height restrictions at castings

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willywonka
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height restrictions at castings

Post by willywonka »

If a casting states that maximum height is, say for example, 4'7, does that mean 4'7 for the audition, or under 4'7 for duration of the show?
if your child is 4'7 on date of audition, is it still worthwhile sending them in to audition or is it a waste if time? Assuming, child will still grow further over next 6 months, so by endo of contract would be roughly 4'9 ot 4'10? Casting agent is usually strict on height!
ACookie
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Re: height restrictions at castings

Post by ACookie »

So long as they are definitely under 4'7 on the day of the audition they will be seen. I've heard of plenty who have been sent away without even being seen by the CD I assume you are talking about for being over height!!
willywonka
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Re: height restrictions at castings

Post by willywonka »

Thanks, but what if they are exactly 4’7 at the audition, not under? Would that be a definite no no for getting the part?
Pandora II
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Re: height restrictions at castings

Post by Pandora II »

Some castings say:
UNDER 4ft 4” - Little Cosette in Les Mis
UNDER 4ft 3” - Matilda in Matilda

If there is no bolded UNDER then I would assume that as long as they are not over then it’s fine to go when they are on the limit.

Some also have an age as well - they like Matilda to be as close to age 10 or older as possible, so realistically a 4ft 2.5” girl of 8 is never going to get cast in that role as they will be too tall by the time they hit 10. But... that team look at Matilda possibles with an eye to ensemble roles as well and like to see how certain children progress so still worth the 8 year old auditioning but parents should manage expectations accordingly.

As long as you aren’t turning up over height and being sent away - massively annoys the CDs as they have waiting lists and children taking up slots when they don’t fit the criteria means not seeing another child who does - then worth going as they are often casting multiple shows and may suggest you apply for an upcoming one.

I’ve seen people think that it won’t matter if they’re outside the brief if the child is likely to impress in the room - truth is that they won’t get the chance to do anything at all - it’s just wasted journey, disappointed child and frustrated CD.
FredaBloggs
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Re: height restrictions at castings

Post by FredaBloggs »

Good rule of thumb is that if you/your agent has informed the CD of the child's correct height at the time of submission, and the CD invites the child to audition knowing the child is at the height limit, it's fine to attend. If the child's height has changed since submission, it's worth contacting the CD and checking that the child is still eligible to audition. (Productions do tend to build in "growing room" when setting height limits, so the child isn't expected to be below that limit for the duration of a 6-month run, for example.)

If Jo Hawes is the CD in question, just email her (or get your agent to email) and ask. She's usually very quick to respond and will give a straight answer. Much better to know in advance than be turned away at audition - avoids wasting your time and the CD's.
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