How do I prepare for my audition at the playhouse?

It is our intention for open auditions to run as smoothly as possible.  There are some things that you can do, however, that will hopefully land you the role that you have had your eye on.

1. Read the Audition Notice Carefully. Performers should arrive at auditions fully prepared, not just ready to perform, but also to present any requested material. Examine the audition notice. Should you prepare one monologue? Two? Make certain you match the material to the play. For example, if you are auditioning for Oedipus Rex, prepare a scene from Greek drama, not The Odd Couple. Finally, based upon the audition notice, make certain you are trying out for an appropriate part. If the director is looking for a tall, bald man in his 60s, don’t show up hoping that they will change the script for your short, frizzy-haired, thirty-year-old self. Follow whatever guidelines are offered to ensure that you arrive at the audition as organized as possible.
   
   
2. Be professional.  Show the director how reliable you are by showing up at least fifteen minutes before the audition. Be courteous, but don’t be too talkative. Spend your time privately readying yourself.  If you have a headshot and resume, you may want to bring these along just to make a favorable impression.  In general, think of an audition like a job interview. 
   
   
3. Dress appropriately. Usually, it is best to wear “business casual” attire. You want to exhibit charm and professionalism.  If you are auditioning for a dancing part in a musical, wear dance attire. It should not be anything flashy or expensive. Choreographers will focus on your dancing ability, not your sequins.
   
   
4. Get to know the play.  Many auditions involve cold readings.  Most of the time, you won’t know exactly what scene you’ll be reading. In that case, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the play in general.  If you are auditioning for a popular play, feel free to buy a copy of the script online or at your local book store. Better yet, visit your local library. Watching a film version of the play might help as well. However, don’t simply mimic the movie actor’s performance. Directors want to see what you can create, not what you can imitate.  Please contact us to peruse a copy of the script for any of our upcoming auditions.
   
   
5. Be honest.  You will be asked to list the roles that you are interested in playing in the production.  Please be honest.  There is nothing more frustrating to a director than having someone decline a role when they wrote that they would accept "any" on their audition form.  If you are not interested in taking a part in the Ensemble (or Chorus), tell the director that up front on your form.  They will respect you more for being up-front from the beginning.  Also, if you have auditioned for another production elsewhere, please note that on your audition form as well.  If you have a preference, please make that known as well.
   
   
6. Bring a list of your conflicts.  On your audition form, it will ask you to list out any conflicts (Sunday through Saturday) that you have throughout the rehearsal and production process.  Again, please be honest.  It makes it much easier to list your conflicts out in advance and attach them to your audition form.  If any of your conflicts are negotiable, please note that as well.  Please realize that if you are not available for every performance date, you unfortunately cannot be cast in the production.  Too many conflicts may also prevent you from being cast in the show, depending on the commitment level of the role you are wanting.

Please click here for more information on our upcoming auditions.

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