Read the Audition Notice
This tells you the date and time of the audition. The director will generally provide a description of the plot and each of the characters. There are often “sides” (excerpts of the script that the director intends to use in the audition) posted to help you prepare.

Check the dates of the play run. Rehearsals usually begin shortly after the audition and continue for 10 to 12 weeks leading up to the three-week play run. Although there is some flexibility during early rehearsals, your presence is required for most rehearsals and the full play run. If you are not going to be available, do not audition. Check the rehearsal schedule for more details.

The auditions generally take place on stage in the OLT auditorium. You should arrive 15 minutes in advance at the Besserer Street entrance to fill out an audition card with contact information, the role(s) you are interested in, and prior experience if you have any. (Experience is NOT required).

Try to familiarize yourself with the play
Although not essential, it helps to have read the play. Visit your local library, or buy a copy of the script online or at your local book store. Watching a film version of the play (if there is one) might help but keep in mind that it could be quite different from the stage version, and that acting for film is different from acting on stage. If you haven’t read the script, you can go online to see what you can find out about the play, its plot and style (is it contemporary or classic, comedy or drama or mystery, etc.) and the various roles.

Keep in mind that if ages are specified, they are the ages of the character, not the actor. Actors often portray characters younger or older than themselves. A director might also choose to cast racially diverse actors even within the same family. Everyone is welcome!

At OLT auditions, the director usually has the actors read chosen scenes from the play using provided script excerpts. Names are called and groups go on stage in turn to read short scenes of a few minutes each.

Callbacks, if required, take place a day or so after the audition. Actors selected for the callback will be alerted at the audition or contacted shortly afterwards.

Tips to help your audition

  • Make sure the whole theatre can hear you. Imagine you are speaking to someone at the back of the hall – without sounding as if you are shouting. Don’t chew gum.
  • Keep your head up. If you look down at your script, your voice will go into the floor. Hold your script up (without blocking your face) and send your voice out into the hall.
  • “Cheat” your position outwards. Even if you’re speaking to someone beside you, position your face so your nose is facing outside the proscenium, otherwise your voice will go into the wings.
  • What you wear to an audition is not important, although sometimes clothing might help to show the director that you can look like the character you want to play.
  • Keep your hair out of your face; try to arrange it so the director can see you. Don’t wear a hat.
  • Practice “cold reading” at home. (This is the act of performing lines as you read them for the very first time.) The best way to become a fluent cold reader is to read aloud as often as you can. Practice with any script you have available as this will help you get used to skipping over stage directions to get to your line. If you don’t have a script, use a book with some dialogue in it. If “sides” are available with the audition notice, practice using them.
  • Try not to lose your place. Mark where you’re at in the script with your finger while you glance ahead to your next line. Don’t worry if you stumble over a word or two; the important thing is to stay in character and be heard.
  • Create chemistry with your fellow actor(s). Make the director, and anyone else watching, believe that you are thinking and feeling the words on the page.

And finally…
Don’t give up if you don’t get cast; there will be another audition in five weeks. There are always more people who don’t get cast than who do; it doesn’t mean you didn’t audition well. Use your experience from each audition to see if you can improve at the next one.

Have fun!