BackStage Utah

The following article was in this morning's Des News:

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705255833,00.html

I found it especially interesting that Chuck Morey from PTC asks for auditioners to sing a song from the show--not a usual practice.

I also found it interesting that Sally Dietlein from Hale agreed with others on the panel that auditioners should not show up in costume. I've been to several auditions at Hale where auditioners showed up in full costume--and they were called back. I guess directors/producers there are mostly looking for talent (costumed or not)--but to me, showing up in costume shows a lack of professionalism on the actor's part.

Thoughts?

Nah, I've seen what BlueRoses is talking about at Hale auditions too.  Seems not only strange but risky to walk in with a character interpretation so strong that you've even costumed yourself.

The advice to "know your type" is still a little troubling for me.  I'm sure there are some of you out there who "know your type".  How have you determined that's your type?  Have you been told it is?  Do you always get cast as the same type?  I just really don't know what to think on this count.  I get cast in wildly different roles.  I go into auditions thinking I'd like to read for a couple of different roles and am told I have to choose one.  Hrmmm.

spiker wrote on Oct 19^th, 2008 at 6:43pm:

Same here, although I would be keen to know how does one "stretch out" into other roles?

gcarp wrote on Oct 20^th, 2008 at 2:19pm:

Some of us are considered the "ingenue type" and enjoy trying to put a new, interesting spin on those kinds of roles. They don't have to be boring. They are if you decide they are. �

First, I think you have to start with knowing what your type is NOT. I'm amazed at how many people are not willing to acknowledge that they are not right for a role. If you're 60 years old, you're not entitled to throw a conniption fit when they don't cast you as the ingenue. I'm speaking from a painful recent experience when the woman was cast in the chorus and took out her anger on the cast and creative team when "her" part was given to someone else. It made the whole experience rather miserable. Likewise, If you're 17 and you were the Sterling Scholar in drama and have been offered 20 music scholarships, that doesn't mean you should be cast as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (outside of a high school setting). You absolutely SHOULD NOT!! Nathan's been engaged to Adelaide since you were three years old!

Acting is not an EOE business. It discriminates based on gender, race, age, height, weight, and the sound of one's voice. �Some people whine and think that's discriminatory, but it's the nature of the business.

When first discussing type, it helped me to learn about the three main body types: Which best describes you?

* Ectomorphic: characterized by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat storage; usually referred to as slim. Often tall.

* Mesomorphic: characterized by large bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waist. Think any typical leading hero type of character--sometimes leads are not mesomorphs, but they usually are.

* Endomorphic: characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure; usually referred to as stocky or chubby.

Often these types play with each other for contrast or comic effect. Seinfeld is a good example of this. Jerry is the hero--presented as the most "normal"--a mesomorph. Proportionately, he is taller than George and shorter than Kramer. George is short and pudgy--the endomorph. Kramer is tall and lanky--the ectomorph.

Of course, your type definition may depend on how a show is cast and your relation to other actors, but you will never be in all three categories. For example: a thin woman may be seen as a perfect leading lady (mesomorph) if the leading man is tall and thin, but if he's shorter than she is, she will likely be seen as an ectomorph and end up being cast in a character role. She would never be seen, however, as an endomorph.

As has been mentioned several times--it also helps to read the play and see how other characters talk about the character you wish to portray. If they call him "the skinny boy" a lot, and you weigh 300 pounds, you likely won't get the part.

All this being said--if you want to get out of the box and explore other character options, audition for people who haven't seen you before. Sometimes those who know us well only see us in one particular type of role.

Personally, I think ingenue roles are only as boring as the actor playing them. I am, however, very much against actors in any role trying too hard to "make the character interesting." It usually results in overacting, focus-stealing, and a lack of verisimilitude, and you can end up with something like the movie "Chocolat" where it seems like everyone is at war to be the center of attention. Do the best you can with any character, but don't try to make too much of it. Keep the overall play in mind.

gcarp wrote on Oct 20^th, 2008 at 2:19pm:


What I've seen is theaters not taking a chance on certain people - people who given a chance could do just as well if not better than the "great" actor they always put there. Theaters themselves don't branch out enough to realize that someone could fit the mold that they are looking for and the cast the same people as leads all the time.

JulesB

You are so right on the money. With the idea that theatres are afraid to branch out and give some one a chance. But I think more then just the political wheels at the threatre having a hard time doing it, I place a lot of blame at the directors feet. Have guts out there directors, don't just cast your buddies who you have worked with a million times or know from school days. Actually weigh the merits of the performer.

I know i have lost roles to director's that i love to work with based upon the fact that they felt at that moment the other guy was a better fit. I respect that.

I also have lost roles to other performers because to the director I was an unkown quantity, and they were to scared to venture out of their box. Fair enough its their show, but you lose respect points in my book.

mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 10:53am:

That's as may be, but I still never get the girl. �

mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 10:53am:


...and VOICE type...which immediately narrows one's choices down for them.

I was interested to read what the article said about preparation...3 to 40 hours in preparing for a single audition. 

I definitely error on the side of over-prep.  I don't think it's been a huge factor, though....the deciding factor in getting the roles IMO had more to do with having worked with the producers/directors before (and I guess one could consider that as long-term prep, eh?)

How do YOU guys prepare?

I agree that there does have to be a certain look to accomplish an overall vision.  I just wish that each theatre could have a little more "vision" (instead of blinders) when it came to finding that look.

I'd like to know what people think about the local theatre who sent out an e-mail saying, "we're redoing a play that was massively successful, and if you are interested in auditioning, here are the measurements of the costumes we're using for each character" (not a direct quote, just the general jist).  Now, this theatre is not hurting monetarily, and building a few new costumes would be nothing.  They didn't say, if you're interested here is the vocal range and character attributes... it was all about the look.  That does not seem right to me.

mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 8:53pm:

If I remember right, last time they borrowed costumes from the touring company that were absolutely beautiful. It's possible they're doing the same thing again.

mr. spiker wrote on Oct 21^st, 2008 at 10:53am:


I think you have a point, but I don't think a good working relationship should constitute a part, either, especially if that person doesn't fit the part, even though they are talented.

Understanding type is important, but so is being flexible.  I've found that type often depends on who else auditions.  I have been cast in character roles and ingenues, all depending on who else auditioned.  If I'm taller than the guy, I'll be considered for something else.  There are also certain personality traits that will lend people to a certain caliber of character, aka strong personality, fun, stern, etc.  That can often be as deciding as body type.

After my third time auditioning for Disney (several years ago) I was asked to not audition for them anymore. The reason? "You've got great talent and an amazing voice... but you just won't fit out costumes"

In regards to type, though... I just played the male lead in a romantic comedy musical. The director didn't let himself get bogged down by needing to see perfect, beautiful people for those leading roles. He looked for singing and acting talent. The show was an amazing success. (Wedlocked)

I'm pretty sure no one left the theater wondering why they let a fat guy get the girl.

At least I hope they didn't.

BigMonkey wrote on Oct 24^th, 2008 at 9:50am:

Skol.