Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Audition Aftermath

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Mike Polo
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Joined: 2/01/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 286

Posted: 9/07/06 at 10:26pm

BD,

I wasn't actually going anywhere with the question, I was satisfying my curiosity. I have no professional experience in theater. Mine is all amateur and I only know what I was taught. I was curious about where everyone learned their methods.

Now, if the children have all gone to bed, I'll have some of that nice scotch sitting on the rail... in fact, barkeep! A round for the house... and whoever finds my keys, hang on to 'em, will ya? I'll need 'em at some point - tomorrow. Wink

Mike Polo
Community Theater Green Room
http://www.communitytheater.org

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Tom_Rylex
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Location: United States
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Posts: 60

Posted: 9/07/06 at 11:15pm

I've been crawling through this very interesting thread, and thought I'd add my comments to the pile.

I don't think the director should have to call everyone to let them know what their status is. The director's job is to deal with the cast. By definition, those who didn't make the cut are not part of the cast.

That being stated, I think that the CT should call the auditioner to let them know whether they made the cast or not. The fact that they were willing to volunteer the next eight or so weeks of their time for our group means something to me. Quite frankly, I would rather let the auditioner know that our group thinks they're worth calling. If you're doing this for fun, a little courtesy doesn't hurt.

I'm in the camp that the producer/assistant producer is responsible for all of the post-audition phone calls. If the director wants to call those who made the cut, great. The intent of calling the auditioner is to let them know for sure what their status is and to encourage them to come to future auditions (or work in a technical capacity), not to explain why they didn't get cast (see Topper's post).

(on to the Bass Ale!)

-Tom

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-R. Frost

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castMe
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Joined: 11/02/05
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Posts: 206

Posted: 9/08/06 at 11:07pm

Mike, I'll swap stout and ale with B-M-D and Tom_(black and tan, anyone?) but I'll be happy to pour your scotch. I think Playwrite over there likes (what is it hard lemonade? not Corona, that was your actor.....shoot........memorie's gone to hell)

Chris

it's been a long time since I've gone out with a cast after rehearsals. It seems everyone is just too darned busy anymore (myself included) and I miss those days.

Investigate. Imagine. Choose.

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castMe
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Joined: 11/02/05
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Posts: 206

Posted: 9/09/06 at 9:17am

Just re-read my previous post. Apparently my spelling has gone the way of my memory.

Investigate. Imagine. Choose.

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Playwright
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Joined: 4/01/06
Location: Canada
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Posts: 126

Posted: 9/09/06 at 1:55pm

Hey,

I like Vodka Coolers or Mikes Hard Lemonade. My leading man is the one who likes Corona. BTW, myself and the three leads (two guys and a gal) from my play back in July are having a get-together in a couple of weeks. Just to catch up on each other and to keep our friendship going. I know they will want to tortue me to tell them what I have planned for them in play number 3 (I have over 90 pages written & printed out so I will stop re-writing over and over- One scene to go). All three of them plan to reprise their roles as play number three takes place about eights months afer the play we just did.

I'm dropping very mysterious hints to them about what's going to happen- yes, I know it's mean- but I love to tease them.

I'll raise a glass to you all when I'm having my one and only drink. I have to drive home so I only have one.

FOOTNOTE- We did the play as a fund raiser for charity.

I ended up making $5,000. Way above my hoped- for goal.

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GoldCanyonLady
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Joined: 2/05/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 172

Posted: 9/09/06 at 5:25pm

After our recent audition, I was excited about the cast. I called those who were getting parts and for the most part everyone was excited. Three though, were upset that they weren't getting the part they wanted and tried to talk me into changing my mind which of course I did not do. We are all volunteer and don't have a big well to draw from so I was disappointed when one gal said she wouldn't be in the play. I asked her to think about it for a day then give me her decision. She agreed to be a part of the cast in the role I cast her. One guy is still mad that I gave him the part I did. He is perfect for it even though it isn't a big role. He hasn't quit, but he does grumble.

