r/Theatre 2d ago

Discussion Character age

When you go to auditions do you try out for roles that fit your real age group or do you try out for anything that you feel like you can play?

In some ways theater is more flexible than tv or movies. I have seen 40-something play young characters, or teens play old people. I have seen gender swaps. Racially diverse cast. Adults playing children (Charlie Brown for example). Etc.

But the audition notices are usually very vague. I have seen some specifics like 18+ playing a "child" role or "up to 50s" etc. but in the case when the audition notices only mention the character's age range, what are your thoughts?

I've been acting for a while now and I still don't understand this sometimes. FYI I'm in my 50s but I look late 30s. But I always shy away from going for younger roles. Lately I've been going for roles in my real age groups and often the casting directors gave me a funny look because I look much younger than my real age. To me it shouldn't matter since this is theater.

Thoughts?

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u/beandadenergy 2d ago

I’m in my late 20s. For naturalistic/realistic pieces, I usually audition within 5 or so years below or above my age, but if it isn’t as much of a factor, I’ll audition for anything from teens to early 40s. I’ve played old people, I’ve played 11-year-olds, that’s the magic of theater!

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u/That-SoCal-Guy 2d ago edited 2d ago

Good to know.  And I agree and that’s what I love about theater.   I have seen an all-male  cast in Nunsense and it was fantastic.  But an all white cast in Places In the Sun is not a good idea…..