Posted by williams
on 8/10/2009, 10:20 am
I haven't caused any trouble on here in awhile, so I thought I'd start some today.
Precasting. We've talked about it before, but I'd like to throw a new wrinkle into the discussion. Most of us know that precasting happens, and we accept that. I've said on here before that given the amount of money and time, and the reputations of companies and individuals at stake, to choose a blockbuster show without some idea of who could play the leads in irresponsible. Shoot, I can cast The Color Purple right now in my head without even holding auditions and it would freaking rock.
Community theater and independent productions are two different things. Community theater should never be precast. A director should know who could play a part, but be open to people coming out of the woodwork. That's the only way community theater can hope to maintain the integrity of the audition process. And I say this knowing full well that I've been precast in community theatre before.
Independent theatre is different. Independent producers have no obligations, and it is perfectly within their rights to cast a show however they see fit.
That having been said, I guess what I'm proposing for a debate is this: Do you want to know when a show has been precast? Would you rather a director say, "We are auditioning for the roles of...the following roles have already been cast independent of auditions..." so that you don't waste the effort of auditioning for a part that you have no chance of getting?
I have an opinion, but I'd like to see what you all think.