So after I got through with all the emotions of those cast, I called the ones that didn't make it. One gal cried so hard I thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown. I finally calmed her down when I asked her to be my assistant (assistant TO the director). Now that I have shared all of this, I must tell you that I am not dealing with high school kids. These people are all seniors (over 55) in an active adult community.

I hate calling, but I will continue to do so if I am asked to direct again.

Barb Hofmeister,
MountainBrook Village Players, Gold Canyon, Arizona.

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clelia
Walk-On
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Joined: 4/10/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 0

Posted: 9/10/06 at 3:19pm

After reading Barb's post: I fell out of my chair laughing! All these folks who cannot cope with anything less than adulation! Do they have a clue what it is like in the professional world of theater?

I just directed one amateur actor who was insulted when I gave her notes and expressed her grievances to those in power ( she was also the board chairman) behind my back. Apparently she wasn't used to actually being directed - just praised.

The show went on to win an award but the experience was unpleasant and I won't work at that theater anymore.

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eveharrington
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Joined: 8/28/06
Location: United States
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Posted: 9/10/06 at 4:16pm

Our theatre gives a lot of discretion to the director and leaves it up to them how they wish to handle this type of thing. For the most part directors simply tell you a deadline that they will call those cast by. I prefer this method because I feel that as a potential cast member you ARE notified either way, if you're not called by the day in question then thats your notification that you weren't cast. Anyone who plans to make even a hobby out of an audition based process should be able to handle this. Also in a community theatre like this these are my friends or at the very least aquaintances and I don't want them wasting time worrying about how to break bad news to me. Much worse is simply being given an open-ended we'll let you know.

"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

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jphock
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Joined: 10/21/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 35

Posted: 9/10/06 at 11:32pm

As an Actor...I'd would prefer I didn't get a personal call to tell me I wasn't cast. How awkward is THAT call going to be? Both for me and for the Director.

I DO believe, however, that the theater should make you aware of when a decision will be made and let you know that "if you don't hear from us by XXX." This lets the losers know when they can give up hope. Everyone knows what it means when you don't get cast. Rejection is part of the game. If you can't take rejection-find a new hobby. One that doesn't require subjective evaluation of your talent or lack thereof.

I will emphasize though that the theater must inform you of when a decision will be made. The "leave 'em dangling" method is just not cool.

Case in point. A particular theater in my area happens to do an open call for 3 shows at once and then does call backs for shows individually. I was interested in only 1 of the 3 shows due to scheduling issues-and made them aware of this. At the audition (in early July) they were extremely complimentary, asked me serveral questions about experience and availabilty. Noted they had seen me in a couple of shows at other theaters and really enjoyed my performances. They said they would be doing callbacks for the show I was interested in at the beginning of August and that I would definatly be hearing from them. August came and went. No contact. At the start of September, I sent a very polite email asking if the cast had already been set or if I should still be expecting contact for a call back. They said again that I would be hearing from them and that callbacks were pushed back to early September.

Well...here we are in early September and still no word. I'm fine that I didn't get in the show....although it would have been great exposure. I'm just irritated because they obviously had no intent to call me back. As a result of their false hope-I didn't audition for other shows that would have conflicted with rehearsals and production of this show.

My point in all this? Do what you say your going to do. Don't leave 'em guessing.

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Shatcher
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Posted: 9/12/06 at 1:55pm

As a stage manager I have worked with directors who make me make the "no" calls. I would rather not have to make those calls but you do what you have to. It is a little easier for me to make those calls because I can just say I don't know why the director made his/her choices ( I try to stay out of casting) I have been yelled at by an actor who wasn't cast for making the call and others say they are glad I called. You can't win.

byw, I would not recommend asking your SM to make these calls. They have enough to do already.

Now where is my beer?

