So, you chose your script, you found your space, you successfully executed a great audition, now what? You are faced with stacks of audition forms, pictures of strangers and a list of parts to be filled. Good Luck! You're going to need it!
If you find faith at the center of your life you can start where I do, pray! After beseeching the almighty for wisdom sharpen up the old pencil and dig in, because unless you know a trick I don't he whispers advice but he won't write the list for you.
I like to start by dividing the stack into several categories. A: These are the ones you know can handle principal roles, they have the skills and are ready to go. (remember depending on what level you are directing at you might have to grade on the curve, but these are the cream of your crop) B: These are people who are competent, or at least won't fall apart. and C: Here we have those who cannot handle the rigors of the bright lights, but should you be in a position to develop new talent don't discard them completely, recruit here for crew and understudy positions.
If you have the luxury of having more actors than you need to field a team you can immediately remove from consideration the Cs. Next cast anyone that you are already decided in and get them out of the way. I usually have help from an assistant director, choreographer music director and the like. Someone needs to be writing this down. Make a character list and ad the actor's names as the choices are made, also noting on their forms which parts were assigned. Here is a link to a PDF of our most recent incarnation of audition form.
When considering how best to use each actor there are more factors than just talent. A more experienced actor will come to the table with a greater understanding of what it means to act, but can also bring preconceived notions of how they will work that can be difficult to overcome. Rookies can be fresh and willing to try anything, or frightened and unsure, use your best judgement.
There is also the question of availability and willingness to work. If you feel that an actor is brilliant, ask a few questions to try and determine how hard they work at that brilliance. If they are going to rely on talent alone, consider passing them up for your second choice who may be a harder worker. Give the brilliant one a supporting role this time around and check their attitude, you may be glad you did.
Try to consider the whole audition. Were they on time. Did they cop an attitude with the script girl or stage manager only to kiss your hand and smile sweetly? Did they treat other actors with respect and give them what they needed in reading or were they only concerned with themselves?
In addition to thinking of them as individuals you must also take into account how they will work together. Make sure to cast people you believe will be able to get along in principal roles, even if their characters will hate each other. Trust me weeks of backbiting and petty bickering can make you wonder why you do this at all.
Once you have decide on your cast, unless fate intervenes to make it impossible, stick to your guns. Do not waiver or feel the need to over explain anything about your decisions. If an actor truly wants feedback on what to improve for next time,do the best you can to give it. Remember you are here to tell the best story you can with the available resources, not make everybody ecstatically happy.
Hopefully you are working with a group of well balanced mature adults who will take the casting decisions in stride and make the best of it. (What am I saying these are actors, the most neurotic imbalanced people you ever want to meet, I love these guys!) But anyway most people will be Happy to have the opportunity you are providing and will work hard to get it right for you.
Remember to respect them and say please and thank you. try not to be too demanding and always give them your best by being confident and prepared for rehearsal.
One last thing. Be sure to get the list out when you promised, even if you have to stay up late to get it done, they are waiting for it, no matter what they say.
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