Casting and Blocking a Show with 30 Students: Tips for Theatre Teachers and Directors

So, you’ve been handed the reins to your school’s next big production—exciting, right? But now the reality sets in: where do you even begin, especially with a cast of 30 eager students? Don’t worry—you’ve got this. With the right strategies in place, managing a large cast can be not only doable but incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you cast confidently, block creatively, and bring your show to life.

Casting and blocking a production with a large group of students can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. With up to 30 students, it’s essential to manage not only the logistics but also the creativity and the unique energy each actor brings to the stage. Here are some tips for theatre teachers and directors to help guide you through the process of casting and blocking a show, ensuring a smooth rehearsal period and a polished performance.

1. Start with Clear Casting Goals

When working with a large group, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of students. Begin by considering the overall tone of the show, the specific character traits each role requires, and how you want each student to contribute to the ensemble.

• Diverse Casting: Ensure your cast reflects a variety of types, personalities, and skills. Even in larger shows, every actor can bring something special to their character, whether it’s their presence, energy, or timing.

• Ensemble Roles: Consider how you can creatively incorporate ensemble members into scenes. In large casts, each actor should feel important, even if they don’t have a lead role.

• Audition Process: Set up a clear and fair audition process. Encourage students to prepare a monologue or a piece of the script, and conduct group readings so you can assess their ability to collaborate with others. 

  - Personally I don’t always do auditions for large school casts, as I find that it doesn’t give opportunities to all students, for example the more reserved, anxious students. What do I do instead? Read about it here.

2. Keep the Energy Balanced

With 30+ students, you’ll have a dynamic mix of energies on stage. Some students may be loud and outgoing, while others may be more reserved or shy. Managing this balance is key to a harmonious cast.

• Assign Matching Energy Levels: Try to pair actors with similar energy levels in scenes. A high-energy student may overwhelm a more reserved actor if they’re not paired appropriately, while a quiet scene may benefit from subtle energy.

• Encourage Collaboration: Create opportunities for students to bond and rehearse together outside of regular rehearsals. Activities like improv exercises or trust-building games can help actors work as a unified ensemble.

• Assign Leadership Roles: Consider giving leadership roles to older or more experienced students. They can serve as mentors to newer cast members, helping to ensure everyone is equally involved.

Be creative with blocking - especially in groups scenes to add depth.

3. Be Creative with Blocking

Blocking with a large cast can seem daunting, but with a little creativity, you can make the most of your stage space and keep the show visually engaging.

• Use Levels: Maximize the stage by incorporating different levels. Have students sit, stand, or use platforms to create depth and interest. Levels can also help differentiate characters—those with more authority might stand higher, while those in the background may be seated or positioned lower.

• Spread the Cast Across the Stage: Avoid clustering all 30 actors in one area. Distribute your cast across the stage, using side areas and even the aisles if your space allows. This keeps the audience engaged and creates a more dynamic visual experience.

• Keep Movement Purposeful: Every movement should have a purpose. Large casts can sometimes lead to chaotic or aimless movement. Ensure that blocking is deliberate—whether actors are moving in unison or individually, their actions should help tell the story.

• Sightlines Matter: Ensure that all actors are visible to the audience, especially those who might be speaking or singing. A simple rule is to block taller students toward the back and shorter ones at the front, but make adjustments if their movement or expression is key to the scene.

  
  

4. Stay Flexible During Rehearsals

With such a large group, things will inevitably change throughout the rehearsal process. Stay adaptable and open to adjustments.

• Give Individual Attention: With a large cast, individual time with each student can be limited. However, it’s important to check in with each actor periodically to make sure they understand their blocking, emotional beats, and character motivations.

• Adjust on the Fly: Don’t be afraid to make changes during rehearsals. If you find that a scene isn’t working as planned, try different positions or actions. It’s often in the spontaneous moments that new and exciting ideas emerge.

