AUDITIONS
Theatre
Arts Department
2008-2009 Season
Please come audition! We love to see new faces. All ages and types
are welcome!
Audition
Information:
 MACBETH
THE MIRACLE WORKER
GUYS AND DOLLS
DATES:
AUDITION registration begins at 5:30 each evening in the Lobby
of Burbank Auditorium, and is on a
first-come, first-serve basis.
AUDITIONS for
deaf or blind actors interested in The
Miracle Worker are by appointment.
Please call
527-4420
or email: ldowning@santarosa.edu
Friday,
OCTOBER 17, 2008,
5:30 pm All Three Shows
Saturday,
OCTOBER 18, 2008
12:30-3:00
pm Children ONLY (age 7-13) for The Miracle Worker
5:30 pm All Three Shows
Callbacks:
Sunday, OCTOBER 19, 2008
12:00
pm Sharp! Callbacks
begin for Guys and Dolls
1:00 pm Callbacks begin for The
Miracle Worker and Macbeth
If
needed, Follow-up Auditions for The
Miracle Worker and Guys and Dolls will be held
January 16-17-18, 2009. After January 2, call Jo for an update
at 707-527-4418 #7.
LOCATION and PARKING:
The Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa,
CA 95401. Burbank Auditorium is prominently located on Burbank Circle just
off of Mendocino Avenue. Burbank Circle is currently closed to traffic. The closest on-campus parking is available in the
new multi-story Parking Pavilion at the corner of Mendocino and Pacific
Avenues.
Parking permits ($3.00) are required 7 days a week, 24 hours a day,
and can be purchased at the yellow kiosks located inside the parking
structures. WHO MAY AUDITION:
Anyone is welcome to audition for the Theatre Arts Department productions.
No experience is necessary. All roles are open and available. You
may audition for one or both shows, however, you will not be cast
in both productions. Audition Preparation for
MACBETH
14-16
memorized lines of a monologue from Shakespeare. Comic or
serious. Must be in VERSE, NOT prose.
Sonnets are OK if you make a strong character choice.
Audition Preparation
for
THE MIRACLE WORKER
One-minute
memorized Contemporary monologue. Comic or serious. It can
be the same one used for Guys and Dolls..
Deaf
actors may use an interpreter for their monologue (an interpreter
will be provided).
Blind/sight-impaired
actors, without a prepared monologue, will be provided
with a Braille or enlarged
copy of a generic monologue, by request.
Saturday,
October 18, 2008
12:30pm - 3:00pm Auditions for
CHILDREN ONLY for The Miracle Worker.
Children
Auditioning for The Miracle Worker
- Roles available:
1 boy and 4-7 girls (ages 7-13)
- Children do not need to prepare a monologue unless they already have one prepared.
We will have a monologue for them to read.
Audition
Preparation for
GUYS AND DOLLS
16-18
bars of a song from a musical. Bring sheet music in your key.
If you are new to auditioning
for musicals, please be prepared to sing one verse
of a song without accompaniment.
One-minute
memorized Contemporary monologue. Comic or serious. It can
be the same one used for THE
MIRACLE WORKER
For
the dance portion of the audition you are not expected to prepare
something. You
will be taught
choreography. Dance attire consists of form-fitting
clothing in which you can move freely: not too
bare but that allows the choreograher to see your body
shape - something stretchy is a good idea. For
footwear, ideally, jazz shoes for men, character shoes
for
women. Women could also wear jazz shoes if character
shoes are not possible. Men, if you do not own
dance shoes, light-weight tennis shoes are a decent alternative.
No tight-fitting jeans, please. Men, a good dance
outfit if you are not a dancer, would be a form-fitting
teeshirt with athletic pants. Women, skirts are
generally not appropriate for a dance audition.
(Broadway
audition
attire would be tights and leotard or form-fitting
dance pants and character shoes for women.) Long
hair should be tied back and off the face. Refrain
from chewing gum.
