As someone who was almost suckered in to do on of the videos, it just gives me the ick. I’m already not fully utilizing my socials to get work because I can only take so much internet, but I can’t imagine how cruel the public would be to my poor attempts at audition for a major contract. It’s just too much.
Very well said. Thank you for calling them out! This kinda reminds me of what Chicago on Broadway did where they had an open-call for Roxie Hart, but the performers had to post a full audition (singing, acting, dancing). Then they were actually voted on and ranked I believe. Just so messed up.
I’ve been cynical about any type of open call ever since my acting teacher from university told me this story: when he was still working in the industry, he attended an open call for a major West End production. He queued for hours to be seen for literal seconds, only to find out a few days later they had already cast the show with well known names.
it's weird coz I just had an in person audition for Evan for this production in London 2 weeks ago and they'd been doing days of auditioning for the cast; one of my friends got a call back for Conner, also going straight from invite only auditions to using tiktok to find cast is a bit strange. also the age range was 16-21 for the casting however the tiktok thing is 18+ found that interesting. must be a marketing thing
This makes me think about which musical theater reality shows were more ethical than others. I feel like any time the public voted like on BBC, the girls were publicly humiliated less and Samantha Barks and Rachel Tucker have the biggest careers imaginable. On shows where the producers chose winners, public humiliation abounded like on Legally Blonde and the Glee Project. The Legally Blonde contestant who got the worst villain edit is one of the more successful stars now, since Cassie Silva is touring the US in Six.
Well said! This makes me think of that show with Jessie Buckley, "I'd do Anything." She had zero experience and was expected to be on the same level as professionals.
What do you mean? All of the girls had some form of training. Some of them were already in the west end. It's why they would only use their first name so we couldn't search them up. She later went to drama school
I feel like there is a way to do this correctly. They did video auditions for Chicago in this way, but the girls were competing against each other, not against professionals with more experience. They only made the top 10 best videos public. And the winner is now rehearsing for her third Broadway show and the runner up, Khalifa, made her Broadway debut. Having the show star a person the public voted on WAS the marketing ploy. The audition tapes by themselves were not the marketing ploy. And since Chicago has recently starred many Real Housewives, these girls were probably 10 times better for the role.
Very well said, Amy. The entire premise of potentially 'casting' in this way is disappointing. I thought there was a chance the marketing team might do something like this from when the tour was announced - they probably feel that that the show needs more hype and advertising around it, especially since the show started to see people begin to point out slightly questionable elements of its plot as time went on (not to forget the lack of success surrounding the movie of course). Although this production is going to be a new version of the musical, I think the creative team most likely felt that there was not enough buzz surrounding it and needed something to get fans on board (and perhaps boost sales for its opening?). It is also upsetting that many may put themselves out there like you said, and merely open themselves up to criticism without even an outcome of being considered to audition. Especially if they are only just entering the industry/not yet in training; the comments they could receive from people may affect their mental health/confidence in their performance ability etc (which I think is rather questionable considering a large focus of the show is to do with mental health etc). This show also has a largely young fanbase as it pains me to think that hundreds of young hopefuls would post a video, especially with such vulnerable songs, and just open themselves up to disappointment etc. I really hope more people see this video, even for people to just see the discrepancies pointed out. For those who are just not aware of the workings of the industry/not a professional etc, they would otherwise have no idea that this is not a common or normal way of casting a show (or that at the end of the day they would still be going up against professionals). And I think that is very telling and the show perhaps know that the appeal of what they are supposedly offering alone is tempting enough for people to apply, and in turn they can afford to be vague on the conditions involved in the hope no on will notice. But I think it makes it very clear to be a marketing ploy when they ask people to post their tapes publicly - if you were genuinely considering casting in this way, you would have people submit online privately and leave it at that: the whole fact that you opened the chance up to everyone would bring positive publicity alone. Sorry for the long commentary haha, but just wanted to say I love your videos and they're just really relaxing to watch 😊
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and balanced comment! I totally agree with you! And also thank you for being so kind at the end, that honestly means so much to me! ♥️♥️
I know it's not the same hype/name as Dear Evan Hansen but Fangirls a musical from Australia has been doing open calls last 2 days in London. I think it's just safer & easier if it's an all nation call out & show the dates/time/place or do a social media post and say everyone can send in audition videos & then people don't judge or get hurt if random assholes comment hating on them
It’s gross that they’re forcing fans to make advertising for them. And also, fans will do that already without being forced to if they want to. It’s called word of mouth.
