At MYART, we believe very strongly in the concept of inclusivenees. Everyone who registers for a show and participates in the scheduled rehearsals is a STAR, in our way of thinking. Because of this, all who meet these criteria are assured a place in our ensemble.
This is the most important part of the MYART experience and gives everyone an opportunity to shine.
Lead roles, which feature spoken lines and/or solo singing, are multi-cast, with several people sharing the role. This provides opportunities for more of our cast to participate as leads. This casting is accomplished by means of an open audition process, which normally begins in the third or fourth week of rehearsals. Anyone registered in the ensemble who has paid their registration fee or established a payment plan may audition.
Audition homework involves taking some time to learn about the character. It may involve writing notional diary entries, drawing pictures, or other exercises that involve imagining yourself as the character.
This time-honored show business practice is a very important first step toward presenting a convincing characterization. Some actors have spent a year or more preparing for roles in exactly this way.
Completed homework must be handed in by the time of auditions. Homework materials will be available during ensemble rehearsals.
Audition prep sessions are held about a week before auditions, usually on a weeknight. The Director, Choreographer and Music Director may all be in attendance. Auditioners are given a chance to become familiar with the portions of the script and songs they will perform during auditions.
Generally, some insights are provided as to what will be "looked for" during auditions. While it may be possible for some experienced candidates to be cast without attending Audition Prep, the chances of a successful outcome are always bettered by the extra preparation.
When evaluating auditions, two very important qualities to the overall impression left by the candidate are:
Sometimes the Director or Staff needs more information to base their casting decisions upon. When this happens, they often "call back" several of the top candidates to a second audition.
It is quite possible to be cast in a role without being "called back". Often the Director is able to cast an auditioner after having seen them only once. Likewise, being called back does not guarantee that the auditioner will be cast.
The callback list will be posted on the MYART website. Cast member without internet access will receive a telephone call.
When the casting process is complete the cast list is posted at the rehearsal venue and on the MYART website at a time determined by the Director. Cast members without internet access will receive a telephone call.
Much excitement and not a few tears are usually generated at this point. It is important for parents to be supportive and to reinforce our credo, that every cast member is a STAR, and that lead roles would not exist without the hard work and perserverance of the entire ensemble cast.
Those not cast in a lead role can ask the Director if they may challenge for the role. If the role is not yet full and if the Director believes challenging may be beneficial to the auditioner she will grant permission.
Challengers must attend all pertinent lead rehearsals and learn all the dialogue, blocking and dance for the role, just as if they had been cast. Challengers will audition again on a date set by the Director. If the Director believes the challenger has successfully mastered the role she may cast them. The Director will tell the challenger of her decision immediately.
This process teaches the importance of determination and perseverance.