Auditions

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Audition Opportunities

2023/24 Season Auditions

Mainstage

We are holding auditions for Someday and Whimsy!

Someday

If a Robot could dream, what would it dream about?

If a computer could tell itself a story, what story would it tell

… and how would it end?

Taking place in twentieth century writer Isaac Asmiov’s imagining of the future we are now living, Someday is a brand new work exploring what a burgeoning mind inside a circuit board would hope for, live for, and dream of – if it could.

Inspired by the Imagination of Isaac Asimov
Conceived and Directed by Noah Boyle
Devised by the Cast, and Written using Artificial Intelligence

WHIMSY

Written by the 2023 Outpatient Collective

Once upon a time there was a world where joy grew on trees, bats slept right-side-up, and dreams floated down the stream next to the schools of sea stars. But when a Wandering Wizard and his hWhimsical Hat cross paths with the Wild and Willowy Witch of the Woods, something on the breeze shifts. Power and hWhimsy must come face to face, and the world will be forever changed. And through the disparate stories of this Witch, Wizard, Hat and Yours Truly (the Narrator), the air itself seems to beg the question; What Happens If Magic Separates You?

When are the auditions? July 5, 6, and 8, 2023

Where are the auditions? Auditions will be held at The Unitarian Church of Calgary, 1703 1st Street NW

Who can audition? Youth age 10* – 18 may audition (including those who graduated in June 2023). No experience necessary!

*Please note that youth age 10 and 11 are only auditioning for Whimsy.

What if I ONLY want to be in the live band for Whimsy? All you have to do is email ad@cypt.ca to discuss next steps!

How do I audition? Follow the 4 Step Process below.

Cannonball 2024:

CYPT 2024 Cannonball Festival Auditions will take place in February of 2024. Please stay tuned to this website for more details.

Step 1: Get Informed

Rehearsal Schedules

The first step is to make sure you can actually BE in a play. CYPT requires performers to be available for all performances; by auditioning, you are confirming availability for both rehearsals and performances. If you have a small scheduling request for rehearsals, we can often accommodate, so please include those in the form below.

Casting Considerations

Here at CYPT, we are making an effort to give full disclosure about what you might expect if you were cast in one of our shows so that you can make an informed choice before auditioning, but of course it is difficult to anticipate every question or consideration that might arise, so if you have any concerns, questions, limitations, or comfort levels you’d like us to consider when casting (especially as it pertains to gender, content, ability needs, etc.) please let us know in the audition form or contact us directly.

For this round of auditions, feel free to let us know about any comfort levels regarding:

Accessibility needs. If you have any accessibility needs or content questions, let us know on the form below.
Gender. If you prefer to only be cast in certain gender roles, do let us know.
Language. There may be some mature language in Someday and Whimsy – these shows are both in development so currently we do not have specifics. You can always let us know in the audition form if you don’t want to be considered for a role that uses mature language.

For additional questions, email cypt@cypt.ca

Step 2: Choose an Audition Slot

Step 3: Fill Out Audition Form

Applicant Information
Please provide information for the person who will be auditioning
Cost
- I understand that this is a tuition based program and will pay $500 if I am cast in a show
- I understand that this is a tuition based program but would like to apply for a partial bursary if I am cast in a show
- I understand that this is a tuition based program but would like to apply for a full bursary if I am cast in a show
Casting Considerations
- I would like to be considered for both Someday and Whimsy
- I would only like to be considered for Someday
- I would only like to be considered for Whimsy
Name of Performer*
First Last
Age*
Please enter a number from 5 to 19.
Someday is eligible for youth age 12 - 18* and Whimsy is eligible for youth age 10 - 18* (*or in their gap year after graduation).
Email of Performer*
Phone of Performer*
List any theatrical or performance experience (or upload an acting resume below):
No experience is necessary! If you haven't done a single performance in your life, let us know so that we can help you with your first ever audition!
Acting Resume (optional)
Accepted file types: pdf, png, jpg, jpeg, img, doc, docx, Max. file size: 10 MB.
If you have an acting resume, upload it here as a pdf. If not, that's fine too!
Headshot or Photo*
Accepted file types: pdf, png, jpg, jpeg, img, Max. file size: 10 MB.
If you have a headshot, please upload it here as a jpeg or png file. If not, any photo or selfie of you that's recent will do! This is just to help us remember what you look like.
Parent or Guardian Information
Please provide contact information for the applicant's guardian
Name*
Prefix First Last
Relation to Applicant*
Parent Email*
Parent Phone*
Audition Specifics
I have read the Rehearsal Schedule on the Audition Page and confirm that I am available to attend rehearsals and performances as needed (or have listed conflicts below) for the show or shows I'm auditioning for:*
- Yes
Please list any scheduling conflicts below:
Note: performers are expected to be available for all rehearsals and certainly all performances. If you have any rehearsal scheduling requests, please list them here.
Please list anything else you might like us to know, including any comfort levels or accessibility needs you might have that you'd like us to be aware of.
Do you play any instruments? Please list them and tell us about your experience with music and if you would be interested in being considered for the live band for WHIMSY!

