The Audition Process
We strive to make auditioning for a Yorkminstrels stage show as simple as possible. Here are some details on the process which you should know:
- Every role in each show is open and must be auditioned for.
- We hold at least one Information Night before auditions. The directorate members (Director, Musical Director, Choreographer and Producer) are introduced and talk about their concepts for the show and the casting expectations.
- Audition pieces are always selected portions of songs from the show. You'll be asked to sing the selection made for the role(s) for which you are auditioning. Copies of the selections are handed out and "sung through" at the Information Night, so you can get a start at learning your part(s). Feel free to bring a recorder to capture your pieces.
- You need to book an appointment if you are auditioning for a principal role. Appointments can be made at the Information Night, or by contacting the Producer after that session. The Producer will have copies of the audition music.
- Principal auditions are private, so you will only be performing in front of the directorate, a board representative, and the accompanist. You may be asked to do cold readings from the script. Some directorate request you prepare a monologue for your audition.
- Usually, chorus auditions are held in groups, letting you sing your harmony part with others. Chorus hopefuls are asked to come to one session, no appointment necessary. If you are auditioning for a principal role but also wish to be considered for chorus, you probably don't need to attend the chorus auditions. The directorate will let you know about this at the Information Night.
- Dance or movement auditions are usually held in a separate session. You'll be taught a routine and asked to perform it in small groups. People wishing to be one of the "dancers" are taught a more difficult routine after the main session, though sometimes this is scheduled separately. People auditioning for principal roles which involve a lot of dance will often be asked to attend the "dancer" audition, though sometimes they are put through the steps in their audition slot. Details about this will be provided at the Information Night.
- At your first audition, you'll be asked to fill in the audition form.
- You may be asked to attend the "call-backs" session. Call-backs give the directorate a chance to see you again, sometimes to try matching up the couples in the show, sometimes to directly compare people trying for a particular role, and sometimes to have you try for a different role. Being invited to the call-backs does not guarantee you the role, even if no one else trying for that role is present. And not being invited does not mean you didn't get the role for which you were trying. The directorate may have seen all they need in your private audition.
- Once the auditions are over, the directorate meets and the show is cast. If two people are considered equal for a role and one is a Yorkminstrels member, the member will get the role. Once the selections are finalized, the cast is ratified by the Yorkminstrels Board of Directors. The casting and ratification can take a few days to complete.
- Only after all this will phone calls start to be made. Everyone who auditioned will be called, but it may take a few days to get through the list. When called, you will be told the role for which you were selected, if any, and asked if you accept or decline the role. You must give your answer at that time. Any information regarding the first rehearsal will be given to you, if available.