CASTING 2009

Today is the final day for local AEA (Actors Equity Association) actors. Equity actors from the Washington/Baltimore Metro area are auditioning for the 2009 Repertory Acting Company. I had a full day of auditions yesterday and today’s schedule is also full. On Wednesday I will audition local “non professional” actors for the CATF Intern Acting Company. The intern actors will understudy the Equity Company and they will perform in a special Intern Showcase during the summer Festival.

After I complete the local casting call I will go to New York on Monday to continue casting with our Casting Director, Pat McCorkle, at her studios in Mid-Town Manhattan. We will have two full days of auditions and hold “call backs” on Thursday and Friday. Pat McCorkle will set up ten minute actor appointments. The actors will read from prepared “sides” from selected scenes from the five play repertory. Pat provides an actor/reader to read with the actors. I will have only ten minutes to decide to pass or call back the actor. It is all about trusting my intuition…Over the years I have developed a strong intuitive response to auditions. I will see very talented actors…and make choices based on my “gut instincts.” It is an exciting process.

Casting is the major decision that a producer/director makes. If I cast correctly, I have done about eighty percent of my work. This is why casting is so very delicate. It is critical to get it right. The question occurs in casting: Do I cast for “type” or do I cast for skill? My answer is, always hire the skilled actor. The skilled actor will always pull you through! Pat McCorkle always provides me with talented, skilled actors. She provides me with lots of great choices. It is one of the reasons that I enjoy working with her.

On Friday I will meet with the McCorkle Casting staff and we will put actors on hold and begin to make offers. Peggy McKowen, CATF Associate Producer will contact the actors’ agents and begin the contract negotiations. Once the negotiation process is completed I will announce the 2009 Acting Company.

I am looking forward to introducing you to the 2009 Acting Company.

Ed Herendeen