Don’t fit dream role description?

[B&B94]

Posted: 10/18/20 at 4:01pm

This is something that Ive thought about for awhile and I wanted to see if I could get other peoples opinion on it.

My dream role by a mile would be Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. However theres one thing that would stand in my way. While I may fit the description of the character in many other ways, Im shorter than what the character would typically be. The character would usually be somewhere around 6 foot, while Im about 58-59. If I ever had the opportunity to audition for the character should I let this stand in my way?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/18/20 at 4:55pm

No, audition away! Enjoy the experience and have fun with it, at least you did it. Good luck!

[Fosse76]

Posted: 10/18/20 at 5:44pm

No, but be forewarned: in a professional casting call, it is not uncommon for casting directors to eliminate actors based on physical appearance before you ever get into the room. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It's not always the case.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/18/20 at 7:40pm

And also be forewarned that talent overcomes appearance 9 times out of 10

[Fosse76]

Posted: 10/18/20 at 9:32pm

HogansHero said: "And also be forewarned that talent overcomes appearance 9 times out of 10"

And we all know that talent is always the only factor on casting.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 10/19/20 at 2:17am

Fosse76 said: "No, but be forewarned: in a professional casting call, it is not uncommon for casting directors to eliminate actors based on physical appearance before you ever get into the room. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It's not always the case."

Typing may happen in an open call or at an ECC, but as far as I'm aware at an EPA there is no typing out.

[JennH]

Posted: 10/19/20 at 10:21am

AEA AGMA SM said: "Fosse76 said: "No, but be forewarned: in a professional casting call, it is not uncommon for casting directors to eliminate actors based on physical appearance before you ever get into the room. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It's not always the case."

Typing may happen in an open call or at an ECC, but as far as I'm aware at an EPA there is no typing out."

If you're referring to the actual ACT of the notorious type out, yes, you're correct. But of course we all know those behind the table are 'typing out/in" in their heads anyway.

And to the OP, I say if it's a high level production/casting call, it's up to you to be cognizant of what you already mentioned and proceed how you choose with that in mind. B and B is Disney, so it's very much a cookie cutter casting show so there's not going to be much mold breaking. Belle is my #1 dream role, also by a mile, but I'm bit 'out-of-the-box'...not wholly incorrect, but it takes knowing where I can present that and hopefully work in my favor. For me personally, I'm not about to go to a high level LORT, or higher, audition for this when I know I likely won't be see seen anyway, and even if I were, there's plleennttyyyyy of Equity ladies to pick from since Belle's are a dime a dozen. To me, TRUE Gaston's (the current overall casting trend for this show confuses me...) are a little harder to find but you're so close to that usual height anyway, so it couldn't hurt to give it a shot. It's just being aware of what market level you're auditioning in and how to use that to your advantage. Community theatre? Absolutely go audition. High level professional theatre? Weigh pros and cons and choose wisely (NOT saying don't audition, juts to be aware of all the above).

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 10/19/20 at 4:27pm

HogansHero said: "And also be forewarned that talent overcomes appearance 9 times out of 10"

I’d have to disagree with this especially someone who has been typed out My Fair Lady - and I’m a 6’2 white male. 
 

It’s about looks 99% of the time until the final few rounds when everyone looks pretty similar. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/19/20 at 4:57pm

SouthernCakes said: "HogansHero said: "And also be forewarned that talent overcomes appearance 9 times out of 10"

I’d have to disagree with this especially someone who has been typed out My Fair Lady - and I’m a 6’2 white male.

It’s about looks 99% of the time until the final few rounds when everyone looks pretty similar."

Oh, I think I might have to disagree with myself some here. I was speaking mostly to height rather than any other aspect, and I was also assuming that the OP was not talking at a high or even medium level (a notion that has not been dispelled since they have not come back). On height, in my experience, it's about matching, not some absolute. So if some talent has been cast opposite you already, you are a dead duck, but if you are the most talented person seen on a clean slate, then the table turns. There are plenty of famous short leading men, and if someone thinks they have the talent I do not want to be their naysayer. I read the new Mike Nichols book recently and I was struck by how often he was told to cast to type, didn't, and made great and memorable theatre (and films). 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 10/19/20 at 5:30pm

Oh I’m all for it and sadly most of it has to do with who played the role before you. Like in [Title of Show] Heidi mentions not getting the part in Mamma Mia cause she didn’t fit the costume. So it’s not to say you aren’t talented enough to play the part - I think once you get to the final rounds and everyone is on the same talent level - it becomes about type.

One of my favorite examples is Norbert Leo Butz as Fyero. He’d never play that character now. It’s now become skinny tall handsome face guys who are passable singers and actors. But Butz is quirky and funny and totally, on paper, seems wrong for the character. Kind of wish they’d go back to this casting instead of a bland leading man look. But what can ya do!