Casting youth/Developing identity: Casting and racial and ethnic identity development

ABSTRACT This essay explores how casting in youth-based applied theatre coincides with an important period of racial and ethnic identity development for adolescents and young adults. Using theory from developmental and educational psychology, the essay suggests that youth experience a spectrum of readiness to explore their racial and/or ethnic identity, and consequent representation, in performance. To ground this suggestion, the authors trace their experience casting, and being cast in, a multiethnic production of Rhinoceros. To conclude, the authors propose several ways directors can signpost casting goals to support youth in positive racial and ethnic identity development.