CRASH
COURSE in Auditioning
- The Audition Monologue: Select, memorize, and prepare a suitable audition monologue,
following the criteria
in the audition
information above (a monologue is a speech from a play where
one character speaks for an extended period of time to another
character,
him/herself, or the audience).
But,
if you've never ever done this before OR found out
about auditions at the
last minute… Pick up the generic male or female monologue from the envelopes
posted on the wall near the Box Office in the Lobby of Burbank Auditorium.
Do not worry about reading the play the monologue is from at this
late date. However, if you can find it, reading it helps.
- Memorizing: We
ask that audition monologues be memorized. However,
if you just got your monologue a few
days before the auditions,
don't try to memorize it at this late date. If there is one
thing we can guarantee, you will forget your lines.
We don’t expect
you to be "off book" (memorized) if you are new to
acting and/or the department, and just heard about the auditions.
- Preparing: Practice acting the monologue only after you've studied what
it means and
you know in very basic
terms what the character
wants from the other character they are speaking to.
- Staging: Get an image in your head for the other character
and place this imaginary person out in front of you,
just above the
directors’ heads (as if the imaginary person is standing behind
us). It helps to find a spot on the wall that your eye can return
to. Never act your monologue directly to the people you are auditioning
for; please, no eye contact with us while you’re acting.
- Acting
and Reacting: Remember to think about what the other character’s
reaction might be to what your character is saying. Acting is
about listening and responding.
- Acting with a Script: If you
will be auditioning
with your script in your hand, work with it. Practice speaking
the lines to
that point on the wall. Get your head out of your script. Don’t
worry, your eye will return to the place it left off. And if it doesn’t,
so what! We don’t care. Take your time.
- Polishing: As you
work with the monologue, fine-tune it. Make choices about your
character,
your character's
attitude about
the situation and the other character, etc. Practice, practice,
practice!
- Audition Attire: The
night of the audition, dress nicely as if you are going to
a job interview,
unless you are otherwise
instructed in the information above. Suit and tie are not necessary,
but perhaps a nice, clean shirt and nice pants. No sneakers.
No ripped jeans. Women, clothes that flow and are
not
too tight work best.
No super short skirts, bare midriffs, clunky shoes, or stiletto
heels, please. Get your hair back and out of your
eyes. Minimal jewelry.
Wear clothes you can move in.
- What to Bring: Bring a pencil,
pen, and your work/class/life schedule for the
entire
semester, a water bottle
and, if you happen
to have one, a headshot and acting resume. If you don’t have
one, don’t worry about it. Be very clear of any and all conflicts
for the entire semester, and note them on your audition forms.
- Checking
In and Waiting: Check in at the table in the Lobby and fill out
the audition forms
(one
for each show you're auditioning
for). Allow 1/2 hour for this. Show up at 5:30 pm to be sure
it gets done. Then, sit down and wait. You may get
in right away or
you may
wait quite awhile. Regardless, just be patient and stay focused.
- Etiquette: Be sincerely nice to everyone you meet. We all talk
and we don’t want anyone with an attitude
in our shows! And keep conversations quiet in the Lobby and hallways,
please.
- When
to Enter the Room: When your name is called, come into the
room, without all of your bags (if you can). Just
you
and
your form, please. Smile! And it’s nice if you shake
our hands.
- Getting Started: We will greet
you and probably say, “Whenever
you’re ready”. Follow any directions we give you. Stand
way back away from us. Double check for your spot on the wall. Breathe.
Make sure we are all looking at you before you begin. Smile! Introduce
yourself with, “My name is ___________(full name) and I will
be playing _______ (character name) from ______________(play name).” Then,
take a moment (a few seconds) to really "see" the person
your character is talking to, inhale, and then start the monologue.
- During
and After the Monologue: Keep breathing and focusing. Don't
worry about what
the directors are doing or thinking;
we may
be taking notes, or looking away, but we are always paying attention.
When you finish, let the piece rest a moment before saying “thank
you”. No matter what happens, smile and say "thank you" with
confidence!
