Casting Our Shows

The Theatre Guild has been successful in its ability to attract on-stage talented, skilled technicians, and experienced staff members from Rockingham County and beyond. We would like to take a moment to explain how individuals are chosen to perform or staff our shows. Please understand that the Guild's number one goal for each performance is to create the best theatre experience possible for everyone including the actors, staff, and audience.

The hiring of the staff (which includes any combination of director, musical director, choreographer, stage manager, set builder, costumer, props manager, sound technician, and lighting designer) is handled by the Artistic Director prior to auditions and casting for any given show. The director, music director, choreographer, stage manager, and producer (production team) collaborate with the auditions chairperson to create a smooth, open, and exciting audition atmosphere. The Guild never pre-casts shows, and everyone is required to audition before being offered any role. Ultimately, the decision of casting a show falls on the production team.

Besides individual talent, the production team must take into account the available roles, actors' rehearsal availability, age, height, chemistry, and many other factors. Even the best actor may not be cast in a show if they do not fit the director's vision. The Theatre Guild of Rockingham County invites everyone to audition for every production, and utilizes non-conventional casting where not prohibited by the show parameters. A priority is placed on cultivating local talent, but this should not discourage people from neighboring communities for auditioning (or seeking to be on staff).

We hope this information has provided a better understanding of the Guild's casting process as well as encourage new faces to come out and audition. We'll look forward to seeing you at our next audition!

TGRC Board