Behind the Casting Curtain

May 16, 2025

With over 400 talented students recently auditioning for this year’s Stagecoach Summer Showcase performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the GLive Guildford, and the final casting day almost upon us, we thought we’d share some insight on how the creative team allocates roles.

Having been truly inspired by the passion, energy, and commitment shown by every performer during the student audition process, it was already a challenge to shortlist performers. Now, the Stagecoach team have some more tough decisions to make.

Here's a look behind the scenes at how we match young performers to roles, blending technical ability with soft skills, personality, and potential.

Soft skills matter

While strong performance skills in acting, singing, and dancing are essential, casting a Stagecoach Summer Showcase - especially one as vibrant and character-rich as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - requires looking at the bigger picture.

How determined and committed are cast members to particular roles and how much do they want them; are they a team player with a flexible attitude who can support other performers; do they have the resilience, focus and stamina for lengthy scenes?

Every role comes with its own unique demands, and during the student audition process our creative team carefully considers which performers are best equipped for each role and to bring the characters to life.

Voice, style & stamina

Casting lead roles is particularly tricky for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Take Caractacus Potts, for example - the eccentric inventor at the heart of the story. This role requires:

● Strong vocal ability to carry songs like “Hushabye Mountain” and “Me Ol’ Bamboo.”

● Emotional range to show both heartfelt moments with his children and the quick-witted humour that defines his character.

● Stage stamina to carry a major portion of the show’s narrative.

Similarly, Truly Scrumptious needs someone who not only has a clear, expressive singing voice for “Doll on a Music Box,” but who also exudes warmth and strength - an inspiring presence for both the audience and fellow characters.

Movement & musicality

Choreography is a key part of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang magic, ensemble and dance-heavy roles demand a high level of energy and precision.

For these roles, the creative team will look at, dance technique, timing and coordination as well as the ability to work in sync with others.

With group numbers like “Toot Sweets” or “Bombie Samba,” the ensemble is the heartbeat of the show, and those cast in these roles often shine just as brightly as the leads!

The right personality for the right part

Some roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang call for a strong sense of comedy or villainy, such as the exaggerated antics of the Baron and Baroness Bomburst, or the deliciously menacing Childcatcher.

They require performers who have a flair for physical comedy or stylised performance, can take creative risks, and possess the confidence to command the stage.

Sometimes, casting these parts isn’t about who gave the most “perfect” audition - it’s about the best fit and a student’s ability which combined with the right direction transforms their role into something truly unique.

It also comes down to the Director’s interpretation of a certain role and how it can be adapted to fit a performer.

Creative connections

During the final casting stage, the creative team is also looking out for chemistry - how performers connect with one another and come together as one big family. A great Jeremy and Jemima need to feel like real siblings onstage. A convincing Potts and Truly pairing must have warmth and timing that supports their shared journey.

Sometimes, a performer may not land the role they initially hoped for, but they may be the perfect fit for a character they hadn’t considered. That’s the magic of theatre: discovering unexpected strengths and helping each student grow.

A showcase of talent and transformation

As we move towards the final casting stage of the student audition process in the coming weeks, we’re reminded that the Stagecoach Summer Showcase of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at GLive Guildford is about more than putting on a spectacular show (though we promise it will be just that!). It’s also a chance for young performers to stretch themselves, grow in confidence, and experience the transformative power of live theatre.

To everyone who auditioned - thank you. The creative team is now working hard to finalise a cast from shortlisted students that celebrates the full spectrum of talent, personality, and promise that makes all Stagecoach students and schools so special.

DON’T MISS IT – Tickets are now on sale. Get yours here.

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£25.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£137.00
Total Fee (per term)	£162.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£25.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £70.00 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£140.00
Total Fee (per term)	£165.00

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£274.00
Total Fee (per term)	£324.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £138.50 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£277.00
Total Fee (per term)	£327.00

A sibling discount of 50% is available when enrolling a student to our Main Stages or Further Stages Schools.

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£274.00
Total Fee (per term)	£324.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £106.50 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£277.00
Total Fee (per term) for 3 hour class *	£327.00

* Please contact your Principal for Further Stages class / payment options. A sibling discount of 50% is available to families enrolling a second or subsequent student to our Main Stages or Further Stages Schools.

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