TIPS FOR AUDITIONING

BE PREPARED.

If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. Memorize your selection and practice it many times.

BE KIND TO EVERYONE & SMILE.

Remember that your audition for every show begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed.

BE ON TIME.

We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to auditions so that all of your paperwork can be completed before you go in for your auditions. Arriving early also gives you time to relax and focus and not feel rushed.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY.

At the Ross Ragland Theater, we always ask that actors come dressed for movement. This means you should dress in clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement, but still be neat, clean and nice looking. (Please, no flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must. Dance shoes are appropriate).

INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression.

MISTAKES HAPPEN.

If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure.

IT’S OKAY TO BE NERVOUS.

Don’t worry about being nervous. Just about everyone is nervous. Do your best to smile and have a good time.

FAQ

WHAT IS AN AUDITION?

An audition is an opportunity “try out” for a role in a performance. In theatre, auditions are how the directors of a show cast (assign) the roles in that show. Actors show off their talents and abilities so that the people casting the show can see who they have to work with and put the best cast together that fits their artistic vision for the production.

WHO CAN AUDITION?

For all of our community productions, auditions are open to anyone! Sometimes, particular shows are limited to students in particular grades or classes or to other smaller groups. Often, we do shows that require younger actors to fill roles. These auditions are typically open to local elementary, middle and high school students.

WHAT ARE CALLBACKS?

Directors hold callbacks when they want to learn more about particular actors after an initial audition. The director may call back certain actors for certain roles to see how they fit those particular roles or just to see what else those actors can do. Callbacks are only held at the discretion of the director and they are not always needed. While callbacks can sometimes feel like an elimination round in a contest, it is important to keep in mind that the director could still cast anyone in any role, even if they have not been called back. Often, directors only need to look at a handful of actors in greater depth for a few specific roles. Nobody is entitled to a callback, as they are purely a tool that the director uses to help him/her build on the decisions that have already been made after the first round of auditions. For a musical callback, usually actors are called back for specific roles and asked to prepare particular sections of songs and dialogue (sides) for those characters. Sometimes, a dance callback may be necessary as well.

WHY DIDN’T I GET CAST OR CALLED BACK? WAS I THAT BAD?

No! This is part of being an actor. Sometimes you get the part and sometimes you don’t. Auditioning is a matching process and sometimes your talents aren’t a match for what is needed for that specific production. That doesn’t mean your talents aren’t needed in the future! Rejection isn’t great, but it’s a big part of being an actor.