- Your Grand Exit: We will either
say, “thank
you” or “can
you come to callbacks?” or “we will be posting the list….” or
ask you a few questions. Then, we'll say good-bye. Give us that
gorgeous smile again and leave.
- Have Fun!!: Yes, it’s a risk, but what the
heck; you never know what may happen! And remember we want you to
be the
one. We want you to succeed. It’s all good.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about Auditioning
- Can anyone audition, or do you have
to be a student?
Answer: Anyone
can audition – SRJC students in other majors, community
members, high school students, elementary students, etc. However, once
you are cast in one of our shows, you will be registered
in one (or more) classes
to cover the rehearsal process, so everyone is a student!
- Are the shows
precast?
Answer: No. All roles are open unless specified as a “Guest Artist” or
faculty role.
- (For non-musicals) Should my
monologue be from the show for which I'm auditioning?
(For musicals) Should my song be from the show for which I'm auditioning?
Answer: No. Your audition selection, whether a monologue or song, should
be from another play or musical. Most directors do not want a piece from
the show
they are directing. (If you are a kid, however, it’s probably OK.) It
is important to select a monologue that meets the audition criteria for length,
style, and period. If the directions say, "1-minute", they really
mean it. If the directions say, "from a modern play", they don't
want to see Shakespeare.
- What do you mean
by ‘sign up’?
Do I call to sign up?
Answer: No. Just show up in our Lobby at about 5:30 pm of the evening you
are auditioning to get your name on a list and fill out the audition paperwork.
We will see you in the order you arrived.
- Do I have to audition for all
the shows?
Answer: No. One, two, it’s up to you. We encourage you to audition for
as many shows and as many roles as possible…why not increase your chances?!
And don't worry, we won't cast you in a role you've indicated you don't want,
or more than one show if the schedules conflict.
- Do I have to be there both
nights?
Answer: No. Just be prepared to wait on the night you select. The auditions
are set up on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do encourage you to come
as early as possible so that we have enough time to see everyone. Actors
who wait until late on the second night to show up sometimes discover that
we have to rush their audition. (Remember to reserve the day callbacks
are being held; if you are called back, you will need to plan to be there
the
whole time.)
- Who will be watching my audition?
Answer: Usually, just the directors. Sometimes the student stage managers,
directing assistants, and/or designers will ask to watch as well. No one
is allowed to watch auditions as an audience member; they must be involved
with the production in some capacity.
- What do I do if I mess up my
monologue or forget my lines during my audition?
Answer: First, breath! (Nerves = lack of oxygen to brain.) Then, if, and
only if, you are so stuck you can't go on, you can ask to start over. However,
only
do this if you are in the first half of your 1-minute monologue. Once we've
seen about 30 seconds, we've seen enough to be able to make decisions even
if you felt it wasn't perfect. And remember, you aren't judged on whether
or not you gave a perfect performance, but what you did while you were performing.
- How
do I know if I've been called
back?
Answer: We normally post a callback list on the Callboard (down the Burbank
hallway, across from the large dragon) the morning after each night of
auditions. However, since auditions are held over a weekend, the stage
managers will
tell you what the procedure will be for each particular production. Sometimes,
we may tell an actor right after their audition that they are called back.
We don't do it for every actor we will call back so it is very important
that you check the list. On rare occasions you might receive a call from
the Stage Manager, have you cell phone on!
- When are rehearsals held?
Answer: Every show has a different rehearsal schedule. However, our rehearsals
are usually held Tuesday through Friday evenings and Sunday evenings, starting
around 6:00 – 7:00 PM (lasting 3-4 hours). We try to only rehearse
in the evening, and never on Monday nights (except for holidays). Shows
rehearse 3-5 evenings a week until the last weeks of rehearsal. Then, we
rehearse
5-6 evenings a week, including one Saturday night; those last rehearsals
may last 5+ hours, if necessary. It is very important that you tell
us if you have any conflicts with rehearsals on your audition sheet; this
will
allow the director to discuss them with you.
