SLOC GUIDELINES - Updated March, 1998

Auditions Arrangements Chairperson

Reports to:  V. P. Company

I. Director should contact Audition Chairperson at least 3 weeks before auditions.

At this time, the following should be discussed:

A.      Open or closed auditions?

B.      Does director want an emcee?

C.   Does director intend to photo-copy "sets" and "write-in sheets" for the "set table", or does he/she want audition chairperson to do this?

D.     Will audition application forms be general or specific for this show?

E.   Physical set-up of room - "sign-in table", "directors table" and "set table". (It works out best if "set table" and "directors' table" are near one another for communication purposes). [See" 0 below]

F. The number of sets with characters in each set (maximum 8-9 sets, maximum 3-4 characters per set.)

1. If a specific character is mentioned in the newsletter, try to have at least one set for that character ..

2. If a character in a set has only 1 or 2 lines, decide if they should be read by a "set table" person instead of an auditioner.

G. Format for the evening:

1. Introductions; Songs; Movement or dance; Intermission; Chorus singing; Readings .

2. Most directors like to hear everybody sing first.

a.      Song from show preferred but not required.

b.  Solos usually are for main characters and not required for chorus.
Chorus singing can be done during intermission.

c.  If attendance is large, limit ALL songs to 16 bars.

d.  Decide on applause-after each song, after all songs, or not at all.

3. Each person is required to read only once unless needed to fill other sets, or at Director's request.

4. Decide on applause after readings.

II. The following have worked successfully in the past

A. Audition Committee should arrive 20 minutes before "sign-up" time, and usually consists of two people at the "sign-in table," two for the "set table" and an emcee for each audition night.

B. Chairperson supplies pencils and audition applications. Be sure there are around 100 application forms for each show. General application forms are in filing cabinet in box office.

C. It is helpful to have an emcee for welcoming, introducing, announcing soloists and people reading for each set, and ending the evening with a pleasant closure.

D. "Sign-in table" should be just inside the double doors, "Director's table" and "set table" arranged in an "L" shape on opposite side of room.

E.      Audition personnel should be friendly and welcoming to everybody.

F. Audition personnel should answer questions if possible, or refer auditioners to the director.

G. After auditioner has filled out application, "Sign-in" person should check application for accurate spelling and pronunciation of name. and make sure everything is filled out properly and legibly.

H. It is important that the audition Chairperson work with the show's Producer and Director to bring about an audition evening that runs smoothly with courteous hospitality and fairness.