Theatre auditions attract national producers, hopeful actors, techies
Theatre producers from around the country will audition actors, singers, dancers, designers, technicians and managers at the 32nd annual Theatre Auditions set for Feb. 9 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Memorial Union.
This program is produced by UW–Madison Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts.
Among the 20 participating producers are: American Players Theatre, Madison Repertory Theater, American Folklore Theater, The Santa Fe Opera (N.M.), Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. (Ill.), Northern Lights Playhouse, and Utah Shakespearean Festival (Utah). Each is searching for talent to fill a variety of non-equity positions.
"Singers and actors should prepare musical and spoken material that best demonstrates the versatility of their performance ability," says coordinator Miranda McClenaghan. "Dancers will learn choreography and audition for producers." A pianist will be available, she adds.
All participants should be prepared with photos and resumes for callbacks. Interviews for those seeking offstage positions also will be scheduled on Saturday. Technicians and designers should bring a portfolio of their work.
A Producers Catalogue describing the individual needs of each theatre along with registration materials, accommodations information, a preliminary schedule and what to prepare can be accessed through the program Web site.
On Feb. 8, workshops will be conducted by theatre producers and educators who specialize in training and coaching actors and technicians for employment. Some of the topics to be discussed include: individual portfolio reviews for management, technicians and designers; preparing for the musical theatre audition; monologue workshop; dance audition techniques for dancers and non-dancers, and production management 101. Those planning to audition often use the workshops as an opportunity to train with theatre professionals who often stay on as producers looking for talent at the next day auditions. All workshop registrants receive passes to observe the Saturday auditions.
Audition fees are $30 for performance auditions or technical interviews or $45 for both. Workshop fees are $20. Those interested in registering should email smarty@dcs.wisc.edu or contact Sarah Marty at (608) 263-2790. Deadline is Jan. 30.
