I've posted a message about this elsewhere, but this appears to be a more active discussion forum. Here's my story:

I have very little theatre experience, but am very interested in getting involved. There is a small community theatre near my house that I really like and want to be a part of. I auditioned for a show back in June and wasn't cast, but I was okay with that because it was my first-ever acting audition (I've only done dancing and singing before). Fast forward to this past weekend. I auditioned for a musical with a very small cast (only 2 female roles, no chorus). I have been preparing for the audition for over 4 weeks. The first night of auditions I was pleasantly surprised to hear other people sing and realize that there weren't too many who were *clearly* better than me. When I got up to sing, I had some trouble saying in sync with the accompanist (still not sure if that was her fault or mine). The dance audition went well. It was a very simple and short routine. I have been on a dance company at a large university, so I wasn't too worried about the dance. When it came time to read, I was very excited because I had studied the script very hard and felt very prepared to give a good reading. Well, we were short on time and I only got to read one line. I should mention that I have worked backstage on one of the productions for this theatre and got to know 2-3 people who are involved in the casting of the current show.

There were 2 nights of audition and I felt bad about the trouble I had with my song so I asked the directors if I could sing the second night as well (not the usual protocal). They said that I could if there was time. So, I showed up early to the next audition and spoke with the accompanist again to ensure we were clear on the tempo of the song. There weren't as many people the second night and we had 3 hours instead of 2, so they let me sing again and I think I did quite well (anyone who knows me will say that I am my harshest critic, so I don't think my ego is inflated in this respect). After the dance part of the audition we moved on to the readings with over 90 minutes left. I was glad because I really wanted to get a chance to read. Well, what happened was that after about 45 minutes of readings, they announced that the audition was over (nearly 1 hour early). I was kind of upset because I wanted to read. Even the people who were *terrible* (meaning they didn't have the song memorized and were nowhere *near* the right pitches) got to read more than one line. . . .

I figured that they would probably invite me to callback to hear me read--if for no other reason than they didn't get a chance in the first 2 nights. Well, they didn't. Now I'm just waiting for a phone call saying yea or nay. I would think that my chances were pretty slim since I wasn't invited to the callback, but the director said in the first night of auditions that not getting invited to callbacks didn't necessarily mean you didn't get cast. I know I'll find out soon enough, but I'm just sort of perplexed as to why they wouldn't let me read. I just read the thread on here about precasting and am wondering if that could be involved. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

(sorry this message is so long, I kind of needed to vent)

Megan, I can feel the disappointment in you message. There is really no way for you to know what happened with your audition, is there? Maybe a good way to work your way into the group would be to show up at a work day or volunteer to help with props or costumes or in some other area. It could be that once they know you they will find parts for you. It isn't necessarily that the show was precast, or the group is cliqu-ey. Check out the article on this website called "The Top Ten Reasons You Were Not Cast" -- it does give some good insights. It does seem that you were not really given a chance to "show your stuff" but maybe next time will be your time.
One thing we always do in auditions is ask if everybody got to read for the parts that they were most interested in. OR if anybody wants to read more. If they do, we give them that opportunity. It is easy to overlook people without knowing it.
Good luck next time. Hang in there!

Hello Anonymous,
I just wanted to reply to tell you that you are not alone, hon. You situation sounds like something that I have been going through with the nearest community theatre to my area (but, the next county over). Like you, I have had a background in certain areas of theatre and, I know that I can do a good job. I won't give less than my best in a production since theatre is my love.
In my case, the theatre I went to is very cliche' and, I'm not really one to "kiss bottom". I was a friend and, came away with a couple in return but, I say "If you like me, you do, if not, then you don't." I was in two productions there, I didn't get what I auditioned for but, I accepted the roles that I was offered and, put my entire heart into it. The last audition I went to, I was not cast and, the "big" people there don't seem to want to have much to do with me. Some people, they just don't accept too well.
This may not be your case. Maybe, you just weren't what they were looking for, for this production. Which is okay. If you are really wanting to get involved, maybe you could call them and, offer to work on crew or something and, get to know them. Keep auditioning! They will see your talent and, you will be getting roles. If not, and if they are a cliche' group of people, then they aren't worth your time. Take your talent to someone who deserves it.
Or, you could do like I did. I, along with a couple of friends, started a community theatre (the first) in our area. It is a lot of work but, if you want to find a place where you belong, sometimes you don't have to look further than your own community or, group of friends. I didn't have much to choose from but, really want to do theatre so, that is how I am making it possible for myself and, my community. This is just how I see it. I wish you the best of luck! If you would like to chat more, let me know and, I will give you my email.

Thanks, Melanie. I have worked backstage with this theater before. They seem like really nice people to me. I found out yesterday that the director cast his wife in the role I wanted. That explains a lot of things. I had another audition yesterday at a different theater (there are several in my area) and I think I will be cast. I will post an update when I know more. Thanks everybody!

Thanks Kathy. I agree with what you said about casting "known" people instead of new ones. The director's wife *is* quite good. She's been in a lot of other productions by that company. Now, in my opinion, there may have been other people who were better suited for that particular part, but what do I know? ;) What I meant to say was that the fact that he probably already had her in mind before the auditions even took place helps explain why I wasn't given more opporunities to read.

The good news is that I was cast in a musical for another company!! I will be playing Miss Krumholz in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." It's not a very *big* role, but that's probably good since I have very little experience. It's definately a huge step up from "Assistant Stage Manager." :)