No callback ... no part?

Question

I recently auditioned for a local theatre's production of CATS ... and I felt I did pretty well. I sang well (no mess-ups) and the dance audition (though it was freaking hard!) went fine as well.

However, I checked the callback listing online, and lo and behold, I'm not called back! Very upsetting ....

There is this note, however, listed at the top of the page:

"If you are not on this list, it does not mean that you are not cast in the show, and does not necessarily mean that you will not be cast in one of these roles. There are many decisions left to make about the exact male/female balance and dancing/singing balance that we want, and that process includes many people not listed here."

So what do yall think? Is this just an appeasement to people not called back so they don't get their feelings hurt? Or is it a legitimate statement? Do you think someone could still get a lead without a callback? Let me know what you think! :)

Answer 1

Not getting a call back does not mean that you have no chance at a role. It simply means that the director doesn't need to see you again in order to make his/her final decision.

A call back is just that - a chance for the director to call a person back in order to see more of their ability/chemistry along with other actors. As a director myself, I will often NOT call back those of whom I am sure, one way or the other. For example, if I know for certain that a particular actor is perfect for a role, I am not going to waste my and their valuable time hauling them in for a second look - I will simply cast them, and run my call-backs looking at other characters. Also, obviously, if I know that an actor doesn't fit any role, I will not call them back either.

The people whom I call back are those who I know have the talent to play a role, but am uncertain as to which role they will most suit and with whom they will have the best interaction. For example, if I have 2 women who I am looking at for a "girlfriend" role and 2 men who I am looking at for a "boyfriend" role, I am going to call all 4 back and run them through a few scenes in different combinations in order to determine which actors fit the roles the best and who has the best chemistry.

So, don't lose hope but, as others have said, don't pin your hopes on it either. It could, technically, go either way.

Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Answer 2

It's hard to say because some directors do cast people after the initial audition, they only do callbacks for those they are unsure of. They may have you already slated for a role, but the ones who received a callback, they need to see more or because they were not quite sure. I most certainly have seen this happen, but it's generally up to the individual director's preference.

Of course, in most instances it is an appeasement statement because they dump the ones they know they are not going to use and focus one the ones they think will fit into the show. If you have not read anything yet, I would assume you did not get a role and move on.

If by chance you still get a call, congratulations!

Answer 3

Hi,

Once about three years ago, I went to Saturday forum with a prime-time casting director. I'll never forget what she told us. She preluded it by saying that, she probably shouldn't tell us this, but "When you walk out of your audition, throw the sides in the trash and don't look back..." What she meant by that is, the chances that you will get a part are pretty slim with all the competition, so just go on auditioning and go on with your career and your life. If they want you, they will let you know, if not, they won't.

It's tough, but rejection is a brutal part of this business.

If you read between the lines, you will see a lot of truth in there. More specifically, "...many decisions to make about the exact male/female balance and dancing/singing balance that we want..." Often times it comes down to just that. You might have done a brilliant job, maybe even better than many others, but you NEVER REALLY KNOW exactly what they are looking for. In auditions in general, it might come down to how tall or how short you are, your weight, your voice range, your dance partners, your other scene partners, the fact that the casting director had an argument with their spouse and you did something that reminded them of that! You really just never know!

Anyway, if you want to read about my experience and what I learned about auditioning, here are two pages on my site for actors that might interest you:
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_auditions.html
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_audition.html

Another piece of advice. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Have a lot of baskets and sooner or later you will start getting work. It's a numbers game.

You could still get a call-back, but try and concentrate on what your next steps will be. Don't let this drag you down. You are only at the beginning of your long and lustrious career. You have to learn how to take it. You have to learn how to create more such opportunities for yourself!

Good luck to you!

Tony
ceo
http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/acting_auditions.html

Answer 4

I've been on both sides of the Audition Table...and I can tell you that I have chosen not to call people back because I know they are right for the role. Also, I personally, never call an actor back if i know i'm going to put them in the ensemble. So, you could have a shot at that as well : )

Answer 5

There was one time that I was not called back, but still got a part. I think it is more common in larger cast productions to cast people without bringing them back for a call back. It really depends on the director and whether or not they feel like they need to see more from a person.

Answer 6

I've been in that boat, you feel heartbroken but at the same time its not saying "We didn't like you!" I've had it where I haven't been called back and wound up in a lead!

Currently I do summer theater with a local group who doesn't do callbacks, everyone who tries out gets in, you just have to wait a day or so to see the cast list.

Hang in there and if you don't get in, give yourself a treat for trying like a triple scoop ice cream cone!

Answer 7

Well it depends on the director or casting director. I mean, sometimes they call people back and still get loads of people who weren't on the list. But sometimes they just call back the people they want. My advise is listen to what they say, that there still is a good possiblity of getting into the show. Mostly, call backs are just to decide final decisions of the actors/actresses, such as, I'm going to pick her instead of her. But just obey the director, and what's on the sheet, because they have control.

Answer 8

Call backs just mean the want to see you again so the can make up their minds on something they were on the fence about. Lots of people don't get call backs because the director has all-ready decided they want to use that person. Don't sweat it! If you feel you did your best then that's all that matters and if you don't make it remember it's the end of the world; there will be plenty more opportunities!

Best wishes!

Answer 9

I think it is both an appeasement and legit. If someone turns down a role, they had to go to someone who's name is not on the list. But big R is right, forget about it and plan to attend another audition asap. By the way, you aren't only interested in Leads, are you? Cause if you are, you are doomed.

Answer 10

Based on my experience, you could definitely still be in the running for a role. However, they usually cast principals from the call backs, so it probably means you're looking at something in the ensemble. I hope this helps, and break a leg!