CASTING & AUDITIONING

Auditioning can be scary.  We know!  We have all done it, and quaked in our boots at times!  But honestly, our directors, musical directors, and  choreographers will go out of their way to make the process as painless as possible for you.  We know how much fun you will have if you are cast in one of our shows. Don't let stage fright stop you from attending tryouts!  We really try to cast as many people as we possibly can.  This is a crucial part of our mission, as we believe developing theatrical skills is important, and those skills can be honed as actors participate in dramas, comedies, or musicals. You do not have to be a great singer, dancer, or actor to be in a Truckee Community Theater show.  We will train you...happily!  Below, find some information to help you understand what to expect at one of our auditions, what you should prepare in advance, and some tips to help you be as successful as possible.

TIP 1)  DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

 Is there a video of the play or musical?  Rent it, and watch it.  Are there clips on Youtube?  Check them out!  Google the play for the history, the plot summary, and the cast of characters.  If it's based on a true story (like "The Miracle Worker" or "The King and I"), do a bit of research on the real people and the period in which the play is set.  All of this will give you confidence.  You will be able to see how you might fit into the production a bit more readily.  And seeing clips or a video can help you grasp the story in a meaningful way. And if it is a musical, get hold of the songs (iTunes is great for this) and get familiar with them, especially if you want to play a lead.

TIP 2)  SINGING AUDITION

If you are auditioning for a musical, we will ask you to sing for 30 seconds to a minute.   You may sing something as basic as "Happy Birthday" without music, or you may bring in one of the following: recorded background tracks on a CD or a smart phone or iPad (we can plug into our speakers and play your song, and will also have a boombox available), or sheet music in your key (our accompanist will play for you).  If you choose to sing without music, we will work with you for a minute afterwards with the piano to check your vocal range and see if you can sing on key.  Your music can really be anything you love. It can be rock and roll, a church song, show tune, a fun kids' song, an operatic aria.  It should be a piece you really like and are comfortable singing.  If you don't sing much, pick a song with a limited range, like "Zip Ah Dee Doo Dah" or ""America the Beautiful".  

Here is what your director will be looking for:

1) People with amazing voices who could be considered for leads.  

2)  Enthusiastic, friendly people of all ages who can sing on key and could be in the Chorus or part of the children's group.  

3) Actors who can project (sing loud enough that people halfway back in the auditorium can hear you.)  

4) People who smile.  

5) Please do tell us your name before you start.  (Kids, also tell us how old you are.)  And when you are done, smile again!  

6) And don't forget to breathe.  That's important. :)

TIP 3)  ACTING AUDITION

We would like everyone trying out for any of our productions to read a line or two.  We give you a sheet of these, and you pick the part you want to read. You will be given a chance to practice these lines first.  For a TCT JR production, if the actors are 5 to 9 years old, or for any non-readers, the director will say a line and the children will repeat it with energy and personality.  For actors of any age, we encourage you to prepare a one-minute monologue, memorize it, and present it for your audition.  If you are trying out for a comedy, this should be a comic monologue, by the way...match the style to the show.

TIP 4) MOVEMENT AUDITION

Children will be taught a VERY simple movement audition for a musical.  We are looking for whether or not a child can "feel" the music and stay with the beat.  We can also tell a lot about personality and energy level from this.  Kids may also be asked to do a simple gymnastics stunt on mats if they know how, like a cartwheel or a somersault.  Kids who have had ballet may be asked to do a simple combination, or some turns or leaps across the floor.   Adults will also be taught a simple movement combination, again, to see if people can stay with the counts, and what sort of energy they bring to it.  There will be an optional movement audition or particular moves, much more advanced, that people may volunteer to learn and perform.  This is for those folks who would like to be considered for a dance solo.  No one has to do this harder combination if they don't wish to.

TIP 5)  THE CALLBACK

If you are being considered for a lead role, you will be called back for a different night of tryouts.  This is the point at which you will read with other actors considered for parts and sing the actual songs from the show.  If you are expected to sing a song, you will be sent MP3 recordings of the songs with which to familiarize yourself before callbacks.  You do not need to memorize the songs for your part or parts, but you will want to know the tunes well enough to sing confidently at the callbacks with the words in front of you. In general, people people under consideration for  minor roles will read and sing first, and then be excused.  People being considered for major parts will probably need to stay until the end.  The cast list will usually be emailed within 48 hours of callbacks.