Is it Racist/White Washing if a White Actress auditions for/ gets cast as Alana Beck in Dear Evan Hansen
I love musical theatre, and I love Dear Evan Hansen. I used to do theatre all of the time, but since graduating high school, I haven't had the chance to do another stage production. That was two years ago. I haven't done anything since, and I've been really scared I wouldn't be able to do another show again. Then my mom sent me a link to a community theatre opening auditions for Dear Evan Hansen, and It doesn't clash too hard with my schedule. Theres no other community theatre nearby that is opening auditions for a summer show. So, this feels like a gift.
However, this theatre is not casting an ensemble for the show, it's just the leads. And there are only 2 roles in my age range: Zoe, and Alana.
Theres a lot of pressure for me to get into this show. I don't know when I'll have another chance to do a show again. It might be years, and it might be never. I want as many chances to be in this show as possible. So I'm thinking of auditioning for both Zoe and Alana.
However, I'm white. And while this doesn't affect my chances for Zoe, I am a little worried about White Washing Alana- But I also don't know if it technically counts as white washing?
I know Alana is typically portrayed by women of color. and that is Wonderful. And if she were written to be a woman of color, or if her race was mentioned in the script, then I wouldn't even be considering it.
However, there is nothing I can find that states Alana IS a woman of color
And some of the original actresses playing her were white
So, TECHNICALLY She was not WRITTEN to be a Woman of color, and her race is not central to the story, which means TECHNICALLY she can be played by someone of any race, white included,
But I'm still a little nervous. She is usually portrayed by Women of color, so I really don't know. I don't want to white-wash her, I don't want to hypothetically steal the spot from a woman of color.
And of course, this is all assuming I'm even cast, because there is a HUGE chance I won't be.
So, what do you guys think? Is it whitewashing? Because if it is, I won't audition for her. But if it's not, I will. I want to take as many chances as possible.
Thanks guys!
Sorry If I'm being insensitive, I'm not trying to be!