Notes on the Art of Casting
On the subjective nature of casting:
Unlike a 100 M race or a baseball game that can be measured objectively, comparing the relative abilities of an actor and how well she may play a part is completely subjective. Chloé Zhou would cast a movie completely differently from Christopher Nolan. No one knows the play and the director’s vision better than the director herself.
On assessing an actor’s abilities:
A director would be foolish to consider the quality of an actor in a vacuum. Simply deciding one actor is better than another is not enough. The director must decide, based on countless variables, which actor is better for a certain role as the director envisions it.
This becomes even more complex in casting a musical: not only does the director have to find an actor who brings the qualities that are right for the part, but an actor needs to be able to sing the role as written in the style of the music AND needs to be able to dance the part as the director and choreographer envision it. Again, it may be easy for an observer to say an actor is better than another in one area (acting, singing, dancing), but the real question is not “Who is better?” but “Who fits THIS part best?”
On how a South Stage director casts a part:
When considering numerous actors for a single part, a director asks herself the following:
For musicals:
South Stage uses color-aware and gender-flexible casting whenever possible in an effort to create casts that reflect Newton South’s diversity. South Stage does not cast by seniority.
Unlike a 100 M race or a baseball game that can be measured objectively, comparing the relative abilities of an actor and how well she may play a part is completely subjective. Chloé Zhou would cast a movie completely differently from Christopher Nolan. No one knows the play and the director’s vision better than the director herself.
On assessing an actor’s abilities:
A director would be foolish to consider the quality of an actor in a vacuum. Simply deciding one actor is better than another is not enough. The director must decide, based on countless variables, which actor is better for a certain role as the director envisions it.
This becomes even more complex in casting a musical: not only does the director have to find an actor who brings the qualities that are right for the part, but an actor needs to be able to sing the role as written in the style of the music AND needs to be able to dance the part as the director and choreographer envision it. Again, it may be easy for an observer to say an actor is better than another in one area (acting, singing, dancing), but the real question is not “Who is better?” but “Who fits THIS part best?”
On how a South Stage director casts a part:
When considering numerous actors for a single part, a director asks herself the following:
- Which actor best expresses the qualities in this character as I see them? Time will be short. Although we try to avoid typecasting, we need actors to have a good start on the character. Rupert Grint could play Harry Potter with plenty of rehearsal and coaching…
- Which actor best fits the physical characteristics of this part? A 5’2” and 100 pound actor may not be the best choice to play a Marine. A more physically imposing actor may play it more believably.
- Which actor brings the highest quality of acting skills and experience to this character? Being prepared for the audition, demonstrating an ability to take direction, making strong choices in a prepared monologue as well as cold reading, using physical and vocal expressions to bring the character to life all demonstrate acting skills necessary for large roles.
- Which actor has demonstrated dedication, reliability, and respect in past productions? Actors will do well here if they been prompt and present at rehearsals and have gone above and beyond in past productions. Actors who tend to complain excessively, talk during notes and rehearsal, and abuse costumers and stage crew will not do well here.
For musicals:
- Which actor has the range of the part as written, has an understanding of the style of the music, and has the stamina to sing the part over a two-month rehearsal period? Which actor’s voice best fits the character as the director sees it?
- Which actor can best dance the part as the director and choreographer envision it?
South Stage uses color-aware and gender-flexible casting whenever possible in an effort to create casts that reflect Newton South’s diversity. South Stage does not cast by seniority.