Describing characters?

Question

For characters in a script, can we just write who we thing they look like?

Eg:

Guy 1: Like Zac Efron

Instead of

Guy 1: Brown hair, white skin, etc.

Answer 1

For those of us who don't know Zac Efron, the desciptions are necessary. Less physical and more like "akward teenage boy".

Answer 2

In scripts you should keep them generic. In 20 years will people even remember who Zac Efron is?? When casting a show you can certainly use any description you think may be helpful.

Remember the progression of an actor:

Who is Zac Efron?
I like Zac Efron
Get me Zac Efron!
I need a Zac Efron type
Who is Zac Efron?

Answer 3

When you describe a character like for instance casting purposes it's called a breakdown. You're breaking down the character so people know what they should audition for.

For instance, here's a charachter breakdown list if you were casting Oklahoma the musical:

AUNT ELLER - 50's + Character actress, good comedic timing. Must sing and be able to polka. Strong country woman. Alto

CURLY - Should appear to be mid 20's to mid 30's. Handsome, masculine, cowboy. Romantic lead, with a sense of humor. Strong singer, strong actor. Baritone to G

LAUREY - Should appear to be age 17 to mid 20's. Ingénue, pretty, young. Strong voice, strong actress. If you have a strong dance background should attend the female dance call. Would love to find actress to play Laurey who can dance the dream ballet. (but not mandatory) Soprano Mezzo Soprano

ADO ANNIE - Should appear to be 17 to mid 20's. Strong comedic actress Strong singer, strong dancer. MUST ATTEND FEMALE DANCE CALL. Alto strong belt to F.

WILL PARKER - Should appear to be mid 20's to mid 30's. A cowboy with great sense of humor. Strong singer, Very strong dancer MUST ATTEND MALE DANCE CALL. Some tap background a plus. Baritone to G.

ALI HAKIM - Traveling salesman. Con man from Persia. Character actor good with comedy. Should appear to be 30's ++. Non dancing, non singing role.

JUD FRY - Dark, brooding, loner. Should appear to be 30+. Strong actor, strong singer. Baritone to G.

GERTIE - Should appear to be 17 to mid 20's. Laurey's rival with irritating giggle. Strong dancer/ singer will double in the Ensemble.

PA CARNES - 50"s + Ado Annie’s father. Character actor, good with comedy. Will sing in the ensemble.

IKE SKIDMORE - Owner of the Skidmore Ranch (Pa Carnes U/s) double ensemble

CORD ELAM _ Town Sherriff (Judd fry U/S) double in ensemble

You list the physical description, attributes the person must posess to play the character, and things that would be helpful but not mandatory. If you want someone that looks like Zac Efron or Tom Cruise, then you say Zac Efron look-alike or Tom Cruise look-alike, etc.

If you're writing a script and you envision the character looking like that celebrity you give a brief description and put the celeb's name in paranthesis (Enter Ken, about 5' 7" and very slick looking ala Tom Cruise) or however you wat to describe him.

I hope that answers your question.

Answer 4

It needs to be more open to interpretation. That is, unless there is a signifigant importance to the color of his hair or eyes or w/e. stick more to the characteristics, like the poster above said. "akward teenage boy," "shy, quiet, and patient," "loud, boisterous, and colorful." etc. etc.

Answer 5

Yeah, you can. You can put them as a type.