Auditions

We're glad you're thinking about auditioning. Please see below about requirements.

If you are cast, you'll find that our rehearsal process is based on helping you make original creative choices. It's not about singing songs ad nauseum or practicing choreography over and over – it's about establishing an environment in which you have the tools and freedom to produce something original. Guided by your director and production staff, you'll have something fresh and exciting come opening night.

Please note that we unfortunately are unable to cast everyone who auditions. Based on past audition numbers and the cast size for this production, we anticipate casting about 50% of those 

On the first day, please bring an 8x10 headshot and resume.

Don't have a headshot? No problem. Here's a good general overview. We know that many websites, including the one just linked, state that you should have professional headshots. Don't worry, you don't need one for this audition. If you don't have a professional headshot, save the $600 and ask a parent, sibling, or friend to take a picture of you, following as many of the recommendations listed in that link as possible. Print your 8x10 out at Walgreens or another similar photo place and bring it in.

If you already have an acting resume, please bring one in – and make sure it is updated! If you've never had an acting resume OR have no acting experience, that's totally OK; every successful actor has had their first role. Click here for some guidance on how to make an acting resume with little to no experience.

We are asking for your headshot and resume for two reasons. For one, it's standard in the professional theater world. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we want to see the effort you put in for things that matter to you. Even if your headshot or resume isn't as polished or professional as some of the other auditionees, you can still impress us by your effort.

For acting auditions: You should prepare a one-minute monologue in the style of the play (ie if it is a comedy, a comedy, if it is Shakespeare, a period piece, if it is a modern drama, something from a modern dramatic play, etc.). Try to pick a monologue from an actual show, rather than a made-up monologue. There are lots of monologue databases online, monologue books, or ask Ms. Martin for some help!

When you are lead into the audition room, head to the X taped on the floor, slate ("Hello, my name is [name] and I am going to be performing a monologue from [title of the show] by [playwright]," take a second to prepare yourself, and recite your piece. When done, the audition team may or may not ask you to do it again, or complete another activity. Wait for the audition team to release you, smile, thank the team, say goodbye, and head out the door. You may then leave for the evening.

For singing auditions: You will be presenting a fully memorized 32-bar cutting of a song of your choosing, solo. Please pick a song that a) you can sing well and b) act effectively. It is strongly recommended that you pick a song in the style of the given musical; however, please do not sing a song from the show itself. 

When you are escorted into the room, greet the audition team and walk over to the accompanist with your sheet music. After showing him where your cuts are and the tempo you're going to sing at, head to the X taped on the floor, slate ("Hello, my name is [name] and I am going to be singing [title of the song] by [author] from the musical [name of the musical]"), and sing your song. When done, wait for the audition team to release you, smile, thank the team, say goodbye, and head out the door. You may then leave for the evening.

For dancing auditions: come prepared to move! You do not need a dance prepared. 

For dance, follow the guidelines listed here. For singing, follow the suggestions listed here. For acting, combine the best of what you've read on those linked websites and wear an outfit that allows for movement (no dress clothes), is form fitting (no baggy sweatpants or sweatshirts), and helps you look your best (no stains or wrinkles).

If we are on the fence about casting you, the following could tilt the decision in your favor:

• Being polite to your production staff and fellow auditionees at all times.
• Having a headshot and resume.
• Wearing the appropriate outfit.
• Remaining focused during your auditions (not goofing around with your friends, etc.).
• Not apologizing for your performance or making excuses as to why you weren't at your best. 
• Having a good reputation if you've been in shows before, whether here or elsewhere. 

The following may put your casting in jeopardy, no matter how good you are:

• Being rude to your production staff or fellow auditionees. 
• Not having a headshot or resume – remember, they don't have to be professionally polished, but we want to see your effort.
• Not coming prepared for auditions, whether it be dressing inappropriately, forgetting your sheet music at home, or having a song that is not memorized. (On that last point – everyone on the casting team has gotten nervous at an audition. We've all forgotten our place or made a mistake. That's OK. We are not worried about that. We are, however, concerned if you clearly did not prepare your piece. We can tell the difference between a mistake made due to nerves and a terrible audition due to lack of preparation, and will cast accordingly.)
• Being on your phone or talking when your director or other members of the production team are addressing the group.
• Having a reputation of being difficult to work with.

We're here to help! Please email Mrs. Martin-Bensken, the Harlequins director, at amartin@ignatius.edu!