Auditions
As auditions are the first step to starring in one of our productions, we thought we would share the process and some tips with you to make your audition go smoothly and give you the best experience possible.
When are your auditions?
Our auditions are usually in early summer, as our performances are usually in November. Make sure you 'Like' our Facebook page and keep up to date with our audition dates, times and locations etc.
How can I prepare for the auditions?
You will see from our Facebook page, the date and time for auditions. We ask anyone interested in auditioning to register their interest, and we will send you out an audition pack and confirmed audition time. This pack will detail the parts available and advise on any pieces you may like to prepare for the audition. It is always advisable to register your interest for the audition, rather than just turning up on the day - you will be prepared and we will be prepared to see you!
You will of course be aware of the show we are auditioning for. It is always a good idea to get to know the show, whether by watching it, listening to the music or reading the book wherever appropriate. The more you know the show, the more prepared you will be.
What happens on audition day?
You will be given a time to arrive for your audition. Make sure you arrive on time or slightly earlier - this will prepare you for your audition and mean you are not rushing. Please find a committee member and advise them that you have arrived, giving your name and the part you are auditioning for.
Depending on the instructions given, certain characters may be asked to audition at a specific time. You will be asked to audition for the director and/or choreographer depending on the part you are playing.
If you are auditioning for the chorus, you may be asked to attend a group audition; this will be advised on the day.
What can I do to improve my audition?
When will I find out if I have been successful?
Those successful in their audition will be notified directly, and upon acceptance of the part and once all parts have been filled, the cast will be announced.
We ask that you keep this information confidential until the society has officially announced the cast list.
What if I don't get the part I wanted?
It is not always guaranteed that you will be successful in your audition. At 9 Arch we always try to help those who want to be on stage to achieve their dream. If you are not successful, we will do our very best to match you to a part that we feel will highlight your talents. Each show has different demands and requirements, so if you do not get the part you wanted, please do not feel despondent or take it personally. Some of our most talented members will be most suitable in the chorus for some shows, while other shows may have a lead that has had very little experience but has a particular talent for that part. We will always try to be fair and impartial, making decisions that we feel are right for the show. Every part offered should be viewed as a learning and growing experience and approached with a positive attitude. We will always do our very best to help prepare you for future parts and develop your talent further.
When do rehearsals begin?
We usually start rehearsing around August, but you will be advised of the first rehearsal date and the full schedule as early as possible.
Good luck and break a leg!
Our auditions are usually in early summer, as our performances are usually in November. Make sure you 'Like' our Facebook page and keep up to date with our audition dates, times and locations etc.
How can I prepare for the auditions?
You will see from our Facebook page, the date and time for auditions. We ask anyone interested in auditioning to register their interest, and we will send you out an audition pack and confirmed audition time. This pack will detail the parts available and advise on any pieces you may like to prepare for the audition. It is always advisable to register your interest for the audition, rather than just turning up on the day - you will be prepared and we will be prepared to see you!
You will of course be aware of the show we are auditioning for. It is always a good idea to get to know the show, whether by watching it, listening to the music or reading the book wherever appropriate. The more you know the show, the more prepared you will be.
What happens on audition day?
You will be given a time to arrive for your audition. Make sure you arrive on time or slightly earlier - this will prepare you for your audition and mean you are not rushing. Please find a committee member and advise them that you have arrived, giving your name and the part you are auditioning for.
Depending on the instructions given, certain characters may be asked to audition at a specific time. You will be asked to audition for the director and/or choreographer depending on the part you are playing.
If you are auditioning for the chorus, you may be asked to attend a group audition; this will be advised on the day.
What can I do to improve my audition?
- Get to know the show! we can't emphasize this enough. You will gain a great perspective of the show and characters by learning as much as you can about the show before the rehearsals start!
- Be on time. Don't forget that first impressions count. Being late and flustered will not help you prepare for your audition. Be early if possible, prepare and practice your audition piece and be ready to show your best self to our directors.
- Have your music ready for the musical director to play. Make sure that the directors are happy with the music and work with them so that you know when to begin.
- It can be helpful to have an up to date resume/ head shot ready for the directors/ producers to look over, detailing your previous experience and roles, although this is not essential.
- Look and act confident as you walk on to audition. Watch your posture. Slouching and shuffling indicates lack of self confidence. Keep your shoulders back, walk tall, head held high and step confidently on stage. As you take your position centre stage, smile, address the producers/ directors and announce your name, your musical piece you’ll audition with and/or monologue piece. Indicate to the pianist you’re ready. Take a deep breath just before you sing your first note. Begin! Don’t tap out the beat or snap your fingers for the pianist as you begin to sing. If for some reason the pianist doesn’t play your music exactly as you indicated or you forget your words, just breeze over it, keep going – finish with a smile and a thank you and leave with confidence.
- Do not chew gum or a have anything in your mouth. Sing with expression. Don’t overdo hand or arm motions or try to dance unless told to. Don’t grab your clothes or play with your fingers or hands. Just SING.
- With a monologue, keep the stage movements simple and unencumbered. Don’t try to stage the entire monologue. The producers/directors want to hear your voice, projection and interpretation of the monologue.
- Make sure you have timed your audition to the required time given. Nothing worse than going OVER the timed limit. It shows unpreparedness and can annoy the auditioners. There are others waiting.
- After your audition, smile, nod head in a bow of thanks and/or say “thank you”. Indicate the pianist in a gesture of thanks then walk confidently off stage. Quietly thank the pianist, gather your music and wait for call backs if required.
- Get a good nights sleep before the audition, drink some warm honey and lemon, warm up just before, be confident, smile and most importantly enjoy it!
When will I find out if I have been successful?
Those successful in their audition will be notified directly, and upon acceptance of the part and once all parts have been filled, the cast will be announced.
We ask that you keep this information confidential until the society has officially announced the cast list.
What if I don't get the part I wanted?
It is not always guaranteed that you will be successful in your audition. At 9 Arch we always try to help those who want to be on stage to achieve their dream. If you are not successful, we will do our very best to match you to a part that we feel will highlight your talents. Each show has different demands and requirements, so if you do not get the part you wanted, please do not feel despondent or take it personally. Some of our most talented members will be most suitable in the chorus for some shows, while other shows may have a lead that has had very little experience but has a particular talent for that part. We will always try to be fair and impartial, making decisions that we feel are right for the show. Every part offered should be viewed as a learning and growing experience and approached with a positive attitude. We will always do our very best to help prepare you for future parts and develop your talent further.
When do rehearsals begin?
We usually start rehearsing around August, but you will be advised of the first rehearsal date and the full schedule as early as possible.
Good luck and break a leg!
