CASTING
in the broadway division
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEAD ROLE (APD STUDENTS) AND AN ENSEMBLE ROLE (OP & APD STUDENTS)?
PRE-K & OPEN PERFORMANCE "OP" STUDENTS:
ENSEMBLE ROLES = GROUP SINGING
STUDENTS CREATE THEIR OWN MEDLEY CHARACTERS
OP students receive ensemble roles, meaning they do not have solos in our Songs From Broadway 6 show - if they would like a solo, they absolutely CAN have one by graduating into the APD program, which perform the lead roles in SFB6. We customize medleys so that every student who wants a solo will receive one. However, Open Performance students perform as ensemble roles, meaning they perform as a group, or any time in the script when it signifies the group or "ensemble" or "ALL CAST".
Our Pre-Kindergarten & Open Performance classes are ensemble roles that have no solo parts. Every student in these sessions are all performing the same material so we are remaining in online programming. If you are an Open or Pre-K student who knows that online is not a good fit, we can accommodate. If you would like to request a 1-1 session with an instructor (if online programming doesn’t work for you), please email us to see if in person is possible: calyssa.cfpa@gmail.com (Open Performance Director, Calyssa Squires)
ADVANCED PERFORMANCE & DRAMA "APD" STUDENTS
LEAD ROLES = SOLO + GROUP SINGING
STUDENTS ARE ASSIGNED CHARACTERS IN THE MEDLEY
APD students receive lead roles, meaning they have solos in our Songs From Broadway 6 show. We customize all of our Broadway medleys to accommodate the individual needs of our students and give each student the opportunity to contribute how they wish to the performance. If they do not want to speak or sing alone on stage, they can transfer into the Open Performance program to have an ensemble role in our production. This means they will not have a solo, but they can participate in group numbers and all cast pieces!
What does "Cast A" or "Cast B" mean?
DO I HAVE TO PERFORM 2 SHOWS?
In our Broadway show, it's necessary to have understudies or swings. When every student has a double, it makes it easier for "the show to go on" if an actor is unwell! It ensures every student receives a meaningful role and has a chance at leading. In addition, if you'd like a group part only, our Open Performance program exists for students who would like to participate without the pressure of having cues depend on you!
All Advanced Performance and Drama (APD) students perform as lead roles and ensemble roles. They will perform a character role in Cast A or B in the show they "lead", and for the second show they participate in, they "support" the lead actors by performing in the ensemble roles. Yes, it is a lot of work! That's why we label this class "advanced"; students have to prepare two roles! They perform as characters they created in one show, and they perform as a character the writer of the show created! Both roles are equally important and have different purposes to the show. Open Performance students perform in ensemble roles only. If you would prefer not to perform in both shows as an APD student, this can be accommodated if we know in advance.
