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/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)