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Message Icon Topic: Graciously saying, "No Thanks" ?(Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post Reply Post New Topic
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red diva
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bullet Posted: 7/15/07 at 2:55pm
Marty - how many do we have on the Board now?  I count 6 - no more Playhouse secrets anymore!
"I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!"
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MartyW
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bullet Posted: 7/15/07 at 6:20pm
Me, You, Steve, Patrick, Jim ????
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red diva
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bullet Posted: 7/22/07 at 8:26pm
Matt?
"I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!"
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onesongglory
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bullet Posted: 7/27/07 at 6:55pm
Indeed I am, although i haven't been on for quite some time..
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lynda gee
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bullet Posted: 12/22/07 at 11:28am
I am just new to this whole website (where have I been?!) and, as a director and actor, reading all the various topics and discussions is just so interesting.  Thank you!  But I must say that this topic of how to say "no thank you "graciously to a part that you do not want has been very helpful and even therapeutic to me these past few days. 
I've just weathered what felt like very unfair auditions Sleepy and was, in turn, offered a part I did not want.  I'm new to this particular community theater, and it is very difficult sometimes to know how some community theaters conduct their auditions, their callbacks, and even post their cast lists!  Please, directors, be clear, respectful, and give that little bit of extra  communication especially to the "newbies."   It goes a long way. 
Thanks again. 
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bullet Posted: 12/22/07 at 3:59pm
I've mostly been involved in the tech aspect, but actors will ocassionally talk to me about things.  Obviously when people try out for parts they are nervous and that makes some a little chatty.  One thing I remember from several discussions is the feeling that several brought up. If an actor auditioning didn't check the "will accept any role" check box they felt that they were going to look egotistical or hard to work with for future roles--or be judged badly by other actors.  If they did check that check box they worried that it decreased their odds of getting the lead role--and most secrettly suspected that the people who got the good parts were pre-selected or checked that box with the director's knowledge and forgiveness.  Also since there were rivalries between players, some felt they could stand being cast in another role-- unless they were cast opposite that "one" person.  In one memorable discussion the woman cast usually in the lead because of her wonderful singing voice didn't want to be cast opposite the guy usually cast in the male lead because his stage kisses weren't stage kisses and she felt he became too attached to her (she was married, but had previously dated the actor).
 
I know an actor that travels to a larger city 60 miles away for better roles.  He won't take small roles because of commute times...he notes this on the audition form.
 
In short, lots of egos, agendas, fears, insecurities are packed into one auditioning actor when they decide to check or not check that box....so don't expect rational behavior.  A nice discussion before the auditions mentioning these common fears and what checking that box means and doesn't mean seems to help.  It also helps to clarify if the audition is the only basis of decision.
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bullet Posted: 12/22/07 at 4:58pm
As a director I understand people having scheduling issues, etc. that may make them unwilling to take certain parts. However in a community theatre setting once in a while being a team player and taking a smaller part (or simply one that needs filled for whatever reason) speaks volumes for an actor's "team spirit." 
One thing I do to keep "wasted" rehearsal time at a minimum is to rehearse in french scenes as much as possible. The actors seem to really appreciate only being called in when they will be active for most of the rehearsal.  By the time we are ready to run entire acts the evening usually goes rather smoothly and efficiently even on the first full run thru of the act or show.
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vickifrank
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bullet Posted: 12/22/07 at 6:32pm
Yes, its a two way street...it works best if they consider the interests of the director, the community and the show...and if the director is careful of the time consumed.
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stgdirector4
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bullet Posted: 12/29/07 at 4:49pm
I guess I'll chime in here as well.

If an actor adamantly states that he/she will only take a specific role, I'll respect their wishes. However, in my neck of the woods (New Jersey)there's so many community theatres to choose from, that it can be difficult getting a full cast at auditions--especially a large cast show. That's when the negotiations begin. Sometimes, i can persuade a certain actor to take a role even if he, at first, turns it down.
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Theatregal79
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bullet Posted: 1/20/08 at 11:26pm
Funny that you are wondering this, because I personally am about to be in the same boat.  I really want to audition for a show in Feb, but I'm not sure if I will be a fit (Age wise) for the role (the only part that I can conceivably play due to age issues) that I want.  That being said I was hoping that if I didn't get into that show I could audition for another show at another theatre.

Unfortunately, the audition for the other show are tomorrow (they want you to be off book by the time the rehearsals begin so they audition early).  Now I haven't been able to find the play at the library, nor did the director get back to me to see if I could get a script from them, so consequently I don't even know if I will even fancy the play.

This all being said, I would be willing to give up first desired show if I get a main role in this show, but I would be feeling like I'm missing out on potentially getting a role that I want if I am given a smaller role (not to mention the fact that this theatre is about 40-50 miles away).  I too am afraid of coming across as Diva-esque, and for me its not about having a smaller role, but giving up an opportunity to have a lead role in the first show.  Any suggestions?  Or would the advice be the same.
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