My pal Angela wrote in and asked about the practice of "double-casting" a show. It's unusual for community theatre groups in our area, but it has been done locally.
The idea is that you cast (and rehearse) two separate groups of actors for the same show. Sometimes you just double-cast the lead actors, sometimes you double up the entire cast. It's usually done when you have a huge turnout for a show and want to give as many performers as possible the chance to play the lead roles. It's also done when you're doing a show with a small cast. Double-casting allows you to bring twice the number of performers into the mix.
There are other good reasons to double-cast. If something happens to one performer, his or her "double" from the other cast can fill in. Or if one performer isn't working out or has to leave the show, you have a backup ready to go.
But there are good reasons not to double-cast. For one thing, it makes the job of the director much more difficult, and it doubles the amount of time it takes to prepare. You can use the same set, but must come up with twice as many costumes. So the logistics can be a challenge. On show nights, they rotate the casts so each group performs on alternate nights.
I can think of three shows offhand where First Stage Theatre Company double-cast the show: Charlotte's Web (which actually had two directors, each one working with one cast), Schoolhouse Rock Live (which double-cast the five or six lead roles only and also had co-directors) and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (which had two casts - one made up of High School actors and the other with Middle School actors).
Those shows all worked out great, but it was a strain on the Directors, and I suspect that's why it's such a rare thing. I can't think of any other community theatre group that has used double-casting, so if anyone out there knows of more examples, feel free to pass them along.
But it's a rare practice for a good reason. Putting on a show is already a major challenge, and double-casting just makes it that much more difficult.
7 comments:
i think one of the sound of music's that were performed locally double cast the children only.
You're right, Stephen, I had forgotten that! Was it the HOT version?
I have a friend who used to direct high school students. She swears by double casting because she felt it increased responsibility in her actors. Every student knew that if he or she didn't show up for rehearsal or was generally uncooperative it would be pretty easy to replace him or her.
In my case it just wouldn't work. For one, directing through constant anxiety doesn't appeal to me, but the main reason is I'm living in an area where it's difficult to get enough kids (read males) to audition in the first place, let alone having the luxury to double cast a show.
i checked, it was HOT, directed by Clint McElroy
Denise, I'm with you. I think the actors have enough fear to deal with in their stage experience without adding to it. As for the shortage of males, that's a problem with shows all over the country - and another good topic for an upcoming blog entry. Thanks!
Stephen, that's the one - I should have remembered, especially since Clint is such a good friend! Don't tell him I forgot! ;-)
Also, didn't showcast 2003 double cast some of the solo roles (namely forget about the boy from Mille)?
Anon, that's another good catch! I had forgotten about that - I think a few of the songs featured rotating leads in Showcase 2003.
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