Auditions & Performing

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND THE AUDITION DAY

If you are unable to attend the scheduled audition day, contact
Cole Butcher, Production Stage Manager at [email protected]
to discuss one of the options below.

1. Schedule an early audition

• Early auditions may be held in the week before auditions or the week leading up to them.
  
• Email Cole and he will coordinate with the directors to find a time that works.
  

2. Attend early on Callback Day

• If there is a Callback Day, you may request to come in at noon that day instead.
  
• Email Cole to confirm that you can attend at noon on the Callback Day.
  

3. Submit a video audition (out of town or traveling)

Video auditions are always accepted.

For Plays

• Choose the sides for the show(s) and role(s) you want to be considered for. Sides are available online.
  
• Record yourself reading the roles you want.
  
  • You may use an off-camera reader for the other lines.
    
• At the start of each video, slate:
  
  • “Your name, the show you are reading for, the side number, and the character.”
    
  • Example: “Hello, my name is Cole Butcher and I am reading for Moon Over Buffalo, side 3, the character of Howard.”
    
• Email the video file, Google Drive link, or YouTube link to [email protected] by noon on the day of the audition.
  

For Musicals

• Record yourself singing 32 bars (about one minute) of a musical theatre song that is not from the show.
  
  • You may use an accompanist, a backing track, or sing a cappella.
    
• If you have a dance reel, include it.
  
  • If not, record a short clip showing your movement ability and any special skills or tricks.
    
• Choose the sides for the role(s) you want to be considered for. Sides are available online.
  
  • Most characters have both reading and singing sides. Submit both.
    
• Record yourself reading and singing for the roles you want.
  
  • You may use an off-camera reader for the other lines.
    
  • You may use an accompanist, backing track, or sing a cappella for the singing sides.
    
• At the start of each video, slate:
  
  • “Your name, the show you are reading for, the side number, and the character.”
    
  • Example: “Hello, my name is Cole Butcher and I am reading for Moon Over Buffalo, side 3, the character of Howard.”
    
• Email the video file, Google Drive link, or YouTube link to [email protected] by noon on the day of the audition.

BEFORE THE AUDITION

• Sign up online.
  
• Provide basic information: name, phone, email, and how you heard about us.
  
• Review the conflict sheet and list all rehearsal conflicts.
  
• Indicate which roles you want to read for and which roles you do not want to be considered for.
  
  • If you list a specific character, plan to stay longer so we can fit that reading in.
    
  • You may choose individual characters or select “all roles.”
    
• Prepare the audition sides for the characters you want to be considered for.
  
  • Once you sign up, we send you a link to the sides a few weeks before auditions, and they are also available on our website.
    
• We cast understudies. You will be asked if you want to be considered for an understudy role.
  
• Choose whether you would like a follow-up about your audition by email or phone after the cast list is posted.
  

ON THE AUDITION DAY

• Auditions start at noon for everyone who signed up.
  
  • If you cannot arrive at noon, email the Production Stage Manager: [email protected].
    
• Check in with the audition assistants in the lobby.
  
• We will take a head-to-toe photo for the directing and costume teams.
  
• All actors remain in the room and watch each other read the prepared sides.
  
• Everyone will read at least once between 12:00 and 2:00.
  
• There will be times when you are waiting. Thank you for your patience.
  
• The directing team takes a break from 2:00 to 3:00.
  
• Some actors may be asked to return at 3:00 for additional or role-specific readings.
  
  • This is when requests for specific characters will be handled.
    
• If you are not called back, you may stay and observe.
  
• Actors are dismissed as a group once the directors have completed the process.

BEFORE THE AUDITION

• Sign up online.
  
• Provide basic information: name, phone, email, and how you heard about us.
  
• Read the conflict sheet and list all rehearsal conflicts.
  
• Select the roles you want to read for and note any roles you do not want to be considered for.
  
  • If you choose a specific character, plan to stay longer so we can schedule that reading.
    
  • You may also select all roles.
    
• Prepare the audition sides for the characters you want to be considered for.
  
  • After signing up, you’ll receive a link to the sides a few weeks before auditions. They are also posted on our website.
    
• We cast understudies, and each understudy is guaranteed one performance. You will be asked if you want to be considered for an understudy role.
  
• Choose whether you want a follow-up about your audition by email or phone after the cast list is posted.
  

THE AUDITION DAY

• Auditions begin at noon for your time slot group.
  
• Check in with the audition assistants at the lobby desk.
  
• A head-to-toe photo will be taken for the directing and costume teams.
  
• Actors sing individually.
  
  • Prepare 32 bars.
    
  • A pianist is provided for sheet music.
    
  • Non-vocal backing tracks are also allowed.
    
• After the vocal portion, the group will go upstairs to learn a short dance combination.
  
  • Bring jazz or character shoes and a change of clothes.
    
  • The dance call is only to see your comfort with movement. You do not need to be a trained dancer.
    
• After the directors see the group dance, actors are dismissed.
  
• At the end of the day, you will receive an email regarding callbacks.
  
  • If called back, you will be asked to return the next day and will be told which characters to prepare.
    

CALLBACK DAY

• Callbacks begin at noon for all actors who are called back.
  
• Check in with audition assistants at the lobby desk.
  
• All actors stay in the room as you read and sing through the sides.
  
• You may be asked to return later in the day for additional or role-specific readings.
  
• Actors who were not called back may observe.
  
• Actors are dismissed as a group once the directors have seen everyone.

AFTER THE AUDITION

• The casting process takes a few days so we can fully review all performers.
  
• A full cast list will be emailed to all auditionees on Wednesday. No one will be contacted before that email is sent.
  
• Actors cast in the show will receive a follow-up phone call on Thursday to confirm acceptance.
  
• Understudies will also be contacted on Thursday.
  
• If we do not hear back from an actor by Friday at 4:00 pm, we will assume they have accepted their role.
  
• On Monday, the cast list will be posted on The Naples Players website with a link to crew sign-ups.