Auditions

Experience is great and can be helpful, but anyone is welcome to audition. Some of our favorite onstage moments have come from first-time performers.

The audition notice will give you a start time and end time. You should plan to arrive about 15-20 minutes early to sign up and fill out your audition form and participation agreement. The audition is over when the director is finished. This may be earlier or later than anticipated, depending on the number of people auditioning. Come prepared with water, a snack, and patience. Families and friends are welcome to attend auditions, but will be asked to sit quietly in the back and not participate in the process.

It’s important that you read the audition notice carefully to be sure of the director’s requirements. Generally, everyone who auditions for a musical must sing a song, read from the script with other auditioners, and learn and perform a dance combination. Play auditions generally consist of script readings, general stage movement, and some improvisation.

For vocal and reading auditions, you may wear what you are most comfortable in. The temperature of the theater can be unpredictable, so layers are best. Your shoes should be closed-toed, comfortable, and easy to move in. For dance auditions, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can stretch and move in.

In some cases, the audition notice will ask for these, and it’s always a good idea to think back on your experience. For some auditions, your photo will be taken when you arrive to aid in the casting process. “Serious” and “performance career-oriented” auditioners are highly encouraged to provide resumes and photo headshots.

Your resume should include your contact information, a list of other shows and roles you’ve had, your dance and music experience, and any special performance skills you may have (sword-fighting, for example).

Callbacks are the last step in the audition process and usually have more of the same singing, reading and dance elements as the regular audition. They are needed when the director wants to see people again, perhaps in different combinations or in different scenes/roles than before. Sometimes the director may have specific people sing a specific song from the show. If you are auditioning for a lead role, check the audition notice to see if you need to prepare another song. The director will let you know if you need to be at callbacks.

The director will let you know at the end of the auditions when and where you can see the cast list.

Cast members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances and help with production needs. Any absences must be discussed with and approved by the director before rehearsals. Cast members are also expected to learn their parts on-schedule, have a positive attitude, stay focused during rehearsals, and respect their fellow cast members and production staff.

Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from rehearsals. Please keep in mind that rehearsals are not a contract for child care, so changes in the schedule should be expected and parents should remain flexible. Parents are encouraged to join in their children’s set construction and publicity responsibilities. If you are interested in helping in other ways, such as costumes, lights, stage crew, please see the director.  Families are also welcome to volunteer for ushering and other responsibilities through the box office.

The specific schedule will be passed out and posted by the director and is subject to change. Generally, rehearsals take place on weekday evenings and weekend days as necessary, with the last weeks before opening being most intense.

A production runs from 2-4 weeks, with 3-4 shows per weekend. Cast members are required to be at performances as agreed for a successful production. The schedule depends on the size and specifics of the show as well as the judgment of the Artistic Director.