Casting a Show

One can never know how hard it is to cast a show – especially in a small town.

So what happens on the other side of the casting table?  Is it all about talent and preparation or is there a little more?

Actually there is a lot more!

It’s about who comes into the room prepared and  shows the casting committee their strengths as an actor.

So the casting committee compiles a short list of actors who did something exta to get their attention or brought their strengths to the audition.

Then the casting crew  looks at the characters and the actors available to play the characters.  Who will be able to realistially pull these charaters off?

Finally theater is an ensemble experience.  So the committee looks at the group and asks will they work well together?  Is there going to be conflict or chemistry?

Hopefully they choose the right mix and a cast list is made.

The right cast can create a magical experience for the actor and the audience alike.

Product or Process ?

Many people have asked me what is the driving philosophy of MCT?  Is it about the final product or the process, the educational value of the experience.  MCT just had 75 children involved in JungleBook.  The primary focus of this show is absolutely the process.  How much can we teach throughout the week about acting, theatre, tech and ensemble? Funny when the focus is process the product usually is there.  These kids brought it to life this past Saturday.  The final product was the best that these kids could do on that particular day.  And it was good – really good.

Welcome to The Director’s Page

So have you ever wondered why some theater companies spell theater with an er while other’s spell it with an re Theatre.  I have!  So I looked it up and here goes.  Some people think that the re spelling came from the old english spelling while others say the re spelling means the art of teaching acting.  Those who think that the re spelling means the art of acting say the er spelling means the actual building.  So you would say, “I went to the Theater to see a movie.”  I would say, “I teach theatre at the Middle School.”  So here’s the question.  Should we change our name to Madison Community TheatRE?  I would love your imput.