And, now... Back to the basics

AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS...

 

Audition days are drawing near and I am still answering a multitude of questions about what actors can expect on the day.  Normally, I would say... 'probably not a lot different than other small regional theatre open auditions', but I understand this may not be the case.

Every director (or producer or casting director) and  audition has its own specific requirements, qualities and unique aspects.  I have been to many, MANY auditions and castings over the years, and have to say, the Southwest Ohio theatre auditions are fairly different than others I have attended.   

Now... on to what MIDSUMMER auditions will be like.

THE BASICS - The Open Session: 

• WHERE and WHEN -- Auditions will be held at the State Theatre, 19 S. Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH.  6pm to 9:30pm approx on Monday and 6pm to 7:45 pm on Tuesday.

  • WHAT to BRING - 1)  Full list of confirmed and potential Rehearsal Conflicts between the dates of February 7 and April 21, as well as June 15 to July 5.  2) Resume and Photo  3) One minute, memorized classic monologue (Comedy or Drama).  Monologues are Recommended, NOT required.  You will NOT be turned away if you do not have one.  

• IN the DOOR -- Doors will open by 5:45.  You will sign in as soon as you get in the door.  Remember, 'First Signed in, First into the theatre.'    At this time, be prepared to turn in your Audition Form, Resume and Photo.  You can expedite this process by requesting an Audition Form be sent to you via e-mail and have it already completed upon your arrival.  E-mail me. 

• OPEN SESSION GROUPS -- We are anticipating seeing 2 to 3 Open Session groups on Monday and 1 group on Tuesday (6:15pm.)  All group sessions beginning before 7:15, will be held in the theatre, while later groups will be held in the Lobby.  You may be asked to stay for an additional session and do some additional reading.  I do NOT want you to attend both Monday and Tuesday Open Sessions. 

  • MOVEMENT, SINGING AUDITIONS & SECOND CHANCE MONOLOGUES - Singing and / or movement auditionees AND Second Chance monologues will be seen on Monday at 8:45.  For those wishing to receive adjudication or comment for their monologue, a special session will be held at the end of the open session on Monday.  You may do your monologue again for me - this will give me the chance to see any additional work you have put into it or other changes.  

• IN the SESSION -- Once each group is in the audition room, you will be asked to do the following:  
• Prepared Monologue
• Read one or two scenes from the script   
• You may be asked to perform some Improvisational scene tasks
• The group will be asked a few questions
• You will then be dismissed or asked to remain to read with the next group.  Or attend the movement / singing session.  Those wishing to participate in the singing or second chance monologue session, should let me know in your open session

•  CALLBACK LIST -- The Call Back list will be updated at the end of each session and sent out to the Sign In table.  Be sure to initial that you will be attending Call Backs.  If you can't attend, please let us know ahead of time, so we do not think you are a 'No Show.'  We will assume that you no longer wish to be considered for casting if you are a 'No Show.'   If you find that you CANNOT attend the Call Back session AFTER you have left the theatre, just e-mail me to let me know.  

 THE BASICS -- The CALL BACK Session:

• WHEN -- Call Backs will be held from 8 to 10pm (approx) in the Lobby of the State Theatre.  These are closed sessions, so please bring only yourselves if you are called back.  We hope to end the session by 10pm, but may carry over if I find it necessary.  We will go as late as needed.

• IN the SESSION -- This is the time when I will be looking to pair up and 'Group' actors, find chemistry between them, listen to voices and determine who best to consider in particular roles.  While much of this audition is textual, a portion of it will be improvisational and movement based. Several scenes will be assigned & read.  Some direction may be given and asked to be implemented.  I may even ask you to perform a character in a way that is against character. 

•  CHARACTERS to be CAST FROM CALL BACKS -- In rare cases, I hold an open session and find the perfect actor to take on a character then and there.  I often do not need to have them attend a Call Back; however, in the case of some character types, Call Backs are necessary. At this point, I am only planning to call back actors being considered for the following characters:  Titania, Oberon, Puck, Puck U/S, Helena, Hermia, Lysander/a, Demetrius, Bottom, The Male and Female U/S.  This may change.  

•  IF YOU ARE NOT CALLED BACK --Don't Panic.  This does NOT mean you have not been cast!  

CASTING:

• Principal cast list will be posted on the Facebook Audition Event Page, This Blog and The Springfield StageWorks Facebook Page.  The list should be posted within 48 hours of the close of Call Backs.  Featured and Ensemble cast will be added to the list within a few days after the Principal list posting.  The Cast List will also be e-mailed to the Principal and Featured cast.  If cast, you will have 24 hours to accept or decline your role.  More definitive details will be listed on the Audition Information sheet passed out at Auditions.

Now... You know what you can expect from us.   The next post will give you an idea of what I expect from you!  Until then, I think you have enough to think about.  Remember if you have any questions, just drop me a note... 

To Request an AUDITION FORM