• Be Encouraging and Supportive: Remember that every actor in a large cast will have different levels of experience and confidence. Offer positive feedback and help them refine their performances. A little encouragement goes a long way, especially when working with students who might be nervous or less experienced.

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5. Utilize the Ensemble Effectively

In large productions, the ensemble is often just as important as the lead roles. Make sure that your ensemble members are engaged and utilized in meaningful ways.

• Develop Group Characters: Ensemble members can portray more than just a chorus or background players. Develop group characters with unique personalities, movements, or voices that add texture to the world of the play.

• Incorporate Movement and Choreography: Whether it’s for musical numbers, large group scenes, or even just establishing the atmosphere, use movement and choreography to enhance the storytelling. Simple, synchronized movements can make a big impact, especially in moments when the entire cast is on stage.

• Assign Specific Tasks: Give each ensemble member a distinct role in group scenes. For example, some may act as scene setters, while others provide visual effects or create sounds. This way, each actor feels that they are contributing meaningfully to the overall production.

Give everyone a voice.

6. Communication is Key

With 30 students involved in a production, communication is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Use a Callboard or Digital System: Set up a physical or digital callboard to post rehearsal schedules, blocking notes, costume requirements, and important reminders. This allows students to stay organized and prepared.  

A traditional physical callboard is an easy way to share important updates, particularly

for students who may not check digital platforms regularly.

How to Set It Up:

• Choose a high-traffic location in your school’s theatre space, drama classroom, or backstage area where students can check it daily.

• Use sections or labeled areas for different types of information, such as:

  • Rehearsal Schedules – Clearly list the dates, times, and locations for rehearsals. Highlight any changes in red or with sticky notes.

  • Blocking Notes & Scene Breakdown – Post a detailed breakdown of which scenes are rehearsed each day, which characters are needed, and blocking diagrams.

  • Costume & Prop Assignments – Create a checklist for what each student needs to bring or wear for rehearsals.

  • Cast & Crew Contact List – Include a list of names, roles, and possibly email addresses or group chat details for easy communication.

  • Announcements & Reminders – Post deadline reminders for learning lines, costume fittings, tech rehearsals, and ticket sales.

  • Encouragement & Recognition – Dedicate space for shoutouts, cast birthdays, or motivational quotes to build morale.

For a more dynamic and accessible approach, use a digital callboard that students can

check from their phones, tablets, or computers.

Platforms & Tools to Use:

• Google Drive/Docs – Share a rehearsal schedule, scripts, and blocking notes in a shared Google Drive folder. Use Google Docs for announcements and scene breakdowns.

• Google Calendar – Set up a shared calendar with rehearsal dates, call times, and deadlines. Enable notifications so students get reminders.

• Group Messaging Apps (Remind, WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, GroupMe) – Create a cast and crew chat for quick updates, rehearsal changes, and questions.

• Trello or Notion – Use these project management tools to create interactive boards with to-do lists, assigned tasks, and progress updates.

• Band App – Specifically designed for group coordination, this app allows for event scheduling, messaging, and posting announcements in one place.

• Clarify Expectations: Make sure all students understand the rehearsal expectations, both in terms of behavior and preparation. Establish a culture of respect and responsibility within the cast to avoid conflicts and confusion.

• Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage students to communicate openly with you if they’re feeling overwhelmed or have questions. A large cast can sometimes feel impersonal, so let your students know that their concerns matter. Give students a way to provide you with feedback or concerns - whether it be 1-2-1’s, a messaging system such as email or an anonymous post box to inform you of any problems throughout your cast and crew. Allowing students to communicate issues or concerns gives you the opportunity to problem solve and build trust and confidence within your team.

Conclusion

Casting and blocking a show with 30 students may seem overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning, creativity, and clear communication, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember to stay flexible, use your resources wisely, and ensure that every student feels valued in the process. With these strategies, you’ll be able to create a memorable production that showcases the talents of every actor, regardless of their role.

Happy directing!