Stress

Over 150 people auditioned for 4 shows. We had lots of new faces and lots of veterans who auditioned. The call back lists have been posted for the shows. The difficult part now becomes the casting decisions. Several auditionees couldn't make the call back auditions so we have to keep them in mind as we hear those who could make the call backs a second time. Some of the auditionees have possible conflicts with rehearsals because of future shows at Tilghman or other possible professional acting jobs. That has to be taken into account in the casting decisions. Do you take a risk casting someone who might have to turn down the part later.

Very few auditionees this time wanted to be considered only for a specific part or nothing. The vast majority said they would take anything. Those actors have my deepest thanks and I will do my best to cast them in principal roles. Some actors worry that if they say they will take anything it diminishes their chance of getting a major part. In fact generally the opposite is true. That puts more pressure on the actor to be clearly better than all the others to get the part. I know that for some people the time commitment can clearly be an issue and they would rather not be in the show if they don't have a principal role. However most directors will tell you that they prefer to cast a person in a major role who will take any part. Actors limit themselves when they refuse to be considered with everyone else for a role. That doesn't mean they won't get cast in the role. It is a risk that you take auditioning. In addition we really try to cast new faces whenever possible. Generally about a quarter to a third of the cast are people making their first appearance at MHT. This is something that is very important to the theatres growth.

There is a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes. Our big fundraising auction event on Feb. 13. begins with the business campaign which kicks of this Friday. The Kentucky Arts Council Grant is due tomorrow. Lots of audition preparations for the call backs and casting are still going on during the day for the evening auditions. Southern Comforts is still in the building construction phase. Marketing ads and press releases are still going out for Southern Comforts. If the staff looks a little stressed at the moment now you know why.