Casting Pressures

So far, the directing "process" for "this is how it goes" has been very positive for me. Here are a few "negative" aspects. (I'll try not to use too many quotes to denote sarcasm.


1. I think Ampersand should appoint a board member to be responsible for finding performance spaces for productions. I don't think that a director needs the stress of looking for a space. I have been in contact with some real estate people, but since they have their own jobs, it's hard for them to give me their attention. I really want to give my actors the confidence of having a performance space secured. At this point, we have NO definite space and this is through no fault of my own. I've been putting a lot of effort into looking for one, but there is only so many messages you can leave on people's voicemail.

2. It is really hard to hold auditions when a majority of the people auditioning are your friends. I know that they only mean well, but I feel under pressure to cast them. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I'm only going to cast people that I think will best fit the role. I think one way to help with this is to have other people serve as casting directors. I think this will help. So far, I think my producer will be at auditions with me to help decide.

3. I am the type of person that lives by my word. If I SAY I'm going to do something, I DO it. Period. I feel that if a man can't hold true to his word, then he isn't a man. There are so many creative people out there that have GREAT ideas, but fail to see them through. I don't want that to be me. I can be a little impulsive at times and even a bit too intense, but I think that if it helps me to get the job done it's a good thing. Not to point any fingers, but when you are working on a play it's a COLLABORATIVE effort. There have been a number of occasions so far where people let me down. It sucks.