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jameala

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Audition Protocol - 2008/01/21 14:26 So, let's imagine you had an audition 3 days ago. You get the call and they say "we would like to cast you as (whoever)". Is it in bad taste to say, "who else did you cast?" Or "if the person that you cast as (the character you really wanted) says 'no', could you consider me for that role"?

What I would like to be able to do is say, "I will play the character I really didn't want on the provision that you let me understudy for the character that I really DID want and you have to let me play that role at least one night - but I can't imagine anyone ever agreeing to that.

So, getting back to my original question, what are you allowed to say, other than "yes" or "no"?

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Annie

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Re:Audition Protocol - 2008/01/21 15:06 I usually don't take roles unless I want them. We have to fill out a sheet saying which roles we will take and which ones we will refuse. I've only had one director ignore that and I had to politely tell him in front of everyone (they cast at the end of the final night of auditions in front of everybody) that I was still going to decline.

I don't think that I would ever ask to understudy a role. It sounds like a demand when you ask to be able to do at least one performance in that role. Even when I don't agree with the directors decision it's their show and their decision. I once did a show in which the girl who got the part I really wanted had to drop out (she is an amazing actress, so I was sad to not get to work with her). As much as I wanted her part I would never have asked for it because I knew that the director could only see me in the role she gave me. In fact in my note from her on opening night she thanked me for being the "Perfect Ruthie." In my opinion I wasn't (I was o.k.) and thought another girl had auditioned better and should have been cast. But it wasn't up to me and I was o.k. with the role I was given so I accepted it.

I do know a girl who was cast in a five person show and didn't take the role offered to her because she didn't get along with one of the other cast memebers. She explained her dilemma and back-out and even though the directors were unhappy about it they understood. ~Annie
Currently: Soloist for Night of Jazz fundraiser
Recently: Miss Thorn (Ruthless! the Musical), Emma Carew (Jekyll & Hyde)

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JIJane
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Re:Audition Protocol - 2008/01/22 09:57 Are you asking in terms of professional or community casting?

Professional - you say yes or no and depending on your market worth or "celebrity" status state your terms and conditions - or rather your agent does. You don't ask who else has been cast and if you could have their part if they turn it down. Unless you are really well-known and indispensable.

Community - anything goes really, depends who you know that is casting and how well, depends on the community. Generally though if you put on a sheet what you are interested in, then they will keep that in mind.

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brucecriesxout

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Re:Audition Protocol - 2008/01/22 13:48 jameala
So, let's imagine you had an audition 3 days ago. You get the call and they say "we would like to cast you as (whoever)".

That's exactly what happened to me (my current show), I had put it on my audition sheet that I'd only accept a certain role and was offered another role still. Which I find as a real compliment considering I wrote that I'd only accept a certain role, but the kicker is that the person who got the part I wanted. Was much less than I expected.

What I would like to be able to do is say, "I will play the character I really didn't want on the provision that you let me understudy for the character that I really DID want and you have to let me play that role at least one night - but I can't imagine anyone ever agreeing to that.

Actually that was my first offer for this director when she offered me this other role, when I left her a voicemail I said "I'd be honored to accept this role IF I can understudy the role of Frederic."

Especially if this is community theater I see no reason why you shouldn't see if you can understudy this role. Name: Bruce

Current Production: None.
Upcoming Auditions:

The Butler Did It Singing (Chandler)

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jameala

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Re:Audition Protocol - 2008/01/25 20:49 Actually that was my first offer for this director when she offered me this other role, when I left her a voicemail I said "I'd be honored to accept this role IF I can understudy the role of Frederic."

Especially if this is community theater I see no reason why you shouldn't see if you can understudy this role.

What did the casting person say? Did they let you understudy?

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brucecriesxout

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Re:Audition Protocol - 2008/01/25 23:46 What did the casting person say?

& she said you know I can't promise that because I'd have to bring it up to the board (down below will inform you what this is) etc.
SO She offered me the role I'm doing now, and I actually originally put on my audition sheet that I'd only accept the role of Frederic. But she kind of went out of her way to offer me another role and I liked the director alot so I accepted. Normally if you say you'll only accept a certain role their either like "Congratulations you got the part!!" or "Sorry but..." sometimes not even that so I'm happy I suppose.

Did they let you understudy?

Currently its pending about whether or not if I can.

It's a theater company put together by a board of directors almost like a PTA and they have to have a meeting about it and a whole bunch of other things. I'm actually planning on emailing the director this week and asking about that. So lets hope!

Post edited by: brucecriesxout, at: 2008/01/25 23:51 Name: Bruce

Current Production: None.
Upcoming Auditions:

The Butler Did It Singing (Chandler)

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