Tan the socials is my new ✨️Phrase of the Weeeeek ✨️ Have to agree, obviously people don't have to audition in this way if they don't want to, but I think people often don't realise the potential backlash they can receive online, and once it's out there it's out there x
Love your videos on issues like this because you always give a balanced thought out point of view. I think Tik Tok has probably paid a lot of money to make this happen although i don't know for certain. It doesn't feel like it's been done in the spirit of opening doors for unrepresented actors but I hope I'm wrong.
What I don’t really understand is why they’re doing this when surely they already have a cast? I’ve booked to go and see it on tour! How is it not cast?
As a professional working musical theatre performer (currently on a break from NYC but went back last October to do the inaugural opening show for the Perelman Performing Arts Center at World Trade) FIRST, I love your channel, SECOND... gosh I agree with ya. Can a miracle happen? As a person of faith I truly believe that YES, sure it can. HOWEVER (and a big BUT), it's highly unlikely unless they are truly trying to stunt cast the show to sell tickets at the start (if it opens 😬). And even then, a "stunt" casting is exactly that... it's a stunt for PR purposes and is usually way shorter than a legit show contract (and weirder). Like, if it's a tour you may just do the first city and then the "real" cast takes over. I don't know if any Unions are attached to this but that's a whole thing as well. It also sounds like you're auditioning to get the chance... to audition. It doesn't sound like you're going straight to callbacks, but I could be wrong. Will they cover travel if needed? So many questions! It already takes such boldness and such a tough skin just to do 5-10+ open calls a week, getting up at "how dare you" o'clock in the morning (for non-eq at least)... and you have to PRACTICE getting regularly told "no" if hearing anything at all. Rejection is part and parcel, y'know? It's tough enough when you learn in school for years how tough it's gonna be and it still hits you like bricks. But I suppose if you can take TikTok comments you can handle this biz, lol! Having auditioned for American Idol a million years ago that "we can keep your stuff" fine print in the contract you sign for "specials" like this always makes me uncomfortable because for them it's about selling the show and making a profit... not your reputation or well-being. They don't have to consider whether you'd want to be the face of a "funny" moment in their marketing campaign that is actually mortifying to you personally. They're not evil, lol, it's just that you aren't their concern. The show is. I do hope people catch the second video. Some brilliant performer is one slightly dismissive comment on Tiktok away from giving up before they've even begun. This is why I pour into my voice students so much (I teach on Zoom for anyone who may be interested- figure I should market myself too lol)! You gotta get it somewhere and I love to be one of those somewheres! I also love to offer a more grounded perspective because when you're passionate about this and you surround yourself with others who are as well, it can feel a whole lot bigger (and more dire) than it ever should be. This industry thrives on us having a scarcity mindset that makes everything so... epic. And makes us all anxious loony-toons. The industry needs to change, honestly, but in the meantime I try to be a part of the "new culture" many of us are trying to forge in this bizness. Here ends my sermon, LOL! Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. 👩🏾🏫
I am a bit tempted to audition just for the sake of giving it a go... I don't currently have a TIkTok account so am hoping the video itself wouldn't really get any attention and can just quietly submit and know at least I gave it a little shot, but maybe that's super naive of me haha
Obviously not watched the video yet but I'm not sure I like the idea. It's not like there going to cast from the tiktok videos. It's an audition to be able to actually audition. Its nothing more than a marketing ploy imho
I was seen at the open auditions and I sang 16 bars and then went home and that was that. They didn’t even look up at me whilst I was singing. Just humiliating to be honest
I feel like this was somewhat close to the Emojiland US tour a few years ago. If I remember correctly they did something similar audititon-wise with tiktoks. A few well known mt tiktokkers were cast, but then the tour got mysteriously cancelled. Personally, this gives me the ick and I can't help but feel weird especially concerning the content of the show itself.
Yeah this is absolutely just a super sketchy marketing campaign that's taking advantage of kids who want to be on Broadway. It's really gross and really exploitative.
I have found so many problems with how Dear Evan Hansen has marketed itself but those tend to be broader societal problems about exploitation of neurodivergence in media . This, however, seems much more actively malicious to me.
Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with it. It's really no different than auditioning for Britain's Got Talent/America's Got Talent on national TV. If someone doesn't want to put themselves out there on TikTok or don't like the terms then don't audition.