Step 4: Prepare Your Audition

Preparing an audition is fun! Never auditioned before? Have no fear! We at CYPT know that many kids have their first auditions with us, so we work hard to make the experience fun, relaxed, and creative as possible.

For this audition, please find, prepare (rehearse and memorize), and be ready to perform for us a short monologue. We also ask that you come ready to play!

If you are also auditioning for the band (for Whimsy) please bring your instrument of choice. We will have a piano available at the space.

If you are ONLY interested in being considered for the band for Whimsy – please do not sign up for an audition slot, and instead email ad@cypt.ca to discuss next steps.

Here’s what will happen at this audition:

You’ll arrive at The Unitarian Church of Calgary and wait in the lobby until we come to get you
You’ll join our directors in the audition room, where you will perform your monologue for us
We might get you to do your monologue again, but with some new directions for us. The directions could be anything from “try it again, but this time like a super villain!” to “this time, I want you to do the monologue as if you want the character you are talking to to leave the room.
We will have you do some cold reads of some sides from the play(s)
If you are auditioning for the band, we will have you play your instrument. Please prepare a short song (does not need to be memorized – bring your music!)
Then we’ll ask if you have any questions, and if not, that’s it! Your audition is done!

Audition Tips and Tricks

Never auditioned before?

Have no fear, it’s not as scary as you might think!

Below you’ll find a few tips for a successful audition.

What to Prepare

Every audition is a bit different. Find out from the company you are auditioning for what they would like you to prepare. Some things you may be asked to submit, bring, or prepare:

A headshot – this is a photograph (usually 8”x10”) of your upper body. This will help them remember you when they’re finished auditions. (you don’t need to bring us a physical copy – just submit the form!)
A resume – this is a list of your previous performance experience, performance training, and special skills (including accents you can do or odd talents like basketball juggling or kitten whispering). It doesn’t need to be fancy, and believe it or not, your weird special skills might come in handy! (you don’t need to bring us a physical copy – just submit the form!)
A monologue – a short scene performed by one person. If they ask you to prepare a monologue, they usually want you to find a monologue from a play, memorize it, make some bold character choices, and perform it. Don’t bring your paper up on stage with you, but keep it in your pocket so you can look at before you go into the audition room.
A side – this is a scene from the play you are auditioning for. If they ask you to prepare a side, they will send it to you by email or ask you to pick it up so that you can rehearse it in advance. Most actors like to memorize their side or at least get to know it very well, but unlike a monologue, you can bring the side with you on stage.
A song – if you are auditioning for a musical or play with a live band, they might ask you to sing or play a song. Find a song that shows off your vocal range or instrument of choice.
A dance or movement piece – a very physical theatre piece or musical may require you to show off your physical skills. Be bold, but do your best to show off YOUR skills.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in, but that is clean and professional. This is like a job interview (but more fun). No need to wear costumes or bring props, but if you really want to bring a prop for your monologue (something simple like a cell phone that you need to make the scene make sense), feel free.

What to Expect in the Room

Once you are ushered into the audition room, you will be introduced to the director, assistant director, and perhaps the stage manager or producer. At this time, they may ask you to sit down and have a quick chat about you. Have no fear, they just want to get to know you a bit.

TIP: Be yourself. Don’t try to impress or pretend, but stay positive and polite.

After that, you will be asked to perform your audition. It might be a monologue or a piece they’ve asked you to prepare in advance.

TIP: take a second and breathe before starting your audition. Get comfortable. Don’t rush yourself!

TIP: Does your character in the monologue talk to another character? If so, imagine that character is sitting right next to the director. That way, they can see your eyes but you also aren’t staring the director in the eye which can feel a bit uncomfortable!

TIP: After you complete your audition, the director may give you some direction and ask you to do it again. Do your best to incorporate this suggestion into your second performance, no matter how wacky or wrong it may seem. The director wants to know if you can take direction!

Next, you may be thanked and welcomed to leave. If so, great! They’ve seen everything they needed to see from your audition!

It’s also possible they may ask you to do a “cold read,” at which time they might give you a page from the play you are auditioning for and ask you to do a read of it on the spot. It means they are wondering if you are right for that character or for a character similar to it, so take a quick moment to read over it, make a bold character choice, and go for it! It’s your first time reading it, and they know that, so don’t apologize if you make a mistake. Have fun!

In some auditions, you may be asked to get up on your feet and move around with other actors, or show off your singing and dancing skills. Usually, you will know in advance if this is what they are asking.

Remember

The director WANTS you to succeed! They are hoping you will be the perfect person for a role!

If something doesn’t make sense, ask a question! This isn’t a test, it’s a chance for a few people to get to know how each other work.

Above all, remember to have fun! Even the best actors don’t get cast in every play, so knowing that, you can relax and just enjoying performing!

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