The 42nd Theatre Company is a newly established professional theatre company committed to producing the highest quality of thought provoking new writing and reinvigorated versions of old classics.
We are about to begin the casting process for our first production, and although we have our own clear ideas as to how we would like to conduct our auditions, we would also like to invite the opinion of actors as to what they feel they need in the audition process in order to be able to perform to the best of their abilities on the day.
We firmly believe that it is to the benefit of everyone if we are able to provide an environment in which actors can most successfully demonstrate their suitability for the available roles.
All opinions will be gratefully received.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Adam Bambrough
The Casting Department
The 42nd Theatre Company
www.the42ndtheatrecompany.com
Follow us on twitter at The42ndTheatreC
I always found group audition workshops very beneficial as you get to see individuals working effectively in groups and their own strengths shine through during the session.
I always found group audition workshops very beneficial as you get to see individuals working effectively in groups and their own strengths shine through during the session.
I find it less intimidating for audition workshops to be in small groups of 5 or 6 as each person gets a better chance to interact with each other and to be more spontaneous and share creative ideas than in a large group. It also shows how people can work as a team which is essential in any show. Marie-Claire Rugman
I do apologise if our initial message was mis-leading, but what we are looking for is your opinions as to what we can do as a theatre company in an audition process to allow you to perform to the best of your ability on the day.
We are fairly clear as to what format we would like our auditions to take, but we would like to hear what small touches can make the difference for you personally as an actor and allow you to perform to the best of your ability on the day. For instance, we will be using seasoned actors for you to read opposite at the audition rather than a male non - actor reading in for a female part (which several of our company have frequently experienced!).
Thank you.
Best regards,
Adam Bambrough
The Casting Department
The 42nd Theatre Company
www.the42ndtheatrecompany.com
Follow us on twitter at The42ndTheatreC
I am so pleased you have posted in this forum asking for opinions. Us actors too easily forget that the people who audition us actually want us to do well! I believe there is a lot to be said in that alone, a reminder on the day that the actor is not there to be tested but just to show what they are capable of can make a world of difference, and if time allows a short informal chat before the reading can really give me personally the opportunity to truly be myself and relax before having to 'perform' therefore of course resulting in a better audition.
As I see that The 42nd Theatre Co will be specialising in new writing and reinvigorated versions of old classics I think one of the things that would definitely relax me on the day would be to know as much about the content of the 1st production as possible before I arrived. You often have to walk in to an audition completely blind with new writing with sometimes only a small description of the character you are reading for or the section of the script that the casting department want you to read from only. I think we all like to feel as prepared as we can possbily be - it's the only way we can truly leave an audition feeling we have done our best even if we are not suitable for the job.
I personally find it useful to get direction during the audition. This may seem obvious but I have been to several auditions where my feedback (after) has been 'you didn't portray the character how we saw her'. If they'd directed me during the audition and told me what it was that they were looking for, it's quite possible that I could have been exactly what they were looking for.
I should have also mentioned that using seasoned actors for the readings is great - I too have experienced what you mention often and it can be very off-putting. An after thought also, again if time allows, giving the actor the opportunity to read for their part twice can be very beneficial for everyone. The first reading nerves could be there and might not give you a true picture of the actors suitability, but they will have no doubt relaxed a little more before the 2nd reading and you could get something entirely different from them. I often leave an audition feeling I could have given so much more to a 2nd reading because even though you practise aloud, things can be so different in the audition room to what you expect or prepare for i.e acoustics, how the other actor reads can change your initial ideas or interpretations, new ideas come to you at the very last minute (i.e after you've read!) etc. Again, hope this is of some help.
I back the postings above: what has always helped me in audition situations is: direction from the director or whoever else in the room, and a good reader.
I understand that sometimes, the direction of the piece hasn't been decided on yet, however there should be at least an idea of the character and how you want him/her to be.
As for the person reading opposite you, they should give you as much to work against as possible, at minimum eye contact. Too often have I read to the top of someone's head, or to a page, having to work harder to show some sort of connection.
Kudos to you for asking us our opinions. Not many companies do.
I agree with the posts above.
It's always nice to know fully what you're putting yourself forward for, it saves on unexpected surprizes later on.
Also direction during an audition helps me too.
Best of luck with the auditions!
Katie
I really respect you asking us our opinion on this. Personally, I agree that a short chat pre the actual audition, plus aas much information beforehand as possible gives us the best chance to flourish. A good explanation of what you are looking for in your company members plus a brief about the way you intend to work is all important. Hope they go well.
Clear instructions to audition venue.
Comfortable waiting area with soft drinks and clear signs to restrooms.
Sides in reasonable sized fonts if not previously provided.
Stick to audition time slots. There is nothing more draining than waiting over an hour to be seen.
Respect.
Acknowledge that many have travelled a long distance to audition sometimes at considerable cost. Introduce clearly all members of audition panel and other actors if auditioning in pairs or small groups.
Honesty.
If an actor is obviously unsuitable then try to say so tactfully rather than going through the motions.
Also LET PEOPLE KNOW EITHER WAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and certainly by the date stated.
If you are wanting to conduct table readings, then there is not much more I would say you have to provide than a competent additional reader, and a good identification of the context of the scene, preferably given well in advance (as has been mentioned).
If you are seeking to get a scene on its feet, then please ensure that there are requisite amounts of usable furniture available, such as additional chairs, tables and so on, in order that the actors you are seeing can be given two minutes to reconfigure a space to represent their own idea of the scene, before commencing and experimenting with utilsing the space to the full. You will hopefully obtain more interesting and brave auditions as a result.
This is great to ask, I agree with what everyone has said. I would just add something which sometimes happens and sometimes doesn't, which is to great the audition-er with a smile and do your best to continue that same approach throughout. What may help to keep up such a positive front is to book breaks on the day and take them, as that will help you to get a break and re-boot for the next group.
Say, hello and thank you - may seem simple, but I've been to many when such small things are missed.
On behalf of The 42nd Theatre Company, I would just like to thank everyone who took the time to tell us what we could do as a theatre company to make our auditions more actor friendly.
We will take all of your suggestions on board and do our very best to incorporate them into our forthcoming auditions.
Thank you again for your responses.
Best regards,
Adam Bambrough
The Casting Department
The 42nd Theatre Company
www.the42ndtheatrecompany.com
Follow us on twitter at The42ndTheatreC
I endorse the points already made and would only say that I normally prefer to be given the script beforehand and be asked to read from that, rather than be asked for a 'suitable' prepared monologue (where you end up worrying if you chose the right one to show you off and is right for the character for which you are auditioning).
I agree that it is great to be given the opportunity to chat for a couple of minutes about yourself, what you have done and I just love to be given the opportunity for a couple of goes at the reading and it is a joy to be directed. You feel, as an auditionee that if the auditioner asks you to try something different with the piece that you are being taken seriously. It gives the auditionee the chance to show they can respond to direction. Giving the auditionee a little time to get it together helps us to relax and enjoy the experience and hopefully give of our best.
Best wishes
Maggie
12 years ago
15
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