Ice Casting - The Process of Selecting Skaters for Ice Shows and Competitions

Introduction to Ice Casting

Ice casting, also known as ice skating casting, is the process of selecting skaters to perform in an ice show or competition. It involves identifying skaters with the right skills, experience, and personality to fulfill specific roles. Ice casting is a key part of putting together a successful ice show.

In ice shows, cast members may portray characters, perform solo routines, or skate as part of a group number. Ice casters look for versatile skaters who can entertain audiences with their skating abilities and on-ice charisma. The casting process aims to assemble a diverse cast with complementary skills to put on an engaging ice show.

The Ice Casting Process

Casting ice shows follows a similar process to casting for theater or dance productions. Here are some key steps in the ice casting process:

Defining Casting Needs

The first step is to identify the roles and responsibilities needed to stage the ice show. This involves breaking down the show's numbers and scenes and determining how many cast members are needed. The director and choreographer define the skills required for each role, such as skating abilities, pairs skating, ice dancing, etc.

Recruiting Skaters

Once casting needs are defined, the next step is active recruitment to find skaters to audition. Ice show producers may reach out to coaches and elite skating clubs to search for talent. They may also post audition notices online and in skating publications to attract candidates.

Auditioning

Auditions are held so skaters can display their skills and personality. Skaters perform solo routines andmay be asked to demonstrate specific skills like spins, jumps, footwork, or lifts. The audition aims to assess technique, performance quality, and versatility to handle different roles.

Selecting the Cast

Following auditions, the creative team meets to evaluate candidates and put together a balanced cast. They look for the right mix of skills, styles, experience levels, and personality types to bring the show to life. Contract offers are made to selected skaters to join the cast.

Announcing the Cast

Once the cast is finalized, an announcement is made publicizing the skaters selected for the show. This often occurs via a press release or social media post. Audiences look forward to seeing who will be bringing the production to life on the ice.

Skills Considered in Ice Casting

Ice show casting directors look for well-rounded skaters with diverse on-ice abilities. Some key skills they consider include:

Skating Skills

To perform ice show routines, basic skating skills like strokes, turns, edges, extension, and form are essential. Casters look for skaters with solid fundamentals who can cleanly execute skills.

Jumps and Spins

Jumps like toe loops, Salchows, and axels and spins like laybacks, camels, and sit spins add excitement. Casters look for skaters who can confidently perform jumps and spins to showcase in routines.

Performance Quality

The ability to engage and connect with audiences through performance, emotion, and expression is key. Casters look for expressive skaters who can play to the crowd.

Pair Skating & Ice Dancing

Many ice shows feature pair and ice dancing numbers. Casters look for teams with unison, timing, synchronized skills, and demonstration of required elements like lifts.

Theatrical Range

Playing characters and developing on-ice personalities is important. Casters look for skaters who can entertain and deliver versatile theatrical performances.

Types of Roles in Ice Shows

Ice shows offer a range of roles for skaters of different skill levels and interests. Some main role types include:

Featured Skaters

These are the principal performers who showcase solo routines and lead numbers. They are advanced skaters with strong technical and performance skills.

Ensemble Skaters

The ensemble performs as part of group numbers like production numbers and as supporting cast alongside leads. They have intermediate to advanced skills.

Specialty Roles

These roles highlight particular skills like pair skating, ice dance, or comedy. They are placed in specialized numbers to showcase their talents.

Character Roles

Some skaters portray memorable characters that connect acts and tie into themes. Having character range helps land these roles.

Rehearsing and Training an Ice Show Cast

Once a cast is selected through the ice casting process, extensive rehearsals begin to turn the show from concept to reality. The director and choreographer begin rehearsing group numbers and staging principal skaters' routines.

Cast members also continue honing their skills through training off-ice and on-ice. Off-ice, skaters condition, stretch, and strengthen. On-ice, they polish their technique and practice the show's choreography.

Intense rehearsals continue up until opening night, building teamwork and ensuring all cast members are performance ready. The result is a cohesive ice show brought to life by a diverse cast selected through careful ice casting.

Conclusion

Ice casting is integral for assembling skilled skaters to put on captivating performances. By auditioning talent, evaluating abilities, and understanding roles, ice show producers can cast engaging productions. The ice casting process allows skaters' talents to shine and creates an entertaining experience for audiences.

FAQs

What are some key skills ice casters look for in skaters?

Ice casters look for skills like solid skating fundamentals, the ability to cleanly execute jumps and spins, performance quality and expression, synchronized skills for pair skating and ice dance, and theatrical range for playing characters.

What is the difference between featured skaters and ensemble skaters?

Featured skaters take on principal roles and solo routines as the main performers and stars of the show. Ensemble skaters perform as part of supporting group numbers and work alongside the featured leads.

What does the ice casting process typically involve?

Main steps in ice casting include defining casting needs, actively recruiting skaters, holding auditions for skaters to display skills, selecting a balanced cast, and making cast announcements.

How long does it take to rehearse an ice show after casting?

After casting, rehearsals are an intensive and lengthy process, often lasting months leading up to opening night. This allows time to stage all numbers and ensure the cast is fully prepared.

Where can skaters find ice show casting call announcements?

Producers may announce casting calls through skating club contacts, online platforms, and skating publications. Social media is also used to publicize auditions.