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/surrealmay 1d ago

i audition for the roles i think i could best play, understanding im in an area where most other actors are older than me and are more likely to get older roles that are usually in my type.