Audition for Middle School Community Center Play: Anyone done this? What to Expect?

[MariannNOVA]

DD12 has auditions tonight. She has never done an audition before -- she has tried out for sports teams, but this is her first audition.

 

Has anyone done this? Can you tell us what to expect?

 

The fact sheet sent to us says that she will be given a part to read and whatever else the director, etc decide to have her do. She does not have stage fright at all, and she has brushed up on a part she did in an Odyssey of the Mind skit (she was Rod Serling from Twilight Zone) in case she is asked if she'd like to show them some additional work of hers.

 

If your child has done this, would you be so kind as to share your child's experience?

 

TIA:)

[Jenny in Florida]

I have two theatre geeks who have been going to auditions since they were six or seven. I'll be happy to share some of their experiences, but I have to warn you that every theatre or group has different procedures.

 

What would you like to know?

[catz]

Yes - we are relatively new to theater, but my son has now gone through 4 auditions! I think most auditions for kids are designed to be fun and low key. Is it for a musical? Do you know the cast size? Are all who audition expected to be cast?

 

My son has learned simple dances, sang a song he already knew, played improv games (pretend you're a snake, pretend you're cold, etc), read scripts with other kids. I'd say it's especially good to carry yourself with some confidence, speak directly to the adults working with you, and follow direction closely. Don't be afraid to look silly and put yourself out there. I think in some kid's productions just the ability to focus well, follow directions, and communicate with the director is a big plus! Since I spent my weekend backstage with 35 kids, it really became obvious.

 

My son just got done with 3 community theater shows last weekend (after a LONG 5 day tech week) and has 3 more this weekend. Tomorrow he starts rehearsals for The Story of Hansel and Gretel (for K through 7th grade). He got called back on that audition and was cast as Hansel. :001_huh: Big surprise for us given he's done very little singing and he's relatively new to theater. Guess all this audition practice is paying off! There's about 100 kids involved in that (they double cast the show).

 

Good luck to your daughter. Tell her to have a great time! :D

[MariannNOVA]

I have two theatre geeks who have been going to auditions since they were six or seven. I'll be happy to share some of their experiences, but I have to warn you that every theatre or group has different procedures.

 

What would you like to know?

 

What to expect at an audition for a non-musical play (sherlock Holmes). ftr, kck (below) did give me some really good insight as to what she might be asked to do. TIA

 

Yes - we are relatively new to theater, but my son has now gone through 4 auditions! I think most auditions for kids are designed to be fun and low key. Is it for a musical? Do you know the cast size? Are all who audition expected to be cast?

 

My son has learned simple dances, sang a song he already knew, played improv games (pretend you're a snake, pretend you're cold, etc), read scripts with other kids. I'd say it's especially good to carry yourself with some confidence, speak directly to the adults working with you, and follow direction closely. Don't be afraid to look silly and put yourself out there. I think in some kid's productions just the ability to focus well, follow directions, and communicate with the director is a big plus! Since I spent my weekend backstage with 35 kids, it really became obvious.

 

My son just got done with 3 community theater shows last weekend (after a LONG 5 day tech week) and has 3 more this weekend. Tomorrow he starts rehearsals for The Story of Hansel and Gretel (for K through 7th grade). He got called back on that audition and was cast as Hansel. :001_huh: Big surprise for us given he's done very little singing and he's relatively new to theater. Guess all this audition practice is paying off! There's about 100 kids involved in that (they double cast the show).

 

Good luck to your daughter. Tell her to have a great time! :D

 

Congrats on the part of Hansel. She is auditioning for a sherlock holmes comedy play (no singing, no dancing). The cast will be 12-17 year olds, and, no, not everyone will be cast. We do know the director as dd has taken improv classes, etc at a Stage Workshop run by the director -- so dd is comfortable and knows her. Thank you for the improv hint -- dd was at an imnprov class friday night, and it certainly seems likely that asking the kids to improv something is likely -- very very helpful.

 

Break a leg!