FOR COMEDIES OR DRAMAS

Choose a one to two-minute monologue in the style of the play - comedy or drama.  Note: Never memorize a monologue from the play being produced unless a director asks and avoid monologues requiring  strong accents.

Practice, practice, practice. Ready? Okay...

On Audition Day: Come to audition space at your appointed time, sign in and fill out an audition form. When it's your turn, a staff member will call you into the audition room.

Upon Entering, smile as you make make eye contact with the theatre staff. Be confident. Assume they like you already - you showed up! Greet them and let them know your name and then tell them what you're about to present, i.e. "Hi there. My name is Theda Thespian, and I'd like to present Polly's monologue from To Wit, to Woo."

To Present: Step back and take a moment to center yourself in the character. Take just a few seconds - don't make this a production.  Then begin your monologue, focusing your eyes on a space about two feet above the staff members' heads, i.e., if the monologue is meant to be spoken to one person, imagine the other person is standing two feet above a staff member and speak directly to the imaginary character. If the monologue is meant to address a crowd, address the crowd back and forth two feet above the heads of the staff. Whatever you do, DON'T make eye contact with staff members during a monologue (if you're wondering why, it's because they need to be taking notes... and because they aren't in the scene).  When you're done, take another moment to come out of character, then look at the staff, smile and say, "Thank you."  

In professional theatre, they're most likely to say "Thank you," which is your cue to exit.  In community theatre  they're more likely to speak to you and ask you a couple questions before saying goodbye.  Either type of theatre audition may also require a cold reading from the script.  If they fail to offer you a moment to read the script, it is perfectly acceptable (and expected) to ask for a moment to look over the reading before you begin.

FOR MUSICALS
Present a monologue as described above and then a song. Piano accompaniment will be provided, so BRING SHEET MUSIC.  Specific shows will have specific audition requirements (i.e., 16 bars, a certain range, etc.), so check the audition requirements on the website as you make your audition appointment.

FOR OPERA

The audition may or may not require a monologue.  For an opera audition, Piano accompaniment is provided and as a courtesy fee is required to pay the pianist for those services (this amount is usually noted in the audition notice). BRING SHEET MUSIC.  In opera, entire songs are presented during the audition period and are interrupted only if time does not permit.  Usually the director/s will warn you they may need to interrupt your piece.

FOR EVERY FORM OF THEATRE AUDITION : Remember to assume the auditioners will like you. You're a living, breathing, willing theatre participant, and, for all they know, another star in the making. Enjoy the audition process: even if this show isn't a perfect fit for you, the next one might be, and directors never forget a friendly face and a positive attitude.

These tips have been provided by RUN RABBIT RUN THEATRE of Loudoun County, Virginia.

GET ON THE LIST !
Add your name and address and/or e-mail address to Run Rabbit Run Theatre's email list to receive auditition notices, show announcements and more by emailing us at RRRtheatre@gmail.com.