OLYMPIA AUDITION LEAGUE -- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Last Updated June 22, 2011, 11pm.
Q: What is Olympia Audition League (OAL)?
A: OAL is a group of theater companies that come together to share in resources and to offer the opportunity for actors in the community to audition for many directors and shows at one time.
Q: Who are the participating companies?
A: Here are links to all three websites. They are packed with individual group information for past seasons, mission statements, photos, reviews, and more.
Olympia Family Theater http://www.olyft.org
Prodigal Sun Productions http://www.prodigalsunproductions.org
Theater Artists of Olympia http://www.olytheater.com
Q: When are the auditions?
A: July 30th and 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Q: Where exactly are the auditions?
A: The auditions are happening at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts Black Box. Please follow the signs and come early, if you are unfamiliar with the space. Check in will be through the lobby doors.
Directions to the Washington Center:
http://www.washingtoncenter.org/directions/default.asp
Q: What is the OAL group looking for?
A: We Want You! If you are interested in acting or participating on the technical side of any production with any of our participating theater companies.
Q: What shows am I auditioning for?
A: You will find a list of shows here.
Q: Everyone knows me and my work, do I need to audition?
A: We highly recommend it for several reasons. Auditioning at OAL helps directors keep track of all who are interested in the upcoming season. Directors come and go and not all will be familiar with your work. Lastly, we recognize that actors grow, blossom and stretch throughout each theater season. It's important to view this audition as a chance to demonstrate your skills.
Q: How do I secure a time for my audition?
A: EASY!
For Actors/Actresses:
1. Visit http://www.olyaudition.org/Registrations/CreateLoginPage.aspx
2. Once you have created a personal profile, click on the submit button.
3. After submitting the personal profile you can, visit the audition calendar page, where you will have an opportunity to sign up for an audition time slot.
4. From your personal profile page, click on Audition Calendar.
a.Choose the day that works best for you.
- i.Click on that particular day, and view open time slot(s)
ii.A confirmation email will be sent to you once you have selected and submitted a time for your audition.
iii. Should you have to change your audition time/date. Log back into your personal profile on the OAL website and select the change time/date option.
5. Once registration is closed on July 27th, you will receive a confirmation email detailing any last minute notes as well as reminders about your audition.
For Technicians:
1.Visit (PAGE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
2.Once you have created a personal profile, click on the submit button.
3.After submitting the personal profile you can, visit the technicians page, where you will have an opportunity to submit a technical profile.
4.Technicians do not need to appear at The Washington Center. Technicians will be contacted directly from the Production Team or Directors from each show.
Q: What should I prepare? Do I really need to memorize a monologue?
A: The OAL is interested in actors with all levels of experience. We recognize that auditions can be intimidating and that you may have never auditioned before. We highly encourage you to prepare a memorized audition monologue, which is the best way of showcasing your skills. We strongly suggest that veteran actors (those who've been in five or more shows) prepare at least one monologue. This can even be something from a show you've performed in. You are encouraged to perform two contrasting monologue but they must fit within your five minute audition. To assist you in this task, Olympia Family Theater is offering an audition workshop this year. Please check out the workshops page for more information (link to audition workshop page)
Q: I want to audition for a musical? What do I bring?
A: Being cast in a musical generally means you have to be able to sing. We need to hear your singing abilities if you are auditioning for a musical. In addition to a monologue, you must have a prepared musical audition, consisting of 16 bars of music in a key that highlights your vocal abilities. You will not be considered for a musical if you do not have a prepared musical audition piece. The accompanist cannot and will not make key changes during your audition; you must bring music in your key and have pre-selected your 16 bars. Again to assist you with preparing a musical audition, Olympia Family Theater is offering an audition workshop this year, which will also cover musical auditions. Please check out the audition workshops page for more information. (link to audition workshop page)
Q: I'm 16. Is there a way for students/youth to audition?
A: Some of the shows we are casting for have students/youth in them. Anyone who will be aged 16 or older by July 30th (the first audition date) can audition at OAL. If you are under 16, please do not sign up for or appear at the auditions as we will have to turn you away. There will be further auditions for youth specific roles with Olympia Family Theater. Performers younger than 16 are encouraged to send the OAL an email with information about your interest and contact info (olympiaauditionleague@gmail.com). We will pass the message on to those directors who are casting youth.
Q: What if I need to change my audition time?
A: Log back into your personal profile page and select the time/date change button. Follow the prompts and resubmit your new time.
Q: What time should I show up?
A: Thirty minutes is a good rule of thumb. This will allow you ample time to find parking, check in (which may include checking over your audition profile), use the restroom, and prep prior to going into the audition.
Q: What happens if I am late to my audition?
A: Depending on time constraints, you may lose/forfeit your scheduled audition time slot. A decision will be made at that time by the Audition Coordinator about how to best fit you in. You may be asked to come back later in the day or on another date. We will work to get you an audition time slot so please contact us if you are running late. The directors want to see as many people as possible so we
will try not to turn people away.
Q: What do I need to bring/wear to the OAL audition?
A:
- Your confirmation email, for faster check in.
- We also ask that you wear comfortable clothing, for full range of motion.
- A pencil, scratch paper.
- A water bottle.
- Sheet music if you are auditioning with music. 16 bars of music, either from the show from which you are auditioning and/or one that gives your fullest vocal range. (You will need to bring your desired sheet music, in your preferred key, with 16 bars selected. The accompanist cannot and will not make key corrections.)
Q: What should I expect the day of the audition?
A: Expect to have fun. Yes, the audition process can be stressful, but many of you will be auditioning in front of folks you have seen around the community. Keep in mind that many of our directors are actors too and will be auditioning themselves at some point. Be comfortable and give yourself ample time to prepare by arriving roughly 30 minutes early. This will allow you time to check in and give yourself an extra few minutes to prepare. Once you are in the room for the audition, the OAL directors will greet you and you will have an opportunity to do your prepared audition monologue or cold reading, your music, and answer general questions from the OAL directors. Because we want to respect everyone's time, you will be stopped at the five minute mark and we will move on to the next audition. If you have any questions or concerns, you will be able to talk with an audition assistant immediately following your audition, in a separate space. We will then send the information to the necessary director.
Q: Auditions are tomorrow and I just found out about them! I haven't had time to prepare! What do I do...?
A: That's okay. We will have monologues available for those who do not have a prepared piece. We know this is going to happen and we will accommodate as best we can. Note again that if you don't have a prepared musical audition, you will not be considered for a musical.
Q: Are walk-ups okay?
A: Yes, but realize we may ask you to come back at a different time as we have a full day of appointments. We may have no shows but you will likely be asked to come in at the end of the day. We have a limited number of spots each day so we encourage individuals to schedule an appointment.
Q: I can't make any of the two dates, what should I do?
A: This is a general audition call; depending on the theater/performance group, they may have specific audition calls and call backs. The best thing to do is to send an email to the OAL (olympiaauditionleague@gmail.com) stating that you can't make the particular audition dates. Use the information provided below, in the body of the email:
Name:
Contact Number:
Best email address:
All show names that you are interested in:
The Audition Coordinator(s) will send the information directly to each director of the shows you are interested in participating in.