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Directing
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Directing

Topic: Audition Aftermath( Topic Closed)
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Author	Message
Mike Polo Admin Group Community Theater Green Room Joined: 2/01/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 286	Posted: 9/07/06 at 10:26pm
	BD, I wasn't actually going anywhere with the question, I was satisfying my curiosity. I have no professional experience in theater. Mine is all amateur and I only know what I was taught. I was curious about where everyone learned their methods. Now, if the children have all gone to bed, I'll have some of that nice scotch sitting on the rail... in fact, barkeep! A round for the house... and whoever finds my keys, hang on to 'em, will ya? I'll need 'em at some point - tomorrow.
	Mike Polo Community Theater Green Room http://www.communitytheater.org
	IP Logged

Tom_Rylex Star Joined: 5/07/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 60	Posted: 9/07/06 at 11:15pm
	I've been crawling through this very interesting thread, and thought I'd add my comments to the pile. I don't think the director should have to call everyone to let them know what their status is. The director's job is to deal with the cast. By definition, those who didn't make the cut are not part of the cast. That being stated, I think that the CT should call the auditioner to let them know whether they made the cast or not. The fact that they were willing to volunteer the next eight or so weeks of their time for our group means something to me. Quite frankly, I would rather let the auditioner know that our group thinks they're worth calling. If you're doing this for fun, a little courtesy doesn't hurt. I'm in the camp that the producer/assistant producer is responsible for all of the post-audition phone calls. If the director wants to call those who made the cut, great. The intent of calling the auditioner is to let them know for sure what their status is and to encourage them to come to future auditions (or work in a technical capacity), not to explain why they didn't get cast (see Topper's post). (on to the Bass Ale!) -Tom
	The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. -R. Frost
	IP Logged

castMe Celebrity Joined: 11/02/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 206	Posted: 9/08/06 at 11:07pm
	Mike, I'll swap stout and ale with B-M-D and Tom_(black and tan, anyone?) but I'll be happy to pour your scotch. I think Playwrite over there likes (what is it hard lemonade? not Corona, that was your actor.....shoot........memorie's gone to hell) Chris it's been a long time since I've gone out with a cast after rehearsals. It seems everyone is just too darned busy anymore (myself included) and I miss those days.
	Investigate. Imagine. Choose.
	IP Logged

castMe Celebrity Joined: 11/02/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 206	Posted: 9/09/06 at 9:17am
	Just re-read my previous post. Apparently my spelling has gone the way of my memory.
	Investigate. Imagine. Choose.
	IP Logged

Playwright Celebrity Joined: 4/01/06 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 126	Posted: 9/09/06 at 1:55pm
	Hey, I like Vodka Coolers or Mikes Hard Lemonade. My leading man is the one who likes Corona. BTW, myself and the three leads (two guys and a gal) from my play back in July are having a get-together in a couple of weeks. Just to catch up on each other and to keep our friendship going. I know they will want to tortue me to tell them what I have planned for them in play number 3 (I have over 90 pages written & printed out so I will stop re-writing over and over- One scene to go). All three of them plan to reprise their roles as play number three takes place about eights months afer the play we just did. I'm dropping very mysterious hints to them about what's going to happen- yes, I know it's mean- but I love to tease them. I'll raise a glass to you all when I'm having my one and only drink. I have to drive home so I only have one. FOOTNOTE- We did the play as a fund raiser for charity. I ended up making $5,000. Way above my hoped- for goal.
	IP Logged

