Interesting question for me as a playwright. I've written plays with the issue of a younger and an older version of the same character. I think you're right about the gestures and the mannerisms. In my case, the same actors both played the older and younger versions of themselves - about a 25-year difference. The audiences seemed to buy that with no problem based on the feedback that I received.
You have to remember that people so change some as they grow older. (Trying to recognize your high school classmates at a 20-year reunion can be a real challenge.) As long as there aren't really big differences in body type or size, I think audiences suspend disbelief pretty well.
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Jean Klein
Playwriting Teacher in MFA program, Wilkes University]
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-27-2022 09:50
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: Casting Question
When casting one character but trying to cast young vs and old vs. Do the two people have to look really similar or can play with both red hair, same mannerisms, accent?
For High School casting what do you consider for criteria? Seniority? Triple threat?
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Melinda Carlson
Music/Theater Director
VCHS
Edwards, CO
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