General Casting Information

The Process: YADA's goal is to give your children the tools they need to participate in an ensemble, and have a fantastic time learning and growing in this group process. YADA strives to give as much stage time to every child as possible, and encourages them to be part of an ensemble group no matter what character they are cast to play. We’re here to have fun!

• Casting: When casting your child, YADA takes many things into consideration. Some of which are:
  • Auditioning: We base the majority of our casting choices on the audition of your child. We encourage them to give the best audition that they can by being prepared, showing character work and researching the musical or play.
  • Child’s ability: Some students may or may not be ready for certain parts in the show. We ask that you trust our experienced directors and staff to place your child in a part that will encourage him or her to grow as an artist, but at the same time not give them so much that they feel overwhelmed and/or scared.
  • Rotation of parts: Some students may have a leading role in one session and/or an ensemble role in another, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the child is being punished or isn’t good enough for a bigger part. At YADA, learning all areas of being in a show is important. Learning how to take a part that has only a few lines and creating a character’s life is a valuable lesson that can be used in all areas of their life.
  • Hard Work : Many students are given larger roles, once they have shown a commitment and dedication to whatever size part they are given. Nothing is more exciting to a director than seeing a student work hard and give 100% in rehearsal and to the show.
• No part is too big or too small: Encourage your children to be enthusiastic about their roles, and please discourage them from counting their lines. YADA is sensitive to the fact that some "lead" parts are bigger than "ensemble" roles, but children who participate in the ensemble often have more stage time than the principals do! During the rehearsal process many ensemble players are assigned solos or are featured in dance numbers.
• Disappointment: If your child is unhappy with their role, we ask you, as parents, to be as supportive as you can. When a child doesn't get the role he or she wanted, it is natural to feel some initial disappointment. Please re-read the advice in the first paragraph with your child, and understand that disappointment most often turns to delight when your child realizes how important their role is to the production. If after three rehearsals your child is still unhappy, please call us to set up a telephone conference to discuss your child’s needs.

A note about Junior Master/Master Level casting:

While factors such as rotation, talent, audition, and hard work are all taken into consideration at this level, there are other important variables as well. These are pre-professional classes, and, as such, factors like professionalism, work ethic, consistent memorization and attendance all play into casting.

• Each student's behavior on and off the stage is taken into account when casting, as we are training them to be ready for professional theatre. If a student does not conduct themselves professionally, it may take longer for them to rotate up to a leading role. That includes showing respect and maturity towards the teachers and fellow students, accepting their role with grace, and memorizing their lines and blocking.
• At these levels, learning the lines and blocking is the bare minimum requirement. Students are expected to understand how to create a character or be willing to try during the rehearsal process. These skills and attitude are noted throughout the session and are taken into consideration when casting.
• While rotation is still a factor, setting each student up for success in the role that is most likely to both challenge and make them shine is heavily weighed when casting. In addition, casting the show as a whole and doing what is best for the entire cast in order for everyone to succeed on stage is extremely important when casting at these levels.
• There will be times when directors of a specific class at this level will explain any special casting processes to students in person. Please reach out to the directors with any questions.
• Please note that Master class casting expectations are a little different from Junior Master casting, as it is based less on rotation and more on the audition, dedication and behavior.
• If a student is unhappy with their role, we encourage them to talk to their teachers themselves. Since the students at this level have chosen to further themselves as performers and audition for this level, they are expected to voice their concerns on their own.