Active Topics 
Memberlist 
Calendar 
Search 
Help
Register 
Login |
Active Topics Memberlist Calendar Search Help |
| Register Login |
| Directing | |
 Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Directing |
 Topic: The Dreaded Chorus Role...( Topic Closed) |
  |
| Page of 2 Next >> |
| Author | Message |
|
kaelidancer
Lead 
Joined: 8/06/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 49 |
 Topic: The Dreaded Chorus Role...Posted: 8/18/08 at 2:39pm |
|
I'm directing Sweeney Todd, and just had round one of auditions last night. Round two is tonight, and callbacks are Tuesday. Unfortunately, I'm seeing a depressingly large number of people who are not interested in anything but a principal role, including some who are suiciding for a part (Sweeney or nothing, for example).
I'm anticipating that I may have to call some of our people who answered "No" to the 'Will you accept any role' question and bargain with them to fill out my ensemble. I know why, I think... the recent movie cut out all of the ensemble parts, so no one sings except the principals... so I'm pretty sure that at least a few are unaware of how heavily the ensemble is used, not to mention the fact that they sing the coolest music in the show. When it comes to those casting calls, how do you guys go about convincing the skeptical that a chorus role is just as awesome and fun as a principal? |
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
pdavis69
Celebrity 
Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 3:34pm |
|
"When it comes to those casting calls, how do you guys go about convincing the skeptical that a chorus role is just as awesome and fun as a principal?"
You don't. When it comes to these people (and I have been one of them at points), they will not be happy with a chorus part, and you will have a grumpy chorus.
My only suggestion would be to play the music of the chorus for the auditioners to show them the differences with the movie. Show them the fun they could have.
|
|
|
Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse |
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
kaelidancer
Lead
Joined: 8/06/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 49 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 3:54pm |
|
True enough, I certainly don't want a grumpy chorus. Thanks for the reply :)
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
jayzehr
Celebrity
Joined: 8/11/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 537 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 3:55pm |
|
I agree, you don't want people in your show who are going to be unhappy right out of the gate. And in my experience anytime you have to "bargain" with people to get them to play a part you're setting yourself up for problems regarding power structure and authority. One way this can manifest is in attendence. Here's hoping you'll have a lot more people to choose from tonight.
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
kaelidancer
Lead
Joined: 8/06/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 49 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 4:01pm |
|
Your hopes are shared! I'll be able to put together a cast one way or another, but of course I want the strongest singers I can get.. sadly, most of the people who are super-enthusiastic about the show are, to be blunt, not singers. They'd be ecstatic in the chorus, but the difficulty of the material is going to be a pretty big hurdle.
Of course I'm overreacting a little. I have some very, very good people who can carry the show themselves if needs be... but I'm a perfectionist, and I really want a full, balanced group for my ensemble :) |
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
Nanette
Celebrity
Joined: 8/01/06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 399 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 5:07pm |
|
I no longer ask my actors to note on the audition form which role they're auditioning. EVERYONE wanted the biggest, flashiest part.
During the question/answer portion of my auditions I ask if they've (in fact) even read the script/book, what they're interested in, if they'd take a smaller role, if they'd play a male role (we're female heavy, like most CT's), etc.
|
|
|
In a world of margarine, be butter!
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
chelserin
Lead
Joined: 3/02/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 47 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 5:36pm |
|
As an actor I don't understand saying that you'd only take a lead role. And as a director, it's a big red flag that this person may not be a team player. I agree that it's better to go with people are enthusiastic but may need a bit more work than force someone into a role they may resent, which could effect the tone of the show.
Now, from the opposite side... I once had a director who said she wouldn't cast someone who had been a lead in a couple shows as part of the chorus because they would steel focus. All that star power or something. I never understood that one.
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
drose
Celebrity
Joined: 8/23/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 162 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 8:43pm |
|
I can totally understand accepting only a lead. CT is a huge time committment. Yes, many supporting and chorus roles are great fun, but sometimes its just not worth the time, especially if a show coming up is also enticing. Its hard to do back to back shows and have a life. Also, as a director I specifically go over the "will you accept any role" idea at the start of auditions. I do not want someone to lie and say yes, and then decline when offered, or worse, accept and make everyone miserable. Wanting a lead is not always about not being a team player, sometimes its just about life. And not wanting a bit part does not, in my opinion, make you not a team player. Of course, it could be someone just being a diva too...I just wanted to put the other side out there. I think its important to keep in mind.
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
SherrieAnne
Star 
Joined: 8/08/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 72 |
Posted: 8/18/08 at 9:57pm |
|
As an actor, my response to the ensemble question varies - according to the distance I'd have to travel. I'm currently doing a production of PIPPIN that's an hour away from me - had I been offered just ensemble, I'd have had to turn it down (but I'm doing Berthe, so I took it). With the price of gas these days
 I can't afford to drive an hour each way for a chorus role - but closer to home, the answer might be different.
|
|
|
There's a little bit of diva in all of us. Some just have a larger helping than others.
|
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
kaelidancer
Lead
Joined: 8/06/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 49 |
Posted: 8/19/08 at 12:03am |
This is exactly the sort of thing I'm running into... there are some who want a lead or nothing just because, but by and large, it's people who have a greater distance to travel, and that's totally understandable. I've turned down chorus parts for this reason several times. For those of you who know Sweeney Todd, you'll know that the chorus is not your traditional chorus... they're heavily used, lots and lots of solos and featured small groups. There are only two full company numbers in the show, in fact... the rest of the show features the ensemble in small groups and solos. What I need to try to get across is that a chorus role in this show is comparable to a principal, in terms of stage time and individual exposure. I know it doesn't sound as good when you say "I'm in the chorus", but if I weren't directing, the chorus is where I'd want to be! |
|
|
IP Logged |
|
| Page of 2 Next >> |
| |
||
Forum Jump |
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
|
