🎭Stage Management Unit 4 – Auditions and Casting

What's the Deal with Auditions?

• Auditions serve as a crucial step in the casting process, allowing the creative team to assess actors' suitability for specific roles
• Typically involve actors performing prepared monologues, scenes, or songs to showcase their skills and fit for the characters
• Provide an opportunity for the director and casting team to gauge an actor's ability to take direction and adapt to feedback
• Enable the creative team to evaluate an actor's chemistry with potential scene partners and overall fit within the ensemble
• Serve as a platform for actors to demonstrate their understanding and interpretation of the script and characters
• Allow the production team to assess an actor's professionalism, work ethic, and ability to handle the demands of the role and production schedule
• Offer insight into an actor's range, versatility, and potential to bring unique qualities to the role and production

Key Players in the Casting Process

• Director plays a central role in defining the vision for the characters and making final casting decisions
• Casting director manages the logistics of the audition process, including posting breakdowns, reviewing submissions, and scheduling auditions
• Playwright may be involved in the casting process, offering insights into the characters and providing input on casting choices
• Producers oversee the financial and logistical aspects of the production and may have a say in casting decisions based on marketability and budget considerations
• Music director and choreographer may be involved in auditions for musicals to assess actors' singing and dancing abilities
• Stage manager coordinates the audition process, manages the audition schedule, and ensures a smooth and organized experience for all involved
  • Responsibilities include preparing audition materials, setting up the audition space, and facilitating communication between the creative team and actors

Before the Big Day: Prep Work

• Develop a clear understanding of the characters and the specific requirements for each role (age range, physical attributes, special skills)
• Create a breakdown that accurately describes each character and the essential qualifications actors must possess
• Determine the audition format and structure (monologues, scenes, songs, dance combinations) based on the needs of the production
• Select appropriate audition materials that align with the style and tone of the script and provide actors with a fair opportunity to showcase their abilities
• Establish an audition schedule that allows sufficient time for each actor to perform and for the creative team to provide feedback and direction
• Coordinate with the production team to secure an appropriate audition space and ensure that all necessary equipment and resources are available
• Promote the audition opportunity through various channels (casting websites, industry publications, social media) to attract a diverse pool of talented actors
• Review submitted headshots and resumes to identify actors who meet the basic requirements for each role and invite them to audition

Audition Day Rundown

• Prepare the audition space, ensuring it is clean, well-lit, and equipped with necessary furniture and props
• Set up a check-in area where actors can sign in, submit their headshots and resumes, and receive audition materials
• Brief the creative team on the audition schedule, format, and any specific instructions or criteria to consider when evaluating actors
• Welcome actors as they arrive, providing them with a friendly and professional environment that puts them at ease
• Facilitate the audition process by guiding actors to the audition space, introducing them to the creative team, and providing any necessary instructions or context
• Manage the flow of the audition, ensuring that each actor has sufficient time to perform and receive feedback while keeping the overall schedule on track
• Document the audition by taking notes on each actor's performance, capturing the creative team's feedback and impressions, and recording any notable moments or standout qualities
• Thank each actor for their time and effort, and provide them with information about the next steps in the casting process, such as callback dates or when they can expect to hear about casting decisions

Callbacks: Round Two

• Callbacks provide an opportunity for the creative team to see actors again, often in a more focused and specific context
• Actors may be asked to perform additional scenes or songs, participate in group exercises, or read with potential scene partners
• Callbacks allow the director to explore different combinations of actors and assess their chemistry and compatibility
• The stage manager coordinates the callback schedule, ensuring that actors are informed of their specific time slots and any materials they need to prepare
• During callbacks, the creative team may provide more detailed direction and feedback to actors, gauging their ability to take notes and adapt their performances
• Callbacks serve as a chance for actors to demonstrate their range and versatility, showcasing their ability to inhabit different aspects of the character or perform in various styles
• The stage manager documents the callback process, capturing the creative team's observations, preferences, and any notable moments or interactions between actors

Casting Decisions and Notifications

• Following auditions and callbacks, the creative team deliberates and makes final casting decisions based on a combination of factors (talent, suitability for the role, chemistry with other actors, and overall fit within the production)
• The director has the ultimate say in casting choices, but may consider input from other members of the creative team, such as the playwright, producers, or music director
• Once casting decisions are finalized, the stage manager prepares and sends out official offer letters to the selected actors, outlining the role, compensation, and any specific terms or conditions of employment
• Actors are typically given a deadline to accept or decline the offer, allowing the production team to move forward with the casting process in a timely manner
• For actors who are not cast, the stage manager may send out polite rejection letters, thanking them for their time and effort and encouraging them to audition for future productions
• In some cases, the creative team may choose to keep a few actors "on hold" as potential replacements or understudies, in case of any unforeseen changes or emergencies
• The stage manager maintains clear and prompt communication with all actors throughout the casting process, ensuring that everyone is informed of their status and any next steps

Paperwork and Admin Stuff

• Once casting is finalized, the stage manager is responsible for collecting and organizing various forms of paperwork and documentation from the actors
• Contracts outlining the terms of employment, including compensation, rehearsal and performance schedules, and any specific obligations or requirements, must be signed by both the actor and the production company
• W-9 forms or other tax-related documents are collected to ensure proper payment and tax reporting
• Actors may be required to provide proof of eligibility to work, such as a valid ID or work permit
• Emergency contact information is gathered in case of any unforeseen circumstances or accidents during the production process
• Actors' contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, is collected to facilitate communication throughout the rehearsal and performance period
• Headshots and biographies may be requested for use in promotional materials, playbills, and other production-related documents
• The stage manager creates and maintains a central database or file system to store all actor paperwork and documentation, ensuring that it is easily accessible and organized throughout the production process

Ethical Considerations and Best Practices

• Maintain a fair and inclusive audition process, ensuring that all actors are given equal consideration regardless of their background, identity, or previous experience
• Develop clear and transparent casting criteria that focus on an actor's suitability for the role and their ability to contribute to the overall production
• Avoid any form of discrimination or bias in the casting process, whether based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
• Foster a safe and respectful audition environment, free from harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate behavior
• Provide actors with clear instructions and expectations regarding the audition process, including any specific requirements or preparation materials
• Offer constructive feedback and direction to actors during auditions and callbacks, helping them to showcase their best work and feel valued in the process
• Maintain open and timely communication with actors throughout the casting process, informing them of their status and any next steps in a professional and courteous manner
• Respect actors' time and efforts by running efficient and well-organized auditions, minimizing waiting times, and providing adequate breaks
• Protect actors' personal information and privacy, ensuring that any collected data is stored securely and used only for legitimate production-related purposes
• Continuously review and refine the casting process to identify areas for improvement and ensure that it aligns with industry best practices and ethical standards