Q: When are auditions?
Auditions will be held during our first class. We strongly suggest participating in the audition workshop for extra preparation.

Q: How do auditions work?
Students will be expected to choose one song and one monologue from the provided audition material. Each child will have the opportunity to sing the song selection and perform the monologue one time. Following everyone’s audition, we may ask the students to perform a cold reading if we feel that we need to see something further in order to best cast him/her in the best role.

Q: Where do I get the audition material?
Audition material will be handed out at the audition workshop. If your child chooses not to participate in the audition workshop, the audition material will be emailed one week before our first semester class.

Q: My child is really nervous about auditions. How do I handle that?
The audition prep class will certainly ease anxiety as it shows students exactly what to expect and provides an opportunity to practice in front of partners and small groups before performing for the class at auditions. However, if even that makes your child nervous, no worries! They always have an option not to do an individual audition and still participate as a character in the chorus. Above all else, we want your kids to have fun, and sometimes it takes a bit more time to warm up to having the spotlight to yourself onstage. 

Q: How can I help my child prepare for the audition?
The best ways to help your child prepare are to enroll him/her in our audition prep course and get him/her involved in private voice lessons. It will also always benefit your child to practice their audition (out loud) at home. Here are some tips as you help get your actor ready:

• Come to the audition workshop. Even if your child has gone through our audition process before, our workshop is specifically designed to ready them for our current show. In the workshop, students will receive insight on how each character should be portrayed as well as receiving individual feedback from the director on how to improve his/her audition.

• Plant your feet. When we are onstage, we only move on purpose. Intentional movement (moving across the stage, hand gestures, etc.) is certainly encouraged. The phrase “plant your feet” is used to help students avoid nervous habits (such as swaying back and forth) and encourage kids to stand tall and keep our focus on their acting.

• Be confident. Remind him/her to speak loudly, clearly, and have a lot of facial expression! Find the nervous “tells” (grabbing at clothing, playing with hands, shifting weight, etc.) and practice diligently to overcome them. We have a very casual and encouraging audition process, but nerves try to get the best of the kids anyway. The more aware he/she is of how to “fake us out” about his/her nerves, the more confident he/she will be to give a great audition!

• Know your stuff! Practice, practice, practice! Singing the songs and saying the monologue aloud over the week will help with confidence and memorization (hint, hint). Your child will be allowed to use the provided audition sheet during the audition, but I highly recommend memorizing the material as much as possible so that he/she will not be dependent upon the sheet and will be able to emote during the audition.

THE CASTING PROCESS

Q: How do the directors select the actor for each character?
Each show character has certain traits and personality that the directors will be looking for during the auditions. (We will discuss this in detail at the audition prep course.) Directors assign actors—both new and returning—solely based on the individual audition. Each child, regardless of experience, starts the audition with a clean slate. The directors do not precast, nor does seniority play a part in casting.

Q: When and how will the cast list be received?
The cast list will be sent out via email within the week of auditions. (Please note: Auditions could continue into a second week. If this happens, you will be notified.)

Q: My child didn’t get a lead role. What can I do to help him/her improve?
Not everyone can get the lead, but every role in theatre is important. The teachers work hard to make sure that each actor is highlighted and that the experience is fun for everyone! However, if you’re looking for something to help prepare for the next round of auditions, the first step to take is private lessons. We strongly suggest choosing a teacher who is trained in both acting and voice and will be happy to provide recommendations upon request.

Q: Will my child have a solo even if he/she doesn’t get a lead part?
Your child will be granted a character role regardless of whether he/she auditions; however, an audition is required in order to receive any individual lines and/or solos.

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