cross-casting
Actors playing opposites
Cross-casting is assigning an actor to a role that contrasts with their typical type—casting against expectations of age, gender, race, or persona.
A comedian plays a villain; a woman plays King Lear.
The technique can reveal new dimensions in familiar material or challenge audience assumptions: The cross-casting of the lead brought fresh energy to the revival.
Departing from established norms
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- repertoryCollection of prepared works
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- doublingMultiplying by two
understudy · alternate · Shakespearean · experimental · inclusive · reimagined · audition
Capable in varied contexts
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- baitcastingFishing reel technique
- tackleGear or takedown
- anglingRecreational hook-and-line pursuit
adaptive · multi-purpose · tournament · conditions · presentation · retrieve · coverage
non-traditional
Departing from established norms
- unconventionalDeparting from standard practice
- repertoryCollection of prepared works
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
doubling · understudy · alternate · Shakespearean · experimental · inclusive · reimagined · audition
versatile
Capable in varied contexts
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- baitcastingFishing reel technique
- tackleGear or takedown
angling · adaptive · multi-purpose · tournament · conditions · presentation · retrieve · coverage