What Happens at HSP Auditions and through the process of a show?
Auditions are normally held at the Tivoli Theatre from 6-9 PM on the two nights of open auditions. Entrance to the Tivoli for auditions is located on the corner of 7th and Chestnut Streets. (The Stage Door entrance)
You can audition on either of the audition dates - you do not need to show up for auditions on both of the dates. You do not need any previous acting experience to audition.
You will be asked to complete an audition form requesting your personal information (name, address, telephone numbers, age, previous acting experience [if any], roles you are interested in, etc.). You will be asked to fill out a survey card of how you heard about the audition opportunity, as well.
Rehearsals are normally held from 6-9 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays starting immediately after audition week and lasting until opening week. Opening week rehearsals will run 5-10 PM each night, Monday through opening night. Please make note of any potential conflicts you may have during the normal rehearsal schedule and note them on your audition form.
Performances for HSP productions are normally scheduled Thursday through Saturday nights at 7:30 PM with school matinee performances (usually two) one each on the Thursday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM. In addition, there is typically a Saturday matinee at 1:00 PM. Note that currently HSP shows are running only one week at the Tivoli (some exceptions do apply). Cast call for performances is two hours prior to the performance. You must not have any conflicts with any of the performance and cast call times. Minor conflicts may be approved by the Director at his discretion.
Set strike follows immediately after the final performance. Participation in set strike is mandatory for all cast members.
Audition methods are at the discretion of the Director. However, here is a description of what will normally happen.
After filling out the Audition Form and Survey Card, you will assemble in the Green Room with the other people who are auditioning.
You will then be assigned to an audition group (usually five people).
Once in your audition group you will be taken to have head shots made with our professional photographer on staff.
Then your audition group will be taken to the dance studio and taught a simple dance. Once your group has had a chance to learn the dance, you’ll perform the routine for our Choreographer.
Finally, you’ll be taken into the auditorium to appear before the show’s Executive Director, Assistant Director, and Musical Director to perform a previously prepared musical number of your choice lasting no longer than 60 seconds. Please note that no accompanist will be provided; however, you may bring a CD track.
A select number of those who auditioned will be asked to come back for “Call Backs” on the night following the second audition date. If chosen for a Call Back, you will be provided with a packet containing a portion of music from the show to review, as well as a portion of the script to read. Please note that whether or not you receive a call back does not mean that you are or are not in the final cast.
The Cast List will be posted by noon following the Call Back day on our web site, on the Auditions page.
For questions regarding auditions call Executive Director Jonathan Humble at 423-503-7188.
