Typecasting on Broadway

[TheEngineer892]

When training as an actor, typecasting is a major topic that comes into discussion, with teachers making it clear that you need to know what kind of roles you can play. But lately, I have been noticing that typecasting seems to be a fading thing. It's a major thing when it comes to Golden Age Musicals, but it seems as if we are entering into an age where not being the correct "type" is a thing of the past. I see actors playing roles in which I would have personally thought they could never play, but then they do a phenomenal job. I have never been a fan of typecasting because I believe it truly limits an actor, but some people are still hell bent on "knowing your type." Thoughts? Is it truly a dying casting tool?

[neonlightsxo]

No, it's not a "dying casting tool." But people can play outside of type. It happens all the time.

[HogansHero]

Is BWW running some kind of special on new screen names this week? 5 for the price of 1 or something?

[TheEngineer892]

HogansHero said: "Is BWW running some kind of special on new screen names this week? 5 for the price of 1 or something?

 

"

I don't understand?

[indytallguy]

^ Lots of new names starting new threads, some of which have been less well-received.

[Pippin]

I'm very interested to see how David Hyde Pierce will play Horace in Dolly. That, to me is the textbook example of casting against type. He seems to be a bit too "white collar" for Horace. I'm hoping he proves otherwise.

[HogansHero]

TheEngineer892 said: "I don't understand?"

of course you do...

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Most actors are more particularly suited to a specific "type" of role due to their physical appearance, voice, and the kind of energy they bring. 

When you are dealing with non-realism, i.e. musicals and classical plays, casting actors according to "type" is generally more necessary to make it fit the way those types of stories are told, as they depend a lot on archetypes. However there is more flexibility with casting in realism.

But for the most part, as I believe K. Callan wrote in one of her books about show business, your face is your destiny.

[dramamama611]

I dont think any actor LIKES typecasting, they want to play everything.   That's your job in an audition to make them SEE you in the necessary light.

It is important to know your type, and play to your strengths..  and then go beyond it if you can.