Audition FAQ's

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS?: Please prepare two contrasting short songs with which you feel comfortable that best show off your voice and acting. One up-tempo and one ballad would be ideal. A rehearsal accompanist will play all auditions.
WILL THERE BE CALLBACKS?: Yes, and if you do not hear at your audition, you will be contacted via e-mail if the director needs to see you for a callback. Generally speaking, there will be callbacks for dance and for principal roles. Please note: If you are not called back, this does not mean that you are not being considered or cast in a role.
WHY ARE YOU TAKING MY PHOTO/ VIDEOTAPING?: Even if you have a headshot, it is helpful for the artistic staff to have a snapshot of how you look today. Being able to attach a photo to your information sheet makes it much easier for our directors, choreographers, and musical directors to match up a name and face. We generally videotape auditions when a director or key member of the creative team is not able to be present.
WHEN WILL I HEAR WHETHER OR NOT I HAVE BEEN CAST?: The casting process is a long and complicated one. If you are being offered a role, you will most likely be contacted sometime in March. There can, and frequently are, exceptions to this general timeline. Often shows are still being cast just before rehearsals begin. You will not receive any kind of call or notification if you are not being offered a role.
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL COMMITMENT?: We rehearse anywhere from 2-3 weeks total (depending on the production) with Mondays off. Rehearsals are 8 hours per day, 6 days per week. If cast, you will receive a general rehearsal calendar that lists all the times that the production rehearses. Then, as each rehearsal gets closer, you will receive a more specific and detailed schedule. Sometimes it is possible to release this detailed schedule up to a week or so in advance. Other times, you may receive your schedule the day before. You will always receive your schedule at least 12 hours prior to each rehearsal. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals for which you are called is absolutely required.
WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE?: Performances run Wednesday – Sunday, and generally adhere to the following schedule: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; Sundays at 5 pm; Thursdays at 7 pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees are at 2 pm. Please see the detailed performance schedule for each production for a complete listing.

For Child Actors and Parents

IF MY CHILD IS CAST, DO I NEED TO ATTEND REHEARSALS?: While parents are not required to attend rehearsals with their children, parents are expected to pick up/stay with children during longer breaks, such as dinner breaks.

Audition Tips

Prepare a ballad and up-tempo song in the style of the show for which you are auditioning.
Please DO NOT bring CDs to sing along with; there is an accompanist.
Sing whatever makes you feel comfortable; be yourself. We are looking for fun, personable people rather than "perfect voices."
Music should be two minutes or less, in your key, and clearly marked for the accompanist. Sheet music should either be taped or in a three-ring binder. Commercial books are difficult for pianists to negotiate on the piano.
Know your tempo, and be prepared to communicate it to the accompanist.
Be sure music and lyrics are well-memorized.
Cardinal rule of song interpretation: It's not about the notes, it's about the monologue!
What happened just before the song begins?
Who am I singing to? Why?
What do I want?
Have I invested the song with specific imagery?
Is it personal?
Is it important?
Focus on the right things. Don't focus on what the auditors are doing or might be thinking. DO focus on what the song is about.
Bring your sense of humor with you.
Dress comfortably in what makes you look, and most importantly, feel attractive. Dress appropriately for the show.
Have a 16-bar reduction (cut) of your song ready just in case it is requested.
Be careful of non-organic movement. Don't lose your interpretative focus.
Be prepared. Nothing makes a better impression.
Remember: Auditors are on your side. They are grateful that you are there. They can't do it without you. Relax, and have fun!

Best of Luck!