Hello, i'm directing my first play (amateur of course), and i just chose my cast a week ago. However, i had trouble deciding the actor for one character and called the two runner-ups for a second round. Any tips or ideas on how to make that second round with only two candidates? I know exactly what i want out of the character, but how can i know if i can get it from either actor?

Any help would be great, thanks...

 Read them separately (and privately please! ) Give each actor a direction to see how they take it....whatever it is you hope to see. Should tell you what you need to know.

Just give them direction.  You want to make sure they can take direction or you are up the creek.  Some people audition well but that is as far as they go however, those that audition well but can't do much more won't be able to take direction as well if at all from you.

that is where you'll find your answer.

I usually have them come in and read for an entirely different scene from the play.  I give them some specifics about what I want to see.  When they arrive, I have their partner be the actual actor I've casted in the opposite role (i.e., Don Lockwood against a Cathy Selden).  When they audition at callbacks, I have them work a few times with the actor.  I see what the chemistry is like; I observe how they take direction; I listen to their speaking voices--are they interesting to listen to? do they vary in pitch a great deal? do they have a feel for the rhythm of the script?.  I sometimes even have them do a pantomime, watching for the physical acting.  If it's really close, I'll have them work a few improvisational exercises to determine which one has the best working brain--which can make or break a performance.

If possible, I don't formally cast the rest of the roles of the same gender.  If I am dealing with just two different actresses or actors, I have them wait until a decision is made.  I ask for input from stage manager and the other performer who worked with them--although it's only input, not a decision.  I ask for specific reasons to back up the blanket statements.  Whichever one doesn't get the role, I'll give them the choice of the roles I think they're best for and allow them to choose which one they want.  If I have someone that is that good, I always want them onstage in some role!  I also offer them the chance to understudy the role they didn't get.

Wow!  What great techniques!  In the CT that I work with, we usually don't have the privelage of having multiple actors/actresses that audition who are so great they have to come in for second round auditions.

But if the situation ever arises....  wouldn't that be cool!