CTSMD Casting Philosophy and Criteria
Our Commitment to Fair and Equitable Casting
The Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD) is committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and high-quality theatre experience for all participants. Casting decisions are made thoughtfully and intentionally, with the goal of supporting both individual growth and the overall success of each production.
Casting decisions are made by each production’s Production/Creative Team, following professional theatre standards. CTSMD leadership supports the Production/Creative Team in these decisions and, unless part of the Production/Creative Team, does not direct or influence casting outcomes. Auditions are video recorded and overseen by a member of the executive board to guarantee that all auditionees are given the same consideration and that parts are cast equitably. Auditionees and their parents may request to see their own audition videos within a week of their scheduled audition. After that time, videos will be deleted.
How Casting Decisions Are Made
Casting is based on a combination of factors, which may include:
Availability is a critical component of casting. Conflicts disclosed at auditions are considered as part of the casting process, and actors who amass too many unexcused absences or late arrivals may be subject to recasting if appropriate. Attendance at tech week and performances (including call times and strike) are mandatory.
Casting decisions may also take into account a performer’s demonstrated readiness for the responsibilities of a production, including preparedness, reliability, and respectful, collaborative behavior in prior CTSMD productions or programs.
Casting is inherently subjective, and all decisions are made in the best interest of the production as a whole. All casting decisions are final. Auditionees are always encouraged to reach out to the director to receive feedback on their auditions.
What Does Not Influence Casting
Casting decisions are never influenced by:
CTSMD does not offer preferential treatment of any kind.
Our Promise to Families
CTSMD strives to create a respectful, growth-focused environment where all participants are held to the same expectations. Clear casting criteria help ensure a positive experience for performers, families, and creative teams alike. We believe that there are no small parts; our ensemble roles have a powerful presence and a lot of onstage time in each of our productions and have proven to be wonderful opportunities to learn and grow as performers. No matter how much we may wish it to be otherwise, the truth is that there simply aren’t enough lead roles for everyone, just as unfortunately there aren’t enough roles to cast everyone who auditions for any given production. The best advice we can offer to any auditionee is preparation. Read the audition requirements when they are posted, pick the song that best showcases your vocal range and talent, and come willing to make mistakes and try new things.
Adopted 3/15/2026 by the CTSMD Board of Directors
The Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD) is committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and high-quality theatre experience for all participants. Casting decisions are made thoughtfully and intentionally, with the goal of supporting both individual growth and the overall success of each production.
Casting decisions are made by each production’s Production/Creative Team, following professional theatre standards. CTSMD leadership supports the Production/Creative Team in these decisions and, unless part of the Production/Creative Team, does not direct or influence casting outcomes. Auditions are video recorded and overseen by a member of the executive board to guarantee that all auditionees are given the same consideration and that parts are cast equitably. Auditionees and their parents may request to see their own audition videos within a week of their scheduled audition. After that time, videos will be deleted.
How Casting Decisions Are Made
Casting is based on a combination of factors, which may include:
- Audition performance
- Acting, vocal, and movement skills (as applicable)
- Chemistry and rapport with other prospective cast members
- Fit for a specific role
- Educational and developmental considerations
- Past experience in the performing arts
- Availability for rehearsals, tech week, and all performances
Availability is a critical component of casting. Conflicts disclosed at auditions are considered as part of the casting process, and actors who amass too many unexcused absences or late arrivals may be subject to recasting if appropriate. Attendance at tech week and performances (including call times and strike) are mandatory.
Casting decisions may also take into account a performer’s demonstrated readiness for the responsibilities of a production, including preparedness, reliability, and respectful, collaborative behavior in prior CTSMD productions or programs.
Casting is inherently subjective, and all decisions are made in the best interest of the production as a whole. All casting decisions are final. Auditionees are always encouraged to reach out to the director to receive feedback on their auditions.
What Does Not Influence Casting
Casting decisions are never influenced by:
- Donations, sponsorships, or fundraising activity
- Board, staff, or volunteer relationships
- Family or friend relationships
- Enrollment in CTSMD classes, camps, or other programs
- Race, gender identity, religion, or background
- Disability, neurodiversity, or special needs
CTSMD does not offer preferential treatment of any kind.
Our Promise to Families
CTSMD strives to create a respectful, growth-focused environment where all participants are held to the same expectations. Clear casting criteria help ensure a positive experience for performers, families, and creative teams alike. We believe that there are no small parts; our ensemble roles have a powerful presence and a lot of onstage time in each of our productions and have proven to be wonderful opportunities to learn and grow as performers. No matter how much we may wish it to be otherwise, the truth is that there simply aren’t enough lead roles for everyone, just as unfortunately there aren’t enough roles to cast everyone who auditions for any given production. The best advice we can offer to any auditionee is preparation. Read the audition requirements when they are posted, pick the song that best showcases your vocal range and talent, and come willing to make mistakes and try new things.
Adopted 3/15/2026 by the CTSMD Board of Directors
