Auditioning -- Is it fair?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:20pm

Do stars have to audition for a part or are they offered it? That really isn't fair if they are just offered it. And to top it all off, they are picky (like Toni and the carpet!)

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:25pm

In a sense they do audition for parts sometimes. Perfect example I guess would be Bernadette Peters. Most people think that Producers just hand her roles on a silver platter....but for Gypsy, she got the lead role because Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim saw her sing "Some People" in concert. It was an audition without her knowing it was an audition. LOL

I'm sure Producers have a pre-exsisting idea of who they want as their lead, but those people still have to prove they can make it work.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:25pm

Well, some should! But the easy answer is, No audition is required if the powers-that-be have a certain actor they want for a role. Often a show will "star cast" to boost sales or ressurect a dying show. Sadly, it sometimes backfires. I'll let you all play with that one! Smart, huh?

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:27pm

I think their career up to the point of the offer is their audition.

[JakeB]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:33pm

What's worse is when a star builds a show around them..

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:34pm

LOL OH, you mean like Linda Eder will be doing soon with Camille Claudell? LOL

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 4:42pm

Well, we all know she married into that situation!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 8:56pm

Yes, a lot of times the person's career serves ana audition. The creative team has seen them and knows what they are capable of -- which is the point of an audition. Some stars, though, have no problem with reading for a role. For example, Joey Fatone auditioned for Rent. He approached them askingfor ana udition and they saw him audition for Roger. He didn't fit Roger at all vocally, so they saw him as Mark.

As a side note, I really don't think it fair when a star performer is hel;d to standards far above and beyond anyone esle.They are just a human performer too and should be held to the same standards as the rest of the cast members -- no higher or no less. Updated On: 7/8/03 at 08:56 PM

[Duane Reade]

Posted: 7/8/03 at 9:39pm

We've been agreeing lately, dear....

Totally agree about the holding stars up to a higher standard. Sometimes they make the box office shoot through the roof yet can't get a break from theater types like us...

[lensman]

Posted: 7/10/03 at 9:41am

I know they wanted Christopher Lloyd for Uncle Fester in "The Addams Family," but the producers didn't think he could pull it off so he had to screen-test.

I would think if Christopher Lloyd agreed to be in your movie, you'd just fall on your knees and thank God! I've seen some stinkers where he was the only thing watchable. (Anyone remember "Legend of the Lone Ranger"?) But I've never seen him give a crappy performance.

[IssaMe]

Posted: 7/10/03 at 9:44am

Tyne Daly - far beyond the point of having to audition anymore - has the right attitude about still doing it - "it's a chance to perform on a Tuesday morning."

Good for her.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/10/03 at 12:18pm

I think you are right--that an actor is smart to never turn up their nose at auditioning. Some actors are smart enough to want to make sure they are right for the part. But most of what an audition is, is the chance to get to know someone: their talent and their persona (are they great to work with?). "Stars" have that covered. If you know that Nathan Lane will be perfect for a role--you don't need to audition him. If it is a stretch for a performer--then maybe. But, you don't have to audition these people when you KNOW they would be great for the part--or interesting in the part. And if a star wants to play a role, and has the money/clout to put that show together--than good for them. They may have to deal with bad reviews and a flop, but I don't blame them for wanting to make parts happen.

The same is very true for film.

And, no, auditioning ISN'T always fair. #1 rule of being an actor should be getting over the auditioning madness. People get cast because they are a star, a friend of someone, a lover of someone--whatever--quite often. Sometimes it produces crap and often, things are prob fine. But a good chunk of casting is connections.

:)

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 7/10/03 at 1:05pm

You know what's great about Christopher Lloyd; he is so good, that he makes you forget he's Christopher Lloyd! He's one of those actors that makes you believe the character is real, and not just an actor playing that character. I always forget that he was Uncle Fester.