Franklin Theatre Company CASTING POLICY
THE PROCESS
Directors always strive to cast fairly, with the guiding objective of assembling the overall cast that will best serve the directorial vision for the show. This requires many hours of careful analysis by the director and panel, who take their responsibility in this area very seriously. Mrs. Knapp will watch every audition and participate as a mediator and guide through every casting process. Franklin Theatre Company casting decisions are not based on seniority (grade level in school), or years of participation in the program. This is a firm programmatic value arrived at after years of assembling casts, and seeing the exciting results that come from having students collaborate across the grade spectrum from freshman to senior, each cast solely on his or her fit for a given role as revealed through a rigorous and thoughtful audition process. Auditioning for a show can be competitive and sometimes daunting. In keeping with the program’s emphasis on theatre as a vehicle for learning and individual development, Mrs. Knapp and guest directors are available to coach and support students as they seek to improve their speaking, presentation, and performance skills through the audition process.
DIVERSITY
Franklin Theatre Company values and celebrates diversity of all kinds. We are a safe space for all. Since encouraging diversity of participation is an overall goal of the program, FTC actively encourages ALL students to participate in productions as members of the cast or crew. All students who audition are considered equally in an inclusive environment and in accordance with FTC casting principles. FTC hopes to be a reflection not only of the varied backgrounds and experiences of Franklin High’s staff and students but also of diverse world cultures, life experiences, and theatrical traditions. By carefully selecting a range of different shows each year we strive to tell theatrical stories that represent the richness of our world while offering a wide range of opportunities for all students.
ON CASTING
Casting is a very complex process. In the end, the Director and panel must choose the students who best fit the roles in many dimensions, both by the individual skills they present in audition, but also in the dynamics that develop between actors who will be creating the driving energy of the show in scenes together. Such dynamics are a large part of what is explored in the “callback” round of auditions. For students, auditioning is an exciting, yet difficult, process that can bring about greater success, whether cast in the production or not. The more a student auditions, the better they will become, especially if they seek and receive feedback and guidance. The feeling of “rejection” over not getting cast seems disappointing at first, but we strongly urge you to get right back to work as soon as possible so you can sharpen your skills for a future audition. In theatre, as in life, all of us experience both disappointment and success. Our goal is to teach our students how to deal with both, so when they leave Franklin High School they will be well prepared to navigate their way toward success in a complex world.
Please note: We have a very thorough audition packet that we use to guide our casting process. For instance, casting choices can sometimes be based on your availability and time commitments, so students should remember to be up front about if they are able to be at rehearsal every day. Additionally, make sure you share if you will accept any part or not. Students who select that they will "accept any part" on an audition form but who decide they do not like their part and drop the show will not be considered for the next mainstage production.
AFTER CASTING: STEPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
If you (or your child) is not cast in the desired role (and also if not cast), we strongly suggest that you follow this process. First, wait at least 48 hours before contacting your director if you are unhappy with your casting decision. It is often wise to have time to process your audition experience and not respond in the heat of the moment or when emotion is running high. Casting can sometimes be an emotional and disappointing process and we honor those feelings, but also want to have a productive and helpful conversation. Second, it is important to keep negative comments about others, about the production, or about the director(s) to yourself and off of social media. Third, students are always welcome to meet with the director to obtain valuable feedback while it is freshly in mind, in order to further develop skills for future auditions. After taking time to process for the 48 hour time period, feel free to set up a meeting to discuss and get feedback. Fourth, while disappointment for some is an inevitable part of the experience in any competitive tryout situation, be it an academic, athletic or artistic pursuit, one of the hallmarks of FTC is that there are many other ways to contribute to the show, even if your part is smaller. These include technical crew (set design and construction, lights, sound); working with one of our other production team members; or working on the many other teams, such as props, costumes, publicity and makeup. We also strongly encourage each student to take additional Theatre Arts classes -- offered as an elective to all grade levels. These theatre education experiences will further enhance skills in these areas and give them more confidence for the audition process. The wonderful spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that develops during shows is equally shared by on- and off-stage participants. Talking to students who have worked in various roles and jobs will confirm this. Keep an open mind, and seek out a new experience!
