Find Theater Acting
Auditions
So you're an actor who's ready to hit the boards and perform a little Shakespeare. The problem is, unlike Hollywood, there isn't one central hub where it's performed and cast. Sure there's Broadway, but there are also equity theaters all across the country that are always casting. Here are a few tips on find acting auditions for theater!
Instructions
1. Buy Backstage. Backstage is the premiere newspaper when it comes to theater. Published every week it keeps the beat on theater. Listed in the back are a bunch of open calls. (You don't need an agent or an appointment to go to an open call.) There you can read about auditions and pound the pavement yourself. Also Backstage is a website where auditions are updated on a daily basis.
2. Access the Internet for acting audition websites. Castingaudition.com, Auditionsandcasting.com, and freeauditionnotices.org are all really great sites that update frequently as well. On some of these sites you may have to pay a small fee for the "premium service." But it is well worth it, as for the actor information is key!
3. Read the trades for acting auditions. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are two papers that are published during the week that keep people in the industry in the know. This takes a little additional work as for this to be effective; you need to read them, find projects that sound interesting, and then find out who's casting them. It sounds like a lot of leg work, but truthfully isn't. You'll be surprised how much info you can find by asking friends for additional details. Or if you have an agent or manager, pass along the information to them. It is always a good idea to read the script first to make sure you are truly right for the role.
4. Call theaters. Don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call box offices directly. Once on the phone ask what their season entails. Then research the plays. If you're right for a role, check back with the theater to try and find out when the auditions will be held. Then be sure to get your picture and resume to the casting director beforehand. Usually regional theaters have in-house casting, or they use the same people year after year. So a few deftly asked questions should point you in the right direction!
