NOTE: At STAGES Youth Theater, we work hard every day to fulfill our mission. A big part of this is Meeting Kids Where They’re At. We realized we haven’t really shared much about what this means and how we do it, and we want to change that. It’s super important to us, and we believe in it so much. Through periodic blog posts on this topic, we hope to shed some light on our approach and show just how passionate we are about it.
At STAGES, our programs welcome kids from diverse backgrounds, experience levels, skill sets, ages, literacy levels, and abilities. Many of these young people have found theater to be a competitive and stressful experience in the past. We strive to level the playing field as much as possible because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to benefit from theater education and performance. Our unique casting approach is designed to reflect the promise of our mission, and to meet kids where they’re at.
Six years ago, STAGES quietly discontinued the process of formal auditions. Frankly speaking, there was something about the process that just didn’t feel right. Requiring students to sing alone for a panel of directors amplified the hyper-competitive nature of casting, and created stress and anxiety for nearly all of the students involved. If there were kids in tears on the first day of a STAGES program, our casting process definitely was not aligned with our mission and values. There had to be a better way for us to do it.
Unlike many traditional auditions, STAGES casting is based on the age range and developmental readiness of the cast. The process may have slight variations from production to production and may include getting-to-know-you surveys (for parents and/or students), optional video submissions, group meet-and-greet events, or other low-pressure activities. Roles are thoughtfully assigned to align with students’ readiness, enthusiasm, and developmental needs, with multiple team members collaborating on casting decisions to ensure fairness.
Of the many things we’ve learned at STAGES over the years, young people almost always rise to the occasion or challenge presented to them, happy kids make great theater, and self-discovery looks like different things for different kids. There is nothing like watching the confidence blossom in a first-time lead performer, or witnessing the exuberant versatility of an experienced performer taking on a complex ensemble track of colorful characters! While the process favors personal growth over conventional expectations of talent or skill, the resulting productions are amazing.
Our casting approach is designed with the best interests of all enrolled students in mind. Even so, we know that this process may be unfamiliar for folks new to STAGES. It may even be frustrating or confusing to some. We believe in what we do, and would love to answer any questions or receive constructive feedback at any time.
We are grateful for the trust and cooperation extended to us as we continually review and refine our best practices for casting shows to ensure that valuable performance opportunities are accessible to as many young people as possible.
