Double-casting kids. What's the real deal?

So My daughter is about to audition for a very large Annie-size role (but it's not Annie) at a local community theater. This theater made a point of asking her to audition, telling her about the show months ago, even before it was publicly announced. She's doing mostly professional theater these days but really loves this role and WANTS to do it.

In the beginning when they asked me to bring her they told me about how they were afraid they wouldn't get a talented girl to audition and they REALLY wish I'd bring her. But NOW I hear they're actually thinking of double-casting the role.

Hey, it's only 8 shows, one per day for two week run.

Here's my beef. some kids aren't reliable, but my daughter has been acting for about 5 years, has a great reputation for never missing a show. She's completed professional gigs with more than 30 shows without being double-cast. why does a COMMUNITY theater think they need to double cast her? Well, they admitted they feel like they may sell more tickets that way. But publicly they say it's because they worry that the kid could get sick.

She complains to me about how she's more professional that most of the adults she's worked with. She busts her tail whenever she's in a show. Directors in this city KNOW that about her... at least the ones with a brian.

You directors need to realize that if you want talented kids,... with a LOT of esperience to show up for your audition and get cast in your show and in some cases, literally help get  you on the map, you need to show (some of) the kids a little respect. And to sell more tickets? So double-cast some of the adults, you'll sell more tickets that way too. Get two sound guys, and two set designers, and two choreographers, and two lighting experts, you'll sell more tickets that way too.

This theater, who practically begged me to promise I'd have her there, is very close to losing out because of this. I'm not a whacko stage mom. I have no stomach for it. It's my daughter who's upset. She's tired of being disrespected when she works so hard.

I'd love to hear your comments.

If you want professional-level kids to show up for a community theater show, treat them like professionals. I'm fine with double-casting when the schedule is very rigorous. Like once when there was 3 shows in one day (SOund of Music), and she was just 7. But don't lie and say it's becuase you think a kid might not handle it well, when there's just 8 shows and she's got more experience than most of the adults and all you really want is to sell more tickets. Then cast the fat little blobs with no talent. Their grandmas will still gladly buy tickets and you can still pretend to do real theater.

P.S. recently she want TRIPLE cast in a show that had 12 shows. the director, at a fringe theater (NOT community) actually told me she thought the role was SO DEMANDING it could "take its toll" on the kids. Then she had the balls to be miffed when we pulled out. Give me a break.

 

First, before I answer your question, I have to say that your attitude shocked me. I am assuming that you have never directed anything before and that your sole responsibility has been to get your daughter to rehearsals and shows on time. Given the tone of your post, I personally would be scared to death to cast your kid in anything I directed. I completely understand a mother being upset because someone has hurt her child's feelings, but REALLY you need to keep your attitude in check. There are lots of talented kids out there, and if you aren't careful, your attitude could eventually keep her out of being cast at all.

That being said - here is my answer to your question.

I have been directing children's theatre and community theatre shows for 10 years. I will cast understudies for the leads whenever I can. It isn't anything personal. It also isn't to sell more tickets, or because I have doubts about the lead being able to handle it. Even the most talented and professional kid in the world can still get sick. Am I correct in understanding that your daughter will only get to be in half of the shows, or is it double cast only to have a replacement if she gets sick?  It is still your choice to accept the role or not. So, if you aren't comfortable, say no and let another child have the chance to shine.

 

I agree with the other posts in respect to yours. However I also caught you & daughters frustration. Having been born at the stage door into a theatrical family, as mum would say "It is better to  just go mad & tear paper". What that has to do with it, I was never sure. It certainly can?t harm, I have used it to even get my point of view over many a time &/or just make a gawd awful mess - which also works!
Your daughter should be chuffed because she obviously has the talent, to get the part. Even though she believes she is the best duck on the pond. It is great experience for her, to handle any of these  situations, also giving her empirical skills for free, that will needed later.
As the old adage goes "if you want to succeed in this game, it takes 80% attitude & the balance made with knowledge, experience, talent & aptitude".  [ meaning talent only averages out @ 5%]
Lets face it the only true meaning between amateur & professional, is the green backed paper dollar [Here it is only a coloured gold coin].
This game is based on illusion & we are only in ?it? to manufacture memories. Don?t worry & her to enjoy ?it?, not push ?it? uphill with her nose. Get her to keep a scrap book & record of credits up to date. -You never know it may be worth a bob or two, on the antique road show some day!

Normally I wouldn't advise this but given the sincere tone of your post and that they asked your daughter to audition so earnestly, I'd dig in my heels and say only she plays the role if cast or nothin'.    As I said I wouldn't normally advise this tactic but I'd say you have a pretty good exception here.   It's rare that you have a child that has a good work ethic.    Most cts that double cast kids are because they need the dough from more ticket sales, membership fees or just don't think that most of the kids have the stamina to hold up for the given number of performances.    Go with your heart and what you know is right.

Good luck and break a leg!

 

I have been in productions where we put in full hours of rehearsal and time, only to do TWO performances...  I agree with some of our friends here.. If she wants to do the show, she should do it. If half the nights are not enough, note it on the form or discuss it with the director.

Since you brought the subject up and on a side line, I HATE double casting.  So much so, I have made it a rule not to direct shows, or if possible, be in shows that the theater has requested be double cast.. IE, where in Wizard of Oz, they want to double cast Dorothy, the lion, the scarecrow and the tinman.  Great for the runners up, but plays heck with  the rest of the cast and chorus  who are trying to learn the timing and interplay with one set of actors one night, only to have another show up the following night.. the whole concept just isnt worth it to me..