SCHEDULING: Later call for children not appearing until 45 minute into the show?

[planetmike]

For a community theater show, we have double cast two young boys for a role. The character's first appearance onstage isn't until 50 minutes into the show. Should they be given a slightly later calltime than the rest of the cast? The cast is called 90 minutes before curtain. I could easily call the kids at 15 or 30 minutes before the curtain, which would give me time to track them down if they are late. Or is it bad form to give an actor a later call time? What about a situation where an actor only appears late in the show? Having the actor sit around for an hour seems like a bad use of time. I definitely would like to hear your thoughts and war stories about this. Thanks, Mike

[MatthewShiner]

I often give actors who arrive late into the show a later call . . . although, I almost always make them arrive before curtain, so if I have to deal with understudies, I have time to deal with.

[ChaCha]

When I worked in opera - long shows- I always gave later call times to those appearing in act 2 or 3 - and definately would with kids. Usually the kids have their own ASM or chaperone who can track down anyone who is late for the late call (if you know what I mean) Though like Matthew, I prefer to make the call time no later than curtain at the top of the show. Also I ask those on a late call to report to either me in prompt corner or to a designated ASM, not just to sign in at stage door.