Unavoidable doesn't make it right. 

Yes, precasting happens. I've yet to meet a director who, upon reading the script, hasn't already put a mental picture of the actors they want to use in the parts.   

However, I believe the only time pre-casting gets someone in trouble is when it is done secretly. "I've got a part for you -- don't tell anybody!"   This is simply not playing fairly. And NOBODY likes going through an unnecessary audition for a part that simply isn't available.

On the other hand, very few actors I've worked with have qualms when the pre-casting is done out in the open.   I've seen many audition notices in our area where it calls for actors and then states frankly (for example) "The part of [Annie Oakley] has already been cast."

This gives the auditionees a fair warning. True, some may choose NOT to audition because the part they had their desires set on is already taken, but many will still participate knowing there are still other roles available.

(Oddly enough, I've since discovered those who refuse to audition most likely didn't have a snowball's chance of landing the pre-cast role anyway and are merely looking for an excuse to save face.)

Heck, I've even seen notices where practically the ENTIRE CAST has been set and the ad reads: "Looking to fill remaining parts" and then lists their character descriptions.

As long as you are honest with your participants, they likewise should be grown-up about it. Yes, it happens. Deal with it.

Topper, I agree. Be upfront if you have pre-cast the role. I don't do it often, but I have done it a couple of times. I am always open about it, and it has never been a problem.  The first time I did it, I had some grumbles, and then they heard him sing. The reason I pre-cast was obvious to everyone. I don't want to waste my time auditioning people for a part that has already been cast either. Linda

There you go, KEB.  "The one to beat."  That's typically been my approach, because most of what's been stated on here is completely true.  Especially in terms of the inevitability of thinking of certain actors for certain roles.  (Not saying it should be avoided.)

Speaking of inevitability...just as there's no way of avoiding directors who pre-cast (it happens), there's also no way for directors to avoid actors whining about pre-casting that, in reality, wasn't.

Yes, I try to think of actors who would be good in roles I'm going to cast.  What good director wouldn't.  Yes, I sometimes ask specific actors to audition for a show.  What good director wouldn't.  Yes, sometimes "The One To Beat" becomes "The One."  Is that pre-casting?  No.  But don't try telling that to the actor who lost the role!

And just for the record, I'm not in the "NEVER" camp when it comes to pre-casting.  Sometimes...SOMETIMES...it makes complete sense.  But it should always be handled professionally and with class.  If you're going to pre-cast a role, you need to be confident enough about your reasons to be confident enough to tell people from the get-go!

I'm just sayin'.

Originally posted by teridtiger Hmm.  "The One to Beat".  Sounds familiar...  :)

First I looked at the post...and it cracked me up!

THEN I looked at the Post-er!  Ahhhh, Teri!  Now that I see WHO it is, the number of things it could mean has multiplied!

Let's hear it for teridtiger!  Keeping the dream of "theatre that pushes boundaries" alive in Chula Vista, California!!  (Now THAT...is an Artistic Director, people!)

DK