Please Call Back

It’s the call you’ve been waiting for, and you’re summoned to call backs. Here are a few things about call backs you should know.

Usually within a few days to a week later directors announce call backs. In some rare cases, usually very small schools, is the cast decided from initial auditions. Most schools use call backs especially if the director will double cast, performing the show at least two weekends in a row with a different cast each weekend. Also, directors want another look at you.

Call backs are usually posted, or through e mail. You may get a request to return for a call back without mention of a role. That is because again, the director may have you in mind for another role. For instance, once inside, he or she may ask you if you would consider playing the Baroness instead of Maria, or the Mother Superior instead of Liesl.

This is where you have to be honest, guys. My advice is to say “yes”, absolutely! They may then give you another piece of music to sing, or have you recite another piece of dialogue. Unless you are opposed to playing this character and know you couldn’t possibly give it your all, my advice is jump on it. Directors have been doing this for years and they see something in you that maybe you don’t see in yourself and something wonderful you can bring to this character.

Also a character you didn’t see yourself playing can actually open doors to wonderful character exploration and acting skills you didn’t know you had. Characters can be fun, quirky, and silly and many times, it’s just the ultimate trip to play someone so opposite of whom you are.

The part I finally got in Gypsy? The young, kooky chorus girl, Agnes. I had the time of my life with Agnes. Maybe about six lines but the delivery, the choreography and singing, it was magical. I had actually tried out for Baby June. My director saw something more in me. I went on to play lots of kooky, ditsy characters in my high school and community theater career. You get the picture.

When the final cast is posted this is the time you MUST let your director know if you are going to accept or reject your role. You need to let them know as soon as possible because they need to move someone else up if it’s a no.  

One more word.

Also, when the final cast list posts, this is important. Look for your name. Check your assigned part, and say NO MORE. Nothing positive or negative. Walk away. This is not the time or place to vent if you didn’t get the part you want, or to be over celebratory and gloating. Remember, there could be someone else left out.

Also, this is a biggie. No social media. No venting on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet. If you didn’t get the role you wanted or maybe no role at all, it doesn’t mean the director didn’t like you. Maybe they felt you didn’t quite fit into that particular musical.

When you’re done having a good cry, and throwing a few things (at home, please) and the dust settles, ask to meet with the director or send them an e mail and ask why you were passed over. It may be singing skills need a bit more work, or mediocre delivery of lines.

Most directors are willing to offer constructive criticism. My advice is, take it and run with it, and if you’re serious about next year’s musical, get working on becoming the best high school musical actor you can. Get involved in your high school chorus; take voice lessons or sign up for a dance class. Summer classes in theater arts are plentiful. We’ll touch on some later, but the point is, if you really want this, work at it.

Take a deep breath and say there is always next year. Volunteer for something else musical. Paint sets, sell tickets and hand out programs or work with the backstage crew. You’ll show this director that you really love theater. You’ll get to observe the actors who got parts, and see what sets them apart and why they were chose. You’ll also see the way a play works. The director will also notice that you’re a devoted theater kid. And next year I guarantee you’ll be ready and a part will be waiting for you