A question about typecasting?

Question

In musical theater, when is it acceptable and NOT acceptable to typecast?

When typecasting becomes a deciding factor in casting the actors, isn't that a bit unfair?

Answer 1

To the actor on the receiving end of rejection because of pre-determined standards by producers, typecasting is unfair. But one must remember that musicals must run for long periods for monies to be recovered and profits made so it is understandable that writers and producers and directors know that certain standards must be met to secure an audience. Example: The recent casting call for the reproduction of "Grease". John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John have left images which cannot be erased. This must be taken into account or all could be lost.

Answer 2

Typecasting is always a difficult situation. Having been an actor for years, I experienced it often. Now that I'm a director, I find myself on the other side of the table.

Much as the previous answerer said, a director's first duty is to the success of the show. Often the look of a character is vital to the success of a show. For example: a production of Li'l Abner with an Abner who is, say, 5' 1" and scrawny would play against the central conceit of the show - Abner's strength and size. Could the actor play the part? Possibly. Would his physical attributes add difficulty to the show? Definitely - unless the rest of the cast was 4' 4".

Sometimes the need is not physical. An actor may have an energy or acting style that fits a role. A person with these qualities will generally find themselves cast in the same type of role over and over.

There are many directors who practice non-traditional casting. I try to be open to it whenever possible, but there are times when the right type will get the role.

As an actor it is vital to understand and accept your type. When I was a younger actor I longed for all of the dashing leading man roles. No matter my singing, dancing, and acting ability those roles did not come. I realized that my look was more consistent with that of a character actor. I adjusted my goals and had great success. In other words I put typecasting to work for me. Directors looked at me and thought I looked like "the wacky neighbor" or the "pompous baron". Fine. I played towards those roles and kept getting quality work.

In short, don't get frustrated. Focus on giving your best audition and showcasing your strengths. Make the system work for you!

Answer 3

Since characters are usually symbols of some point of view, and those symbols exist in society as "types," the likelihood is that an actor who resembles the "type" will be cast to represent the symbol.

There is also a certain logic to casting. If I were directing "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," for example, I would not be likely to cast a burly 60-year-old as one of the brothers.

As to unfair, perhaps it's not, but fairness isn't the governing concern.