By Mary Gray
The cast party is a theatrical tradition and more important than one might think. It is a time for the cast to let off steam after the last show and to celebrate their accomplishment. But it is also a great time for the cast and crew to bond and to get to know each other better. It encourages newbies to audition for the next show, and it allows those who had small roles to feel like they were an important part of a successful performance. It’s also a good time for the actors to get to know their director in a less formal setting than a rehearsal. For some actors, particularly those who never rise above small roles, it is one of the reasons they will keep being a part of the group. Some of the less talented actors who stay with the group through the years may eventually become extremely important members of the crew.
The cast party doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. The party can even be just in the cafeteria of the school where you had the performance. Maybe bring in some special lighting, a small PA system for the music, and ask the parents to supply the decorations. Pizza for the cast and crew will usually go over well with everybody, and don’t forget drinks and any goodies left over from the refreshment stand. If you have student directors (older teens who helped with rehearsals and crew), they can DJ the party. You might try asking the local supermarket to donate a cake for the occasion.
One way to make your party more festive is to have games. A popular game at cast parties is a limbo contest. The winners should receive a small prize, for instance a funny hat that says “Limbo Contest Winner” or a big stuffed animal.
Another idea is to have a dance contest. Couples dance to a fast rock and roll song (the “couple” could be two girls or two boys or girl-boy). The student directors or adult helpers can be the judges. Everyone starts dancing, then the judges slowly eliminate one couple after another until it comes down to three couples. The first, second, and third place winners can either be chosen by the judges or you can have all the kids vote on which couple should win. There should be medals for the winners of the dance contest, either home-made or purchased.
Another popular activity is the “Snowball.” This is a slow dance that begins with the director and a partner, then, every time the music stops, the DJ shouts “Snowball!” and each person must select a new partner. This is repeated until everyone is on the floor. The rule is you must dance with a gender other than your own until all the boys are on the floor (there’s usually more girls than boys), and then you can dance with anyone. The student directors and sometimes parents might participate in “Snowball”.
Cast parties should have a designated end time, usually after about two hours, at which point the DJ says, “last dance!”, and after that parents and older students help pack everything up.
The cast party doesn’t have to happen immediately after the last performance and there can be lots of variations – a pool party, an outdoor game party the next day, etc. The important part is that you have an event to celebrate the end of the show everyone worked so hard for. The director should take this opportunity to thank everyone, and usually one of the older students or adult crew should thank the director for their achievement. However, you do it, don’t miss the opportunity to make the cast party a memorable part of your production.
