What Happens To Workshop Performers?

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 1:31pm

The workshop is the first step of a new musical. But have you ever thought about what happnens to those who are not selected to continue with the project right before it goes to Broadway?

I'm talking about a show's workshop when it is performed for an audience. Like "Urinetown" at the Fringe Festival just before it was snagged for Broadway.

I can't image how heartbreaking it must be for performers who have been with the work to suddenly be told they are not right for the part that they're playing. I know many of the "Chorus Line" workshopers were pissed when they were recast for Broadway.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 1:33pm

It's just part of the process.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 4:24pm

Thanks for the reply.

Wow..thought we'd have more intelligent responses. She what happens when you want to have an intelligent discussion. Oh well,I guess I will have to go the stipud route on this one..

I heard Idina replaced Sutton in the original workshop.

Discuss.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 4:34pm

aww.

I really dont know what to comment either. I mean, it just happens. I think if youre gonna be in this business you gotta have that chip on your shoulder that most things wont pan out. Sometimes its cuz you dont fit what they want, sometimes something else comes up and youre not available, sometimes theres contract problems. It could be a number of issues.

Matt Morrison did readings for All Shook Up & Zanna Dont but didnt end up in the shows.

[Mr. Tuttle]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 5:31pm

I wonder why?

[wildcat]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 6:04pm

Performers who go into workshops usually understand that the process isn't about them as performers, it's about the material. Sometimes people are cast in workshops because they are able to absorb changes with minimal fuss, or they are good analysts of how a show should be constructed and can thus contribute positively in discussions, or they have a quality required for a role but are not considered a marketable name. During the many workshops of the original BOY FROM OZ (not the dog's dinner version that eventually made it to Broadway) several actors took the role of Peter Allen, depending on whether the focus was on the singing, on the dramatic or comedic aspects of the script, or the dancing at that particular time. Of course, it's wonderful to be allowed to continue on with a project if it goes into production but the truth is...that's showbiz.

[MissNY]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 6:07pm

I think actors understand that when they are in workshops they are really just acting as the voice to showcase the materials. Though it can be heartbreaking when you work on a role and think you are going to get it. Stephanie J. block played the role of Elphaba in workshops of Wicked and then Idina Menzel took it over because the producers felt that Stephanie didn't have the experience to mount a broadway production while Idina did.

[ShuQ]

Posted: 3/7/05 at 6:08pm

Well they probably realize that a workshop is what it is. They know the risk...and they're willing to take it.