And they take it personally?  As the director, I have a responsibility to the show to cast the best people in each role.  Actually, we did offer her a role, just not one that was large enough for her taste.

Agreed, edh915. I auditioned for a local community theater and didn't get one of the main roles, but had a VERY minor role (8 lines) written in for me. I debated dropping out, since it's a 40 minute drive for not much stage time, but decided to do it anyhow as an example to my kids -- they're teenaged actresses themselves, and I'm always telling them to be happy with the roles they get.

I impressed the director with how I was doing the role, and when one of the leads dropped out, I was tapped to replace him. I had a great time, the rest of the cast liked how I did the part, and when their fall play came around, I was offered one of the plum roles without having to audition. I turned it down originally (too much on the plate) but ended up in the role anyway when other actors decided it wasn't worth it. I also got a part in a traveling production of "The Cherry Orchard" because of my association with the theater.

And it happened because I didn't turn down a pity write-in role.

 I direct in a couple tiny towns in the NW corner of nowhere, and i sometimes get the " he casts all his friends/favorites.." to that I say YUP I do.  I know they are good people who will show for rehearsals, listen to my input, and create good characters. That said I cast one of my most talented actresses in a total bit parts last winter cause it was all she really fit. She took part and did her handful of lines like the young pro she is.

Divewench, I applaud you for putting the integrity of the show first.

I've been in uncomfortable situations where directors have inappropriately cast me over a better actor because they were my friends.  Whenever I sense that I'm becoming a shoo-in, I stop auditioning for that director.

As far as whether your friend lacks class, as edh915 charges, I don't think it's fair to make that blanket accusation.  Professionals take any job BECAUSE IT IS THEIR JOB.  They get paid for it, and they need to build resumes, pay dues, etc., and audition for anything and everything they can.  I wouldn't hold them up on a pedestal as if it's about artistic integrity.  That's b.s.

Because in community theater this is NOT our job, our life, I think it is ok in some circumstances to turn down a role.  Now, granted, it's unfair to a director if an auditioner doesn't do his homework; I always read the script ahead of time so that if there are roles I won't accept, I can be upfront about it--and I tend to be selective in terms of what I audition for in the first place.  But except in very rare and intolerable situations, I have "stuck it out" when faced with a role I wasn't thrilled with.  Nevertheless, there have been times where I've felt I needed to turn down a role or leave a production.  Let he who is without sin . . . ., right?

By the way, making one's spear carrier "one of the best spear carriers ever seen" I think is a horrible goal.  I've lost count of how many shows I've been involved with where some extra thinks he's the star and hams it up to get noticed.  A lot of times your job as a small-role actor is to provide solid, honest, unobtrusive ensemble work with a dependable and conscientious work ethic.  The best spear carrier isn't going to be noticed at all.

Thank you, David. You're 100% correct. Carrying conviction into the part you're playing does not mean hamming it up, being noticed, and destroying the balance of the play. It means doing what the author - and his representative, the director - require of you.

A well-produced play can be very similar to a well-presented symphony concert. Each member of the orchestra - first chair, second and third - is playing their own individual part of a well-balanced whole; and it's their responsibility to maintain the balance that is required by the conductor. - So, too, with a well-directed cast of dedicated actors.

Edited by edh915 - 9/04/12 at 12:14am