Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/17 12:28Is it bad theater ettiquette to ask why you weren't cast in a show? I am a freshman in HS and I auditioned for the play Fools but didn't get cast or even called back, and now I have auditioned for Seussical and wasn't called back and I don't think I'll even get in. So, is it bad to go to the director and ask why? It has just been eating at me forever!The opposite of Rent is Oklahoma!!! Why didn't I think of that?
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jmslp
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/17 18:11hmmm... i don't know if it is considered bad etiquette, but i will admit that i have done it. i don't know if i have ever really been given an honest answer, though!! so, just be prepared to get an answer that doesn't really answer the question...??? (for example, one time, i was told i was too old for a part when the person they cast was several years older than me and couldn't sing. oh, well.)
i have asked to gain info for the next audition. i don't ask confrontationally or defensively. just want to know if there is something i should do differently next time i audition for that director. but i guess we have to realize that sometimes it really doesn't have to do with talent. it could be looks. it could even be that the director doesn't like pink and you were wearing a pink shirt that day! lol
now, if this were professional theatre, i don't think there is room, or time, for that. but i don't think it's too bad on a school or even community level since that is where you are honing your craft.
if i am wrong, feel free to yell at me, fellow board members!! lolThey call me Jessica (like: They call me lady luck... lol)
Favorite roles:
Eva Peron, Evita; Jack's Mother, Into the Woods; Sonia, Godspell; Anything Goes, Reno Sweeney; Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors; Catherine, Pippin
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Annelle
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/17 22:51Unfortunately, theatre is all about what looks right. Not getting a part is no reflection on your acting ability. If the actor's look dosen't suit the character or the show, it can't be done. If the character dosn't look convincing, the audience will pick up on that. I wouldn't worry. Do work on your audition skills though, it never hurts to improve. There are some really helpful tips in the depths of this site. Good luck!
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CabaretGirl
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/17 23:51I don't think it's bad to ask a director about what you could improve for your next auditions, it can even show that you are interested in what you do. There was a guy last year who wasn't cast in our school production and he went to our director to ask for tips for next time, and he also told him that he'd be happy to help with anything. Well, when another actor was kicked out of the production because he didn't show up at rehearsals, this guy was the first one to be called back and the director offered him the role (and he did brilliantly - he was one of the best!).
Of course, I agree with jmslp that if it were professional it would be different, but as long as you are simply looking for constructive comments that could help you in the future, I don't thing that's a problem.-- Marie
Currently: - Fraülein Kost/Officer/A Lady/German Singer in Cabaret (December) (That's what happens when you put on a production with only 10 people in the cast) - Rehearsing for a Sondheim Tribute (October 1st)
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katoru
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/18 00:27Just don't word it like "Why wasn't I cast?", that may be seen as whining. Simply asking for any feedback the casting panel may have in order to improve yourself for next time is certainly not bad etiquette. Conduct yourself as a professional and you'll be seen as such.Kathleen Sera Current Shows: Aloha Pinafore - Volga Upcoming Auditions: Crazy For You - Irene Roth
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ASHS_theatre
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/18 03:51I agree with jmslp. High school should be a learning experience for you, so you should be allowed to ask what happened. If you see the director, just ask, for the sake of future auditions. Now, if you have a director that won't tell you anything, be happy you aren't working with them. Shelby Jr. Moderator
Currently: Fritzi Bonwit in M*A*S*H
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triplethreat
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/18 04:06I know this is mostly an echo, but I agree that a school production should have more of an emphasis on education and therefore should be willing to give you feedback.
I would like to emphasize that how you ask can greatly influence the type of answer you get. If the director thinks that you are questioning their decision, you are likely to get the brush-off.
Make sure to approach it as an opportunity to improve and you'll be far more likely to get a useful response._____________ Kris MTA Admin
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AmandaC
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/21 06:46Well I think I may have gotten the most vague answer in the world. I'm thinking she didn't remember me, so what I need to do is stand out more. I'm going to help out back stage with props and costumes and I'm hoping to train with the choir director to help my voice get better. They've done it before so maybe they'll help me too. Hopefully.The opposite of Rent is Oklahoma!!! Why didn't I think of that?
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ASHS_theatre
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Re:Such a noob! Is it bad to... - 2006/12/21 18:49Definately do as much as you can with the group, whether backstage or whatever. Along with putting you in a good place with the director, you'll make friends with the typical crew of actors and techies, which'll make future shows all the more fun. I know that the theatre/chorus kids are my best friends in the world and we have a great time whenever we're together.Shelby Jr. Moderator
Currently: Fritzi Bonwit in M*A*S*H
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Actually, this year for musical auditions, the director said that if someone wanted to know why they weren't cast, they could ask but they had to be able to take harsh critisism.Auditioning for: Brigadoon, theatre season, American Music Theatre, Into the Woods, Sound of Music, and AMDA.
Currently In: Nothing
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so, just be prepared to get an answer that doesn't really answer the question...??? (for example, one time, i was told i was too old for a part when the person they cast was several years older than me and couldn't sing. oh, well.)
