Coming to an audition? Plan ahead with these tips so that you'll know what to expect.
Audition signups with the Footlighters is done online by completing a Google audition form, uploading your headshot and resume, and signing up for an audition slot. If there is an electronic issue, bring the following with you to the audition:
Audition Process
At the Footlighters, auditioners are typically seen individually for musicals and as a group for plays. If being seen individually, the rest of the auditioners wait in the lobby until they are called. Directors may ask auditioners to come in singularly or they may assign scenes to pairs or triplets of auditioners. Sometimes this only happens at call backs. 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. All cast members are also required to assist in the production in some way. This is typically done by attending a build/paint day, but can also be accomplished by assisting in other ways such as being the dance captain, helping with sewing, wig styling, curtain leg hanging, or other needed tasks.
If you have questions about the process, please contact the Member At Large at [email protected]
Audition signups with the Footlighters is done online by completing a Google audition form, uploading your headshot and resume, and signing up for an audition slot. If there is an electronic issue, bring the following with you to the audition:
- An updated copy of your theatrical resume. If you don't have a theatrical resume, bring a list of your most recent performances.
- A recent headshot. It does not have to be professionally done. We just need to be reminded of who you are as we sort through those who have auditions. It helps us remember each auditioner.
- Bring your calendar with you. You will be asked about potential conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.
- Check the performance dates on the audition announcement or our website. If you know that you will not be available for some performances, please don't audition unless you think you can reschedule your conflict. That also goes for the weekend and week before opening (tech week).
- 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 has not scheduled appointments, 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 options.
- 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 it's a musical, in addition to telling the casting team your name, also tell them the song selection you will be singing and from which musical.
- 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 social media.
- 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 for musicals and as a group for plays. If being seen individually, the rest of the auditioners wait in the lobby until they are called. Directors may ask auditioners to come in singularly or they may assign scenes to pairs or triplets of auditioners. Sometimes this only happens at call backs. 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. All cast members are also required to assist in the production in some way. This is typically done by attending a build/paint day, but can also be accomplished by assisting in other ways such as being the dance captain, helping with sewing, wig styling, curtain leg hanging, or other needed tasks.
If you have questions about the process, please contact the Member At Large at [email protected]