We do not precast.  We do however "encourage" performers to audition with no guarentee of a part.  This way we are not locked into casting someone just because we thought they may be right for the part.

On the form we also ask, what part they would like to be considered for and if they would be willing to play any part.  This way we are aware of those that only want specific parts and wether or now we want to consider them for that part.

We have found that open auditions work best for our area because it gives everyone a fair chance at a role or to take part in a show.   In a previous theater I worked at they precast almost everything and people got frustrated and did not want to work there because they felt they had no chance.  It was the same actors in every show and it got really boring seeing the same people all the time.  Open auditions is just good for the community.

Hi Nicole,

Projections would be fast and cheap.  Placement of screens without spill from your stage lights can be tricky, as well as mounting projectors without blocking audience sightlines or having keystoning problems.  Try doing projections only if you have an adult who is a wiz at AV equipment, so you don't have to deal with those headaches yourself.

 

Cardboard is cheap and plentiful, but I rarely use it due to the fire hazards involved.   You can add a little more flame retardant quality to corrigated cardboard by painting the back side with donated latex paint.   About 75% of a can of cheap household paint is calcium carbonate, which is chalk, like in Tums.  This slows the flashpoint of cardboard in case a piece leans against a hot light or something.  Your local Walmart has a house brand of white latex for $7.95 a gallon.  Get an 8-pack of disposable roller covers at a buck apiece and have everyone base coat both sides of your cardboard in one afternoon.  Then once everything has that first coat of white, not only will you have a little flame resistance, but your more expensive colorful paint won't have to soak in so deep, so you use less. 

 

Muslin is cheap and easy to work with.  It usually comes with FR treatment already soaked into it.   (I could give some large scraps that would fit in a small cafetorium stage, but I'm afraid I would take away business from all the vendors that give helpful hints on this forum).   So hit up your stage moms and tech dads to help buy some custom fit muslin drops for your space.  (Then you can store them away and repeat the show every three years). 

 

By the way, I did Seussical a couple years ago and it was a blast!  I recommend you get inspiration from the Seuss books and have your kids do all the painting themselves as part of the overall stagecraft experience.  I have pictures of my middle school production elsewhere on this forum, but I almost fear to show them to you since I did have a budget for rented drops and tons of spray foam....but here it is...maybe you can get ideas for colors and ideas for simple props:  

 

Good luck with your show and be sure to keep us updated!  -Dana

 

You asked about painting backdrops.  You have two expenses in painting drops--the fabric and the paint.  Many people size the material partly to save on paint.  Or you can use dyes instead of paint.  The cost the fabric is largely constrained by the size of the fabric.  Muslins come very cheap up to 9 feet, but costs can go up from there. There are several threads here in the Community Greenroom about cheapest sources of muslin.

 

So what size backdrop are you looking for?  There may be options at a discount.  I know my company has several low cost alternatives including 1.) a few 'bargain' options--we are a bit low on that right now, but you never know. 2.) Panels that aren't full stage width that rent for a low cost...and then 3.) creative ways of getting by on a budget.  Write me if interested.

 

Have you considered projecting--maybe on the back wall from a projector in the wings?