"I hope I get it...How many people does he need?"
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned veteran, we welcome and encourage everyone to try out for our shows. If you’re new to this and you don’t know what to expect or how to prepare, here are some guidelines and bits of advice that will help you.
Clear your calendar
Days and times for rehearsals and performances are clearly posted in all of our audition notices. Please be sure you can fully commit to the project before trying out.
Do your homework
Do as much research about the play as you can. Publishing companies such as Concord Theatricals, Music Theatre International, and the Broadway Licensing Group give plot synopses and character lists for all titles in their catalogues. Free downloads of script excerpts are offered for many of Concord's and BLG's titles, and all three companies give short samples of songs from most of their musicals. However, we recommend that you not watch performances of other productions of the show on YouTube. How an actor from another company interprets a role may not be how our director envisions it, so do you, not someone else.
Be punctual
Come a little before the designated time, but also leave on time. When the director has finished consulting with you, please have respect for others who are preparing for their audition by trying not to disturb them as you leave.
When you arrive...
...you'll be asked to fill out a form asking for your contact info, your past stage experience, which role(s) you're auditioning for, and what backstage job(s) you're interested in doing should you not be cast. You'll also have your photo taken for our records. If you have a theatrical resumé and headshot, bring them with you. The director may not ask you for them, but a little preparation goes a long way.
You'll then be given excerpts from the script ("sides" in theatre language) to read while you wait to be called in. These are what you'll be auditioning with. Depending on how things go, you may be asked to stay in the waiting area after your initial reading so the director can bring you back later to pair you with other actors, to read from another part of the script, or to read for another role.
You'll then be given excerpts from the script ("sides" in theatre language) to read while you wait to be called in. These are what you'll be auditioning with. Depending on how things go, you may be asked to stay in the waiting area after your initial reading so the director can bring you back later to pair you with other actors, to read from another part of the script, or to read for another role.
If it's a musical...
...there are two extra steps: the vocal portion and the dance portion. For your vocal audition, bring sheet music (ideally for piano) for a song that's not from the show which best displays your vocal range. If you can't find a written transcription of it, our musical director may give you the option of singing it a cappella or to an instrumental backing track on an MP3 player. (Please notify the producers well ahead of time if you must do it this way.) If all else fails, singing the national anthem is perfectly fine.
For the dance portion, our choreographer will lead you through some basic steps to see how well you move and how you fit with others. As such, we recommend you come wearing comfortable shoes and clothes that will help you move easily. Trust us, it won't be complicated. No jackknife jumps or lightning fast tap steps, but we may need a few jazz hands here and there. ;)
Don’t forget to warm up before you come, both vocally and physically. Not only will you be better prepared for the audition, but you’ll also be more relaxed.
For the dance portion, our choreographer will lead you through some basic steps to see how well you move and how you fit with others. As such, we recommend you come wearing comfortable shoes and clothes that will help you move easily. Trust us, it won't be complicated. No jackknife jumps or lightning fast tap steps, but we may need a few jazz hands here and there. ;)
Don’t forget to warm up before you come, both vocally and physically. Not only will you be better prepared for the audition, but you’ll also be more relaxed.
If it's a children's show...
...the procedure is very much the same for our musicals, yet less formal. For the vocal portion, your child(ren) will be asked to sing a few lines of a song they like a cappella. The dance requirements for our kids shows are much lighter than for our big musicals, so a few simple moves will suffice.
Callbacks
A callback is an invitation to a second audition. It doesn't necessarily mean you've earned the role, but that the director saw something in the first audition that they want to explore further before making a final decision. They're usually held a few days after the initial round of auditions.
Stay close to your phone
Once the director has cast the show, the producer(s) will contact you by phone. (Not by email or text.) If you accept the offer of a part, you'll be required to buy a show membership before taking ownership of your script, which is yours to keep. This is company policy. And please don't post the results of your audition on any social media accounts until after we officially announce the cast on ours.
And finally...
...just breathe. Auditions can make even the most confident person weak in the knees. Just remember that the director wants to see you at your best and for the great person you really are. Although this might be scary, remember to relax and enjoy the experience.
Good luck!
Good luck!