This semester, Common Casting is even more difficult to organize, because HRDC has included more plays than usual, and has added the Mainly Jazz Dance Company to its list of auditioning groups.

Despite its flaws, however, both directors and actors seem to agree that Common Casting is a good way to determine cast lists for upcoming performances.

"It can get pretty hectic," Brodsky said. "But we try to keep things under control."

Surprisingly, Common Casting was not the mob scene it might have been this week, considering the number of shows holding auditions and actors trying out.

Ezra W. Reese '97, who is producing "Princess Ida" this April, said spring casting has been particularly quiet this year because casting began immediately after students returned from intersession and HRDC did not had enough time to publicize effectively.

The experimental theater coordinator for the HRDC Executive Board, Rob S. Sanders '98, agreed that Common Casting had been quiet this semester but said that he expected "tons of people" to show up last night.

"We always do it at the beginning of the semester because people have free time," Sanders said, adding that HRDC tries to publicize the event as extensively as possible.

The fall semester generally lures more actors because people are experimenting with the theater at Harvard, said HRDC President Terrell P. McSweeny '97.

The Hasty Pudding Theatricals also draws away potential actors, she added.

Although there are fewer people trying out for more roles, this weekend will still find nervous auditioners wondering if they will find their names on the lists on Monday morning. Those who do will barely have time to catch their breath before rehearsals begin.