Open Forum

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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Play with costuming/hair/mannerisms/accent as you suggest and your audience will easily understand (unless the older one is way shorter than their younger version).
I only use seniority as a casting factor if all else is equal (how often does that really happen?). You want "right fit" so audience has the best experience...

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Douglas "Chip" Rome
Theatre Consultant
Educational Stages
Burke VA
http://EducationalStages.com
https://bit.ly/RWTEOview
https://bit.ly/eTeachTech
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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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Thank you for your response.  I have a great guy both in acting and singing but he is 5'3".  He is probably the best all the way around.  The guy I am trying to double cast him with is  6'3".  It just doesn't seem believable.   
In fact, all the guys who were called back are at least 6' and the girls tower above him.

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Melinda Carlson
Music/Theater Director
VCHS

Edwards, CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2022 10:51
From: Jean Klein
Subject: Casting Question

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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I did Big Fish years ago. The leads played themselves young and old and gave them an opportunity to expand their acting skills as well. The only double cast I did was the sone from a little boy to an adult. The only little boy I had was white and the best older son was black. And the audience just has to believe it. I would not double cast the two principals because that does cloudy up the water. I understand you have lots of great kids and there are so many roles in the play that can really shine. That's my two cents on that.


As for 5'3 for a young one growing into 6'3", I went to high school with a boy a year younger than I and every bit 5'3". The following year I saw him at college in his freshman year every bit 6'6". So that is very possible as well.


Break a leg and may all your theatre seats be filled,


Kelly Thomas

Poteet Theatre

Mesquite, TX


Original Message:
Sent: 12/29/2022 2:59:00 PM
From: Melinda Carlson
Subject: RE: Casting Question

Thank you for your response.  I have a great guy both in acting and singing but he is 5'3".  He is probably the best all the way around.  The guy I am trying to double cast him with is  6'3".  It just doesn't seem believable.   
In fact, all the guys who were called back are at least 6' and the girls tower above him.

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Melinda Carlson
Music/Theater Director
VCHS

Edwards, CO
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Cast the best for the rolls costuming and mannerisms will let the viewers know

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Jerry Onik
V.P. Theatrical Supplies and Equipment
Heartland Scenic Studio
NE
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