Casting (performing arts)

A casting (also known as a casting call) is a pre-production procedure used in the performing arts business, such as theatre, cinema, or television, to pick a certain sort of actor, dancer, singer, or extra for a specific character or part in a script, screenplay, or teleplay. When creating a motion film, television show, documentary, music video, stage play, or television advertising (among other things), this procedure is frequently used. This participation in a theatrical performance, advertising, and/or industrial film is meant for an audience, or for a studio audience, as the case may be.

Actors are cast in a variety of roles, which vary in complexity. Casting for the main cast, often known as leading parts, is comprised of a number of performers who make substantial appearances in films, plays, or television shows. A leading actor is the one who performs the most important role as the protagonist (or leading actress for a woman). As an alternative to having a single starring actor, the primary parts are played by an ensemble cast, which consists of a number of prominent actors and performers who are often given about equal amounts of screen time throughout the film. A supporting actor is an actor who plays a part in a play or film that is subordinate to the character played by the main actor (s). Supporting parts are those that are above the level of a bit part, which involves direct contact with the major actors and no more than five lines of dialogue, which is referred to as a five-or-less or an under-five in the United States, or a six-or-less in the United Kingdom, respectively. Cameo appearances are when a well-known actor or other celebrity appears in a small role but is otherwise unnoticed.