EVERY SHOW IS DIFFERENT: YOUR FIRST AUDITION IS NOT YOUR LAST The needs of each show change. Some have small casts. Some have large casts. Some characters are a better fit for certain actors than others. Just because you are cast in a show doesn’t mean you’ll be the right fit for the next one, and just because you aren’t cast doesn’t mean you shouldn’t return. Keep growing, keep trying!
WHO IS IN THE AUDITION ROOM? PLAY: If the audition format has you performing a bit of text or scene, it might just be you and/or your scene partner in the room with the director. A stage manager may also be there to organize paperwork. MUSICAL: The director and music director will be there. If an accompanist is available, he/she will be at the piano. A stage manager may also be there to play music or organize paperwork. If the musical requires a dance audition, you’ll be with the choreographer and a group of actors. CALLBACKS: After auditions finish, directors hold callbacks to see more from certain people or to try out combinations of actors. Depending on what the directors need to see, you could be alone, with a scene partner, or with a group.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE? Sometimes a show requires actors to come to auditions with a sample to perform, and sometimes actors just show up. Review the information in the audition contract as well as the details provided in advance. Take time to also review the tentative rehearsal calendar before you fill out the form and sign the contract. Sign up for an audition time slot bring your form/contract to your audition.
WHERE WILL THE CAST LIST BE POSTED? The cast list is posted outside the PAC office and on the cast list page.
THIS SOUNDS TERRIFYING! Everybody gets nervous at auditions—even people who have done it before, and even the directors! The good news is that everyone wants you to be successful! Go in with a smile (even if you have to fake it!) to start off on a positive step!
WHAT IS A DIRECTOR LOOKING FOR AT AUDITIONS? Following are brief descriptions of the criteria that will be considered at auditions and callbacks:
WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT DECISIONS. Directors must make decisions in the best interest of the show, which may not match your own. Accept these decisions with grace and maturity. In rehearsal, this is called taking direction.
POTENTIAL. Only a few lucky people are born ready to act. The rest of us must be willing to learn and grow with every experience. Directors are also looking for choices that match their vision of the show.
CONFIDENCE. Directors want you to be awesome so they can have an awesome cast—they are on your side! Be willing to put forth your best effort in any situation.
AVAILABILITY. Check your schedule NOW and list any conflicts on your audition form. We will honor your conflicts and expect you not to add to them. Students who are not passing all of their classes may not participate.
TEAM PLAYERS. When a student is late, missing, unprepared, uncooperative, or has a poor attitude, the entire production is affected.
“STAGE PRESENCE.” In theatre, actors must have energy and personality, or shows appear lifeless and flat. Projection, speaking clearly, note accuracy (when songs are involved), and vocal and physical expression are part of this, too.
Casting decisions are not based on seniority.
All casting decisions are final.
Directors in educational theatre may be willing to share audition feedback so that you may apply it toward your growth. If you ask and the director is willing to share, be sure you approach the opportunity after you have processed any emotions related to seeing the cast list so that you will be open to receiving feedback.
