Auditioning for a show is a nerve racking process.
The professional approach is to have intimate familiarity with the show, but that is not always possible.
Some directors prefer to see a set piece of your choice for the audition and this allows you to present your best side and others just want "fresh meat" on the stage to see how you react to things that are thrown your way.
In live theater, one has to be able to do a certain amount of improvisation in case things don't follow the script for one reason or another, and the spontaneous audition gives the director a chance to see how you react under pressure.
But once the audition process has been completed, the casting choice lands squarely in the hands of the director.
He or she may choose to consult with assistant directors, production folks or perhaps references from a resume, but in the end the buck stops there.
The question begs to be asked, what are they looking for? The answers can vary greatly, but here are a few thoughts on it.
What experience does an actor bring to the project? Do they have a strong background in similar type productions? Meaning, if it's a musical, have they appeared in musicals and how many and what parts? This isn't the end-all, because unknowns get cast occasionally, but not usually for lead roles.
There is a breaking in process that measures the ability of an actor to step up to a role and to see if they can make the transition from a bit part or an ensemble member to a supporting role or a lead.
Another aspect may be professionalism.
This may be a given in professional theater, but in community (volunteer) theater it needs to be addressed.
A gifted actor who is known to be a "diva" may not get roles because of behavioral issues.
It is often better to have a harmonious cast than a rehearsal process filled with tension.
There is the matter of cast cohesion, and that is often referred to as chemistry.
A person may be passed over just because a director wants a certain mix of people.
This could have to do with physical appearance, vocal characteristics or interaction skills.
Finally, there is sometimes just a gut feeling about people.
This can come from interaction on the stage as actors run a scene, or it can be how the actors conducts themselves when the spotlight is not on them.
How do you approach the director or the staff for the first time? How do you interact with others? Do you show respect for the other actors also auditioning regardless of whether they are your perceived "competition" or not? There are many factors that go into a director's casting decisions.
In your mind, your audition may have been outstanding, but the director may have many things factoring into their decision that you don't take into account.
Finally, learn to live with the decisions that are made, and don't be afraid to ask what you could do differently in the future.
Constructive criticism may provide a missing piece to your puzzle.
Remain a professional whether you are selected or not, and that, too, will be remembered the next time you "walk the boards" auditioning for your next potential role.