From Kathleen of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel Mailing List:
When one of your productions is selecting cast members, do you have any input as to who the actor/actress would be after the auditions? Or is that completely up to the director/producers?

Dear Kathleen,

This is, in fact, one of the great things about writing for the theatre. You get approvals over EVERYTHING. In Hollywood, if you write a screenplay, the moment you hand it over, you lose your baby. They can change your words, change the entire storyline, cast whomever they want, etc. In the theatre, nothing is done without the playwright's approval. It's one of the reasons I have never considered writing a movie, because I truly believe one should have full ownership of what one writes down to the last dotted "i". So, yes, in answer to your question, Frank and I contractually have the right to approve or disapprove any actor, member of the design team, etc. What usually happens with casting is a group consensus between writer, composer, director and the music department. Typically, majority rules, but no actor can be cast if either Frank or I say no. We usually agree on everything, along with the director, so it's never really been an issue.

Thanks for your question.

Best,
Nan