MOUNTAIN CREST THEATRE CASTING POLICY 

 

Both student and staff Directors always strive to cast fairly, with the guiding objective of assembling the overall cast that will best serve the directorial vision for the show. This requires many hours of careful analysis by the Directors, who take their responsibility in this area very seriously.  Mrs. Martineau watches every audition and participates as a mediator and guide through every casting process.   

Mountain Crest casting decisions are not based on seniority (grade level in school), or years of participation in the program.  This is a firm programmatic value arrived at after years of assembling casts, and seeing the exciting results that come from having students collaborate across the grade spectrum from freshman to senior, each cast solely on his or her fit for a given role as revealed through a rigorous and thoughtful audition process.  

Auditioning for a show can be competitive and sometimes daunting.  In keeping with the program’s emphasis on theatre as a vehicle for learning and individual development, Mrs. Martineau is available to coach and support students as they seek to improve their speaking, presentation, and performance skills through the audition process. We also offer Audition workshops for each production 

DIVERSITY 
Mountain Crest Theatre values and celebrates diversity of all kinds. Encouraging diversity of participation is an overall goal of the program. Mountain Crest Theatre actively encourages all students to participate in productions as members of cast or crew.  All students who audition are considered equally in an inclusive environment. By carefully selecting a range of different shows each year we strive to tell theatrical stories that represent the richness of our world while offering a wide range of opportunities for all students. 

ON CASTING 
Casting is a very complex process.  In the end, the Directors must choose the students who best fit the roles in many dimensions, both by the individual skills they present in audition, but also in the dynamics that develop between actors who will be creating the driving energy of the show in scenes together.  Such dynamics are a large part of what is explored in the “Callback” round of auditions.  For students, auditioning is an exciting, yet difficult, process that can bring about greater success, whether cast in the production or not.  The more a student auditions, the better they will become, especially if they seek and receive feedback and guidance. The feeling of 
“rejection” over not getting cast seems disappointing at first, but we strongly urge you to encourage your child to get right back to work as soon as possible so they can sharpen their skills for a future audition. In theatre, as in life, all of us experience both disappointment and success.  Our goal is to teach our students how to deal with both, so when they leave Mountain Crest High School they will be well prepared to navigate their way toward success in a complex world.