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<DIV>An age old problem has hit the Canal Fulton Players. One of its major
players in the upcoming production of <EM>Once Upon a Mattress</EM> auditioned
for a major part in another playhouse's musical on Sunday. He was given a
call back by that playhouse and he was told allegedly by the director that he
would only be considered for the part if he somehow dropped the role in our
production mainly because of a rehearsal conflict over a period of about seven
days. Guess who dropped out of our play quicker than a speeding bullet
even though he was not yet offered the part in the second production? You
guessed it. I know the director and I do not think he gave that ultimatum
to the actor but this actor felt compelled to drop our play. I do believe
that someone else in that playhouse encouraged this drop out. The second
play opens about two to three weeks after our play closes. Thus, except
for about seven days of conflict in rehearsal, there was no need for this actor
to drop out of <EM>Once Upon a Mattress. </EM>Frankly, I do believe that
the actor has some stars in his eyes mainly over the difference in venues- ours
being an environmental type theatre, the other being a stage in a very big
complex. The part that he gave up in my opinion was far better to display
his talents than the part that he received a callback. I think in about
ten years he will realize the folly of his decision.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I would like to state what our policy is with the Canal Fulton Players as
to honoring an actor's commitment to another playhouse and its
production. If I feel we can work around the other rehearsal and
performance schedule, I will indeed work around that schedule telling the
actor that until the other playhouse's schedule and performances are over, they
are paramount. If I feel we cannot work around the other rehearsal and
performance schedule, I will not cast the actor reminding that person of
his or her commitment to the first playhouse. If there is an opportunity
where the producers and directors can accommodate the actor as to rehearsals and
performances, I will be more than happy to accommodate. However, I
will only agree to the accommodation if the first director agrees to it.
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I have honored several actors' and actresses' commitments to other
playhouses. It is no secret that the schedules of the various theatres in
this region differ. That means rehearsals and performances might
overlap. I can say that I have never had a conflict over performances but
I have honored rehearsal schedules. I am suggesting to everyone that we
all do that. I know the director of the second production in this
matter reads this site religiously because I have corresponded with
him over the years. I am hoping that he does not suffer the same fate as I
have received because this actor seems to be making some rash decisions which
are only going to probably wreck his budding career in this region. I
let him go because I felt he would become a cancer to the cast mainly because he
did not want to be there anymore. It is sad because the guy is talented
but he seems to make decisions without realizing the true repercussions of
his acts. He is no longer welcome at our playhouse since I
cannot cast him in another production. I could not sick him on
an unexpecting cast. This cast already is three and one half weeks
into rehearsal and our choreographer and musical director have worked
with this actor extensively. We have to start from
scratch.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Give me your thoughts on the matter. I think we producers and
directors should also honor commitments while at the same time working with the
actors and actresses who may have a conflict. The understudy to this
particular actor had to be moved to another part when there was a family
problem affecting that second part's original actor. Thus, we had no
understudy and we are scrambling at this moment. However, we will fill the
part. As we say, "the show must go on."</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>David Van Gaasbeek, Director and Producer, Canal Fulton Players at the UMC
Family Theatre.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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