AUDITION TIPS

McCoy's Grand Theatre produces three or four plays in a season. Auditions last approximately two hours.  At a “straight show” audition (that is, a non-musical), you will be asked to read portions of the script.  At a musical audition, you may be asked to sing a song and read from the script.  The thing to keep in mind is that everyone is in the same boat.  Our shows are not pre-cast; you have as much of a chance of getting a part as anyone else.  And you definitely won't be the only nervous person in the room!

The final requirements of each show's audition are ultimately up to that show's director and may vary from show to show.  For example, a musical audition might require you to come with a prepared piece of music, or the director might ask you to sing something from the show, or you could be asked to do both.  To find out what is expected of you at any given audition, it is best to check with the director prior to auditions.  We will try to post updated audition information for specific shows on this page as well.

Being Prepared – When getting ready to audition, it is best to take a lesson from the Boy Scouts and “Be Prepared”.  While it's not a requirement, it is highly recommended that you become familiar with the show for which you want to audition.  Reading from the script will be easier at the audition if you know what to expect.

Auditions, as noted, generally run about two hours. You should come prepared to stay the entire time. Some directors will see you once and then excuse you; others will have you read periodically throughout the night.  If you are unable to stay the entire time, inform the director and his/her assistant when you need to leave so they can be sure you have a chance to be seen and heard.  If you leave before the director announces the end of auditions, make sure he/she knows you're leaving so your name isn't called out later in the evening for another reading.

Time Commitment – Each director will determine the rehearsal schedule for that particular show, but in general, be prepared to rehearse for approximately six to eight weeks prior to the opening of the show.

Auditioning Tips: 

• Relax and have fun. Auditions do not have to be a painful process; just look at it as another chance to perform. 
• Come prepared to list all of your schedule conflicts from the day of auditions until the closing performance of the show.  It is very important that you be honest regarding any time conflicts.  Scheduling is one of the most important aspects in a production.  Your cooperation is imperative. 
• All of our auditions consist of “cold readings” from the script. That means you will be asked to read some of the dialogue from the show - sometimes with other people, sometimes by yourself. Don't worry if you stumble over words.  Directors are looking for energy and character choices.
• Relax and have fun.
• It's good to know a little about the show for which you are auditioning. 
• For musicals, the director will ask you to sing something, typically no longer than one minute.  If the director stops you during your song, it is not because you have done poorly; he/she is simply trying to keep the auditions moving along according to schedule. 
• Relax and have fun. 
• Be courteous and professional.  Your demeanor throughout the entire process may affect a director's casting decisions.  Your audition lasts from the moment you walk into the theater until the moment you leave. 
• Did we mention relax and have fun? 

In community theater, many factors are considered in the choice of a cast.  Some of these are: 

1. Willingness and ability to commit to all rehearsals and performances; 
2. Balance of compatible characters that has the potential of being a cast “family”; 
3. The director's best guess of the “learning curve” of an individual; 
4. Indication of intense motivation and willingness to try out possibilities suggested by the director.  Willingness to try is more important than perfection. 

We truly appreciate you making the time and effort to come to auditions.  We hope you will become a member of our theatrical family.