How many people will be accepted into the cast?

For a musical production, we cast approximately 40-45 people out of the 70 people who typically audition. We, unfortunately, cannot cast every child who auditions due to space limitations. Also, keeping the cast this size allows us to give each participant individual attention in rehearsals and something substantial to do on stage.

Why do you ask for a monologue and a song?

Performing a monologue and a song is a common audition requirement for children’s, community and even professional theatres. The combination gives the artistic staff a sense of your acting and singing talent, allows us to see your confidence level and poise on stage, and communicates your ability to memorize and make creative choices as well as your willingness to put forth effort in preparing.

What if my monologue or song is too long or too short?

No one will be using a stop watch, timing you precisely ☺ If we don’t get the information we need from your audition, we’ll make sure we get it before you leave(eg If we’re uncertain about your range after you finish your song, we may ask you to sing some scales). If your monologue or song is running long and we’ve gathered the information we need, we may cut you off – not because we don’t like you - just to stay on schedule and be fair to all of the other waiting auditioners.

What are you looking for in the initial auditions?

In addition to looking for talented performers we are looking for people who are willing to work hard, take direction, and who have a positive attitude.

If I make a mistake, should I start over?

If you accidentally skip a portion of your song or forget part of your monologue, the best thing to do is pick up from that point and keep going. We might not even catch the mistake so don’t point it out to us! And even if it’s an obvious flub, we’ll admire you for continuing on in spite of it.

If I can dance, rap, juggle or have another skill, should I demonstrate that while I’m auditioning?

No. To respect the time of other auditioners, we ask that everyone perform only their monologue and song so that we do not get behind schedule. (Also, seeing if you can follow instructions is a big component of auditioning!) If you have a special skill, be sure to list it on your audition form. If we are looking for that skill and time allows, we may ask you to demonstrate or, more likely, we’ll ask you at the Callbacks.

What are Callbacks?

Callbacks are a second audition that a small percentage of the initial auditioners are “called back” to attend. After the initial auditions, we have a good sense of individual talent level but need to mix-and-match different potential actors to come up with a cast that has the best chemistry and utilizes everyone’s strengths. Callbacks are designed to help the staff determine how we want to cast everyone. During the Callbacks, we look not only at an individual’s talent but at how each person might fit into the cast. We consider things like: How do certain people sound singing together?, What people have good chemistry together?; Is the person who did a great dramatic monologue during the initial audition any good at comedy?: Does this person seem like a team-player?; If we choose person “A” to play a certain character, could person “B” make a realistic parent of that character?, etc, etc… No preparation is needed for our Callbacks. We will provide pieces to read and sing

Does not getting a Callback mean that I am not cast in the production?

No. Sometimes we know, based on your initial audition, exactly how we want to cast you.

Does getting a Callback mean that I have definitely been cast?

No. Sometimes we call someone back and decide, for whatever reason, that they just don’t fit a role in that particular play (ex: though many, many fabulous 8-9 years olds auditioned for The Sound of Music, the only roles for people of that age and size were the youngest Von Trapps. Once we decided who to cast in those 4 roles, we had a bunch of young people who were talented but just too young to convincingly play a nun next to a 15 year old Maria!)

If I don’t make this play, is it worthwhile trying out again?

Yes! Yes! Yes! We might not see you as a fit for this play but you may be perfect for another! If you love theatre, keep at it. If you’re not cast in one show, audition for another. Develop your skills by taking an acting class, voice lessons, or enrolling in our Performing Arts Camp. And come back to future auditions…many people don’t get cast the first or even the second time they audition.

What other opportunities are there at the JCC if I’m really interested in the performing arts?

Many of our regular performers got their start in the summer Performing Arts Camp (PAC) where kids develop skills through a variety of theatre workshops AND every participant is cast in the production. 4 week and 8 week PAC sessions are available. We also occasionally offer theatre and dance classes throughout the school year. Ask to be added to our Performing Arts e-mail list!

What if I still have questions?!

Contact me! I’m happy to answer any and all questions. Auditioning for the first time is often confusing for parents and intimidating for the child. I want to ensure that your child arrives as confident as possible and leaves feeling good about her/his audition, whether or not s/he is cast. If you have specific concerns or, if your child has special needs, please let me know so that we can work together to create a positive audition experience.

Jackie Woodward
847.763.3514
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you for auditioning!!!!!!!!