I really don’t know why people are mad about this? I think it’s a great idea to be honest. It gives a new generation of future theatre performers who haven’t much experience with drama schools or anything also I don’t see what’s a difference to this to compare to a reality tv show like mamma Mia I have a dream
I’m definitely not mad about it, but I think it’s interesting to look at the way theatre is changing and how social media is being used by production companies. Just my opinion though ♥️
Something that I also question is the intellectual property of DEH? Like I’ve never seen it, never listened to the soundtrack, but I’m seeing so many people in their bedrooms sing it off a karaoke backing track, what I end up seeing is a bit weird and disconnected? Like all these videos are telling me nothing about the show itself? Also like there’s no guarantee that applicants will sing the correct lyrics, and there’s already parody videos as well, but because it’s all green lit by this marketing campaign, you have no control over the overall impression of the show on your target audience? Like the main issue of course is exploitation, but I don’t think it’s even promoting the show in an accurate way?
I used to love your channel and watch every video as it came out but all you do now is moan and complain! You add such negativity and bitterness to every theatre story now. Years in and time to unsubscribe- I hope for your own sake you start posting better and more positive content
As someone who was almost suckered in to do on of the videos, it just gives me the ick. I’m already not fully utilizing my socials to get work because I can only take so much internet, but I can’t imagine how cruel the public would be to my poor attempts at audition for a major contract. It’s just too much.
Yeah, I really don’t think it should be a requirement for anyone to open their socials up for work opportunities!
Very well said. Thank you for calling them out! This kinda reminds me of what Chicago on Broadway did where they had an open-call for Roxie Hart, but the performers had to post a full audition (singing, acting, dancing). Then they were actually voted on and ranked I believe. Just so messed up.
Oh god I didn’t know that happened, that’s madness!! It’s so exploitative isn’t it. Makes the process all a spectacle!
I’ve been cynical about any type of open call ever since my acting teacher from university told me this story: when he was still working in the industry, he attended an open call for a major West End production. He queued for hours to be seen for literal seconds, only to find out a few days later they had already cast the show with well known names.
Yeah sadly that doesn’t surprise me at all!
it's weird coz I just had an in person audition for Evan for this production in London 2 weeks ago and they'd been doing days of auditioning for the cast; one of my friends got a call back for Conner, also going straight from invite only auditions to using tiktok to find cast is a bit strange.
also the age range was 16-21 for the casting however the tiktok thing is 18+ found that interesting. must be a marketing thing
This is iiiiiiiiiiiinteresting! Crazy they’re already doing recalls and everything!
This makes me think about which musical theater reality shows were more ethical than others. I feel like any time the public voted like on BBC, the girls were publicly humiliated less and Samantha Barks and Rachel Tucker have the biggest careers imaginable. On shows where the producers chose winners, public humiliation abounded like on Legally Blonde and the Glee Project. The Legally Blonde contestant who got the worst villain edit is one of the more successful stars now, since Cassie Silva is touring the US in Six.
That’s such a good point! I haven’t thought about that before!! I’m so glad Cassie is still working and smashing it after the edit she got!
Well said! This makes me think of that show with Jessie Buckley, "I'd do Anything." She had zero experience and was expected to be on the same level as professionals.
What do you mean? All of the girls had some form of training. Some of them were already in the west end. It's why they would only use their first name so we couldn't search them up. She later went to drama school
I feel like there is a way to do this correctly. They did video auditions for Chicago in this way, but the girls were competing against each other, not against professionals with more experience. They only made the top 10 best videos public. And the winner is now rehearsing for her third Broadway show and the runner up, Khalifa, made her Broadway debut. Having the show star a person the public voted on WAS the marketing ploy. The audition tapes by themselves were not the marketing ploy. And since Chicago has recently starred many Real Housewives, these girls were probably 10 times better for the role.
That’s very interesting, I didn’t know about the Chicago casting!
Very well said, Amy. The entire premise of potentially 'casting' in this way is disappointing. I thought there was a chance the marketing team might do something like this from when the tour was announced - they probably feel that that the show needs more hype and advertising around it, especially since the show started to see people begin to point out slightly questionable elements of its plot as time went on (not to forget the lack of success surrounding the movie of course). Although this production is going to be a new version of the musical, I think the creative team most likely felt that there was not enough buzz surrounding it and needed something to get fans on board (and perhaps boost sales for its opening?).
