An Open Letter to the Community Theatre Director Who Refuses to Cast Different People

by Chris Peterson

Dear Director,

We need to talk.

You know who you are. You have directed here for years. You have your go-to actors, the ones who show up, know the ropes, and always deliver. You have built a comfort zone, and you rarely step outside of it.

But here is the thing. When you cast the same people in every show, you are not just playing it safe. You are holding your theatre back.

Community theatre is supposed to be just that: a community. It should be a place where new faces are welcomed, not quietly discouraged. A place where someone can walk in off the street, take a risk at an audition, and feel like they might have a shot. That is how theatre grows. That is how your talent pool deepens. That is how lives are changed.

By only casting the same handful of actors, you send a message, intentional or not, that only a select few are worth the opportunity. And trust me, people hear it. Word spreads. Newcomers stop showing up. Enthusiasm fades. And before long, your loyal cast starts to feel more like a closed club than a creative ensemble.

Of course, experienced actors are valuable. They anchor productions. But imagine what could happen if you paired them with new talent. If you created space for someone who has never had a leading role, or who has never been cast at all. That blend of familiarity and discovery is where the magic is.

You might think you are making your job easier by sticking to what you know. But in the long run, you are limiting what your stage and your community can be.

Casting is not just about finding the person who gave the cleanest read or had the best pitch. It is about seeing potential. It is about knowing that theatre is a process, and people grow when they are given the chance. And yes, that chance might come with some nerves, some rough edges, or a few missed notes early on. But with support, that new cast member might just give the most memorable performance of the year.

I have seen it happen. I have seen audiences rise to their feet for someone making their debut. I have seen quiet chorus members steal scenes when finally trusted with more stage time. And I have seen lifelong friendships form when a theatre opened its arms to someone new.

And look, I get it. Rehearsals are tight. Tech week is stressful. It is tempting to build a cast you know will not surprise you. But if you never let yourself be surprised, you are missing the best part of directing. You are missing the thrill of discovery.

Think back to the first show you ever did. Someone gave you a chance. Someone saw something in you and said, yes, let us see what you can do. That moment changed everything. You could be that moment for someone else if you are willing to look beyond the usual suspects.

So next time auditions roll around, take a second look. Take a chance. Make space.

Because the next great performance might not come from the person who has been cast six times. It might come from the one you have never cast at all.