“People should be cast in roles based on their talent, not by their appearance.”
This is a quote that I heard from a fellow cast member at my most recent performance venue. This person usually never seemed to be one to speak their opinion in such a manner. They usually kept to themselves. They came in to the theatre, did their thing, got out of costume, and went home. End of story.
But, this comment from them really struck me. All people in the theatre know that casting can be an extremely terrifying process. People hope that they get their dream role, or one that they would be completely satisfied with. Others feel constantly let down, as they feel they are never put to their full potential.
However, back to the quote. “People should be cast in roles based on their talent, not by their appearance.” With community theatre, especially here in Maine, casting IS usually based on talent, and typically less about looks. (Sure, you don’t usually cast a male in a female role, or vise versa, but you get the point.) Around here, we’re usually looking for people to fill these roles for a few weekends, a month maybe. We aren’t usually concerned with finding a woman with long, dark hair to play Girl #2, who has been specifically described as one with long, dark hair. A redhead would probably do just fine.
In more professional settings, the casting process is taken to another, more serious level. Casting is based on talent AND looks. Broadway hopefuls are only lucky enough if they can fit the part down to the very last detail. If the character is described as having long, dark hair, then they’ll be looking for someone with long, dark hair to fill the part. Those who don’t have it, or can’t fake it, will most likely be sent away.
“People should be cast in roles based on their talent, not by their appearance.” I often hear different versions of this quote all the time.(Too often for my taste, I might add.) “So-and-so has only done three shows in their life, but I’ve done five, so I should have gotten the lead role, not them.”
There’s a lot of drama in drama. We envy each other. We’re jealous of each other. Sometimes, we hate each other. It’s just this ridiculous part of being in the theatre; everything is a competition. I’ve seen friendships be torn apart all because of a casting choice. Someone’s best friend got the lead role…the role that they really wanted. Now they hate each other, and it’s awkward for everyone. Fantastic.
But, that’s why we love theatre. The feeling of competition brings out the best performances in all of us. We thrive off of these situations, knowing that one person will ultimately succeed. We improve our own skills by seeing each other at our strongest, and weakest moments. The sense of competition always seems to trigger something in our brains that makes us great. It gives us the confidence to compete against others, all who are vying for the same part, role, job, etc.
Basically, the casting process just makes everyone nervous, and brings out their true feelings about each other. But, without the casting process, there is no show. Although some may believe that casting should be based only on sheer talent, others argue that you have to “look the part to fit the part.”
My opinion? To quote one of my favorite English teachers: “Perception is reality.” If you can convince others that you’re right for a part, then you’ll find yourself in the running for that role. It’s as simple as that. (Just don’t gripe and complain about it if you don’t get the part. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Get over it. Try again later.)
On a personal note, I’d like to thank all readers of this blog for being so patient during my recent hiatus. I’ve been running back and forth to different theatres since October, and I haven’t had any time to do anything at all. (I haven’t seen my family since, like, Thanksgiving.) I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and a happy new year!
