The Secret to How I Cast My Junior Shows

Okay friends, I have a little secret to share with you today. I'm going to let you in on exactly how I cast my junior shows… and I'll warn you now, it's not how most directors do it.

I talk to my performers. I actually give them a say in the kind of role they want. And before you think I've lost my mind, let me tell you why.

Let's talk about typecasting

When you're a performer, you get "typed" really quickly. Ever notice how some actors always seem to play the same kind of character? That's because somewhere along the way, a director looked at them and thought, "Yep, that's a villain," or "That's the best friend." And whether you like it or not, it can be really hard to break out of your type.

I know this one personally. A vocal instructor once told me my type was kind of in between things. Not quite the comedic best friend, not quite the ingénue. And pretty early in my audition journey I noticed a pattern: I kept landing the strong female roles, usually the villain (and honestly, I had fun with every single one 😈). I had a pretty big stage presence, so much so that in one of my last school shows, I was cast in a role that's usually played by a guy, simply because I commanded the stage.

But I digress!

I get it as a director too

Here's the honest truth: typecasting exists for a reason. Sometimes you look at a performer and, as much as they want a certain role, the audience just isn't going to believe it. And as a director, my job is to connect with the audience and help them believe the story as quickly as possible. If someone is cast in a role that doesn't quite make sense, the audience spends the whole show thinking about that instead of falling in love with the characters and wondering what happens next.

So how do I balance both? Here's my process.

Step 1: What size of role do you want?

Before we talk about which role, we talk about how big. We only rehearse once a week, so this is a big deal. A big role means doing work at home, and I'm very honest with my performers about that. If you're not going to go home and memorize your lines, work on your character, and practise your songs and solos, a big role probably isn't the right fit right now.

I break it into three sizes:

A number one role is a large lead. Solo lines, solo singing, dancing, in a LOT of scenes… and a lot of homework.

A number two role still gives you plenty of chances to shine, but without quite as much work as a lead.

A number three role might be chorus or ensemble. This is a great fit if you'd rather not sing alone, or if this is one of your very first shows.

Step 2: We read the script together

This is one of my favourite parts (it's honestly so cute). We read the entire show together, and as we go, I share my ideas and my vision. I always remind my performers that even if they've seen the show before, our version is going to look a little different, and that's the fun of it!

Step 3: Your top five

When we finish reading, every performer gets a piece of paper, and I ask them to write down their top five roles.

This definitely doesn't happen in "real" theatre. Nowhere else is a director going to ask you what you want to play. They just tell you. But I do it because it gives kids the chance to see themselves in a different light. Maybe they want to be the villain. Maybe the hero. Maybe the best friend. Either way, it tells me so much about who they are and what they're hoping for.

Then I get to work

I take all those little papers home and start piecing it together. My goal is for every single performer to get one of their top five. When that happens? Amazing.

But I'll be honest, it doesn't always work out perfectly. Sometimes there are hard conversations. Sometimes I'll check in with a performer and say, "Hey, I know you were hoping for this one… but have you ever thought about this kind of role instead?" Sometimes I ask a few more follow-up questions until we find the right fit together.

And that's exactly why I love this process. I love hearing their ideas. I love that kids get a voice in their own experience. And I love watching a performer step into a role they chose, or one we figured out together, and absolutely own it. Because every kid deserves their moment to shine, and the process matters just as much as the performance.

If your child is ready to find their role (and their people!), I'd love to have them join us at Centre Stage Kids. Check out our upcoming junior shows and come be part of the magic.

P.S. Not in Guelph? The Homeschool Theatre Toolkit brings this same no-audition, everyone-belongs approach right into your living room!