audition forms
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3508
Printed Date: 5/11/24 at 10:59pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: audition forms
Posted By: chelserin
Subject: audition forms
Date Posted: 10/04/08 at 2:57pm
| I am making an audition form for my show( first time directing) in January and was wondering what information you experienced directors have found most helpful for auditions, and what information really isn't neccessary. In looking back at audition forms I've filled out in my acting 'career', they all ask basically the same thing: Name, number, height, hair, character auditioning for, experience, etc. Are there other things you've put on there that you've found really usefull? I've thought about having the back side be costuming info - sizes and such - since we have a quick rehearsal schedule it might be helpful. Or does it not really matter and the forms are just to remember who is who and their names? Thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: belle
Date Posted: 10/05/08 at 8:29am
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E-mail address and cell/work phone numbers.
I've asked for dates they will not be able to rehearse, but people are not always honest about that. They get a part, and then tell me they have to be gone 2 nights during production week!
If they are kids, I need parents' names and the kid's age. I usually have someone measure kid's height as they have no idea and it is a factor sometimes.
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Posted By: SherrieAnne
Date Posted: 10/05/08 at 9:24am
I just did this for MY first directing gig - took me six months to refine the thing! If this is a musical, vocal range (SATB) is important. Any special skills - do they do accents, juggle, whatever you may need. Are they willing to help in other areas (whether cast or not), like costuming or props? My first company always asked whether an auditioner was willing to cut/dye hair, or whether an actor was willing to grow/shave a beard/mustache. On the back of the one I just did, I put the rehearsal schedule, so they could cross out any conflicted dates. (I also noted that they'd be required to provide a pair of canvas sneakers - we're doing GODSPELL.)------------- There's a little bit of diva in all of us. Some just have a larger helping than others. |
Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/06/08 at 9:16am
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Agree with most thats already said.. especially about not getting fully honest answers to rehearsal conflicts.. Three things that I do on my forms that, while they may not fix any of the problems, let people know that I take it serious, even if they may not. If I have kids in a show I always ask what kind of grades they are getting. If a kid is on the border, I like to know.. If there is a possiblity that rehearsals are going to further drag their grade down, its a red flag. I have had "non theater" parents yank a kid for grades, usually at a crucial moment in production. Second, for all my shows, I have a small paragraph at the bottom outlining the resposibiilty of taking a part, learning lines and blocking, taking care of materials, scripts, costumes props etc... participating in associated activities as much as possible to help build the team, set builds, painting, parties etc. and a reminder that being 10 mins late in a cast of 9 makes for an hour and a half of waisted man hours. and that such behaviour is disrespectful to fellow cast members.
The final thing that I have that is not always on the standard form is, that if a auditioner is not yet 18, I have them have the form signed by a parent so that the parent realizes the amount of commitment. Of course it has all the standard stuff like age, sex, experince, role desired, will you take other, are you intereseted in working tech, conflicts etc.. ------------- Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.." |
Posted By: chelserin
Date Posted: 10/06/08 at 7:15pm
| Thanks.... this is helpful. It's one of those things where I can't even count how many I've filled out for shows over the years, but when I have to make one can't remember what it's supposed to look like... ;p |
Posted By: kaelidancer
Date Posted: 10/07/08 at 10:47am
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The disclaimer MartyW mentioned about responsibility is a big help. Point it out in your opening remarks, too. Also, this blurb can include (and you can reiterate verbally) that "having a conflict will not preclude you from being cast, so please be honest and list all your conflicts so I can schedule around them." I have found that to be helpful. Listing the actual schedule helps, too. If it's going to be a big turnout at auditions, I number the forms beforehand, and have my stage manager standing by with a camera and numbered index cards, to snap a quick headshot (with the number in frame) so we can put a face with every sheet. ------------- Kaeli Gardner Johnson City Community Theatre http://www.jcct.us - www.jcct.us http://www.gardnerarts.com - www.gardnerarts.com |