Auditions

Read over the audition notice thoroughly. The audition information will provide details about character description, audition requirements, and general information about the rehearsal schedule.

Read the script and/or research the play. For non-musicals, directors generally ask for cold readings from sides, which are scene selections from the script, so familiarity with the script is certainly beneficial.

If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be asked to perform a song of your choice as well as participating in a group dance audition. You will need to provide sheet music for the accompanist at the audition. Choose a song that showcases your voice. Read the audition notice carefully to see if there is a particular style of song requested by the director. DCP offers musical theatre audition workshops, which are a great way to prepare for auditions!

Update your resume and headshot. Your resume should include your theatre and/or performance experience, if any. If you have special skills or training that is relevant to theatre, please list on the resume. Your headshot does not need to be professional; however, it is suggested that it be a recent photograph. Attach the headshot to the back of the resume and bring to auditions.

Preregister for the audition if instructed to do so.

Depending on the director, auditions may be run by appointment or as large group blocks.

For a non-musical, you will be asked to do cold readings with others who are auditioning.

For musicals, you will be asked to perform your musical selection and then learn and present a dance sequence. The director may ask you to do a cold reading as well.

If you are auditioning for a Connie Company production, you may be asked to participate in theatre games and improvisations.

Some directors will schedule a “callback,” or second round of auditions. You will be notified by phone or email if you have been invited to a callback.  Being called back does not mean you are cast in the production and likewise NOT being called back doesn’t mean that you are NOT cast in the production.

Casting the show is the responsibility of the director and, in the case of a musical, the music director.

Casting offers will be made by phone or email. After the cast is confirmed, the cast list will be posted publicly. DCP will send out notices to those who are not cast via email.

Rehearsal schedules are variable, and we try to alternate schedules to provide accessible options to folks with all sorts of work and personal commitments. In general, plays rehearse 6 weeks and musicals 8-10 weeks. The director and stage manager will provide a rehearsal schedule ASAP following casting.

Actors are expected to disclose all conflicts prior to casting. No conflicts will be honored during tech week or performance weeks.

For both professional and amateur actors, the results of an audition are largely out of your control. Directors must balance countless factors before defining a cast, and the strength of your audition is only one element.

So, do your best, have fun, and if you aren’t cast, don’t be discouraged. Come back next time!