Frequently Asked Questions
This is my first time auditioning for a show, what should I prepare?
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be asked to sing a selection that best represents your voice as well as the role you would like to audition for. You should prepare an appropriate cutting of this piece (for example, star in the middle if that’s where you want the directors to hear the most.)
Be prepared to dance at your audition – wear comfortable clothes that you can move in (no flip flops or high-heels, unless you are wearing character shoes!)
For plays, and additionally for some musicals, we will provide script selections to read at the audition.
In all cases, if there is a specific selection that the director would like everyone to prepare, those details will be found on the specific show’s audition listing.
Jump to video audition specific tips.
How does your rehearsal schedule work? Can I find specific times online before pre-registering for auditions?
We create our rehearsal schedules based upon cast conflicts, which are submitted during the audition process. Our directors do their best to accommodate conflicts so that all of our rehearsal time can be used to its fullest capacity. A “sample rehearsal schedule” may be released indicating the days of the week or rough times, but a specific schedule comes out in time for our welcome meeting that details who is called when.
What kind of financial commitment should I expect as a parent?
Our show fees are very manageable for families of all means. Currently, we charge a once-per-season family membership fee of $15. Individual actors’ show fees range from $10-20 per actor, depending on the budget needs of that production.
We ask each of our actors to help us reach out to local businesses and patrons by participating in fundraising. There may be a fundraising requirement or “buy-out” of $25-100 depending on the size of the show (plays are typically less expensive than musicals.)
Where does all that fee money go?
Fees and sponsors cover the operating budget of each production. This includes, but is not limited to: licensing rights, venue rental, costume budgets, tech budgets (batteries are a doozy!), professional musicians, paint, wood, and other building materials for sets. Regional prides itself on giving students an authentic, professional performance experience and these fees cover a small portion of that.
Are the directors paid?
Regional Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and all of our board members as well as directing staff are volunteers. Sometimes when we rent a venue, we are required to include payment for technical operators (sound and lights, mostly) as part of that agreement.
My family would like to participate, but we do not have the financial means.
It is the mission of Regional to provide authentic theater experience to students of all ages and walks of life. We will work with your family on a case-by-case basis to ensure your student can participate without breaking the bank.
To prepare your audition: First, grab an adult to help you and sign off on this project! Please follow the link below to “Submit your video today!” You will need to prepare and record an excerpt for your preferred character(s). This video must then be uploaded to YouTube (not necessarily public, but please make sure link sharing is turned on–this feature used to be called “unlisted.”) When you are directed to Casting Manager, you will need to create an account before selecting your preferred role(s) and submitting a video audition. All video audition submissions are due by noon on April 4th. (Please know that if you see a physical time and date that auditions will not be held in person. Any slots mistakenly scheduled will not be honored.)
Video Audition Tips
To prepare your audition for CastingManager: First, grab an adult to help you and sign off on this project! You will need to prepare and record an excerpt for your preferred character(s). This video must then be uploaded to YouTube (not necessarily public, but please make sure link sharing is turned on–this feature used to be called “unlisted.”) When you are directed to Casting Manager, you will need to create an account before selecting your preferred role(s) and submitting a video audition.
- Take a few seconds to introduce yourself! (“Hi my name is ________. I’m auditioning today for the role(s) of ____________.”)
- Use a high quality camera/phone. Grainy or pixelated images do not best represent you visually.
- Have a parent/sibling read “extra” lines off-camera to you. They don’t need to act them out, but you should react and act as you would on stage with the part you choose to read.
- Remember that these video auditions are all our staff have to go off of for casting. You don’t need to record in costume and makeup, but present yourself as you would for a physical audition. (Let’s be honest, most everyone is wearing pj’s at home these days, but we wouldn’t audition in them!)
- When you upload to YouTube, make sure to preview your video before sending the link for video & audio quality as well as making sure it’s “the one” you wanted to send us!
