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DWolfman
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bullet Posted: 4/07/09 at 4:10pm
The theatres I've worked with haven't had producers, although I did work with a "board liaison" once (no creative duties just info, assistance, and networking).
 
You have my support in your feelings.  I have asked input from other directors and stage managers on certain situations but it was always clear and they respected the fact that the final decision was mine.
 
 Glad you're having that discussion to clear the air.  Wishing you the best with the situation.
 
PS I've never auditioned anyone over the phone, however.  I have, however, been forced to take "warm bodies" when all other avenues have been exhausted. 
Even a man who is pure of heart...
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greenphoenix
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bullet Posted: 4/07/09 at 4:46pm
I wouldn't cast someone over the phone, unless I already know the person or their work (but I realize desperate times call for desperate measures).

I sympathize because I also learned the hard way about being a director for certain groups. I had a set of producers who simply wanted me to get the play on its feet, so they could take over in the last week or so, and change what they didn't like. This was also confusing to the cast, who ended up getting contradictory notes. They did this to all their directors. Never again.


Good luck. I know you will make the most of this opportunity to express your vision.
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chel
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bullet Posted: 4/07/09 at 8:29pm
It was an interesting meeting...
 
just interesting, I can't really describe it any other way.  Other than it went on longer than I had hoped it would, no matter how I hope or try, meetings don't keep short for me. 
 
She's going to dislike that role and that person no matter what, but...we're almost, kind of, sort of on the same page. 
 
They actually wanted to know what to do if she's lousy!  I laughed, "well, I hope she doesn't suck."  It wasn't funny to them.  I explained, that's the risk with community theater, some are great, some stink, some have a great audition and a lousy performance and vice versa.  Since I did auditions over the phone with some I have no guarantees at all.  They're worried about one role not working because it's a woman, I'm gambling with phone calls. 
 
Phone call auditions:  Describe yourself.  What work have you done before?  What will you be reading from?  Thank you, go ahead.  You didn't suck, congratulations, you have the part. 
 
God help me.
chel

www.windhamtheaterguild.org
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MartyW
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bullet Posted: 4/08/09 at 8:01am
Originally posted by chel

 
They actually wanted to know what to do if she's lousy!  I laughed, "well, I hope she doesn't suck."  It wasn't funny to them.  I explained, that's the risk with community theater, some are great, some stink, some have a great audition and a lousy performance and vice versa.  Since I did auditions over the phone with some I have no guarantees at all.  They're worried about one role not working because it's a woman, I'm gambling with phone calls. 
 
It is funny, though in a painful way, how many folks don't get it...  When dealing with Community Theater (now don't get your collective nickers in an uproar, I know some CT's are nearly professional, and we all strive to be, however) sometimes you have to take what you get..
 
Sometimes an unknown walks in a blows you away.. then, come show time, you see nothing, or at the best, no great improvement on what you saw at audition..  Sometimes you get no one and hit the phones (not usually for unknowns, but a call for help.. ) Bring on the warm bodies..  
 
But as they have always said, the show must go on.. Sometimes, it is not what you had hoped for and you get to the final weeks and have to "settle" for as good as its gonna get. But you do your best. Hopefully, so does your staff and cast. 
 
I have had, what I thought were, great shows.. But, because of lack of auditioners, we have had to beat the bushes and fill the roles. None the less, the actors were great and sold the roles.. But NOT without the suspension of belief on the part of the audience... They were definitly out of type and many too old for thier parts.. They threw their hearts into it, and pulled it off, yet many critics harped about bad director choices in casting... hello.. what choices..
 
as I said in the previous post.. Were I work we do "consult" with the rest of the staff.. But the decision and responsiblity are the directors.. I'm sure you made the right choice for what you were given...  Good luck and as you closed your last "God help you..."
Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."
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chel
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bullet Posted: 4/09/09 at 3:16pm
Thanks again, I'm feeling much better about things.
chel

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