It is also upsetting that many may put themselves out there like you said, and merely open themselves up to criticism without even an outcome of being considered to audition. Especially if they are only just entering the industry/not yet in training; the comments they could receive from people may affect their mental health/confidence in their performance ability etc (which I think is rather questionable considering a large focus of the show is to do with mental health etc).
This show also has a largely young fanbase as it pains me to think that hundreds of young hopefuls would post a video, especially with such vulnerable songs, and just open themselves up to disappointment etc.
I really hope more people see this video, even for people to just see the discrepancies pointed out. For those who are just not aware of the workings of the industry/not a professional etc, they would otherwise have no idea that this is not a common or normal way of casting a show (or that at the end of the day they would still be going up against professionals). And I think that is very telling and the show perhaps know that the appeal of what they are supposedly offering alone is tempting enough for people to apply, and in turn they can afford to be vague on the conditions involved in the hope no on will notice.
But I think it makes it very clear to be a marketing ploy when they ask people to post their tapes publicly - if you were genuinely considering casting in this way, you would have people submit online privately and leave it at that: the whole fact that you opened the chance up to everyone would bring positive publicity alone.
Sorry for the long commentary haha, but just wanted to say I love your videos and they're just really relaxing to watch 😊
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and balanced comment! I totally agree with you!
And also thank you for being so kind at the end, that honestly means so much to me! ♥️♥️
I know it's not the same hype/name as Dear Evan Hansen but Fangirls a musical from Australia has been doing open calls last 2 days in London. I think it's just safer & easier if it's an all nation call out & show the dates/time/place or do a social media post and say everyone can send in audition videos & then people don't judge or get hurt if random assholes comment hating on them
I 100% agree with you, When I received the press release i was intrigued.
Well said Amy 🥰
it gives me the same vibes as when big companies on social media do an open call for 'exposure'.
Truuuuuuue
It’s gross that they’re forcing fans to make advertising for them. And also, fans will do that already without being forced to if they want to. It’s called word of mouth.
You’re totally right!
It would be cool if someone did a deep dive of the contracts you sign to professionally audition with these companies IRL. They might be worse...
Ooooh for sure would be sooo interesting!
Tan the socials is my new ✨️Phrase of the Weeeeek ✨️
Have to agree, obviously people don't have to audition in this way if they don't want to, but I think people often don't realise the potential backlash they can receive online, and once it's out there it's out there x
Well I love that being your phrase of the week! And yeah I totally agree with what you said ♥️🐞
Love your videos on issues like this because you always give a balanced thought out point of view.
I think Tik Tok has probably paid a lot of money to make this happen although i don't know for certain.
It doesn't feel like it's been done in the spirit of opening doors for unrepresented actors but I hope I'm wrong.
What I don’t really understand is why they’re doing this when surely they already have a cast? I’ve booked to go and see it on tour! How is it not cast?
The tour doesn’t start until September so it’s no surprise it hasn’t been cast yet ♥️
As a professional working musical theatre performer (currently on a break from NYC but went back last October to do the inaugural opening show for the Perelman Performing Arts Center at World Trade) FIRST, I love your channel, SECOND... gosh I agree with ya. Can a miracle happen? As a person of faith I truly believe that YES, sure it can. HOWEVER (and a big BUT), it's highly unlikely unless they are truly trying to stunt cast the show to sell tickets at the start (if it opens 😬). And even then, a "stunt" casting is exactly that... it's a stunt for PR purposes and is usually way shorter than a legit show contract (and weirder). Like, if it's a tour you may just do the first city and then the "real" cast takes over. I don't know if any Unions are attached to this but that's a whole thing as well. It also sounds like you're auditioning to get the chance... to audition. It doesn't sound like you're going straight to callbacks, but I could be wrong. Will they cover travel if needed? So many questions! It already takes such boldness and such a tough skin just to do 5-10+ open calls a week, getting up at "how dare you" o'clock in the morning (for non-eq at least)... and you have to PRACTICE getting regularly told "no" if hearing anything at all. Rejection is part and parcel, y'know? It's tough enough when you learn in school for years how tough it's gonna be and it still hits you like bricks. But I suppose if you can take TikTok comments you can handle this biz, lol!
Having auditioned for American Idol a million years ago that "we can keep your stuff" fine print in the contract you sign for "specials" like this always makes me uncomfortable because for them it's about selling the show and making a profit... not your reputation or well-being. They don't have to consider whether you'd want to be the face of a "funny" moment in their marketing campaign that is actually mortifying to you personally. They're not evil, lol, it's just that you aren't their concern. The show is.
