A Note about Casting

First and foremost, if you’re looking at this list, you should pat yourself on the back. Auditioning for anything is a nerve-wracking experience that takes courage. The fact that you were able to step on that stage and put yourself and your work out there is no small feat. All of the directors are immensely proud of you for taking that step -- regardless if it was your first time or your 50th time. Your dedication and determination doesn’t go unnoticed.

Casting a show is like putting together one of those MENSA brain puzzles. We have all of these important pieces that come together to create this sphere or this cube or this design, and it’s a monumental act to figure out exactly how those pieces are supposed to fit together. Now, imagine it’s three or four separate puzzles, and the pieces are all in one giant pile. That’s what casting is like for us in the fall. Every single one of you matters, and every one of you has put your heart and soul into your audition. Now it’s our job to find the right spot for everyone -- that includes the right production, as well as the right part. We look at your actual audition, your participation in other productions at The Brook Theatre, what I’ve seen of you in Theatre Arts, where you’re at in your theatre journey etc. Then, in the context of each production, we try our best to figure out who best fits each role. It’s not “who is the best actor” or “who gave the best audition”, but it’s who is best for that role given all of the other factors that are in play. 

Now, there’s no way that we can fully satisfy every actor that graces our stage. 5-6 of you might really want Wadsworth, and all 5-6 gave equally solid auditions, but we can only have one Wadsworth. Thus, disappointment is an unfortunate but all too common component of casting a piece of theatre. It’s okay to be disappointed. It’s okay to be sad. Let yourself feel those emotions, and express them in safe and constructive ways. Confide in a friend or family member, have a good cry, or lose yourself in a good book for the night; then, take a deep breath, and look forward.

How to properly handle disappointment is a key lesson to learn in life. Look at the opportunity that you have in front of you. Use the role you’ve been given (if it wasn’t one you wanted) to fully commit and work on your craft. Every role is an opportunity to improve. “There are no small roles, just small actors,” said Stanislavski, the father of modern acting. Commit to every part you’re given like you’re the lead in the show. Many shows live or die at the hands of those smaller ensemble parts.

Try out for speech team, and get constant coaching and feedback for your work (I’ve seen first hand how speech competitors improve year over year). There’s plenty of different events to fit the skill and style you want to work on -- imagine getting to do in-depth scene work with a partner multiple times a week. That’s invaluable work that you can use to help improve your depth and range as an actor.

If you didn’t get a role for whatever reason, try out crew! Being any part of a theatrical production is a great way to improve your craft and gain perspective. When I was an assistant lighting designer in college (because I didn’t get cast in the mainstage), I learned the value of clear physical choices and how it affected (and was affected by) the lighting of a scene. It made me a better physical actor. The one time I didn’t participate in a particular theatre production at all in high school (because I was too upset that I didn’t get a role), I ended up regretting it. 

Still want to get better? Take Theatre Arts! Between Theatre Arts 1, 2, and 3, that’s 3 full semesters of work and growth. 

At the end of the day, we understand that not everybody will be thrilled by the list you’re about to see. Please know that this list was carefully pored over and assembled with great care. 

We’re proud of all you. Now that you’ve read all of this, take a breath check the list!