Question about Auditions/Casting

[Miss Mayberry]

What do you do if you audition for a specific role, and don't get it, but instead get a smaller role that you really don't want?

This recently happened to me, but I still want the part. I auditioned for the role of Chava in Fiddler on the roof, but favoritism reigned supreme. So instead, I got a non-speaking villager-type role.

My mom says that by auditioning, I was saying to the director that I'm ready to be involved with this production, no matter what role I'm selected for.

My dad says that since I didn't get the role I wanted, it would be okay to drop out. I made a commitment to the role of Chava, not a villager.

I'm going to stick with it, I'm just wondering what would be okay to do in this situation.

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[jaimegerise]

Hmmmm well, I guess it all depends on how badly you wanna be in the show....

In my community theater group, they claim that just taking the roles given to you will show you are committed and you can "work your way up" so to speak....but that's not REALLY been the case. There's favoritism in our group, though some of them talk their way OUT of it when favoritism's called.

There were times when I didn't get a roll I wanted, and wasn't interested in anything but that role so I didn't do anything other than tech. There have also been times that I was so upset about not getting a certain part that I had nothing to do with a show at all....and no one seemed phased by that (or even knew I was upset). I just go with the flow though mostly....

BTW, we are doing Fiddler next summer! eeeeeek

 

[Kilted Stranger]

do what your heart tells you to do. There is no point in being in a show that you really dont want to be in. The show is what the actors make it, and if one of them really isnt into it, then it can spoil a show.

however, if you do stay involved sometimes you can be really glad you didnt get a role. you may meet more friends this way, or realise that the character really wasnt one for you.

In any case, break a leg for whatever you decide to do. In the end its up to you. let us know what you decide!!!

 

[Miss Mayberry]

I'm gonna stick with it. In the last production, one adult dropped out on opening night, giving the assistant director one hour to learn 12 pages worth of dialogue. And I don't want to be a quitter, anyway.

Thanks, guys!

 

[romaneagle13]

Amanda, I'd go for it, the experience is fun anyway. Fiddler has great chorus scenes. But I know how you feel. About 10 years ago, I was in a teen production of the show and auditioned for Golde. Everyone at the auditions thought I'd get the part. But when the cast lists went up, I was listed as Grandmother Tzeitel and a member of the chorus. Naturally, I was disappointed. But I decided to make the most of the opportunity and be the best crotchety old Jewish Grandmother that I could. I had a similar experience the following year when I auditioned to be the Mother Superior in The Sound of Music and ended up in the chorus and understudying the role. The girl doing it couldn't make an afternoon performance/dress rehearsal, so I got to do her part then.

But I have gotten to have leading parts in other productions. So the moral of the story is, there are no small parts, only small actors. Lots of big stars make their starts in anonymous walk-on and chorus roles. Just enjoy the fun of being in the production.