Audition Tips
Coming to an audition? Plan ahead with these tips so that you'll know what to expect.
Audition Process
At the Footlighters, auditioners are typically seen individually. The rest of the auditioners wait in the lobby until they are called. Directors may ask auditioners to come in singly or they may assign scenes to pairs of auditioners. Often you will have time to work the scene with your partner before coming into the theater for your audition.
The Footlighters discourage pre-casting by directors; if a role is pre-cast, it will be announced. The casting team usually consists of the director, assistant director, producer, and stage manager if the SM is a different person from the assistant director. For musicals, the musical director and the choreographer will also be present.
Auditioners who are cast will usually be called to offer the role. No cast list is announced until all offers have been accepted. Auditioners who are not cast will be notified by phone or by email. We encourage all auditioners to volunteer for the production in some capacity even if you are not cast. Cast members must become members of the Walpole Footlighters.
If you have questions about the process, please contact the Member At Large at memberatlarge@footlighters.com
- Download the audition form and complete it before you come in. It will save you some time at the audition because you won't have to complete it there.
- Make sure you write all your contact information clearly, especially phone numbers and email address.
- Bring a updated copy of your theatrical resume. Where the form asks for your experience, write "See resume." If you don't have a theatrical resume, bring a list of your most recent performances.
- Bring a recent headshot if you have one. If you don't, we will take a photo onsite.
- Bring your calendar with you. You will be asked about potential conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.
- Check the performance dates on our website. If you know that you will not be available for some performances or for the two weeks prior to the performance dates, please don't audition unless you can reschedule your conflict.
- Plan to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the auditions. Give yourself time to sign in, look over any sides that are available, and prepare yourself for the audition. If the director does not schedule appointments for auditions, auditioners are seen in the order of arrival.
- If you can, read the script before the audition. Determine which role(s) you might be eligible for, and know the character's name. The form asks if you want to audition for specific roles. The more you understand about the play and the characters, the more prepared you will be.
- The audition form asks if you will accept a different role from your choice. If you select "Yes," you will have a better chance of being cast, especially if the show has several roles. If you select "No," we will take you at your word. You are limiting your chances.
- If you are asked to prepare a monologue, try to memorize it. If you can't use a memorized monologue, it's OK to bring a script. If you are not sure you know the piece well enough to go without it, please ask the director if you can use the script. It's better to be on book than to forget a partly-memorized piece.
- Go up onto the stage when asked. Announce your name clearly and tell the casting team which part you are reading.
- If the director asks you to read a scene again with a different approach, give it your best shot. Do something different that shows you understand the direction. Usually the director is checking to see if you can take direction; s/he is not disagreeing with the approach you took the first time.
- If you are cast, please notify the director promptly as to whether you are willing to accept the role. If you are not, the director must fill that role with another actor right away.
- Please do not post your casting on social media until the director or producer informs you that it's OK to do so. Those who are not cast should hear from us first, not find out on Facebook.
- If you are not cast, please don't take it personally. Often a director sees several actors who might be right for a role; s/he must cast on the basis of the entire ensemble, ability, visual fit, and any number of intangible variables. Please come out for the next show.
Audition Process
At the Footlighters, auditioners are typically seen individually. The rest of the auditioners wait in the lobby until they are called. Directors may ask auditioners to come in singly or they may assign scenes to pairs of auditioners. Often you will have time to work the scene with your partner before coming into the theater for your audition.
The Footlighters discourage pre-casting by directors; if a role is pre-cast, it will be announced. The casting team usually consists of the director, assistant director, producer, and stage manager if the SM is a different person from the assistant director. For musicals, the musical director and the choreographer will also be present.
Auditioners who are cast will usually be called to offer the role. No cast list is announced until all offers have been accepted. Auditioners who are not cast will be notified by phone or by email. We encourage all auditioners to volunteer for the production in some capacity even if you are not cast. Cast members must become members of the Walpole Footlighters.
If you have questions about the process, please contact the Member At Large at memberatlarge@footlighters.com