GoldCanyonLady Celebrity Joined: 2/05/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Posted: 9/09/06 at 5:25pm
	After our recent audition, I was excited about the cast. I called those who were getting parts and for the most part everyone was excited. Three though, were upset that they weren't getting the part they wanted and tried to talk me into changing my mind which of course I did not do. We are all volunteer and don't have a big well to draw from so I was disappointed when one gal said she wouldn't be in the play. I asked her to think about it for a day then give me her decision. She agreed to be a part of the cast in the role I cast her. One guy is still mad that I gave him the part I did. He is perfect for it even though it isn't a big role. He hasn't quit, but he does grumble. So after I got through with all the emotions of those cast, I called the ones that didn't make it. One gal cried so hard I thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown. I finally calmed her down when I asked her to be my assistant (assistant TO the director). Now that I have shared all of this, I must tell you that I am not dealing with high school kids. These people are all seniors (over 55) in an active adult community. I hate calling, but I will continue to do so if I am asked to direct again.
	Barb Hofmeister, MountainBrook Village Players, Gold Canyon, Arizona.
	IP Logged

clelia Walk-On Joined: 4/10/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 9/10/06 at 3:19pm
	After reading Barb's post: I fell out of my chair laughing! All these folks who cannot cope with anything less than adulation! Do they have a clue what it is like in the professional world of theater? I just directed one amateur actor who was insulted when I gave her notes and expressed her grievances to those in power ( she was also the board chairman) behind my back. Apparently she wasn't used to actually being directed - just praised. The show went on to win an award but the experience was unpleasant and I won't work at that theater anymore.
	IP Logged

eveharrington Celebrity Joined: 8/28/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 198	Posted: 9/10/06 at 4:16pm
	Our theatre gives a lot of discretion to the director and leaves it up to them how they wish to handle this type of thing. For the most part directors simply tell you a deadline that they will call those cast by. I prefer this method because I feel that as a potential cast member you ARE notified either way, if you're not called by the day in question then thats your notification that you weren't cast. Anyone who plans to make even a hobby out of an audition based process should be able to handle this. Also in a community theatre like this these are my friends or at the very least aquaintances and I don't want them wasting time worrying about how to break bad news to me. Much worse is simply being given an open-ended we'll let you know.
	"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."
	IP Logged

jphock Lead Joined: 10/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 35	Posted: 9/10/06 at 11:32pm
	As an Actor...I'd would prefer I didn't get a personal call to tell me I wasn't cast. How awkward is THAT call going to be? Both for me and for the Director. I DO believe, however, that the theater should make you aware of when a decision will be made and let you know that "if you don't hear from us by XXX." This lets the losers know when they can give up hope. Everyone knows what it means when you don't get cast. Rejection is part of the game. If you can't take rejection-find a new hobby. One that doesn't require subjective evaluation of your talent or lack thereof. I will emphasize though that the theater must inform you of when a decision will be made. The "leave 'em dangling" method is just not cool. Case in point. A particular theater in my area happens to do an open call for 3 shows at once and then does call backs for shows individually. I was interested in only 1 of the 3 shows due to scheduling issues-and made them aware of this. At the audition (in early July) they were extremely complimentary, asked me serveral questions about experience and availabilty. Noted they had seen me in a couple of shows at other theaters and really enjoyed my performances. They said they would be doing callbacks for the show I was interested in at the beginning of August and that I would definatly be hearing from them. August came and went. No contact. At the start of September, I sent a very polite email asking if the cast had already been set or if I should still be expecting contact for a call back. They said again that I would be hearing from them and that callbacks were pushed back to early September. Well...here we are in early September and still no word. I'm fine that I didn't get in the show....although it would have been great exposure. I'm just irritated because they obviously had no intent to call me back. As a result of their false hope-I didn't audition for other shows that would have conflicted with rehearsals and production of this show. My point in all this? Do what you say your going to do. Don't leave 'em guessing.
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 9/12/06 at 1:55pm
	As a stage manager I have worked with directors who make me make the "no" calls. I would rather not have to make those calls but you do what you have to. It is a little easier for me to make those calls because I can just say I don't know why the director made his/her choices ( I try to stay out of casting) I have been yelled at by an actor who wasn't cast for making the call and others say they are glad I called. You can't win. byw, I would not recommend asking your SM to make these calls. They have enough to do already. Now where is my beer?
	IP Logged