You know KEB54, I think that in an "ideal" world shouldn't have casing affected by anyone but the director . But that is what the "directors " seemed to say (but not do) . Or at least I think that is what they seem to say ( or not do ) . Oh yes ... it could be as simple as .... " The costume won't fit"... but I know it's not as simple as that...

A few more words on the subject:

My answer to question #1 is essentially unchanged.  I've never looked at anyone through the lens of his/her associations within the theater community.  I'm simply physically unable to do it.  The only thing I have to work with (aside from any talent I may possess) is my integrity.  I think I'm pretty well regarded in my local theater community.  And I think it's (at least partially) because everyone knows that I'm open to all possibilities, and I never pre-cast.  Sure, there are people I may have in mind for a particular part, and I may encourage them to come to auditions.  But I promise nothing.  They know they'll get a fair shake and that's enough for them - and for me.

When I hold auditions I leave myself open to all possibilities.  As I said before, if I have direct, personal knowledge that any particular actor is difficult to work with, I won't cast them, however "talented" they might be.  I like to foster an ensemble feeling with my casts.  Everyone working to make the show the best it can be.  We leave egos at the door.  Also, during the auditioning process I make sure that everyone reads equally.  That is, I make sure that no one can leave an audition of mine thinking that they'd been overlooked, or not given a proper chance to show what they could do. 

(I actually did accidentally break that rule a few years ago.  One actor told me, when I called to offer her a part, that she was sure she wasn't going to get the part because I'd only had her read once during the 2-1/2 hour audition session.  The thing is, she was the first to read for that part and from that moment on she had the role.  I kept looking to see if anyone would top her and they couldn't.  I was so busy trying to be fair to the others, that I forgot to be fair to her.  I felt so bad that I've sworn never to let that happen again.)

I know what some of the people who come to audition are capable of because I've seen them in other plays.  I also flatter myself that I'm able to spot untapped talent.  The actor who always plays the best friend or the next door neighbor and always in light comedy who shines when given the challenge of a weightier role.  Or the person who you can just tell is better than they think they are.  (An unusual situation actually.  So many turn out to be not quite as good as they think they are.)

A small point of honor with me is to cast the show from the pool of talent that comes to the auditions.  As long as I have enough people to fill my cast of characters, I do not and will not call around to try to snag someone who didn't come.  It's part of the challenge of directing.  To win the game with the hand that was dealt you.  It's a continuing learning process - for my actors, and for me, too.  But if I'm advertising my show as having "open auditions', I make damn sure they're honestly open.  Sometimes my "vision" of the show has to be altered to suit the reality of the cast I've chosen; but we all manage to pull it off so the audiences, in particular, never guess that they've seen something less than what I was hoping to give them.

I live in an area that is blessed with a good deal of community theater.  There are a dozen community theaters within a twenty mile radius of my house (Four within a three mile radius) and I work actively with half of them.  And we actually have a talent base to accommodate them all.  But it doesn't mean we don't have our casting problems from time to time.  I directed "ART" a few years ago - a three character play - and only had two actors audition.  In that situation, I did have to make some phone calls; but usually I don't.

Sorry to ramble, but as an actor, I've been to enough "open" auditions that were more "closed" than otherwise.  I'm adamant that my auditions will never sink to that level.  So far, so good.  (Knock wood.) 


Edited by edh915 - 2/08/11 at 9:58pm