I Wish I Knew is back this week! A new blog dedicated to interviewing people in the theater and on camera business to get some answers about their journeys through the industry, I thought it would be awesome to interview my casting director friend Cathy Reinking (she/her/hers). As an actor, I’ve spent a lot of my career thinking casting directors were the untouchable, unreadable keepers of the gate to success. They seem scary and intimidating. But then I met Cathy who is one of the most open, nonthreatening casting directors I know. Like a lot of casting directors (seriously!) she is an advocate for artists. Whether you are an actor wanting to know more about what casting directors do, or you want to be a casting director yourself, I think you’ll find Cathy’s interview eye opening.
It can be tricky navigating your way through plays with good roles that offer an exciting challenge for the modern teenager. After all, there are thousands of plays out there–where do you start? Are you looking for a powerful monologue, a dramatic scene, or a full play that features a lead teenage role?
When we think of the best roles in a musical for a teenager, our thoughts often immediately turn to shows such as High School Musical, Hairspray, or Grease. These musicals are brilliant for a range of multi-age teenage roles, with large casts and plenty of scope for principal, supporting, and ensemble parts. But what about key teenage roles in musicals that are not specifically targeted at 11-19 year olds? StageAgent blogger Alexandra Appleton has compiled a list of terrific teen roles.
There is a lot of advice out there on auditioning. But there are a few things that a ton of performers do which impede their auditioning. Blogger Annie Edgerton shares five mistakes actors often make and how to flip them into something positive.
StageAgent interviews casting director Alison Franck for another perspective on casting a national tour. Alison has been casting everything from Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theatre, National Tours, Television, and Film for more than 20 years. She offers some personal insights on touring and gives actors some valuable tips on the use of modern technology in auditioning.
