Monday, December 28, 2009

Pre-Casting in Community Theater, Right or Wrong?

Pre-Casting: the act of assigning actors/actresses to roles in a production before the actual auditions occur.


Many professional theaters pre-cast roles. Using big name celebtities to promote their big ticket admission prices and to cover high production costs. But does this practice make sense in the smaller arena of community theater? A local theater group has announced auditions for an upcoming two-person show, but only has auditions for one of the two roles. Meaning that they have pre-cast the lead role. While I understand that we all like to work with a known talent, someone whose abilities, strenghths and weaknesses we are already aware of, doesn't this send the wrong message to anyone who might have tried out for that role? Like don't bother?


M&D has always had an open audition policy. Which means every role in a production is up for grabs. Yes, we encourage known local to talent to audition for certain roles, but we do not pre-cast. You never know what undiscovered talent is just waiting for that juicy lead role they have always dreamt of playing.


What does everyone here think? Should pre-casting be done at the community theater level? If so, why? If not, why? Talk amongst yourselves....

Friday, December 18, 2009

HURRY! GET YOUR LAST MINUTE GIFT HERE!




2010 MEMBEHIP CARDS ARE READY JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
You enjoy the shows, so why not take advantage of this great offer. With tickets as low as $10.00 this makes it the best holiday gift ever!
Your 2010 Membership card gets you:
(depending on what level you purchase)

1. FREE Amdission to all the Galas and V.I.P. Parties
2. Perferred Seating
3. Discounted tuition to any of our workshps and classes
4. Free Food and Drink at concessions
5. Participation in our "Play Reading Committee"

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(18 shows at only $10.00 each )

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REGULAR $36.00
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INDIVIDUAL $18.00
(1 show at $18)

NON-MEMBERS $25.00
The general price of admission.
CALL NOW BEFORE SUPPLIES RUN OUT!

**ALSO**
All those who order now before Dec 25th will get a FREE Christmas CD of some of the best local singers in MWV.
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