TIP#36– As I stated in a past post, Knowledge is Power, so before going in for the callback, make sure you know who is going to be in the room. I think this is an important factor for all auditions, but doubly so in the callback scenario, where the stakes are often higher for all parties involved (actor, creatives and producers). The callback is stressful enough as it is, and you don’t want any unnecessary surprises – like walking into a room that has a discerning panel of 9 when the last time you walked in, it was just the friendly little trio of Casting Director, Writer and Director. (A roomful of producers can be so damn intimidating!!)
Asking the question as to who is going to be in the room can be handled by your agent (if you have representation) or by yourself when you get the call to come back in and be seen again. Depending on the production, the initial callbacks usually involve the Casting Director and Director (oftentimes adding in the Writer if it’s a new play or Music Director/Dance Captain/Choreographer if it’s a musical). The number of people in the room for subsequent callbacks can vary, but for a professional production it’s not unusual to see a few Producers (show me the money!), Artistic Directors, Executives and other Creatives (assistants, dramaturgs, etc) sitting behind that table. If the production involves a ‘star’ (David Hasselhoff? Lady Gaga? Mickey Rooney?) there is a good chance that he/she may also be present.
If you’re prepared, (by knowing in advance who’s going to be in attendance) you are less likely to be nervous or ‘rattled’ when walking through that door. As you would in any audition, greet the room warmly and then get straightway into your work. Focus all your energies on the sides. Block out the fact you have an ‘audience’ and work exclusively with the reader (your best friend and ally in the room) and/or the pianist (for musicals).
(Duncan & Alaine)
Duncan Stewart is the Executive Director of Southgate Productions, (Theater/TV casting) and contracted by the National Artists Management Company (NAMCO) where he acts as the Director of Casting. In this capacity, he is responsible for casting the Broadway and National touring companies of Chicago the Musical as well as all other projects for legendary Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler. Current projects include the upcoming Broadway production of La Cage Aux Folles (starring Kelsey Grammer) and Clueless the Musical (Stephen Trask). Duncan also provides talent consultation for numerous television projects now under development by/for Cineflix International, a London based company. Most recently, Duncan was the featured judge and panelist for “The Great White Way”, a reality-based TV show produced by Osaka Television.
Alaine Alldaffer is the Casting Director for Playwrights Horizons. Credits include “Grey Gardens” (B’way and PWH) most recently “This” and “Circle, Mirror, Transformation and Clybourne Park. Present Laughter with Victor Garber for “The Huntington Theater” and “The Roundabout”. TV credits include Knights of Prosperity aka Let’s Rob Mick Jagger for ABC. Assoc. credits include “ED” (NBC),”Monk” (USA). Theaters include the Long Warf, Soho Rep. ACT in San Francisco and The Arena in DC. Festivals include Williamstown and Humana. She casts for The Huntington Theatre in Boston and the Women’s Project NYC. Coming up is the New York premiere of the Edward Albee play “Me Myself and I” with Elizabeth Ashley.
