To think to audition was a waste of time?

130 replies

Travelfairy · 31/08/2025 23:50

DD loves all things drama, attends 3 different stage schools/drama groups as well as doing ballet seperately. Went for an audition for Christmas panto last week, as we waited a mum in the queue told me how she had been involved with this panto for 28 years and that 'everyone there knows' her DD.
My DD did a brilliant audition, she didnt get the part. This other little girl did. I'm not saying she's not talented but aibu to think that this was probably decided before they even went in to audition? Just seems like a massive waste of time and that as with most other things its more about who you know! DD will be very disappointed in the morning, email just came through.

OP posts:

Serpentstooth · 01/09/2025 19:06

I expect someone's already said this but your daughter has no track record. AmDrams take their productions seriously. Nobody will offer a leading part to an untested actor, why would they risk it? Take what's offered or someone else will.

Original poster

Travelfairy · 01/09/2025 22:02

taxi4ballet · 01/09/2025 16:27

A few random thoughts from someone who's been there, done that, got the t-shirt and the scars

You say your dd does ballet, but does she do tap, modern or jazz classes as well? Separate classes at a dance school I mean, not just the dance stuff they do at her theatre school. Can she pick up dance routines really quickly?

Panto auditions - Some of the same kids do get in every year. Partly favouritism yes, partly because the production team know they are reliable and pick things up fast (and possibly because they know the parent has a chaperone licence).

Something to remember with panto auditions is that they will have a stock of costumes in a variety of sizes, and they are looking for bodies to fill them. It literally is that simple. So if they have four 'village girl' costumes, they will take four kids that will fit into them. The biggest problem with that, it that shorter older kids will get chosen over younger kids the same height. (speaking from experience here - my dd had her growth spurt early and at 10/11 she was losing roles to teenagers the same height as her). We didn't bother after that as she decided to concentrate on ballet rather than MT.

Every audition is a learning opportunity, and each one will give her more experience so she will know what to expect the next time. To be honest, she's probably better off going for ensemble roles rather than named parts as there is a greater chance of getting in.

Yes, she does ballet, modern jazz & hip hop. She picks up routines easily. She is petite for her age which i always found an advantage somewhat for being able to play younger roles.

OP posts:

JFDIYOLO · 02/09/2025 00:09

I worked with a company that didn't know me on several productions. The first one - bit parts. Spit and a cough. I was there on time, did exactly what they asked, collaborated, was flexible bla bla bla. Second production I got a part that was on my bucket list. Casting's a big risk, whether amateur or pro. They have to build their confidence in you.

GenieGenealogy · 02/09/2025 09:19

See it from the point of view of the casting person - they want a proven, reliable person in their lead role. They don't want to take a chance on someone who they have no experience with, however good they are in the audition as it's a massive risk. If they turn out to be flakey or persistently late, then that screws the whole production. So they go with the known quantity.

Your child has been invited back to audition for smaller parts - that's great! Well done her!! You can't expect to get the lead role without serving your time on the chorus or in lesser roles first. You do them, turn up on time every time, accept direction, be the model employee.

Also agree with what people say about face fitting. I see this a lot as an extra - they have a "type" they are looking for and even if you're the most reliable and experienced extra in the world, you're not going to be booked for a period drama with obvious lip fillers or pink hair. Or at my age in my 50s, be selected for a scene in a trendy nightclub.

JFDIYOLO · 02/09/2025 12:07

@GenieGenealogy absolutely. I haven't worked as an extra but friends who have describe it as 'painting with people' - you need to be just right for what they want, and you don't always know what's in their mind. And sometimes in casting they don't know either - but they know it when they see it, when the right one walks in the room.

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