actor he had in mind used the same intensity all through but it was not my intention to play the guy high all through. It was a Mamet play. You know, Hollywood. You know Mamet...
Just recently it was a play about Baghdad. I know they are just starting out but it was really offensive in the audition to be treated callously. I always study the play and expect fair play. I went all into talking to a victim of war and was told to be comedic. Well, it was the best and worst of times sort of thing.
I think we need to up our game in the theatre world.
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