Harlequins Auditions

Fall Play—The Outsiders

Information meeting for The Outsiders: August 29 at 4pm in the Thomas Room of the Breen Center.

Audition Preparation One-on-Ones with Ms. Martin and Ms. Kloos: September 4th starting at 3:30 in the Thomas Room. Sign up here.

Spring Musical—Shrek The Musical

Information meeting for Shrek The Musical: TBD
Auditions and callbacks Shrek The Musical: December 3-5, 2024
Performance dates for Shrek The Musical: April 4-6 and 11-12, 2025 

Please follow us on Instagram @SIHS_harlequins for more information.

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

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?

• 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?

• 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.

Any questions?