Throwing a Great Cast Party: The Different Types

The night of the final performance is an evening filled with enthusiasm and excitement. The cast party is a great way for cast members to unwind and talk about the series of performances. This article will explain the several different types of cast parties.

"A Meeting Place" Cast Party

One type of cast party is the party where everyone meets at an all-night restaurant after the performance. This type of party is dutch-treat. It is the simplest of all parties to plan because it takes very little organization and planning. The best way to plan a cast party of this nature is to announce the cast party a couple days before or immediately before the last performance. The most important aspect of this cast party is that one needs to ensure that by announcing where everyone is to meet afterwards it does not conflict with someone else planning a similar cast party. Since it is supposed to be a "cast party", it is good to have ONE meeting place where everyone plans to meet after the performance rather than two.

"A House" Cast Party

This type of cast party is much harder to plan and prepare. In order to have a cast party meet in someone's home, it is important to find a cast or crew member who is willing to hold the party in their home. In this type of party, everyone usually brings a snack or an entree. Cheese, crackers, chips, fruit, brownies and cookies are all common foods at a house cast party. It usually is unnecessary to supply entertainment since everyone's adrenaline is high after the show. By simply providing a place to meet and some food for the hungry guests (a performance often causes actors and actresses to be very hungry), you will be providing an excellent cast party.

"A Swimming Pool" Cast Party

The best cast party I ever attended was located at a public pool. Yes! It really was located at a public pool. Everyone brought their swimsuits and snacks and enjoyed a late night swim after the show until about 1 or 2 am in the morning. Diving into the water and swimming was an excellent way to relax after the big adrenaline rush. If you can reserve a public pool, I would highly recommend this type of cast party.

Other Types of Cast Parties

Cast parties can be held in almost any locations. Use your imagination! Consider holding a cast party at a bowling alley or miniature golf course. Cast parties are usually held after the last performance although they can be held anytime. If the cast includes kids, be sure to create a kid friendly cast party that they can be invited to. Not everyone drinks alcohol so it is important to have a cast party that includes other aspects if you want to ensure most of the cast will attend.

You might consider having a game night at someone's home and everyone can bring their favorite party games (like Balderdash and Charades). I have found that the best parties tend to be those which are simply prepared. The laid back atmosphere provides a better environment to get to know one another and enjoy one another's company. Keep the party simple and it will be a success!