- When are performances held?
Answer: Every show has a different performance schedule (see the Season Brochure
or the Calendar on this website). Most shows have a preview and 8 public
performances spread over a week and a half. Musicals and family shows sometimes
have up to 12 performances, because of added matinees or school performances.
(We CANNOT work around performance conflicts.)
COLLEGE
REQUIREMENTS and DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITES
Being in a Theatre Arts Department Show is both a wonderful
opportunity and a serious commitment.
Required of All Actors Cast In a Theatre Arts Department Production:
- If cast in a show, you must apply
to the college (you may do this online or in person at
Admissions and Records in
Plover Hall.) You will be registered, by the Department,
in one or more Theater Arts rehearsal/performance courses,
as determined
by the director and production requirements. Although the
Department does the actual registration, you are responsible
for paying
the fees for the classes.
- Most
actors will be required to take 3 units (3 units = $60.00
for CA residents) for
non-musicals
and approximately
5 units (5 units = $100.00 for
CA residents) for musicals. If special skills are needed for a show, an additional
1/2 – 1 unit class may be required ($20.00 per unit).
- You will follow
all the requirements and responsibilities of an SRJC actor, including completing
twelve (12) Production
Support Hours (Scene Shop, Costume Shop, etc.), providing your
own stage makeup, purchasing your script, and attending all
required rehearsals, performances, and related appointments
(such as costume
fittings).
If you are a current
or past SRJC student, you must be “a student in
good standing” in order to participate in a production:
- If you currently have delinquent
fees (an Administrative Hold because of money owed from
past semesters) on record with
SRJC's Accounting Office, you must pay the fees by Callbacks,
or the first day the campus is open for business.
- If you have
been dismissed from SRJC (Progress dismissal, Academic dismissal,
Disciplinary
dismissal), you must notify
the director of your situation on the audition form. The director
will discuss it with you privately. (It is recommended that
you look over the qualifications for re-admission in the SRJC
Catalog
to see if you currently qualify.)
- If you are an out-of-state
or international student, you must be willing to pay the
higher fee amount for the units
you will take. Note on your audition forms if you have concerns.
- If
not currently a student at SRJC, you must re-apply to the
college within 24 hours of being
cast.
If you are
a Community Member (never been a SRJC student) cast in
a Theatre Arts Department’s
Production:
- You must apply to the college
within 24 hours of being cast (online or in person).
- You
must abide by all the requirements and responsibilities expected
of student actors in an SRJC
production.
If you are a High
School student cast in Theatre Arts Department’s
Production:
- You must apply to the college
within 24 hours of being cast (online or in person),
if you are not already enrolled at
SRJC this semester.
- You must submit a signed Concurrent
Enrollment Program Request Form from your principal and/or
your counselor (even
if you already have one on file) within 48 hours of being cast
(or as soon as possible).
- You must abide by all the requirements
and responsibilities expected of student actors in an SRJC
production.
If you are a Child
Actor cast in a Theatre Arts Department’s
Production:
- Child actors will need to register
for the Theatre Arts Department/Community Education course,
Theatre Arts for
Kids. The class fee is $60.00 if you are cast in this season’s
THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
- Parents of child actors will
be required to share in the responsibility of being backstage
to supervise underage actors
during designated rehearsals and performances.
The registration
process for this Theatre Arts Department/Community
Education class is very
simple:
1. Each child's designated parent/guardian will be
provided with a Theatre Arts Department/Community Education
Registration
Form.
2. The parent completes the form, and then either:
a,) Mails the form
in to the address in the upper right corner of the form
(with a check or credit
card #).
b.) Faxes the form to the number listed on the form (credit card only).
c.) Takes the form to the Community Education Office (cash, credit card,
or money order).
- You must abide by all the requirements
and responsibilities expected of student actors in an SRJC
production.
If
you read this entire page…CONGRATULATIONS!
You have covered just about all you need to know regarding Auditions
for SRJC Theatre Arts Department productions.
SEE YOU SOON!
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