"The Worst Part of an Artistic Director's Job"

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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http://actingupstage.com/musical-notes/the-worst-part-of-my-job/

This is an article that the artistic director of a theatre company I’m involved with has written this week. It gives some insight into what is happening on the other side of the table in the productions at a very successful professional theatre company. I thought some of you might be interested in reading it. Those of you who are in arts management might also be interested in following this extremely talented and successful young man who has achieved amazing success in the 11 years since he started the company.

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That is a fabulous article that reflects the artistic director’s position and perspective when it comes to casting and hiring. Thanks for sharing it here because I think young artists will benefit from reading it. A rejection is not a commentary on one’s talent.

Also, the theater company itself sounds really awesome with its various programs!

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I want to be Mitchell Marcus when I grow up. I still think about the AUS production of “Caroline, or Change” all. the. time.

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Thanks, Susan, it really is an awesome company.

@CanadianMTgirl , yes, Mitchell is a gem. If you’re around for our big show this year, let me know and I’ll get you a couple of tickets.

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The article made me feel very sentimental. Short, sweet and telling. Perhaps the next time there is a big thread in CC about HS casting, one may consider that similar issues could exist and it isn’t just about politics and maybe, just maybe, it’s hard on the decision makers too. Great share. Thanks!

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@alwaysamom I saw the audition call through the CAEA e-drive (which I totally subscribe to even though I’m not Equity) and was so sad that I couldn’t audition, because it’s a dream show! It’s still up in the air whether or not I’m coming home for spring break this year (I may be going to Chicago for summer stock auditions), but if I am, I thiiiiink I would be able to make the last performance (that’s what I did last year with The Wild Party). It’s a show that almost never gets produced and that I’ve always thought would be a great fit for AUS, so I really hope I get to see it! Excited to see who they cast.

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@CanadianMTgirl, I think you’ll be very happy with the cast. :slight_smile: Get in touch with me closer to the time if you’re going to be able to be in town.

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I was a bystander to this process a few days ago, and found it genuinely unnerving to watch so many very similar-looking people arrive for final callbacks for a single role. Since all of them had already survived several mass cullings, I assume that any one of them could probably have performed the role admirably and also that many of them knew the creative team. It was hard enough watching from outside of the building, so I can imagine how hard it is being in the room, on either side of the table.

It certainly isn’t a job for the faint of heart.