BackStage Utah

Hi Paul,
Strangely, (meaning I never thought I would find myself in the role of a director more often than an actor) I have to cast alot of people. Each audition is so vastly different as you never know who will show up at your audition. I never pre-cast, but I do admit to having someone in mind and inviting them and hoping that they will come. When I invite someone that I think would do a great job, I am always careful. I say that there are some roles in the upcoming production that they would be great in, but I never promise them a role. Hopefully, they don't take it as a guarantee. I have, however, had people come with the attitude that they are automatically cast and seem rather shocked when they don't get the part. For me, a big thing I look at in an audition (beside the obvious...can they do it?) is their attitude and if they seem direct-able. 
Anyway, I remember one show that I directed that the producer had already pre-cast one of the roles without my input. When we had auditions, there was another gentleman that was clearly better for the role in my vision of what the show should be. I fought with the producer and finally got my way, but they had to contact the pre-cast member and tell him that he would not be doing the show. The poor actor was so mad and I didn't blame him...but I wanted the show to go in a different direction.
Also, (and this is just my opinion, of course) it seems to me that in SOME cases when an actor is pre-cast or called in as a "favor" (which is sometimes unavoidable) that they don't seem to be as committed as those who had to "work" for the part and the entire cast and show suffers for it.
In my experience, pre-casting leads to nothing but trouble.

Thanks,
Annelise

Now saying that, DN I agree with you 100%. A very nice,open and honest letter. I appreciate your honesty and candor.