Roosevelt's Opening Act Theatre Company welcomes all ages to audition for various shows throughout each season. See below for FAQs followed by current audition information.
CREW auditions (See below for Cast Auditions.)
Anyone interested in being a crew member for a production needs to attend auditions. You will arrive to the theatre lobby to audition, you will see a sign in sheet, a summary of the play/musical, roles available, the rehearsal/performance schedule, and blank audition sheets. You will sign in, read the summary, and review the roles available. You will fill out your audition sheet and wait to be excused. Crew lists will be posted at the same time as the cast list.
WHO can audition?
YOU! Musicals are open "community call" auditions where all ages are encouraged to audition. Priority is given to enrolled RHS students; however, OATC is known for having all ages in their musicals featuring a range of community members, such as Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, Alyse in Wonderland: Steampunk Style, Hairspray, Once On This Island, Charlotte's Web, the musical, and more. Plays are usually cast among high school students. Class plays are cast among currently enrolled RHS theatre arts students.
WHAT happens at auditions?
As you arrive to the theatre lobby to audition, you will see a sign in sheet, a summary of the play/musical, roles available, the rehearsal/performance schedule, and blank audition sheets. You will sign in, read the summary, and review the roles available.
Then, whether you are interested in being cast or on a crew, you will fill out an audition sheet, including what roles for which you want to be considered, any conflicts in your schedule compared with the rehearsal/performance schedule provided, and any experience you might have, although none is required. You will turn in your audition sheet and wait patiently.
When acting auditions begin, you will be asked to read short passages from the play/musical with other auditioners. This is called a "cold reading" because you are reading it without having seen it or working the piece in advance.
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be divided into smaller groups that will rotate among acting, dancing, and singing auditions. In addition to cold readings, you will learn a short dance combination and demonstrate the steps in a small group. Also, you will sing several music scales after singing a prepared 32 bars of music. You will need to bring the sheet music with the beginning and ending bars marked. If you don't have music, bring your best karaoke track and go for it!
WHEN are auditions?
RHS Opening Act Theatre Company holds auditions approximately 6-8 weeks prior to a production opening. Auditions usually take 2-3 days with 1 day for "Call Backs" where the director asks to see certain auditioners again. If you are or are not on the Call Back list, that doesn't mean you aren't cast. It means that either the Director already cast you or doesn't need to see you again to make the casting decision. See below for current audition information and OATC Current Season for opening dates.
WHERE do I go to audition?
Auditions are held either in the Main Stage or Black Box Theatres. Either way, you will go to the theatre lobby first. From outside the building, the lobby is located through the double doors off Ida St. between N. Hudson and N. Rochester. From inside the building, head to the north side of the lower level in the East Wing off of the Commons.
WHY should I audition?
The real question is WHY NOT? The number one fear is public speaking and theatre is safest, most welcoming, positive environment to find yourself while being someone else. Theatre has a place for EVERYONE whether it's on stage singing a solo, being a supporting character, or dancing as an ensemble member to working on costumes, lighting, scenery, or calling the show as a stage manager, to being in charge of the audience's experience from ticket sales to marketing to freshments. Whatever your interest, you should audition to be a part of something special. So, bring a friend and audition already!
HOW do I prepare for auditioning?
If you can, get a copy of the play from the library at least a week before auditions and read it through. That way, you'll know the story and characters.You can practice some of the lines and look up any confusing words in advance. If you can't get a copy of the play, look in the mirror and practice reading anything you haven't read before aloud because if it's a play, you will be asked to do cold readings.
If it's a musical, you'll need to prepare a bit more. For dancing, make sure you are stretching and drinking lots of water every day. If you have a dance background, be prepared to bring 32-counts of something to share, although you may not be asked to share it, depending on time allowed. For music, after you warm up your body, warm up your voice with vocal exercises so you don't strain your vocal chords. You will need to pick 32-bars of music to sing. Rehearse the section you plan to sing. Bring the sheet music with you and make sure the beginning and ending bars marked. If you don't have music, bring your best karaoke track and go for it!
Is there anything else I need to know?
1) First and foremost, bring a positive attitude! Directors tend to cast actors who are easy to work with and they can help shape. Prima donnas are a turn off. From the minute you walk into the lobby until you leave, you are auditioning.
2) Wear comfortable clothing in which you can move, and that covers you. It's embarrassing for both director and actor if you share more than you intended when you move.
3) Be prepared to wait most of the time during auditions and NEVER ask to leave early. You may be seen once or twice, but that doesn't mean you aren't cast. You never know when you might be asked to read again.
4) The director is rooting FOR you! Directors WANT to find great cast and crew members. The cast and crew list goes up online the day after Call Backs.
5) Show them what you have and have fun! But make sure you don't talk during others' auditions. See #1.
