Casting has begun in earnest for an upcoming Staged Reading/Fundraiser on April 27th. "Casting" is a word that conjures up excitement and despair all at once. For the actor who gets the part, it's a firm vote of affirmation. For the one who doesn't, it's hard not to feel rejected. As the author of this show, seated in one of two casting chairs in the search to fill 16 youth and 13 adult roles in this musical, I am looking for the obvious and the not-so-obvious.
Availability, talent, stage presence, general age and a certain look are all a given. But what is the actor's work ethic? Will they take the initiative to ask for extra help if they need it? Will they come prepared and on time for rehearsals and performance? Are they a person whose presence will enrich the whole?
While this staged reading will be presented using notebooks in front of a ticketed audience for the purposes of fundraising, it is not necessarily the casting for the actual production. That comes a bit later. But the actors who prove themselves in this performance may very likely continue on with the show.
One thing you should know from an author's point of view: Sometimes an actor comes in with a special quality that can influence the writing of the show. Trust me. I've reassigned songs and changed dialogue to suit a particular actor who's moved me in a certain way. That's the beauty and fun of getting in early in the development of a new show!
Spread the word, and if you're feeling the nudge, we hope to hear from you! —ab
For more information and to audition, please go to:
Tou·ché! Well said, and it's exciting to see how this unfolds.