CASTING DIRECTORS - HOW DO YOU CAST ?

Sorting through the audition process

Getting the right people together for your production can be a slow process.  Having producers, directors and choreographers listening to audition pieces, monologues or songs can be labourious.
We all have different approaches for finding the right person for the role.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's job was probably harder when he had to cast Cats'.  This photo (right) is from 1961, Los Angeles.  It was a casting call for black cats for the film Tales of Terror.

Here is a process you may want to consider for the two legged actor that is not as terrifying.

Put together a vision or profile for each character in the script.  Imagine a well known actor in the role.  Don't get concerned over appearance just yet.  Your aim here is to understand the underlying goals and personality of the character.  Build up a short biography of the character. You may need to work closely with the writer. Remember your biography will become a useful tool for the actor to use as they prepare for the role.
A 1960's screenplay called for a very handsome, athletic, tall, blond, charming, dynamic and intelligent young man whom people immediately fell in love with for the lead in a major movie.  Did you think Dustin Hoffman or were you playing it safe?  Dustin went on to play Benjamin Braddock in 'The Graduate'.  He was almost the exact opposite of the criteria they were initially looking for but he was a brilliant actor who created a whole different take on the role and in the process created one of the most memorable performances in film history.  To cast outside the box can  often bring out a whole new dimension in a story.

Now create a description of the actor you are looking for.  A physical description, psychological and a personality description need to be expressed in writing.  The easiest and probably the best casting is typecasting.    Actors hate the concept but it is true.  Think outside of the box if you are typecasting.  Remember 'The Graduate'.  You can always bring in an amateur to play a role.  Sometimes budget's dictate the process for you.  If an amateur is who the role is, they will probably do a credible job.  Look for actors who's general appearance, personality and life experiences closely match up to those of the character you are casting.  There is more chance of them turning in a great perfomance for you. 
Remember in the casting process that the characters in your story are probably going to evolve, a character arc.   The character they start out to be will not be the character they end up being.  Then do you cast for the character they start out as or as the character they end up being?  You get to chose how to handle this, and hopefully get an actor smart and talented enough to handle it all.

The final step is to chose the 'pages or sides' from the script you want the actors to read during the audition.
It isn't fair to expect an actor to show up for the audition with no chance to prepare so always send 'pages/sides' to the actors.  You can also learn a lot about the work ethic of the actor and how much they want the role by how much preparation they put into the audition. 

Chose scenes for the /pages' that let the actor display the full range of emotions for the character. Scenes that are turning points in the character arc are especially good.

Send a brief summary of the story together with the 'pages/sides'.  At least a paragraph about the story line and your vision for the story.  Add another paragraph with the character's biography.  Let the actor have access to the entire script if they are interested.

From the start you will want to have a good working relationship with your cast so be open, honest and friendly with them.  Those Directors who are aloof throughout the audition process will find they have to make up for lost time in establishing that working relationship.
A good model for the directory/actor relationship is that of an uncompromising, but loving and patient parent and an obedient child who wants to please.   At worst we are dealing with egos here, at best professionals.

Auditioning known actors
If you are so lucky and have the budget to play with you may be on the look out for a known actor.ility  You will probably find that they will not be willing to audition. They often feel that their work is well known and that their time is too valuable. This is not unusual.  You will need to be flexible with your approach.  Try to arrange a one on  one meeting something less formal, a cafe maybe.  At least an informal get together so you can see if your personalities will mesh.   Also be sure to find out, probably from their agent, what special considerations they will expect. If the name actor is willing to work for a reduced fee but requires the most expensive housing, food and treatment for themselves and a host of followers you may not be able to afford them.