What we learned about “Fairness”.

A BLOG by Roger Gonzalez

January 10, 2009-NYC

In my last blog, “Auditioning (Part 1): Are Community Theatre auditions fair?” I took on the question about fairness at community theatre auditions. Based on my recent auditioning experiences and some comments made to me theareafter by actors frustrated with the process, I started an open dialogue and quite a few of you responded. The subject was so sensitive it seems, people are still writing responses! Go look...They may be talking about you!

I think most of the responses came from a place of strong conviction, opinion, observation (always very subjective) and lots of experience; this type of openness is invaluable and my hope is that actors, especially younger ones, can take this insight and make the most out of it. But what I also learned is some producers and directors really need to see the light and work in a more realistic and open manner. Why? Simple: we know we have a forum to air our differences and that this forum will be used. My personal goal is not to pick on anybody or any group, but rather to let people better understand the process from all perspectives.

Granted, some actors simply don’t understand what the auditioning process really involves. Yet some producers also need to be more upfront and honest...sometimes honest with themselves. Or maybe they just need to be better at B.S. In short, the time has finally come for not only making amateur auditions better (whatever that means), but also producers more accountable for their actions. And it begins with this week’s blog.

The question of fairness (I already knew) is one that can never really be answered. In many of the responses I saw what clearly turns out to be a thematic characteristic of community theatre: fairness exists sometimes but most times not. It is impossible to be fair to everyone all the time. The process is so involved, so different by group, and so subjective that true fairness, I think, should not even be a priority. The bottom-line for actors: why worry about it? Why second guess it? Why even analyze it? Go and audition. Enjoy and grow your skills. But play by some ground rules so that you have the best experience possible. Today, we’ll close with a few tips for actors on auditioning and ask our readers to offer more in the days to come.

For our producers and directors and auditioning committees I simply suggest you create and follow whatever “guidelines” you think work best for you and share these guidelines with your candidates upfront. Every theatre group is different so the best you can do is build a solid reputation by being sensitive to actors, nurturing their talents, respecting them as fellow theatre artists and if you can’t be brutally honest (which frankly won’t work with everyone anyway), at least not be blatant bullshit artists about your casting decisions. I suggest...

Don’t lie about parts being open if they are not.

Don’t waste an actor’s time with call-backs if you know they are not getting the part.

Never use one actor as a stand-in so that another actor can be read.

Never admit it if you do.

Use an assistant director or stage manager to read opposite candidates.

Never, ever be so busy during an actor’s audition that you don’t pay 100% attention.

Be organized and have an audition process that’s smooth and effective.

Remember that in community theatre anybody can suddenly become a director/producer. That means not only that you can be replaced, but that you are constantly also being judged in return.

Don’t be pompous, self-important, superior, egotistical or “above” the actor.

Consider that “open” auditions could back-fire because casting opinions are subjective. What you beleive others also saw may not be the case at all.

If you ask for one thing, but cast another...it raises questions and distrust.

If you don’t get what you want, consider describing to the candidate what you seek.

Admit when you make a mistake.

Don’t assume that because an actor doesn’t get the part, they’ll take ensemble.

Remember there usually is no salary or compensation involved. So don't treat actors like they are desperate to be in your show...even if they are.

Communicate effectively!

These notes are no general laws or mandates from some blogger. They are common sense... just simple suggestions to make your groups more trusted, respected and professional. And they are compiled from many hours of discussions and emails over the last few weeks. Its to all our advantage to at least consider them. Why not strive for a higher ground, right? I am sure there’s more out there. Keep sharing.

Actors too need to get a grip on things. I think that they are more vulnerable in this process, but sometimes they too add more grief to the audition than is needed. It works both ways so in effect no one is ever really 100% right or wrong. But here are some tips to make everyone’s life easier.

Auditioning Tips for Actors:

Be prepared.

Know the production, the play, the group, the characters, even the rehearsal schedule.

Know what you want and ask for it...otherwise let them choose for you.

Know what they want and deliver it.

Bring what you’re asked to bring.

Be connected: who you know goes a long way.

Be Different and unique.

Don’t copy other actors or a movie version (producers can’t tell if you’ll be able to take that role and make it your own)

Consider working your way up. Producers rarely admit this practice but use it often.

Have fun and give it your best shot! You’re acting. It’s a mini performance. For a few minutes you have an audience whether you are good or not.

Don’t be competitive, be the best you... and don’t try to be a backseat director.

Don’t lie.

Audition often and regularly: confidence and comfort with the process goes a long way.

Don’t take it personally: there are never guarantees so why become emotional about it.

Don’t assume anything: there are good surprises, there are bad surprises.

Ask if you are not sure.

If you screw up, keep going.

Focus on your goal: dispense with socializing and gossiping with other actors.

Don’t disappear for bathroom or cigarette breaks.

Don’t pass gas. Yes, they all knew it was you!

Don’t hit on the chorus girls. The one in the red tights could be the director’s wife. Oh crap, she is!

Never, ever, talk bad about the other actors auditioning. Actors have trouble keeping secrets.

Think about what you wear (each group is different so you may need to ask).

Take control. Say something if you are mistreated or, better yet, just walk out.

Communicate effectively.

Quite frankly, I’ve broken some of these tips over the years and so I know. Oh, yes, I know.

Most of the people in this process I can say are fairly good people. Some just make mistakes and can’t get out of them. I’ve done that too.

Let me know what you think of these tips, folks. The other blog (pt. 1) is still up so you can comment on fairness there or read everyone else's comments.

Enjoy, RG.