Wolf PAC casts based on the following criteria:

BEHAVIOR: We remind the performers that the way they act in the rehearsal room is taken into consideration during casting. We ask them to be good listeners, respectful of their peers, and demonstrate open-minded, positive energy in the room.

TALENT: Casting a show is like putting together a giant puzzle; we have to look at all of the pieces in order to create a cohesive, successful final product. We use the information gathered at auditions to figure out where each performer will fit best, and cast accordingly. Every role requires different skills. A fabulous audition could translate to a myriad of different roles, dependent on what the production needs. The role best suited for a talented child could differ from what they consider “the lead,” but it is where they are most needed, best succeed and contribute most to the ensemble.

EDUCATIONAL GROWTH: Since Wolf PAC’s primary goal is for young performers to learn the art of theater, we aim to vary the types of roles they will portray. If a performer was recently cast as a villain, for instance, we might place them in a totally different role the next time in order to challenge them. As educators, we want every performer to relish each role they are given and allow themselves to learn from all opportunities.

AVAILABILITY: We are aware that our performers are very busy! However, it is also a commitment to perform in a Wolf PAC production. We have to take our actors’ conflicts into consideration when casting a show. If we know ahead of time, we can almost always work around anything. If, however, an actor is unavailable for an abundance of rehearsals, we may have to consider that when deciding how many scenes or numbers in which to feature them to ensure they will be able to learn it all.

Managing casting expectations is a difficult but important task. All performers need to be reminded that there are many children, and the Directors will take the time to place everyone in a role based on the criteria listed above. It is a giant puzzle with many different factors. Just because a performer was asked to read or sing for a certain character does not mean they are being considered only for that part, or for that part at all; directors often see what they need to for a variety of roles at the same time! No matter what the cast list says, a reminder that your child will be an important part of the production goes a long way. There is so much theatrical joy ahead once cast lists are announced, and the Directors are excited to share their creative, expanded vision with performers once rehearsals begin!

The feeling of disappointment that can sometimes accompany casting can be one of the hardest parts of theatre. We of course recognize and validate that this feeling is real; kids are allowed to be disappointed that they didn’t get the part they had their heart set on! For us, the important thing is what a child does next. We encourage all performers to reach out to the directing and artistic team to ask for more information. Questions such as, ‘Can you tell me more about the part I will be playing?’, ‘Can you give me constructive feedback on my audition?’, and ‘How could I improve for next time?’ are all productive ways to find out more about what went into your Directors’ decision. Ultimately, reminding your child to give it some time, and arrive at the next rehearsal ready and open to be the best they can be is solid advice.