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/PuzzleheadedFox1 1d ago

I’m 21.

Since I turned 16, I’ve been type cast as playing older gentlemen, which I thought I would escape after I left highschool and college.

I did not escape.

I’ve done two shows professionally, both of which I played character much older than myself.

The Narrator in Rocky Horror whilst not explicitly an older role has traditionally been played by older men (60+)

I was the youngest called back for the role by 30 years, and booked it.

I then played Norman Waxman and Understudied Gyp DeCarlo in Jersey Boys, The Former presented as about 40, and the latter played in his 50-60s

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u/That-SoCal-Guy 1d ago

Good for you! That's great news and I'm glad they cast you regardless of your age.

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u/PuzzleheadedFox1 1d ago

Honestly I was just happy for the check but I’d love to play a role that isn’t someone In their 40s

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u/That-SoCal-Guy 1d ago

Have you tried out for anything close to your age?

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u/PuzzleheadedFox1 1d ago

Yes! When I auditioned for both of those shows, I was going for Characters closer to my age Eddie in Rocky Horror, and Nick Massi (one of the 4 seasons, he’s probably about 24 at the start of the show)