Why is there so much favoritism in theater?

[EganFan2]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 10:09am

At least community theater? I have not yet stepped into the realm of professional theater. I probably won't, and just do it for fun. As much fun as I can get in spite of all the competition and favoritism, anyway.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 11:40am

There's a reason that people refer to the professional theatre scene as the "theatre community" -people find people they like to work with and work with them over and over again...favoritism is BOUND to happen.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 11:48am

There is favoritism in every line of work that exists. Favoritism, unfortunately, is a cold hard fact of life.

[ally_kay_on_broadway]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:25pm

that would also explain that heavy amount of a$$ kissing in theatre as well.

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:26pm

I agree that favoritism exists wherever you look. Instead of moping about it, I try to admire and learn from those who seem to be the favorites. Envy will get you nowhere. Usually they are favorites because they deserve to be. For those who don't deserve to be but find themselves in the spotlight for awhile, I think it catches up with them eventually and they burn out. What do you think?

[Pinguin]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:27pm

"that would also explain that heavy amount of a$$ kissing in theatre as well."

-what else would "schmoozing" be for?

:0)

[ally_kay_on_broadway]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:28pm

"what else would "schmoozing" be for?"

amen pinguin..amen...

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:35pm

Yup. In community theater, you don't have any salaries, unions or contracts, so there's gotta be a trust factor. A lot of community theaters will want to cast new faces (unless they really blow them away in auditions) in smaller roles at first so they can get an idea of how dependable that person is.

eta: If you're having trouble breaking in a tight-knit group, volunteer to do stagehand or tech work for a show. The next audition, they'll know who you are and you'll be much more likely to be considered for something. Updated On: 10/27/05 at 12:35 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:38pm

I agree with these responses. People see favoritism on the community theatre level and think that professional theatre is somehow different, or more "fair." It isn't.

People cast their friends, relatives, lovers, people they've worked with before who are reliable, people who are known to be box office draws or are the "critics' darlings." The person who is best suited for the job isn't always the one who's "hired."

This is true in all walks of life.

EDIT: I will add this advice to anyone who's frustrated by the favoritism. First of all, you can't change it, so don't approach it with your teeth clinched ready to fight an angry battle. Relax. Get to know all sorts of people in the industry (or the comunity theatre, if it's on that level). Whenever it's possible, strike up a conversation. Be kind and respectful whenever possible. Don't always focus on the top people (directors, producers, casting directors & agents). As I said in another post, the guy dancing next to you in the chorus may turn out to be the next Rob Marshall. Enjoy your friendships you've made so far in the biz, and keep in touch with people after a show ends. Help others who are trying to make it whenever possible. This is the beginning of your "networking." All of this can lead to closed doors suddenly opening for you.

Updated On: 10/27/05 at 12:38 PM

[mygfdontliveincanada]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 12:45pm

Oh please. Favoritism happens everywhere. Other industries play favorites, too. In any job, if two qualified candidates are up for the same position, even if one candidate is slightly more qualified than the other the job will usually go to whoever is the bigger @$$ kisser. Seriously, @$$ kissing and charm are the two reasons why I got every job I've had.

And don't tell me that you don't play favorites with your friends, parents, or kids. We all do. It's a part of being human.

Posted: 10/27/05 at 1:00pm

Best12Bars:

I would bet anything from your response that you're successful and are a real pro.

[lildogs]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 1:04pm

Exactly, best12...

The favoritism doesn't stop once you get into the professional world. People prefer to work with those they like and trust, rather than taking a chance on a new person. It's sort of the same reason incumbents get reelected. The Hunter Foster you know is better than the Hunter Foster you don't know frame of mind.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 6:58pm

Uh, there was no need for a rude response, mygfdontliveincanada. I wasn't whining about anything. I am working in a community theater and they cast the same people over and over. That's it. Just a question. Geez.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 6:58pm

*double post, sorry* Updated On: 10/27/05 at 06:58 PM

[mygfdontliveincanada]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 7:31pm

I didn't mean to be rude. I just think that favoritism is all over the place, not just in theater. Though I will admit, there's a lot of it in theater. I did the whole community, high school, and college theater thing so I know what you mean.

[ally_kay_on_broadway]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 7:35pm

PERSONAL OPINION- PLEASE DON'T SHOOT!

best12 is right

....it is not favoritism more than it is networking

[Elphaba]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 7:41pm

right bobbybubby......we have favoritism in publishing......oh yes

[stylinbohemian]

Posted: 10/27/05 at 9:52pm

i think its something that will always and forever be there....favoritism sucks when you're so totally not one of those favs....

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 12:29am

It's the same in any business, not just show business. It's who you know.

[javero]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 11:47am

I very much agree with those of you who have suggested that it's in every sphere of human intercourse. One example that instantly comes to mind is Harriet Miers who was up to yesterday a Bush nominee to the US Supreme Court based largely on her unflinching loyalty to her longtime boss. Unfortunately for her, the major stakeholders of her party stepped up in an effort to restore the natural order of things.

[Di2]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 12:02pm

I posted this on another thread but it really belongs here:

I work at a well known theatre (which I need to conceal so I don't get in trouble) and the director casts the exact same 2 people in every single show regardless of the fact that they are inappropriate (at times) for the roles they were cast in.

Personally, I believe the best actor should get the role, period. My director has missed out on some incredible talent here in DC because she continually casts her 2 favorites. I feel this makes my theatre company look silly and unprofessional. There is so much overlooked talent here in DC, it really is a shame. Our audition turn outs have been low,lately, because everyone figures, "Why bother auditioning? The same 2 will get the leads anyway, just like always."

Small theatres = B-I-G politics, I guess.

[nydirector2]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 2:40pm

I LOVE this question....mainly because whenever I cast I ALWAYS get complaints of favoritism. So...my answer is this. I cast people I know that can not only perform the roles well, but will have a good work ethic in the theatre(I'm a weird director who interviews actors rather than auditions them, because you spend the majority of the time with that person, not the character in rehearsals). What better way to do this than cast people you already know? Granted, I don't always have this luxary if I direct something in an outside setting(like an out of town theatre or school), but when I have more liberty, I will pretty much always cast my friends. I will add, though, that I have diliberately not cast a friend in a role because I felt he/she couldn't do it, so I am very selective when it comes to the roles I do give my friends.

[lildogs]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 2:59pm

I know where you're coming from nydirector--from the two little piddling things I directed in school--I really wanted actors who would work hard, be off book by 1st rehearsal (what a concept!), and who would get on whatever ship I was driving. And it wasn't the best actors--I was looking to have the best experience.

[EganFan2]

Posted: 10/28/05 at 4:17pm

Have you ever known someone to get cocky, though, knowing that they would likely be cast, nydirector? This is again just a question for my personal curiousity. =)