THE PROCESS
Directors always strive to cast fairly, with the guiding objective of assembling the overall cast that will best serve the directorial vision for the show. This requires many hours of careful analysis by the director and panel, who take their responsibility in this area very seriously. Mrs. Knapp will watch every audition and participate as a mediator and guide through every casting process. Franklin Theatre Company casting decisions are not based on seniority (grade level in school), or years of participation in the program. This is a firm programmatic value arrived at after years of assembling casts, and seeing the exciting results that come from having students collaborate across the grade spectrum from freshman to senior, each cast solely on his or her fit for a given role as revealed through a rigorous and thoughtful audition process. Auditioning for a show can be competitive and sometimes daunting. In keeping with the program’s emphasis on theatre as a vehicle for learning and individual development, Mrs. Knapp and guest directors are available to coach and support students as they seek to improve their speaking, presentation, and performance skills through the audition process.
DIVERSITY
Franklin Theatre Company values and celebrates diversity of all kinds. We are a safe space for all. Since encouraging diversity of participation is an overall goal of the program, FTC actively encourages ALL students to participate in productions as members of the cast or crew. All students who audition are considered equally in an inclusive environment and in accordance with FTC casting principles. FTC hopes to be a reflection not only of the varied backgrounds and experiences of Franklin High’s staff and students but also of diverse world cultures, life experiences, and theatrical traditions. By carefully selecting a range of different shows each year we strive to tell theatrical stories that represent the richness of our world while offering a wide range of opportunities for all students.
ON CASTING
Casting is a very complex process. In the end, the Director and panel must choose the students who best fit the roles in many dimensions, both by the individual skills they present in audition, but also in the dynamics that develop between actors who will be creating the driving energy of the show in scenes together. Such dynamics are a large part of what is explored in the “callback” round of auditions. For students, auditioning is an exciting, yet difficult, process that can bring about greater success, whether cast in the production or not. The more a student auditions, the better they will become, especially if they seek and receive feedback and guidance. The feeling of “rejection” over not getting cast seems disappointing at first, but we strongly urge you to get right back to work as soon as possible so you can sharpen your skills for a future audition. In theatre, as in life, all of us experience both disappointment and success. Our goal is to teach our students how to deal with both, so when they leave Franklin High School they will be well prepared to navigate their way toward success in a complex world.
Please note: We have a very thorough audition packet that we use to guide our casting process. For instance, casting choices can sometimes be based on your availability and time commitments, so students should remember to be up front about if they are able to be at rehearsal every day. Additionally, make sure you share if you will accept any part or not. Students who select that they will "accept any part" on an audition form but who decide they do not like their part and drop the show will not be considered for the next mainstage production.
AFTER CASTING: STEPS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
If you (or your child) is not cast in the desired role (and also if not cast), we strongly suggest that you follow this process. First, wait at least 48 hours before contacting your director if you are unhappy with your casting decision. It is often wise to have time to process your audition experience and not respond in the heat of the moment or when emotion is running high. Casting can sometimes be an emotional and disappointing process and we honor those feelings, but also want to have a productive and helpful conversation. Second, it is important to keep negative comments about others, about the production, or about the director(s) to yourself and off of social media. Third, students are always welcome to meet with the director to obtain valuable feedback while it is freshly in mind, in order to further develop skills for future auditions. After taking time to process for the 48 hour time period, feel free to set up a meeting to discuss and get feedback. Fourth, while disappointment for some is an inevitable part of the experience in any competitive tryout situation, be it an academic, athletic or artistic pursuit, one of the hallmarks of FTC is that there are many other ways to contribute to the show, even if your part is smaller. These include technical crew (set design and construction, lights, sound); working with one of our other production team members; or working on the many other teams, such as props, costumes, publicity and makeup. We also strongly encourage each student to take additional Theatre Arts classes -- offered as an elective to all grade levels. These theatre education experiences will further enhance skills in these areas and give them more confidence for the audition process. The wonderful spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that develops during shows is equally shared by on- and off-stage participants. Talking to students who have worked in various roles and jobs will confirm this. Keep an open mind, and seek out a new experience!