Auditions

FAQs about auditions at D.U.

The Theatre Department produces three mainstage shows during the academic year, as many senior projects as there are senior Theatre majors, and multitudes of directing, class projects and new script readings

Audition dates and times can be found listed under the individual productions.

Auditions for Mainstage productions are generally held at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters, during the first week of classes. Auditions for student projects and senior projects are scheduled throughout the academic year, based in the student production schedule.

Who can audition for the shows produced by the Theatre Department?
You are encouraged to audition, whether you are a D.U. student, staff or faculty member, or a community member. Our primary commitment is to training our students by casting them in our shows. Thus, if a Theatre Department student is ready to play a role, that student will be cast. If no D.U. Theatre Department student is ready, others who auditioned will be considered.

What should I prepare for the audition?
Each director will have different requirements, and in each audition notice, those are listed. Generally, for the mainstage productions, you should be prepared with a monologue (not from the show you're auditioning for), resume and headshot. If you do not have a headshot, we will take a Polaroid of you at auditions. Call the Theatre Department office, 303.871.2518, for complete information. For senior project and other audition notices, check the callboard outside Margery Reed Hall room 104.

When are callback and how will I know I am called back?
Generally, callbacks are held the day after the auditions. The call back list will be posted on the dcallboard outside Margery Reed 104. If you prefer to call to see if you are on the list, check with the stage manager or director about that procedure.

Do I need to make an audition appointment?
Yes. Call 303.871.2518.

Should I read the script before I audition?
Yes. You are expected to read the script in order to know which role your prefer and even more importantly whether this is the right play for you. Reading scripts are available in the Theater Department office, Margery Reed Hall 104, for 24-hour check-out.

Who will watch the auditions?
Generally the director, stage manager, and assistant director are the only ones watching the initial auditions. At callbacks, the director may have only 2 or 3 actors work together or s/he can have all those called back watch each other's work.

What is the rehearsal schedule?
The schedule for the mainstage show fits the show into an academic quarter. Generally, auditions are held at the beginning of each quarter, in early September, early January, and mid-March. Rehearsals begin immediately after auditions and proceed for six weeks. One week of tech and dress rehearsals follows. The show opens and plays for two weekends, generally for seven performances total. Strike follows the Sunday matinee, which is closing.

May I refuse a role?
If you are a Theatre Department student, you are expected to accept any role you are cast in. All others are expected to indicate on the forms they fill out exactly which roles they will and will not accept.

Do actors get paid at D.U.?
No.

Who directs the shows? Two Theatre faculty members and a guest director fill the three directing slots for the mainstage.

What should I bring to the audition? Bring a headshot and resume if you have them. We will take a Polaroid if you do not have a headshot, and you should be prepared to come early and write our your performance experience. You will be given a form to fill out prior to you audition. Aside from general information, you will also be asked to provide a detailed schedule of your commitments between auditions and strike. You'll also be asked if you have movement experience, if you play and instrument, and if you will cut, color or dye your hair. Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing in which you can easily move. Do not dress in a character costume. Do not bring multiple props; one hand prop is acceptable.

Do you precast shows? No, we do not precast shows. If someone is ever cast in a show before auditions are held, a public announcement of that decision will be made. The most logical time for precasting will be the times a guest artist comes in to play a role.

What is the rehearsal schedule? Rehearsals are generally held Monday through Thursday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. and for three or four hours one weekend day, generally in the early afternoon. Rehearsals generally last for six weeks; tech and dress rehearsals last for one week; the show runs for two weekends and strikes after the Sunday performance. Technical and dress rehearsals begin the Friday before the show opens on a Thursday. Actors (as well as the director, designers, and all technicians) are expected to work on building the show, making costumes, hanging lights, etc on the two Saturday workdays before the show opens as well as striking the show. Strike follows the Sunday matinee, which is closing.

What must I bring to rehearsals? Each actor is provided a script, which s/he must bring to each rehearsal, as well as a pencil. Actors are also expected to provide their own makeup. Wigs and special effect makeup will be provided as part of costumes.