Atlanta’s Tony-winning Alliance Theatre has attracted national attention with its Broadway and West End record (nine total to date), innovative educational programs, and compelling artistic content. The dedication of casting director and producer Jody Feldman has helped make it the region’s premiere repertory theater, particularly with her decision to cast nearly 65–75 percent of roles locally. Feldman originally started as an actor, grew weary of the competition, and realized that if her life were to be in theater, it would have to be on the other side of the table.
It seemed an apt time to check in with Feldman as the deadline for the Unified Auditions—where around 50 theaters see as many regional actors as possible—approaches Jan. 15. This year non-profit C4, an artists’ resource organization, will be managing the 2016 Unifieds, which take place March 14–15 at Atlanta’s Marcus Jewish Community Center.
What are key aspects of why someone gets cast?
The “it” factor is a real thing, and yes, a factor. There are people who simply have a natural ability to immerse themselves easily into a script or character, and then there are those who have technical acumen that allows them the same immersion. You must have one or the other to even be considered. The rest is dependent on the needs of the script and the vision of the director. It can’t be said enough that so much is out of the hands of the actor. The actor’s job when it comes to auditions is to do their homework, come into the audition prepared to work (nothing should be taken for granted or performed), and then let it go. And I cannot stress enough that good actors are some of the smartest people I know. They are well read, curious, and have a way of looking at the world and people that allows them access into ideas and worlds that others might not see.
How does a local actor break into getting cast at The Alliance? It seems to be tough.
It is true that there will always be a limited number of roles in any given season, which is true of any theater. But there are many opportunities to doors and windows: readings, workshops, theater for the very young, and understudying.... Simply submit a headshot and résumé. Anyone with the appropriate training and/or experience will get a general audition when time allows.
How beneficial are the large-scale casting roundups like the upcoming Unified auditions?
I happen to love open general calls. While exhausting, there is usually one or two folks with the “it” factor I mentioned earlier, and then a handful of actors that may not be ready to invite to an invited call, but certainly to prelim for any number of projects or readings. Historically some of those actors end up working here in some capacity.
Do you think actors need to leave Atlanta to truly make it in the big time?
Atlanta has a thriving theater community as well as TV and film. An actor can make a living here with a house and a backyard. And probably most importantly, I find the community of artists in Atlanta to be uniquely supportive of one another. If one defines “big time” as becoming famous, then, yes, one will probably need to move to New York or L.A. But if one wants a life full of friends and work and family, stay in Atlanta.
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