Originally posted by trutter What do you do if someone questions your casting decisions, asking for an explanation why X got cast instead of them? Do you answer it at all, be brutally honest, or sugar-coat it? (edited to take out some specifics)

I've been directing for a while now, and this is inevitable.  Every situation is different, but the bottom line is you don't have to justify your casting choices to anyone except yourself. 

"I can't cast everyone in every show.  A decision had to be made, and it was a difficult one, but it wasn't personal and I'd like to see you audition again in the future" usually works for me. 

Sometimes, if applicable I also find it useful to append "If you still want to be part of the show, and I hope you do, we will need help with (costumes, running crew, etc).  I'd like to have you involved, if you're still available." 

K

ONE of the things I learned early on to do, is to have a moment before auditions where I explain to ALL auditioners that there ARE only so many roles in the play.  I go on to say that some will make it, some will not.  That it isn't a reflection of their willingness to do the show or any sort of commentary on their talents.  It's just MY interpretation for the needs of the show and mine alone. I let it be known that everyone will be given full and complete consideration but in the end it is finally MY decision as to whom I cast.  If they are not pains in the butt, they'll accept that (and always have) save the one or two that INSISTED they know specifically WHY they didn't get the role they thought THEY were suited for if any role at all.  THEN it's just a matter of having to be honest, tempering it with consideration for their strong feelings.  I know as an actor - I've been there in that same position too so I know how hard it is.  BUT once I realized that in community theater, this isn't my livlihood, that it's just a local production that isn't going to make me famous, then just learning to be gracious and move on to the next one - even to the point of being overly congenial and letting them know while I am disappointed, it won't deter me from the next audition or show.  SOME people simply cannot be that way.  And I had to learn it as well.  But sometimes you just have to be brutal - especially if they're thick-headed and just don't get it. NOT a fun thing to have to deal with.

I try not to look at the questions as why you didn't cast me as (what ever part they wanted), but what can I do to improve my auditioning techniques? 

I never ask why I wasn't cast. I will ask what I can improve upon in my audition.

We recently did a production of The Miracle Worker and a women who played Annie Sullivan back in HS wanted to do it again. Trouble was....she's about 50 now. The director convinced her that playing Annie in the past and having that experience, coupled with being older now and having children would help her play Kate Keller better even though technically she'd be too old for Kate as well, but still a much better fit.

It worked out in the end.

For the question, I know what my skills are and strengths and weaknesses, so if I'm not cast, it's understood that I just didn't "fit" and it's nothing personal.