1)
What is an audition?
The purposes of an audition process are 1) for actors to express their interest in acting in the show and meet the director, and 2) for the director to meet the actors and figure out who they (totally subjectively) think will work best in each role.
2)
Who can audition?
Acme Theatre Company invites all 9th-12th grade students to audition. For our summer show, graduated 8th-12th grade students are invited. We invite and welcome actors of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, and body types, as well as performers with disabilities, to join us.
3)
Is there any cost to participate?
Nope. There is no cost to participate in Acme Theatre Company.
4)
Do I need to have acting experience?
Nope. No acting or theatre experience is required!
5)
Do I have to audition each time there’s a new show?
Yes. We hold open auditions before each production.
6)
Will everyone be cast in the show?
In our summer main stage shows, everyone who auditions will be cast. For all other projects, it is possible that we may not be able to offer all actors an acting role. If you are not cast, we encourage you to be a part of the production as an assistant stage manager, a light board or sound board operator, a costume assistant, and more!
7)
How do auditions work?
Generally, for main stage shows, actors are asked to complete a Google form, sign up for a 10-min slot, complete a conflict form, have their adult sign a waiver, prepare a monologue, attend the 10-min individual slot to meet the director and perform their monologue, and then attend a group session.
For staged readings, actors are asked to complete a Google form, complete a conflict form, have their adult sign a waiver, and attend a group session where they will meet the director and other auditioners.
8)
What's a conflict form?
A conflict form is a copy of the rehearsal schedule on which you mark any times that you are not available. This might be due to homework, other extra-curriculars, doctor appointments, jobs, etc. We encourage you to talk with your family as they may be aware of travel plans or other family commitments. You must submit your conflict form in order to be considered for an acting role. We will do our best to build the rehearsal schedule to be respectful of your time and conflicts. We ask that once you are cast, and the schedule is distributed, you do your utmost to avoid additional conflicts.
9)
What's a monologue?
A monologue is a short piece of text that is intended to be performed by one actor. It generally has a clear beginning, middle, and end. We ask actors to present monologues so that we can get a sense of your vocal acting skills (projection, enunciation, tone), your physical acting choices (stillness, movement), your comfort on stage and your ability to take direction.
10)
What will happen at the 10-minute audition slot?
You will be greeted by a member of our Stage Management team who will collect your paper work and can answer questions. The Director or Stage Manager will come bring you to the audition space. The Director and Stage Manager will introduce themselves, review your paperwork, and then ask for invite you to perform your monologue when you are ready. After you have performed it, the Director may ask you to perform it again with different adjustments. The Director then may ask you some questions, and you are welcome to ask any questions you have about the show, the roles, the rehearsal process, etc.
11)
What will happen at the group session?
Usually, the Director will lead a group warm up and several group exercises. Then the Director will divide the actors into small groups and assign each actor a role in a scene. You will rehearse your scene with your small group and then perform it for the Director. You may then be asked to read other roles in other scenes.
12)
What happens after the auditions?
The cast list will be sent out via email. This email will also have information about the location and time of the first rehearsal. All actors are asked to respond via email to confirm that they accept their roles. Actors who are not cast will be invited to participate in the production by being assistant stage managers, run crew, work on a tech crew to build the set, props, costumes, lights, sound, or to usher for the performances.
13)
Other than rehearsals, are there other things I will be expected to do?
Yes. All Acme members are encouraged to excel at both acting and technical theatre. All actors are expected to help publicize the company and upcoming productions. Actors in our main stage productions are required to work on three technical theatre crews. On the audition form,you will be able to choose set construction, costumes, props, lights, sound, stage management. Our staged readings have less technical elements, but actors in the readings may be asked to lend a hand during the week.
14)
Can you accommodate my access needs?
We will do our very best! Every actor has different abilities and interests. We would love to chat with you to find out how we can best support your theatre learning experience! Contact our Stage Manager at stagemanager@acmetheatre.net.
15)
I’m super busy. Is there a small project I can participate in?
ABSOLUTELY! Come help us build a play in a week! This year, Acme will produce two stage readings - performances where the actors carry scripts and tell the story using very simple technical elements. The staged readings left in the year are:
Emilia, By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm
REHEARSALS: Sunday, Feb 9 - Sunday, Feb 16. Weekend afternoons 1-5pm & weekday evenings 6-8:30pm.
SHOW: 4:00pm, Sunday, Feb 16
Can't do a whole week of theatre? Use the Tech Form to sign up to be an usher, spend the afternoon with us, plus see a show for free!
16)
What if I am not cast in the show?
Not getting cast in a show can feel very vulnerable and discouraging. The director is looking to put together the best possible team, and even if you are a great actor, given the constellation of the other actors, there may not be a role for you. Don't give up! Even though it can be challenging, we encourage you to get involved with the play in other ways - as an assistant stage manager, a light board or sound board operator, a costume assistant, and more!
17)
How can I find out more?
Contact our Stage Manager at stagemanager@acmetheatre.net let us know what interests you, and what your questions are! You are also invited to attend our open houses at the start of each production so that you can meet the company leaders, find out more about the technical needs of that production, and discuss how you can collaborate with us!
Much Ado About Nothing
4 -6pm, Monday, March 17
Davis Community Church (North Lawn), Corner of 5th & C St
Metamorphoses
4-6pm, Friday, June 6
Davis Community Church (North Lawn), Corner of 5th & C St