As APAC prepares to open The Secret Garden on May 3, it’s always interesting to look back and realize where this process started.

In less than a week a cast of 26 takes the stage.

It all started with 500 people auditioning to be part of this production.

I was able to chat with Scott Wojcik of wojcik|seay casting about the process of finding the right people to bring an ambitious production to life.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE CASTING PROCESS?

I think the fact that every new casting provides an opportunity to everyone involved. Actors get to show their skills, creative teams get to explore a concept or vision and audiences get to benefit from the results of that process.

I also love the environment of collaboration. In the audition room when an actor makes choices that are truly unique or inspired and you feel the energy of the room jump and you see the creative team respond and you know you have a contender for the role!

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE IN BRINGING THIS STORY TO LIFE?

Casting is one part management and one part artistic. APAC provides the opportunity to do both to our office. Some theaters use a casting office to simply schedule for them. While others ask for input on talent choices. Being an active member of the team allows us to collaborate and contribute on artistic conversations, which makes us feel that we are really part of the art of the process.

On the management side, it is important to know the show and the requirements necessary for each role. That knowledge base along with the team’s concept allows us to select the best options to give appointments to. I also think there is an element of hosting involved with casting. Talking to the actors in the lobby before they audition, giving little tips based on what is taking place in the audition room and doing our best to relax the actors so they can be at their best.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE CASTING THIS PRODUCTION?

In our current economy the biggest challenge of casting ANY production is finding the highest level of talent that can afford to participate in the production. Adding to that, we continue to battle the perception of the industry that doing showcase work is in some way beneath them or has no value … to the contrary, I am of the opinion that “works begets work” and working actors always do better in auditions.

Each production always has a “hard” role or a few hard roles to cast … usually this occurs in kid’s roles or more mature/senior roles. Coordinating schedules and finding viable options for these roles is sometimes a challenge but that is what casting is about and what our job is … so while challenging, we have always been able to fill each role with great talent and never have to compromise artistry or the director’s vision.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING WITH APAC?

Working with APAC has provided me with opportunities to meet actors I might not have had a chance to meet otherwise. Being able to offer opportunities to these actors on other projects our office casts is a wonderful bonus to being associated to APAC.

I also think it’s important to remember that quality theater happens in so many places and sometimes working a little harder to get to those places makes the reward of the work even more gratifying.

To continue to have the chance to work with Tom Wojtunik and the different teams he assembles is also amongst the favorite things I like about APAC. Even though I know every show is going to be great, I am always reminded of just how great the quality of the productions are when my guests comment on the level of professionalism and the quality of the talent.

I have also seen actors who work at APAC gain levels of confidence that serves them well in their careers after they leave APAC. Many APAC alumni have moved onto other shows and tours and continue to shine.

Finally, APAC allows talent a place to show their abilities and that leads to getting agents, which is always a goal of actors.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN THE CASTING PROCESS.

When an actor transcends the audition room and truly creates magic in their audition. I have been so fortunate to see and hear actors sing, act and dance so well that I am truly humbled by the experience and awed by their abilities.

There is always great joy in arriving at the final casting choices and there is nothing better then when we get to call an actor and tell them they “got the job.” To be part of the validation of all their work and help them achieve goals and dreams is truly the best reward you can have.

Also, to see the fruits of everyone’s labor on opening night, closing night or any night in between, fills me with great pride and makes me very aware of all the work that is done and the sacrifices that are made to get a show from an idea to performance.

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See The Secret Garden

May 3 - 19, 2012

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
30-44 Crescent St (@30th Rd)
Astoria, NY 11102

Thursday - Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

Tickets: $18 general
$12 students / seniors