Statewide theatre auditions coming to UW-Madison

Singers, dancers, designers, technicians and managers can perform before Midwest theatre producers at the 30th annual Statewide Theatre Auditions, Feb. 10-11 at the UW–Madison Memorial Union. The program is produced by the UW–Madison department of liberal studies and the arts.

On Feb. 10, workshops will be conducted by theatre producers and educators who specialize in training and coaching actors and technicians for employment. Workshops include: Individual Portfolio Reviews for Management, Technicians and Designers; Preparing for the Musical Theatre Audition; Audition Master Class; Dance Audition Techniques for Dancers and Non-Dancers, and Preparing for the Classical Audition.

“Those planning to audition will use the workshops as an opportunity to train with professionals who understand the process and later may be casting producers at the auditions on the next day,” said program director Miranda McClenaghan, adding that all workshop registrants receive passes to observe Saturday auditions.

Among the 20 participating producers are American Players Theatre, The Santa Fe Opera, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. (Ill.), Peninsula Players, Bridgework Theater (Ind.), St. Croix Valley Summer Theatre, Circus World Museum, New American Theatre (Ill.), Northern Lights Playhouse and Utah Shakespearean Festival. Several college and university theatres also will attend. Each seeks talent to fill a variety of non-equity positions.

Singers and actors should prepare musical and spoken material of their choice that best demonstrates the versatility of their performance ability. A pianist will be available. Dancers will learn choreography and audition for producers. All participants should be prepared to supply photos and resumes for callbacks. Interviews for those seeking offstage positions are scheduled on Saturday. Technicians and designers should bring a portfolio of their work.

A “Producers Catalogue” describing the individual needs of each theatre will be sent in advance to registrants and will be available online. Complete information, including registration materials, accommodations, a preliminary schedule and what to prepare, can be accessed online.

Audition fees are $20 for a single audition, $30 for multiple auditions or technical interviews, and $40 for auditions and technical interviews. Workshop fee is $18. Contact Miranda McClenaghan at (608) 265-8041, mmcclenaghan@dcs.wisc.edu. Registration deadline is Feb. 1, but check for space availability.