Auditions
Audition Opportunities
2024/25 Season Auditions
Mainstage
CYPT is delighted to be returning to the stage for the 2024/25 Season, and is holding auditions for the following mainstage productions:
THE SMOKING GUN
Written by the 2024 Outpatient Collective
Rehearsals January 3 – March 12, 2025
Performances March 13 – 22, 2025
Fresh out the slammer, Hazel Hawkins is back on the streets and out for revenge. With her rag-tag crew behind her, Hazel’s weaving the web for one last job. It’s a dangerous game. She’s always had friends in low places, but how does the plan change when you tango with a new sort? With so many drawn knives and turned backs, who knows how the curtain will fall? Waltzing into a West Village near you, drenched from the March rain, the 2024 Outpatient Collective presents; The Smoking Gun: It’s More than Petty Theft.
When are the auditions? November 13, 14, 16
Where are the auditions? Auditions will be held at 1703 1st Street NW
Who can audition? Youth age 12+. No experience necessary.
How do I audition? Follow the simple 4 Step Process below! Please find, prepare (rehearse and memorize), and be prepared to perform for us a short monologue approximately 1-2 minutes in length. This could be a monologue you find online or it could be from a play. If you are interested in being cast in the role Vivian (singing role), please prepare a short vocal selection from a jazz number. You may bring in a recording to sing along with, or we can pull up a track for you. Examples can be found below.
Is there a fee? This is a tuition based program, and the cost for participation is $550. We DO have a bursary program, however, to ensure that cost is never a barrier for any child.
Cannonball 2025:
Cannonball 2025 auditions will take place in early 2025. Stay tuned.
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.
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.
Prepare for Your Audition
Please find, prepare (rehearse and memorize), and be prepared to perform for us a short monologue approximately 1-2 minutes in length. This could be a monologue you find online or it could be from a play. If you are interested in being cast in the role Vivian (singing role), please prepare a short vocal selection from a jazz number. You may bring in a recording to sing along with, or we can pull up a track for you. Examples can be found below.
Step 2: Choose an Audition Slot
Step 3: Fill Out Audition Form
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 prepared to perform for us a short monologue approximately 1-2 minutes in length. This could be a monologue you find online or it could be from a play. If you are interested in being cast in the role Vivian (singing role), please prepare a short vocal selection from a jazz number. You may bring in a recording to sing along with, or we can pull up a track for you. Examples can be foundabove.
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 (scenes) from the play
- 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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