Many directors prefer to cast seasoned, experienced actors rather than train up "new blood," especially if the play they are directing is difficult, or if they have limited time. Regional theater directors know the advantages of having a resident company from which to draw for an entire season, and community theater audiences love coming to show after show to see the same actors play many different roles. Needless to say, actors love the stability of steady work (even if they aren't paid), and the opportunity to build a career and following in one location. But there are also benefits to starting fresh with new talent and taking the time to show them the ropes. First-time actors haven't yet developed any bad acting habits, mannerisms and crutches, other than what they have picked up watching weak actors, especially on television. Those are fairly easy to break, once a director calls attention to them, because they aren't reinforced by actual stage experience. First-time actors are often eager to learn, and can be taught that the play is more important than their part in it. Many experienced actors go from show to show thinking about nothing more than how they will present themselves. Initiates can be taught to appreciate the big picture, and choose to serve the greater good. New actors are more likely to pay attention during rehearsals and are more eager to please, but only if they are fully committed. First-timers who might rather be playing basketball or shopping, or who think play production is glamorous and a fast track to popularity are the ones who give neophytes a bad name. But if someone hears the inner call to drama, a director can count on them to be there even when the going gets tough. Bringing first-time actors up to speed takes time, and a director is well-advised to do what is necessary to lay a strong foundation, even before the actual work of staging a show begins. Describe the play's history, its playwright, cultural context, psychological underpinning, and the theme or world view. Explain your concept, and the effect you want the show to have on your audiences. Encourage them to buy in to your vision and sense of purpose. If possible, cast first-timers in smaller, less demanding roles. There's no point in overwhelming someone their first time out. A good director casts in such a way as to challenge the actors, but not set them up for failure. Explain the casting process. Go through the rehearsal schedule. Demonstrate how good actors listen to their fellows, and make eye contact with them even during the first read-through. Walk through the areas of the stage with them, so they know, from the actor's point of view, where RIGHT and LEFT, UP and DOWN STAGE are. Show them the model of the set, or the drawings, and give them their own floor plan to put in their scripts. Be sure to have all-cast warm-ups, beginning with roll call (even with a small cast). Many actors like to warm up on their own, but for newcomers to the theater, communal vocal and physical warm-ups build community, trust, and confidence. Shut down horseplay among the "regulars," and recruit them to help raise up the newcomers. This means breaking the cliques and rewarding those with experience who are willing to be mentors to the beginners. During the rehearsal process, give newcomers special attention and praise. Most directors focus on the leads to carry the show. But if you build up their support, the leads will feel less of a burden. Also, the beginners will realize they too are an integral part of the process, and not just observers or walking scenery. Be aware that as opening night approaches, beginners will feel a double dose of nervousness. They'll have the usual opening night jitters, but will also be dealing with the fear of a totally new experience. Even someone in their 60s or 70s is going to feel like a little kid at that moment. Reassure them that you are glad they are part of the cast, and that you are proud of them. The director can become the "proud parent," giving them a smile and a little push. Afterwards, acknowledge some kind of "rite of passage" for the beginners, who have now entered into the ranks of "experienced" performers. They'll quickly take up the mantle and help the next wave of newcomers feel at home in the theater. A new generation of actors is born, and the tradition continues, at least until the next show comes around.
Below are texts and organizations to help you stage your own play. | 
