How do I audition for a SEACT show?

 

Audition methods are at the discretion of the Director, but these general guidelines apply to most SEACT auditions.

 

Auditions are open to the general public. You do not need any previous acting experience to audition.

 

Unless otherwise posted, wear something comfortable and neutral in color and style. A director must be able to imagine you in different roles and that is difficult if you appear in a particular form. Goodness knows a Wizard of Oz audition is going to see several “Dorothys” in their blue-checked dresses, braids and ruby slippers. But if you don’t win the Dorothy role, the director probably never considered you for anything else.

 

Wear close-toed shoes you can dance in for musicals that may include a choreography audition. The more comfortable you are, the more you can focus on pouring yourself into the reading, the dance or the song.

 

Several dates are usually listed for an audition. You may audition on any or all of those dates. However, if you are unable to attend all of the dates, please let the producer or director know.

 

You will be asked to complete an audition form requesting your personal information (name, address, telephone numbers, email address, age, previous acting experience (if any), roles you are interested in, etc. You may also have your digital photo taken.

 

Be honest on your audition form. List rehearsal conflicts on the back. Know going in that these might affect how you are cast and whether or not you are cast, but depending on your role the director may be able to work around them. There is nothing more frustrating for cast and crew than unanticipated absences from co-actors.

 

The director will open with introductions of the crew and SEACT board members present.

 

If the production is a musical, you will be given an opportunity to learn and sing part of a song from the show in a group. If you are interested in a lead or featured role as opposed to the chorus, you will be asked to sing first in a small group and then solo on stage.

 

You will be given the opportunity to perform basic dance steps in a group with instruction from the choreographer.  All will take place on stage.

 

You will be paired or grouped with one or more other people auditioning and be given a scene or section of a scene from the production to read.  This reading will also take place on the stage.

Often each person auditioning will be asked to go through the process of reading with several different partners during the audition period.

 

Typically, a limited number of scripts are available to review two weeks prior to auditions. Contact the SEACT office to make an appointment. Scripts may not be removed from the SEACT office.

 

Once the auditions have taken place, most often the cast list is posted the next day.  This list can be found on the front door of the Cultural Arts Center, at the web site and on our Facebook page.

 

Rehearsals are normally held from 2 PM until 5 PM on Sundays, and from 6 or 7 PM until 9 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  These rehearsals usually begin the Thursday after auditions and last until opening night.  The closer the rehearsals get to opening night, the more likely the director will schedule nightly rehearsals, including Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  The rehearsals may also require a longer period of time each night.

 

Performances for season productions are normally scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday nights at 7:00 PM. Cast call for performances is usually one hour prior to the performance time.  You must not have any conflicts with any of the performance and cast call times.

 

Set strike may be scheduled for the Saturday night after the last performance or the following Sunday. Participation in set strike is considered mandatory for cast and crew.

 

Another frequent question is, “What are the directors looking for?” Directors and producers consider a number of factors when casting a show. Most of the following apply, in no particular order.

 

1. Ability and “fit” for the particular role is important (age, sex, height). However, these things are considered within the context of the rest of this list.

 

2. Can I see and hear the actor? Actors on stage must understand that a raised eyebrow isn’t a raised eyebrow unless the back row can see it. A whisper isn’t a whisper unless the back row can hear it. Projection of action and sound is critical.

 

3. Will this actor be committed to the rehearsal and show schedule?

 

4. Will this actor represent SEACT in a professional way, serving as a role model for other actors and audience? Perhaps even volunteering for other aspects of the production such as painting a set or pulling costumes?

 

SEACT welcomes new faces, though your first try may seem intimidating. You’re only the new kid on the block once. After your first SEACT production, your only question will be, “When can I come back?”