Chicago is known as an excellent theater city, and many beginning performers head there after college or other training. Home to many of the great theater companies, the Chicago theater community is renowned for its friendliness and openness to new actors. Finding auditions can be tiring, but with effort, you’ll be plugged into Chicago's theater community.
Instructions
1. Subscribe to PerformInk (see Resources below). Get a subscription to PerformInk newspaper, a publication that has theater news, auditions and industry reports. If you can't afford the print version, access audition notices on PerformInk's website. Read the news articles, which will help any new actor keep up on industry information.
2. Get to know the League of Chicago Theatres, an organization of over 190 Chicago-area theaters. On its website (below), find audition notices and information about individual theaters. Send your resume and head shot to theaters that interest you. Some only grant auditions to registered actors.
3. Network. There's no better resource for theater auditions in Chicago than other actors. Join community theater groups to get to know other actors. Get a job at a theater as an usher or in the box office. Take dance or acting classes in Chicago and get to know other members. Let them know you are interested in theater auditions. The more people who know you are looking, the better your chances of finding the perfect opportunity.
4. Hit the streets to deliver resumes and head shots to individual theaters. While you drop them off with casting agents, inquire politely about upcoming auditions. Meeting theater employees in person is a good way to make an impression. During the meeting, mention your experience and qualifications, and let them know you are looking for auditions. If they have any openings, you will be fresh in their minds when it comes time to cast shows.
5. Visit individual theater websites. Often, Chicago theaters will post their audition notices on their websites. Try House Theatre, Redmoon, Lookingglass, Lifeline and Walkabout. Also check out the big boys: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf or the Goodman Theatre. For musical theater auditions, try Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Porchlight, Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, Marriott Theater, Theatre at the Center, Circle Theatre or Metropolis theaters.
