WHAT TO EXPECT

Welcome all!!!

Theatre Alliance welcomes everyone to audition for a show. As non-traditional casting is encouraged, persons of all ethnic origins, ages, and social backgrounds are invited to audition. It's a diverse world; let's have a diverse stage!

No experience necessary. If you've never "done" theatre before, that's OK. It's all a learning experience. Come join us.

A little on audition etiquette first, please...

When all else fails, common politeness and courtesy goes a long way. Use it.

Please remain as quiet as possible while waiting for your turn to audition. Others need to focus and prepare as well.

Don't make excuses for a lackluster audition. If you have reasons why you will not be 100%, list them on your audition sheet somewhere. It looks better if the director knows up front that you're having difficulties (cold, hurt knee, etc.) instead of waiting for you to make excuses as to why you didn't do well. Just do your best and make no apologies. This shows the director that you're confident of your abilities.

When you're doing the reading audition, of course, you will want to show the director that you can work with others. Listen to those you are reading with and respond to what they are saying. The director is not only looking to see if you can read the script and act a part, he or she wants to see how well you work with other actors.

Take chances, but with conviction. Whether singing or reading, make a commitment to a style or character. But have conviction. It shows the director that you've made a conscious effort to interpret a song or develop a particular character. Don't be surprised if the director asks you to redo a part of your audition a different way. It simply means that he or she saw something in you, and wants to see if you can take direction well.

Don't make derogatory comments about the audition process or the staff to ANYONE. If word gets back to the director or staff that you are making such comments, it may effect your ability to be cast. No one wants to work with a Naysayer or Gloomy Gus! Be positive!

OK, on with the auditions!

Upon arrival at the audition site, you will be asked to complete an audition sheet and have your photo taken.

Note: No audition will require a monologue. You do not need to prepare one. You will simply sing, dance, and/or read from the script.

What should you expect when auditioning for musicals?

You will be called into the theatre individually to sing for the director and his or her staff. You will need to come prepared to sing, from memory, a musical theatre song. Please bring the sheet music with you in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided, but cannot transpose the music you bring. You may bring a CD or tape containing accompaniment if you wish. This recording, however, must not contain any vocals. A player will be provided.

Simply enter the auditorium, proceed to the stage, hand your sheet music to the accompanist, move to center stage, and wait for the director to give you permission to begin. Nod to the accompanist... and SING!!

You may be requested to learn a short dance sequence. You will be put into small groups to learn this number, and then will be asked to perform it for the director and staff. For this reason, please wear comfortable shoes and clothing; something you can move in.

Keep in mind that depending upon the number of people auditioning, you may do the dancing first, then sing.

The director will then possibly have you read from the script or may save this for a call-back session. If call-backs are held and you do not receive one, it doesn't mean that you weren't cast. The call-back is designed so that the director may fill roles that he or she is unsure of. It could mean that he or she is 100% sure of the role you're right for!

During the readings, whether at the audition or during call-backs, if you wish to read for a certain role, and the director has not asked you to do so, please speak up. We are all human and make mistakes. With the number of people auditioning, it is easy to overlook something. Don't resign yourself to not reading for that role. Let the director know that you want to read for that role and haven't been asked to yet. Not saying anything will be taken as a sign that you were OK with not reading for a particular role. Don't let others' oversight cost you a role. SPEAK UP!!

No singing for me! What about plays?

At the audition you will probably be brought into the theatre as an entire group. The director will have "sides" (small snippets of the play) that he or she wishes to hear. You will be grouped with others and asked to read a certain side. You may be asked to read multiple times from different sides. This is to allow the director to find the best possible fit for you and to also look at combinations of actors to see how well they work together.

If you wish to read for a certain role, and the director has not asked you to do so, please speak up. We are all human and make mistakes. With the number of people auditioning, it is easy to overlook something. Don't resign yourself to not reading for that role. Let the director know that you want to read for that role and haven't been asked to yet. Not saying anything will be taken as a sign that you were OK with not reading for a particular role. Don't let others' oversight cost you a role. SPEAK UP!!

Offered a role? What next?

After the audition and call-backs, the wait is on! Usually in one to three days, the director has made the casting decision and is ready to announce the cast. You will typically be contacted by phone or email, asking if you accept the role.

If you are not cast, please note that there are many people who audition. We would love to be able to offer everyone the roles that they want, but there just aren't that many roles available. Note that the casting decision is entirely left to the director, and how he or she views the show. It could be that you are right for a part, but the director has a different vision for the show with something else in mind. Please know that we appreciate your time and talent and would love for you to still be a part of our theatre family; maybe this time backstage, next time onstage!

Cast members should receive information regarding the first rehearsal. Please make note of it and arrive at the rehearsal space, ready to go!

FAQ

Can I bring a resume?

Please do! You will still need to complete the audition sheet, but in the space for previous theatrical experience, you can put "see attached resume".

Does it matter what song I sing?

Yes and no. The director will want to know if you can "hit the notes", so any song that shows your vocal range would work. However, it's better to show that you've thought about the role you're auditioning for by choosing a song that exemplifies that character and the mood. Anyone can come in and sing "Happy Birthday To You", but it's more impressive to show that you've done your homework and are familiar with the show by picking an appropriate song for the character you're auditioning for.

Am I "right" for the part?

Sometimes we have problems with our self image. We may see ourselves one way when the rest of the world has a different view. If you are unsure whether or not you'd fit a particular role, ask your friends. They can be the best judges. If you still aren't sure, audition for the role anyway! Who knows, the director may be trying something different in the role, and you're just what he or she has been looking for! Let the director decide.

Why do I have to fill out an audition form?

The audition sheet is for the director to use in the casting decision. It provides a way for you to let us know if you're interested in other parts of a production. We would use the information in case we have a specific need for an actor, or if we have an opportunity to let you design a set for a show or whatever your interests are.

What is the rehearsal schedule like?

The rehearsal schedule is made by the director, based on the listed conflicts of those persons cast. So naturally, the rehearsal schedule is done after the casting decision is made. Typically, however, rehearsals have been from Monday to Thursday 7-10pm.

Are small children allowed to audition?

Of course this depends on the show. If children are being used in the show, the audition notice will state that. If children are used, typically they must be 7 years old or older.

Where do we rehearse?

Unless otherwise stated, all rehearsals take place at Theatre Alliance, 1047 Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem