Pre-casting? If handled correctly (meaning you put in all the notices that "the role of X has been cast") it's not necessarily a bad thing. It's bad when they don't announce it, have you audition, read lines, learn part of a dance and then later you find out the role(s) you wanted was/were never available. Of course, the last is a hypothetical for me.

I'm one of those types who try to do my best at auditions and take pretty much anything. If I really like the show, I'll even work crew just to be involved. There was one show that I auditioned for, along with a friend who seemed ideal for this one role. His audition was amazing, the director was impressed. The guy who got cast? Didn't audition as well. I was in the show, though - the actor really fit for the director's idea of the part. (Heck, lots of times I'll go see a show I didn't get a part in just to see who the director *did* cast - it gives me a better idea of what they might look for in future shows.)

Now, as to calling those of us who didn't get cast - well, it's nice. I don't expect it to be the director (unless I got cast). At least one of the theaters has the producer call - sometimes they'll recommend that I audition for another show (which is how I ended up in "On The 20th Century" - an awesome show!). And it's always easy for me to either remind them or ask them if I can help out backstage for the show. Of course, I love to sew and paint, so, there you go...

Just wanted to add in my two cents.

-Cd

P.S. After my last audition, I actually had a friend on the casting committee. She was able to tell me that a) my second monologue wasn't a good choice and, b) I wasn't the physical type that the director wanted for the role. Both things I can work on - thanks to some honest feedback!

Pre-casting is an ongoing discussion in our group.  We started out with the idea that we would reward sweat equity when casting.  In other words, if you are helpful with all that it takes to put on a show that will be considered when you audition.  Our group encourages families (moms, dads, kids, aunts and uncles) to get involved in the whole production process from set construction to props and costumes to publicity and box office.  When it comes time to hold auditions is it wrong for us to cast those who have given the most?  Our last production was cast with auditions that were by invitation only.  While I didn't necessarily agree with this approach I did understand the director's frustration in those who want to be catered to and can't even be bothered to hang up a poster somewhere to help publicize a production.  We had one actress who was asked to bring a dusting cloth to use as a prop for her character.  Her response was "I act, I don't do props".  Meanwhile I was producing, painting the set, finding period costumes for half the cast, running the box office, printing tickets and programs and asked to be the female lead four weeks out.   Where do we draw the line or how do we get more people involved who are willing to help and are not just interested in the applause for themselves or for their kids.