I do hope people catch the second video. Some brilliant performer is one slightly dismissive comment on Tiktok away from giving up before they've even begun. This is why I pour into my voice students so much (I teach on Zoom for anyone who may be interested- figure I should market myself too lol)! You gotta get it somewhere and I love to be one of those somewheres! I also love to offer a more grounded perspective because when you're passionate about this and you surround yourself with others who are as well, it can feel a whole lot bigger (and more dire) than it ever should be. This industry thrives on us having a scarcity mindset that makes everything so... epic. And makes us all anxious loony-toons. The industry needs to change, honestly, but in the meantime I try to be a part of the "new culture" many of us are trying to forge in this bizness.
Here ends my sermon, LOL! Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. 👩🏾🏫
I am a bit tempted to audition just for the sake of giving it a go... I don't currently have a TIkTok account so am hoping the video itself wouldn't really get any attention and can just quietly submit and know at least I gave it a little shot, but maybe that's super naive of me haha
I think if you’re interested totally go for it! Nothing to lose at the end of the day eh!
The only musical that i personally think has went amazing with casting through tiktok, is Epic the musical
Obviously not watched the video yet but I'm not sure I like the idea. It's not like there going to cast from the tiktok videos. It's an audition to be able to actually audition. Its nothing more than a marketing ploy imho
Totally agree with you!
I was seen at the open auditions and I sang 16 bars and then went home and that was that. They didn’t even look up at me whilst I was singing. Just humiliating to be honest
never thought about it like this... but yikes! Thanks for the insight!
I feel like this was somewhat close to the Emojiland US tour a few years ago. If I remember correctly they did something similar audititon-wise with tiktoks. A few well known mt tiktokkers were cast, but then the tour got mysteriously cancelled. Personally, this gives me the ick and I can't help but feel weird especially concerning the content of the show itself.
That’s so interesting! And so sad the tour was cancelled… how weird!
Yeah this is absolutely just a super sketchy marketing campaign that's taking advantage of kids who want to be on Broadway. It's really gross and really exploitative.
I have found so many problems with how Dear Evan Hansen has marketed itself but those tend to be broader societal problems about exploitation of neurodivergence in media . This, however, seems much more actively malicious to me.
Oooh tooooootally agree with you on the point around previous marketing 👀
👏🏻👏🏻❤
I don't think is right. Hopefully it won't become more common... maybe they are treating it as trying to find undiscovered talent? But probably not.
that’s how it’s for sure being presented, but it’s easy to see through I think…
Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with it. It's really no different than auditioning for Britain's Got Talent/America's Got Talent on national TV. If someone doesn't want to put themselves out there on TikTok or don't like the terms then don't audition.
That’s totally fair. Just my opinion or another way of looking at it. Totally agree that if you don’t like it don’t apply ♥️
This feels like marketing, I'm sorry to say.
I really don’t know why people are mad about this? I think it’s a great idea to be honest. It gives a new generation of future theatre performers who haven’t much experience with drama schools or anything also I don’t see what’s a difference to this to compare to a reality tv show like mamma Mia I have a dream
I’m definitely not mad about it, but I think it’s interesting to look at the way theatre is changing and how social media is being used by production companies. Just my opinion though ♥️
I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you but on reality shows like I Dreamed A Dream, contestants are paid for their time.
Promo*SM
Something that I also question is the intellectual property of DEH? Like I’ve never seen it, never listened to the soundtrack, but I’m seeing so many people in their bedrooms sing it off a karaoke backing track, what I end up seeing is a bit weird and disconnected? Like all these videos are telling me nothing about the show itself?
Also like there’s no guarantee that applicants will sing the correct lyrics, and there’s already parody videos as well, but because it’s all green lit by this marketing campaign, you have no control over the overall impression of the show on your target audience? Like the main issue of course is exploitation, but I don’t think it’s even promoting the show in an accurate way?
This is a really interesting view point, I hadn’t thought about that!
Yeah idk this just seems like a really exploitative test of virality
Running out of video ideas ant we
It’s insane that this show never won an Emmy in its entire run…
It’s trash
I used to love your channel and watch every video as it came out but all you do now is moan and complain! You add such negativity and bitterness to every theatre story now. Years in and time to unsubscribe- I hope for your own sake you start posting better and more positive content