School of Theatre

GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION

We are excited you are interested in auditioning for a TCH School of Theatre Production! This document is to help you prepare as well as answer potential questions. We love providing performance opportunities for our conservatory students and hope this is a helpful resource! If you have any additional questions about auditions, callbacks, or casting please contact lana@culturehouse.com. We care deeply about your experience and education and want to help you navigate the process as best we can!

Who can audition?

Any student (ages 7-20 by date of audition) currently enrolled in the School of Dance or School of Theatre and in good standing is eligible for Theatre Production auditions. (Private music/vocal lessons or enrollment in the School of Art, do not qualify.) Please keep in mind that we are a conservatory first and foremost. Participating in our productions is an added opportunity for those students who are continuously training here - not for drop in show experiences.

If cast, class enrollment and weekly attendance is expected to remain in the production. It is important to understand, as a conservatory, our primary goal is education and training. The production is an extension of that training. As in a college or high school setting, you must be an enrolled student that is regularly attending classes in order to audition for shows or teams. Continual training is important not just for the beginner or intermediate artist but also for the professional.  The best of the best continue to hone their craft in order to grow in skill and excellence. We encourage our students and faculty to choose wisely when working with their schedule.  This might mean choosing not to do a show so there is time for skill development. 

Will everyone receive a role?

• We cannot guarantee that everyone will be cast. Parents, we understand that this is very difficult to navigate with your children. It may be helpful to remind them that completing an audition is in itself a huge achievement! Preparing for an audition, overcoming the fear, pushing through the nerves, taking the risk and learning from the others in the room is a valuable experience and a huge learning opportunity regardless of the outcome!
• There are many factors that contribute to casting decisions:

• Conflicts: If you have multiple conflicts with the proposed rehearsal schedule, this could be a contributing factor in not being cast. (Tech week conflicts will not be accepted.)
• Venue/Cast Size Limitations: There are times where, in good conscience, we are only able to cast a limited number of students due to the specific size of the venue/dressing rooms OR the cast requirements of the specific show. We are committed to NOT overcrowding a cast to the point where the quality of the production and each student’s experience suffers.
• Specific needs/requirements of the roles being cast: Age, height, vocal range, dance requirements, etc.
• If a student is not cast, it does NOT mean that they did poorly. The casting process is very difficult and even more complex when we have more students audition than we are able to cast. We intentionally create performance opportunities on a regular basis. You may also consider signing up for a two-week intensive at TCH in the summer! Everyone who enrolls is automatically in the show and it is a great way to gain audition and performance experience!

Where and when do I check in for auditions?

• Auditions are at TCH in Olathe. (You must register online prior to auditions.)
• Please check in 15-minutes prior to your audition time.
• Enter through the front doors and check in at the audition check-in table in the lobby.
• The entire audition process should take approximately 60-90 minutes.

What if I cannot be present on the audition date?

• If at all possible, it is always in your best interest to be at auditions in person.
• If you are absolutely unable to attend in person, you may submit a video audition. Please follow the same guidelines as you would in preparing an in-person audition. You may include a video of movement or dance as well if you would like. If you are submitting a video audition, you must submit your audition form and email your video to Lana@culturehouse.com before 8:00 pm on audition day.

What will I be expected to do during the audition?

• You will audition in groups of approximately 10 people (sometimes less).

• Sing your prepared vocal piece.

• Choose 16-32 bars of a show tune (not from the show you are auditioning for) that best represents your abilities.

• Accompanist is provided.  The accompanist will not transpose.  The sheet music should be clearly marked for the accompanist with starting and ending points.
• Introduce yourself and the title of your song. Sing out, have fun and have lots of character!
• Tracks or acapella (unaccompanied) auditions are NOT allowed. (Sheet music must have full accompaniment.)
• You will also learn a short choreographed dance. Do not worry if you are not a dancer!  We just want to see you try your best and HAVE FUN! No sandals or flip flops.
• Dress nicely, but comfortably. Remember, you will be dancing - possibly kicking, rolling etc.

What are callbacks and when/where will the list be posted?

• Callbacks are the second phase of auditioning. It is an invitation to be seen again by the directors after the auditions.
• Not everyone will be called back. Please do not be discouraged if you do not receive a callback. You may still be cast. At the same time, you are not guaranteed a role simply because you have received a callback.
• If called back, you may not be required to be there the entire time. On the other hand, you may be released early. Neither of these necessarily mean you did or did not do well.  Sometimes, roles are cast very quickly during the process OR the director only needs to see you for a short time for the roles you are being considered for.
• If callback materials are provided ahead of time, you should print off/prepare the material for the roles you are called back for. Please know that it is VERY RARE to actually sing AND read all of your cuts at callbacks. Many roles may be cast after the initial scene or song cut. It is important to prepare the materials, knowing you will most likely not get to everything. The variety of materials are helpful for the directing team when needing to see different sides of specific characters.
• For the callback list, please check the auditions page on the website (www.culturehouse.com). List will be posted on Friday night after auditions. PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a call or an email … you MUST check the website.

When is the Cast List posted?

• The cast list will be posted online the week following auditions. Again, you will not receive a call or email … you MUST check online.
• We cannot guarantee roles. Shows are cast based on the directing team's vision for the production.
• If you are not cast, please do not be discouraged. As mentioned earlier, there will be other performing opportunities throughout the year! In the meantime, continue to take classes and train. There are also ALWAYS ways to help behind the scenes!

When are rehearsals?

Mondays and Fridays between 4:30-9:00, and a few possible Saturdays. (Not everyone is called to every rehearsal & you may only be called for a portion of the time. You will be asked to list all conflicts on the audition form. Conflicts MIGHT affect casting and cannot be added after the show is cast. It is EXTREMELY important that ANY and ALL possible conflicts be listed on the form.) Occasionally, extra rehearsals are added for leads, based on student availability and studio space.

What fees are required for being in a show?

• Production/Costume Fee will be communicated as each show is auditioning

• Script Fee: Expected to be $5 per cast member

• Tickets: Each cast member is required to sell a minimum of 15 show tickets.

• Performance makeup, undergarments and shoes are the responsibility of the performer to purchase.

• All other fees are optional (shirts/sweatshirts, makeup, souvenirs, photographs, congrats ads, director gifts, etc.)

• All parents are asked to volunteer in some capacity, large or small. Our parents are what make our shows happen … and our productions are AMAZING!

How can I keep informed?

• Weekly Emails

• THE JUMP App

• Parent Meetings

• Rehearsal Schedule

• By contacting the Parent Production Coordinators

THANK YOU FOR AUDITIONING!