Auditions

2026 Fall Play: The Crucible

Auditions: September 9th-10th

Audition Workshops: TBA

Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday, 4-6:30 PM. Only actors needed for a specific rehearsal are called each day.

Performances: November 13th-15th

First day of build crew and rehearsal: September 14th

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Saint Ignatius High School Harlequins production of The Crucible! Please read below for important information.

When will auditions be held?

Auditions will be held September 9th from 3:30-6. These are open-call auditions, which means that you can show up any time between 3:30-6 to be seen for your audition. When you arrive, you will check in with the tech members, who will add you to the list.

Where will auditions take place?

In the Breen Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Ignatius High School. You will need to go to the lobby of the Breen, which is on the North side of the building (closest to Lorain Ave). Parking is available on the South and West sides of the building. When you get inside, follow signs to the lobby. Once it’s time for you to audition, you will be taken into the theater and on the stage.

What should I prepare for the audition?

A resume, headshot, and a dramatic monologue, about 60-90 seconds long. Please see below under the FAQs for more information.

Are there callbacks for this production?

Callbacks, if necessary, will be held on September 10th from 4-5:30 in the theater. Not everyone who is going to be cast will necessarily need to be called back.

What if I’m not cast?

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to cast everyone who auditions in this production. We typically cast about 50-60% of folks who audition. Never fear! We would love to keep you participating in our program. If you are not cast, we really encourage you to audition for our Winter Cabaret. Your fall play audition will automatically put you in consideration for the Cabaret if you so choose. Information about that Cabaret can be found on our website. We also highly encourage you to join our build crew for this production. It is really good for you to keep learning about the show from all sides while growing in your craft.

What roles should I audition for?

Great question. First and foremost, you should read the play if you haven’t already. Knowing a show is the best way to prepare for it. You can find copies of the script online or ask Ms. Martin for a copy. For specific roles information, please see the list here.

If you need any help preparing for your audition, please reach out to Ms. Martin (amartin@ignatius.edu) or Ms. Kloos (theresakloos1@gmail.com) directly.

For specific information about how to prepare for an audition, please see the FAQs at the bottom of this page.

2027 Winter Cabaret

What will this process look like?

Students will audition (more information about this below) to be part of this rehearsal process, and students must demonstrate a capacity and drive to do individual work. Chosen students will be assigned to work with either Ms. Kloos, Mr. Croglio, or Ms. Martin, as well as a student director on a scene, monologue, or song which will be chosen by the directors. Between October and January, the student (or students, for a scene) will find 4-5 times to meet with their director to workshop their piece either during school or after school. Students will be expected to do a large chunk of the preparation work and memorizing on their own time. Students will also participate in a group closing number, which will be taught to them.

In late January/early February, the entire group will meet to start putting all the pieces and the group numbers together. There will be a tech rehearsal on February 11th from 4-8 and there will be one performance on February 12th. The call for the show is 3:30 PM on February 12th.

Who should audition?

Anyone who wants to continue to grow as a performer! As with all Harlequins work, this is open to both male and female students. We have limited spots available. Anyone is welcome to audition. If we have more auditions than we can take, priority will be given to those who have shown repeated interest in the program and to those who do not already have a chance to perform in a major role in the fall play, or did not have a major role in the spring musical last year. If you were cut from The Crucible, this is a great opportunity to keep growing! If you are in the build/design team, but want to keep growing as a performer too, this is a great opportunity for you! If you are unable to be part of our mainstage productions, but still want to audition, this is also a great opportunity.

How do I audition?

Students will submit virtual auditions for this cabaret. In order to audition, a student should fill out this form between Thursday, September 3rd and Monday, September 21st. You will then be prompted to submit two videos: a 45-60 second monologue of any style (it should be memorized), and a (approximately) 24 measure song sung a capella. This can be of any style. You will also be prompted to upload a resume and headshot like you do for normal auditions. If you auditioned for the fall play, you do not need to submit a monologue.

Please note: These auditions are less about demonstrating your amazing talent, and more about demonstrating that you are capable of taking the time and work that this project will require!

What if I want to be involved with the design or backstage work?

Please email Ms. Martin directly.

2026 Spring Musical: Once Upon a Mattress

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Saint Ignatius High School Harlequins production of Once Upon a Mattress! Please read below for important information.

Auditions: December 8th-10th

Audition Workshops: TBA

Performances: April 16th-18th; 23rd-24th

First day of rehearsal: January 7th

First day of build crew/full cast call: January 11th

When will auditions be held?

Auditions will take place over three days: December 8th-10th, 2026.

December 8th: Dance auditions. These will take place from 4-5:30. This will consist of a general audition where everybody will learn a combination and then perform it in small groups twice. There may be an additional combination for a featured tap number; this is TBD.
December 9th: Vocal auditions. These are open-call auditions, which means that you can show up any time between 3:30-6:30 to be seen for your audition. When you arrive, you will check in with the tech members, who will add you to the list.
December 10th: Callbacks. Not everyone who is going to be cast will necessarily need to be called back. Further instructions will be shared if you are needed for a callback.

Where will auditions take place?

In the Breen Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Ignatius High School. For the first day of auditions, you will need to go to the lobby of the Breen, which is on the North side of the building (closest to Lorain Ave). Parking is available on the South and West sides of the building. When you get inside, follow signs to the lobby. The second day of auditions will be held in the Chorus Room on the south side of the building. Instructions for how to find this will be shared after the first day.

What should I prepare for the audition?

For dance auditions, you just need to bring yourself. For vocal auditions, you will need a printed theatre resume, headshot, and a vocal selection from a musical, about 32 bars, with printed music. Please see below under the FAQs for more information.

What happens if I’m cast?

Our rehearsals run from 4-7 PM every Mon-Thu. These rehearsals are split between vocal work, choreography, acting work, and blocking. We do our best to only call actors if they are actually needed for a specific rehearsal. The cast can plan to not be needed for every hour of rehearsal during the first two months. Once we get later into March and April, cast can expect to be called more regularly. Rehearsal hours will extend the week before tech and during tech week. A full rehearsal schedule will be shared at auditions.

What if I’m not cast?

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to cast everyone who auditions in this production. We typically cast about 50-60% of folks who audition. We highly encourage you to join our build crew for this production. It is really good for you to keep learning about the show from all sides while growing in your craft. And, we have lots of examples of very talented students who were cut from a show, kept working, auditioned again, and had a very successful career with the Harlequins!

What roles should I audition for?

Great question. First and foremost, you should read the show if you haven’t already. Knowing a show is the best way to prepare for it. You can find copies of the script or ask Ms. Martin for a copy. For specific roles information, please see the list here.

If you need any help preparing for your audition, please reach out to Ms. Martin (amartin@ignatius.edu) or Mr. Croglio (dcroglio@ignatius.edu) directly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 I'm interested in joining the cast. Can you tell me more about it?

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

What do I need to bring to auditions?

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.

What do I need to prepare?

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.

What should I wear to auditions?

I heard there could be tiebreakers in casting decisions. What are those?

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.

I heard there are deal breakers in casting decisions. What are those?

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.

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