The Audition FAQ
Frequently asked questions about auditioning for musical theatre and straight theatre.

Q: Should I Audition?

A: Almost always. If you think you don't like the role, wait and decide after you have auditioned. After your reading you might see the role in a different light, or the director might change his/her mind about what they are looking for. It is also possible that you don't have enough faith in your abilities, and could turn away from auditioning for a role you don't think you're ready for but you'd be perfect for. You can always turn down the role later, but you won't have that option if you don't audition! Just remember that if you do turn it down, do it nicely.

Q: Should I Bother Going to An Open Call?

A: The actor's union requires Broadway theatre productions to conduct an open call so that any member of Equity can be seen for the play. Actors often complain, however, that they are auditioning for roles that are already cast. (The producers are playing by the rules: they are holding the open call, but only after they have auditioned their choices and cast the show). Even if the chances of landing a role are few, it is still a chance to get together with other actors and catch up on the latest gossip and make some contacts. Besides, you might get lucky!

Q: What Should I Wear to the audition?

A: Dress appropriately, but it is not advisable to wear a costume. If you don't know what is appropriate, wear something unobtrusive that won't draw attention to itself, so that your acting is what they will pay attention to.

If you asked to a second audition or call-back, always wear the same outfit, no matter how many times you have to go back. You might think that they will assume that you are a grubby out-of-work actor who can't afford a change of clothes, but this is not the case. Instead of trying to remember the name of everyone who auditions for them, directors will make mental notes about what you are wearing to help identify you. If you show up at each audition wearing a different outfit, they may not remember who you are.

Q: If the Show Takes Place in a Certain Country or Time Period, Should I Audition With an Accent?

A: You should only audition with an accent if one of the following is true:

1) You have a natural accent or you are exceptionally good at imitating it (even then you should always ask if they would like to hear it with/without)

2) The director has specifically stated that he/she would like you to audition with an accent.

Auditioning with an accent can be disastrous unless done really well. An unrealistic/bad accent will lose all chances of a role, regardless of your otherwise sensational acting ability. When it comes to accents, less is more. And when in doubt, ask.

Q: What Should I Do If I Arrive Late For My Audition?

A: First, find out if you have caused any inconvenience. Ask the stage manager or the secretary if they have inquired about you or noticed that you were late. If not, say no more about it. What they don't know won't hurt them. But if you have caused an inconvenience, according to Michael Shurtleff the casting director, you should tell them that you were held up at another audition. Although it is usually not a good idea to lie, this is one time when it is justified, for several reasons. One, it saves you from trying to explain an excuse that they care nothing about (your health, the traffic, the dog threw up on your shoe) and it appears that you are in demand. They are producers and directors too, so they will understand. They often have to delay actors at auditions.

Q: What should non-dancers wear to a dance audition?

A: There are two important things to address when it comes to dance clothing:

1) Freedom of movement - you need something that is going to allow you to move freely. You need to be able to concentrate on the dancing and not what your clothes are doing or preventing you from doing. Simple checks that your clothes are appropriate might include kicking as high as you can and raising your arms over your head. You want to be able to do these things without having to "fix" your clothes afterwards (i.e. pulling up your pants, pulling your shirt down).

2) Look and line - this isn't a fashion show, but how you look DOES matter. First of all, even if your resume tells them you aren't a dancer, nothing screams "I don't know how to dance" more than baggy clothes. Second, they will be assessing your posture, positioning and body line in the audition, and wearing something baggy makes it much harder for them to do this.

Q: How should I prepare my sheet music for the accompanist who will be provided at the audition. They are asking for only 16 bars of music.

A: Always take sheet music for the entire piece, as even though they are asking for 16 bars, they will sometimes ask for more if they are interested in you. Indicate with a star above the starting and ending bars - do not cross out any of the music.

If you have more than two pages, they should be attached accordian-style to minimize page-turning. Regular paper is fine - no need to mount them on anything.

 

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