[Nettik]

It's gotten a lot of talk over at BWW, surprised not to see a post about it here.

"It was brought to BroadwayWorld.com's attention this morning via a rapid slew of emails to our "Twitter Watch" inbox, that one of the more than 200 Broadway-related Tweeters that we were picking up the feed of, was a casting director, who was 'tweeting' during auditions with her take on some of the performers (mentioning none by name) with live comments, both good and bad, after they'd auditioned.

Comments, which again, did not mention any specific auditioners by name included "If we wanted to hear it a different way, don't worry, we'll ask." as well as "who is that person in your headshot? it is def not the person standing in front of me." and "That is what we call an appropriate song choice! Nice work!" and "My agent: haha i pick my nose during auditions, maybe i'll get a letter" amongst others.

This being apparently the first time that this has happened, both the Twitter-verse and the BroadwayWorld.com Message Boards quickly saw folks weighing in on both sides of the issue as to whether or not it was appropriate.

We checked in with an Equity Spokesperson, who told us that "AEA is aware of the situation because of numerous complaints about the unprofessional behavior of the person in question and is addressing the situation accordingly."

BroadwayWorld.com will be checking in with Daryl Eisenberg Casting shortly as well for more on a topic that's got the whole theatrical web world "all atwitter.""
http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Actors_Equity_Releases_Statement_on_Twittering_Casting_Director_20090812



Here's the Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/DECasting


And I Twittered my feelings on the subject: @DECasting I think tweets from the audition room are okay as long as the actor isn't identified. Auditions aren't "private" as many believe.

[The Very Angry Woman]

http://musicals.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=76074

[what_the_heck013]

While there certainly is a freedom of speech, I do think this is an issue of professionality. I feel like this casting director is just some loser who thinks way too highly of himself, as if the actors auditioning for him are beneath him. And that by posting these tweets, he will get laughs and adoration from his many, many "fans". I will admit, I'll put up a facebook status making fun of a dumb customer at work. And my friends all laugh. Am I a hypocrit? Yes. Am I world renowned because of my job? No. Is this guy? Probably not, but ya' know what I mean.

[Jman383]

[ilovemusicals!]

i think that casting calls, as well as all other types of auditions should be kept between the directors and the actors.

if you dont want the actors to hear it, dont say it at all.

[The Very Angry Woman]

[Jman383]

[what_the_heck013]

[timmyjb]

Reading the actual twittering he/she is writing makes me smile and laugh. I know it shouldn't, but it does. Anyways, I understand why people are upset, but really what is the harm? It doesn't say names and if you know they are talking about you, then you will see it, see that it was something wrong you did, and you can fix it. It could be helpful in that sense. I do think some of the ways he/she says things are kind of unprofessional, not so much about the auditions, but answering questions, but that is his/her decision. I think it is very interesting as long as it doesn't get out of hand

[ActingDude17]

I think as long as no one gets hurt it's not wrong, but simply unprofessional on the director's part. Do they have the right to tweet while seeing auditions? Of course. But it does show that casting the best performers for their show is not their first priority at that moment.

[The Very Angry Woman]

And she continues to dig herself in deeper: http://bwayworld.com/rd.cfm?i=64183

[Ulla Dance Again!]

It's actually funny to see her try and justify herself.

This is my favorite part:

[jazzygirlsings]

I'm actually okay with twittering, as long as it's constructive.

I wouldn't mind if what the casting director said was truly constructive, but a lot of the comments made were just downright snarky, which takes away any credibility or helpfulness they may have had.

It's a tough business and if you're going to be a professional actor, you really have to be aware that these really are the things that go through a lot of casting directors' heads...Although they really shouldn't be articulated in the way Daryl expressed them.

If she was truly doing this during her down time, that's one thing. But if she was doing it between auditioners, that's another. Then it's personal. If she had just tweeted something general like, "I see a lot of actors that don't look like their headshots today." or "If this is a Phantom of the Opera audition, please don't sing something from Hair!" Or even little tips about what to wear...it wouldn't be so bad.

After reading some of her comments, I'm not sure I want to audition for her anymore.

[The Very Angry Woman]

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/should-you-twitter-at-an-audition/?src=twt&twt=artsbeat

[Chevstriss]

Most CDs sit there on a laptop at auditions now. Supposedly they are entering your data as you audition.

I've always suspected they were just IMing someone.

[jazzygirlsings]

I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case, Chev!

My favorite CD's are the ones that recognize that they need you as much as you need them. Those kinds of CD's are few and far between, especially in the theatrical medium...

[kozafluitmusique]

Personally, I think that's unprofessional - but that's just me.

[The Very Angry Woman]

[jazzygirlsings]

TVAW...thanks for the links! I wonder if Equity will be outlining the use of Twitter, etc. in upcoming audition guidelines...

It's definitely caused quite the debate...

She did kind-of mention a specific auditioner when she referred to #70...That's just sick. If that was me, I would want to go back and punch her in the effing face. Sure, the person made some mistakes, but that was just snarky and mean of the CD.

I saw she's looking for people for her next project. I'm not auditioning for that...

[kozafluitmusique]