Off Broadway (Understudy) Callback Protocol?

[CAX]

Posted: 8/22/10 at 6:44pm

Simple question that's burning a hole in my proverbial pocket.

Got an agent-set up audition for a big upcoming Off-Broadway play.

Prepared 3 sides. Went in, read one, felt good about it.

Later that afternoon, agent calls me: Got a callback with the director 2 days later.

Woohoo. Work the sides. Get off book for them.

Day Later, agent calls again... audition moved another day away till late evening.

CB day comes, I go in. Off-book. Lots of choices. Director gives me adjustment on one scene, I take it... Asks me to do another scene.

I do.

Laughter, lots of time spent examining my headshot and consulting with Co-Artistic Director, ensues. I thank them. I'm thanked. I thank director, co- artistic director, casting director and reader for everything and leave. CD has huge grin on face.

That's thurs nite. Friday passes with no word. Suddenly, I'm totally questioning everything I did. Was it too much? Too small? WTF? It's a vicious cycle. AAAAAH.

Back to calm composure. Curious if anyone knows anything about the typical protocol for these things. I know no two casting processes are ever alike, but in all my experiences where I've been understudied, the U/S was there most of the rehearsal time I was there, taking notes and whatnot. Is this different for BWAY and off/bway shows? I'd imagine it'd be a but costly to have them in rehearsal at the same time at the principals, now that I think about it.

I usually take that Informercial Rotisserie approach to auditions (Set it and FORGET it) but now it's one I actually care about and it's driving me nuts. Should I expect to wait a long time? Any feedback on the subject would be appreciated.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 8/22/10 at 7:03pm

I'm not sure, but it sounds like it was a good audition. If it was Thursday night I wouldn't start to panic yet. Tomorrow is only Monday.

[CAX]

Posted: 8/22/10 at 8:18pm

True. I just thought the breakdown said reh would begin Aug 23. Maybe that's changed.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/22/10 at 8:49pm

Seems like you did everything that you could do. If you get it, GREAT. If not, it seems like there may have been another who was a better match to what they were looking for. From what I gather based on what you said, you are apparently the right type and read well for the role -- so it comes down to who is the best match.

It's out of your control at this point. Call your agent Tuesday. Tuesday would be an appropriate amount of time.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/22/10 at 10:28pm

Understudies are not always brought on contract on the first day of rehearsal. It is not uncommon to not bring them on until the week of tech, or even first preview (depending on how long the show is teching).

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 8/23/10 at 5:33pm

AEA AGMA SM is correct. I've been cast in an understudy position in an Equity production, and they aren't bringing me in until tech week.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 8/23/10 at 6:17pm

Regardless of whether you get it or not, I say congratulations. You made it right up to the final decision, you obviously impressed the creative team and casting directors, and at this point, if you don't get it, it's likely because you're too tall or too short or hair is curlier than whoever was cast, or you wouldn't fit into the same costume as the actor playing the role. I know that's sucky if you really want it, but I'd put my money on it that the impression you made, if not exactly what they need for this role, will lead to something even better down the road. Good luck.

[CAX]

Posted: 8/24/10 at 11:06pm

It's official. Didn't get it. One of the crazy things about this profession.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 8/24/10 at 11:45pm

Oh, I'm sorry CAX. But everything happens for a reason and I'm sure something better will come up.

[CAX]

Posted: 8/25/10 at 12:45am

For sure... it's a numbers game. Who can stay in the ring and get kicked in the teeth longest gets the prize, Ha.