It is a policy of the theatre I work with for the director to call each auditioner personally and let them know whether or not they will be considered for a part in a show.

I've just finished that task for a play I'm directing.  Having selected and gotten positive responses from those I wanted, I've spent two days calling those who did not get parts.  Several of those are wonderful human beings and good actors who I've worked with before.  I am very confident in the choices I've made and feel I have assembled the strongest cast possible.

However, the notification process always pains me because I can and do commiserate with those who are not cast and being the bearer of bad tidings takes a toll on my psyche.  As we all know, choices are more often than not up to the whims and opinions of the director, and other directors could and probably would cast the same show a different way.

There were no bad situations, no tantrums or recriminations, all I contacted took the news like a trouper and I cannot express how grateful I am for that. 

Thanks for your time and consideration, just letting the pressure ease so I can go forward.

Would love to hear your thoughts and input on the process.

I think it is a painful task to call someone and tell them that they did not get a role.   It's painful and awkward for both sides of the equation and as a director I will not do it as a normal practice for the majority of actors that audition for me and as an actor I don't want to get that call.     If an auditioner asks me why they didn't get the role I assume they want me to honest with them and I will tell them. 

I'm sorry but I do not understand nor do I agree with policies that insist on contacting the people that did not make it.  I frankly have bigger fish to fry with getting a show off the ground than concerning myself with the hurt feelings of actors who really should expect the "agony of defeat" and the "thrill of victory" to be part of the territory of auditioning.

I disagree with the policy of calling EVERY actor and telling them why they were not cast.  This goes back to the old adage of "Don't call us, we'll call you."  

Consoling the runner-ups is hurtful and humiliating for all parties involved.  As a director, I always say at callbacks "You'll hear from me [within a week/next Thursday/by the end of the month] if you've been cast.  If you don't hear from me by the end of that time, then I just want to thank you for auditioning, it's been a pleasure seeing all of you."

As an actor, I find it is NEVER helpful to find out why I wasn't cast.  I must realize it is up to the whim of the director, the writer, and sometimes the producer.

TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU DIDN'T GET THE PART

10)  You're too old.

9)   You're too young.

8)  You're too tall.

7)  You're too short.

6)  You're too ethnic.

5)  You're not ethnic enough.

4)  You're too fat.

3)  You're not fat enough.

2)  You remind the director of:  a) the kid who beat him up on the playground in third grade, b) the girl that broke his heart in junior high  or c) the guy at work who drives him nuts in the next cubicle.

1)  You were by the far the best actor to audition for the role, but we gave the part to an old friend from college.

Of course, there's another possibility why you didn't get cast and that simply could be "You suck!" 

Would you REALLY like to hear that from a director?  Would that inspire you to take lessons and improve yourself, or would it inspire you to slash his tires?

I had an experience, though, that would support the idea of contacting everyone. Three years ago I auditioned for a show that only contacts those who are cast. After the allotted time I hadn't been contacted, so I assumed I wasn't cast. Two days later I was asked to assistant direct a show somewhere else, and I accepted. Two days after that, I got a phone call from the first theater, wondering why I hadn't been at the first rehearsal. Apparently they'd left a message at a wrong number, or something.

It turned out for the best for me, because I turned down the role in the first show to stick with the other, and I'm now directing there, which is what I'd rather do. At the time, though, it was awkward. If I'd known to expect a phone call either way, I'd have called and asked when I didn't hear.

Melissa