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Musical theatre is a fun, exciting art form that CSP is dedicated to sharing with youth. If you are new to theatre, this quick start guide should help with any questions you may have!

Auditioning

Some people feel like auditioning is the most stressful part of the process for shows, but it doesn't need to be that way! Here are some helpful tips to gain confidence before an audition

  • Be prepared. Make sure you bring a water bottle and whatever materials you need to audition (e.g. sheet music, background track, headshot and resume).

  • Practice. Before you go out to an audition, ensure that you have practiced your audition material so that you feel comfortable performing it. If you need a test audience, ask friends and/or family to watch you perform your monologue or song.

  • Breathe. Walking into the audition room can be scary, but it is important to remember that this is where the casting directors see your talent. Walk proudly into and out of the audition and perform your heart out! You got this!

Headshot & Resume

A headshot and resume are essential materials to bring to an audition! Here are some guidelines for putting together a great headshot and resume!!

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Headshot

A headshot should be a shoulders-and-up, 8x10 photo of the performer. The performer should be wearing a solid, plainly colored shirt that will not be a distraction. The purpose of a headshot is to remind directors of what you look like after the quick audition, so make sure that your headshot serves a good likeness to you! The background of the image should also be a solid, plain color and texture, if possible.

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Resume

A resume (also résumé) is given to directors at an audition to show your past experiences in the theatre or other performances. On your resume, make sure you include essential information like your name, age, and how to reach you (phone number and/or email address). Along with this, include any performances you have been in (yes, not just theatre performances!), such as dance recitals, school concerts, etc. Next to each performance, include what your role was in the performance. You can also list any special skills you have (play an instrument, do gymnastics, etc.)! Make sure your resume is updated every time you audition!

Click here to view and download our resume builder template!

What to do at an audition

Walking into the audition room can be frightening, but there is no reason to be worried! At an audition, these things will help your performance shine!

  • Slate. Slate is another way of saying "introduce yourself." When you slate, you should state your first and last name, your age, and what you will be performing. Slating is usually the first interaction you will have with the director(s) in an audition room, so it is crucial that you speak loudly and proudly. Here is an example slate:​​

Hi, my name is Jane Smith, I am 12 years old, and I will be singing

"Good Girl Winnie Foster" from Tuck Everlasting.​

  • Perform. Many people don't think about performing when doing a vocal audition, just focus singing correctly. Though it is helpful to be on the right notes the whole time, any performance is elevated by acting. If you are singing about someone wishing, become that wishing person. If you are reciting a monologue about how awful the first day of school was, show the directors how horrible it was. Who knows? It may be the best acting the directors have seen all day!

  • Thank the directors. After your audition, the directors likely will not ask you to do anything else. It is always important and polite to thank the directors after your audition is complete and before exiting the audition room.

Rehearsals

Did you make the cast list? Congratulations!

Here are some quick tips for being a good performer during rehearsals.

  • Be prepared. Come to every rehearsal with all the materials you will need to rehearse. This includes not only a script, but also a pencil, water bottle, and clothes you can move easily in.

  • Be respectful. Please show kindness to everyone in the cast. Remember that everyone is learning the show and everyone learns at different speeds. And it is also great to make friends during shows, but try not to be exclusive of others. One final note on being respectful is to respect the directors; they know what they are doing, more often than not, and appreciate the performers' preparedness and attentiveness.

Basic Theatre Terminology

Here are some helpful key terms and definitions that may come up during rehearsals!​

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blocking

The path the actors take onstage as decided upon by the actor and director. Once blocking has been solidified, it’s not to be changed for any reason without approval from the director. 

the fourth wall

An invisible dividing “wall” between the stage and audience. Actors will sometimes “break the fourth wall” and interact with or speak directly to the audience.

call time

The time you have to show up for rehearsal or performance. It is vital that you are at the theater (or other rehearsal/performance space) before call time so that you are ready to begin at call time.

tech week

Usually the last week or so of rehearsals when lights, mics, and other special effects are integrated into the show. It can be stressful during this time, but transforms a show in an amazing way.

off-book

Not needing a script for lines; all lines, lyrics, blocking, and choreo are memorized. The director will set a date by which the cast will need to be off-book. It is good to try rehearsing off-book before the off-book date, if you feel confident with your lines.

calling "line"

Literally saying "line" in place of your dialogue in the instance that you have forgotten your next line. There is usually a grace period after the off-book date during which if you need a line "fed" to you, that is, you need the stage manager or director to give you your line, then say "line." Challenge yourself to remember your line without calling "line" every single time. Once your line is fed to you, continue with the scene as normal; do not break character when calling "line." Similarly, if someone you are in a scene with calls line, it is not your job to break character and feed them the line - please leave that to the director.

Rehearsal Etiquette

Rehearsals are where the show comes together in a magical process. Throughout rehearsals, it is important to remember these things:

  • Come prepared. Rehearsals run much smoother when the cast is prepared, physically and mentally, for the task ahead. Materials you should bring to every rehearsal include a water bottle, a pencil, your script, and wear clothes (and shoes) that you can comfortably move around in. Being prepared also entails things such as being warmed up for a choreography rehearsal and being off-book by the assigned date.

  • Show respect. Being kind to castmates will help the show run smoother, and may result in new friendships! Remember that everyone learns at different rates. Furthermore, showing respect to the directors is very important. As soon as rehearsals begin, the director should have your full attention. And remember to be respectful and thank the people that bring you to and from rehearsals, as it is no simple task!

  • Communicate. They say that communication is key. It especially is when it comes to putting on a full musical theatre production! As soon as rehearsals begin, make sure you have the director's and stage manager's contact info. If you have any questions, such as what time a rehearsal is, make sure you reach out to them. Similarly, if something comes up and you are running late to a rehearsal (or cannot make it to the rehearsal), notify the director/stage manager as soon as possible.

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