Auditions

Congratulations on deciding to audition for a show at Studio Players!

We are happy to have you!

For people unfamiliar with the process of auditioning, the process can prove very
nerve-wracking and perhaps a little overwhelming. This guide is created in the hopes of
easing any apprehension that you may feel. We are excited to have you and look forward to
seeing what you can do!

Likewise, we understand that most people who audition for our shows are not
professionals, and we are happy to provide as much support as you may need. If you have a
question, don’t be afraid to ask either at the audition or by submitting your question
through our contact form

What to do before the audition:

• Read over the character breakdown that is published for each show and decide which roles you are best suited for given the characters’ age ranges and descriptions. (You are welcome to audition for more than one.)
• Prepare the audition sides (short excerpts from the play) featuring those characters. You don’t have to memorize the sides, but you should be familiar with it. (If you are reading something for the first time, it is hard to showcase your best acting, so reading over each side a few times will help you feel more comfortable in the audition.)
• Pro Tip: Many directors are looking for actors that make strong physical, vocal, and emotional choices for each character. Even if they envisioned the character differently than your initial take, they will appreciate actors that make character choices that bring the character to life.

What to bring to the audition:

• Some people bring an acting resume and a headshot to the auditions, and while this can help you save time upon arrival, these documents are not required or expected.
• Our productions generally rehearse between 7:00-10:00pm a few times a week on weekdays and some daytime or evening rehearsals on weekends.
• You should be prepared to list any conflicts that you may have during the rehearsal period (work events, planned vacations, religious observations, standing weekly obligations etc.) Minor conflicts will not prohibit you from being cast, but the director will want a heads-up so that rehearsals can be planned accordingly. (You should not have any conflicts during tech week—the week before the first performance—or during the performances of the show.)
• It is helpful (and highly recommended) that you bring a recent photo of yourself so that the director can better remember you throughout the process. A photo printed from your home computer is perfectly fine.
• Copies of the posted sides will be provided at the audition, but if you would like to print the sides beforehand to highlight them or make notes, you are welcome to bring your own copies.
• Pro Tip: Creating a resume ensures that your information is clear and legible, and it saves you the time of filling out all of the specifics on a form when you arrive at the audition. This link provides information on creating a resume (even with little or no experience).
• Pro Tip #2: Much of our communication is done through email, so be sure to include an email that you check regularly on your audition form or resume.

What to expect at the audition:

• Arrive at the theatre the day of the audition (no appointment times unless stipulated), and plan to stay for up to 2 – 3 hours (usually the time is less).
• You will be asked to read from one or more of the sides that we have provided ahead of time online.
• You may arrive at any time during the auditions, but actors are usually seen on a first-come, first-seen basis, so the later that you arrive, the longer you may have to wait.
• If more than one day is listed for auditions, you only need to attend one of the days. If the director would like to see you again, a separate call-back audition will be scheduled, and you will be asked to attend through either a phone call or an email.
• Pro Tip: Often a director will give actors direction or “notes” during the audition and ask the actor to perform the scene again. This is not a bad sign!
• It simply means that the director wants to see how well you can adjust your performance based on notes or suggestions. It is part of the process and shouldn’t make you nervous.

What to wear to the audition:

• For Musicals: The most important consideration when auditioning for a musical is how well you can dance or move in the clothing. There will likely be a short choreography or movement portion during the audition, so restrictive clothing may impede your ability to do your best.
• For Plays: Actors choose to audition in a wide variety of clothing from simple, comfortable outfits to clothing that might reflect the character that they are interested in playing. Whatever you choose to wear is fine, but it is important that you feel comfortable moving in the clothes (and shoes).
• Pro Tip: While wearing clothes that hint at a certain character is perfectly appropriate try to avoid creating a full costume. The director may see something that you didn’t expect, and you don’t want for your clothes to be so specific that it limits the possibilities. Basic, solid-color shirts and pants are always a good option as they put the focus on you and not your outfit.

What to expect after the audition:

• After the audition process is complete, everyone will be notified by email or phone call whether they are cast or not (depending on how the team decides to do it). An email may come directly from the director or stage manager (as opposed to the theatre), so be sure to check the email account that you listed on your resume or audition form.
• Sometimes the process can take a little longer than expected if certain roles are still being decided. We will do our best to notify everyone as efficiently as possible, and we appreciate your patience as the process plays out.
• Pro Tip: Often community theatre schedules align pretty closely with one another, so some performers audition for multiple shows in different theatres at the same time. If you are offered a role in a show at another theatre before you hear back from us, do not hesitate to reach out to Studio to see if we can give you an answer before making your decision.

Break a leg!