Musical theatre: a behind-the-scenes perspective
The actors' agent | The casting director | The choreographer | The musical director
What is a casting director?
Nowadays, producers of new plays and musicals in the West End often delegate to a third party – the casting director – the difficult task of finding and co-ordinating the right actors, singers and dancers to be put forward for their productions. He or she may come up with ideas for the lead casting, check their availability, and then co-ordinate the people to be seen for all other roles.
Profile: David Grindrod of David Grindrod Associates
Shows currently responsible for casting on include: Chicago, Jerry Springer – the Opera, The Woman in White, Mamma Mia! and the forthcoming film version of The Phantom of the Opera.
What qualities are you looking for at an audition?
'First of all they have to have a good singing voice, but then it depends on whether they have the right look for the show or not. There are also basic things like dance skills. Someone can be auditioned for a show from one to five times, before we make a decision.'
How should someone prepare for an audition?
'It's very helpful if a performer knows what type of show it is they are auditioning for, so they've thought about the style of music required. If it's a classic show, they should bring in a classic song. And they should know the song perfectly – don't leave it to the last minute and learn it the day before, as nerves will take over and they'll forget the whole thing when they start singing it! And they should also dress to whatever period the show is set in – don't come in dressing too funky for a period piece, but if it's a funky show, that would be okay.'
When someone walks in for an audition, what will they see?
'It can be very off-putting. They'll face a desk of at least three people, and there may be up to 10 or 20 watching them, depending on how far through the process they get. The further you go down the line, the more people there are behind the desk. I couldn't do what a performer has to do – to get up in a room and sing a song to a group of strangers, trying to persuade them that they are right for the show. I know it's a nerve-racking experience, so we try to make it as nice as possible. If there was another way to audition people without putting them through this, I'd do it, but there isn't!'
