PYT
   






































 

CASTING

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who makes the casting decisions?

The director, music director and the choreographer. These three staff members work together as a collaborative team. They begin to discuss and rate the audition participants as soon as each group of ten participants completes the audition process.  This has to be done in order to initiate the Callback process. These staff members take home copies of the registration forms and continue to email and talk with to one another during the entire Callback process.

  1. Who is responsible for making the final decision?

The director will make the final decision, especially if the three staff members cannot agree on a casting choice.

  1. When is the casting meeting held and who attends this meeting?

The casting meeting is held after the last night of Callbacks. The following people attend this meeting: the director, the music director, the choreographer, the artistic director, the production manager and the casting liaison. Sometimes the choreographer does not attend this meeting.

  1. What does the production manager do at the casting meeting?

The production manager keeps track of carpool requests, sibling requests, cast requests due to conflicts, and the amount of conflicts for each participant. The production manager also keeps the paper work organized as the two casts are formed, and will make any phone calls pertaining to conflict questions or role requests. If the stage manager is present they will also check requests and conflicts.

  1. Who is the casting liaison and what do they do at the casting meeting?

The casting liaison is a PYT board member who does not have a child participating in the show. Their job is to make sure that PYT’s casting policies are followed. They also double check the carpool and other cast requests for the production manager and may also make phone calls and sort paperwork.

  1. Who is the web master and what do they do at the casting meeting?

The web master is a board member who types the cast list and posts it on the website.

  1. Why is the cast list usually posted two days after the casting meeting?

This two day period gives the director, the music director, the choreographer, the production manager and the web master the time to check for errors and omissions. This is particularly helpful when casting a large cast.

  1. Who is in the room during auditions and callbacks?

Auditions and callbacks are closed. The director, the choreographer, the music director, the audition pianist (if someone different from the music director) and a board liaison to hand out callback materials can be in the room.

  1. Are the producers and the production manager in the room during auditions and callbacks?

No, they only bring paperwork into the room before the auditions begin, and then they go in and pick up the callback forms after each group has completed their auditions and has left the room. 

  1. Do the producers, production manager or board members participate in any casting decisions?

No, they do not. The artistic director, director, choreographer and music director make all casting decisions as a group, and we rely upon their knowledge and expertise and trust them to make the right decisions

  1. What is the director looking for in an ideal actor?

  • The ideal actor

    • Is well prepared, with an appropriate monologue from a published source,

    • Shows an understanding of the role and a commitment to the requirements of the role,

    • Has a well-prepared, appropriate song in the correct key, with either sheet music or recorded music,

    • Has a good attitude, accepts responsibility, and does not make excuses,

    • Demonstrates maturity and the ability to stay focused and “on track” in spite of mistakes or other distractions,

    • Gives 100% performance energy all of the time,

    • Is willing to accept any role,

    • Has few or no conflicts,

    • Dresses appropriately for the audition, including  movement clothes and shoes for the dance audition.

    1. Things that can influence casting include:

    • Training and experience

    • Motivation and energy

    • Attitude

    • Being well prepared

    • Choice of monologue and/or song

    • Vocal range and singing ability

    • Previous work with the Director, Music Director or Choreographer

    • Matching the director’s vision of the role

    • Excessive conflicts

    • Only accepting specific roles

    1. How are final casting decisions made?

    Final casting decisions are made based on the Director’s vision of the show and the characters, the recommendations of the Music Director and Choreographer, carpool requests, and scheduled conflicts. While the Director has a certain vision of the show, casting may also be influenced by the specific actors that auditioned, and the requirements of certain roles (such as a singing role with a particularly high vocal range.) Because we double cast shows, the director is also trying to assemble two equally balanced casts in terms of age and experience.

    1. How can I get feedback about my audition?

    The Director, Music Director and Choreographer fill out audition feedback forms during auditions. These are mailed directly to the actors once they are completed and handed in to the Production Manager. Additionally, an actor may be able to request and schedule a small amount of time to talk about their audition with the Director, Music Director or Choreographer. However, as this is not a contractual requirement of the Artistic staff, actors need to understand that the Artistic Staff may not have the time for additional feedback. As auditions tend to be emotionally charged, it is also recommended that the actor wait a week or so before requesting audition feedback in order to gain some emotional distance.

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