Why is there so much favoritism in theater?

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.

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

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?

"what else would "schmoozing" be for?"

amen pinguin..amen...

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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.

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

Best12Bars:

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.