General Audition Info

Does R2P welcome EVERYONE to audition?

Is R2P committed to casting consciously? Does R2P value cultivating a diverse company in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender expression, religious identity, ability, and celebrating each other onstage and off?

In a word: YES.

Click here for R2P’s Diversity Policy, adopted by our Board of Directors (Sept 2019)

What are the requirements to audition?

• Be in grades 6 – 12 (or the homeschool equivalent)

• Email to auditions@runningtoplaces.org or turn in a hard-copy of the Required Signature page signed by the participant and a parent/guardian (if you're under 18).

• Show up – in person or by video.

How can I learn how to audition?

It just so happens that we periodically offer audition technique workshops. We will teach you all sorts of tips and tricks to have a better audition experience. Stay tuned to hear about when we’ll be offering our next round of workshops – sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @runningtoplaces.

Any advice for folks auditioning for the first time?

Show up. That's it. Simply walk in the door for the auditions.

But I don't know if I'm good enough!

You are. You don't have to be perfect. You don't need any experience or special skills. You just need to show up.

But I'm nervous!

Understandable. It's okay to be nervous. We promise to be nicer than you are nervous. Just show up.

But I'm not as prepared for the audition as I should be!

So what! You'll get better at all this with some practice – and you will get practice once you're doing shows with us, which you automatically will be no matter how your audition goes as long as you simply… show up. :)

What do the auditions consist of?

The auditions will consist of singing, acting, and dancing. You have the option of submitting an audition by video or in person.

IN-PERSON:
The singing and acting will take place during individual 5-minute slots. You will sing roughly 30-60 seconds of a song of your choice (around 16-32 measures) and perform a 30-60 second memorized monologue. You may be asked to sing some scales, and we'll probably chat a little. The dancing will take place in a group. As a group, you will learn a short dance combination suitable for dancers of all levels, rehearse it several times, and then perform it in groups a couple of times for the directors.

BY VIDEO:
You will record videos of you singing roughly 30-60 seconds of a song of your choice (around 16-32 measures) and perform a 30-60 second memorized monologue. For the dance portion, we will provide a simple, short video of choreography for you to practice on your own and record yourself performing. The choreography video will be available soon. Once you have your videos ready, please email them to “auditions@runningtoplaces.org”.

How can I find audition songs and monologues?

You can choose songs from musicals (listen to The Best of Broadway on 91.7 WICB every Sunday morning from 10am-12pm for ideas.) or movies. You can find monologues in plays, books, movies or TV shows. The library and the good old interwebs are great places to look.

In case you need a head start looking for materials, we've created a page with songs and monologues that you are welcome to use. There is neither any advantage nor disadvantage to using one of the pieces from the R2P website – we just want to take out as much stress for you as possible. PRO-TIP: Time your monologue by saying it OUT-LOUD — you'll be surprised how short a paragraph of text it takes to be in that sweet 30-60 second range.

What are you looking for in an audition?

We'll be looking for you to be audible, interesting, and confident. Even if you're nervous, pretend you're not (it's about acting after all!), and we won't know the difference. You should know who you are talking/singing to and why. What are you trying to convince them of? What effect do you want to have on them by saying this? You should have your songs and monologue memorized. During the dance audition, sure we are interested in dance ability, but also a good attitude, the willingness to learn, and a commitment to trying.

How do I decide if I can make the time commitment to a particular show?

You should be able to attend all or most rehearsals that you are called for, including ALL technical rehearsals and performances, including post-show strike.

If I’m auditioning by video, what should I do?

You can record your auditions on a phone – no fancy cameras or microphones are needed. Despite what movie aficionados say, shooting vertically is fine. We want to see your whole person head-to-toe while you perform, so make sure it’s not just a close-up of your face. Assuming you don’t have a live pianist to accompany you (most people don’t), you can sing to a YouTube karaoke track. (We don’t want to hear the original singer on the track – just you!)

Be sure to “slate” at the beginning of your video. That just means introduce yourself and your piece. For example, you might say, “Hi, my name is Corky St. Clair, and this song is called “A Penny for Your Thoughts” from the musical “Red, White, and Blaine.”

Is it better to audition in-person or by video?

The short answer is that it doesn’t matter – as long as you audition! Either way, you will be part of R2P – we take everyone, and no one gets cut.

Auditioning by video has the advantage of letting you do as many takes as you like. Unlike the in-person auditions, no one will be sitting behind a table watching your audition (which, despite our sincere big smiles, some people find intimidating). Plus, you can rehearse your song with the actual accompaniment that you’ll be performing to, as opposed to a spontaneous duet with a pianist. Some folks find it less scary to audition by video. If that is you, then go for it!

Auditioning in-person has the advantage of being more informative for the directors you’re auditioning for. After all, we’re trying to learn about how you would be to work with in a live, in-person piece of theatre, so seeing you perform live is helpful to us. We also get the chance to get to know you a little better at an in-person audition. After all, we can chat, ask you questions, answer any of your questions, have you sing some scales to get to know your voice better, etc.

Bottom line is – we don’t care which way you audition, as long as you do!

Will there be a piano and accompanist? Do I bring a copy of my music?

Yes, we will provide a piano accompanist. You should bring a copy of the music clearly marked with "Start" and "Stop" at the beginning and end of the part you will be singing. (Literally, write those words on the music so the accompanist knows where to begin and end.) You will have a moment before going in to audition with the accompanist to review your “Start” and “Stop” and discuss the tempo you prefer. If necessary, you may also sing without accompaniment if don't have the music, though an accompanied audition is more informative of what you can do musically, so it's better for both you and us.

FOR VIDEO AUDITIONS: You may perform to karaoke tracks (like what you find on YouTube) or with live piano if you have access. There is no inherent benefit to either approach – do whatever works best for you!

What should I bring the day of the audition?

• A completed and signed hard-copy of the Required Signature page (unless you’ve emailed a completed and signed copy to auditions@runningtoplaces.org). This includes information like a photo release (so we have permission to take photos of you in the shows) and other legal requirements. You can also have your parent/guardian fill it out the day of audition.

• Your music for the pianist, clearly marked with the place to “Start” and “Stop” playing.

• Your monologue if you want to look it over while waiting. You don't need to bring it into the audition itself.

• A change of clothing and/or shoes for your dance audition, if you wish.

• Water and perhaps some healthy snacks!

• NOTE: If you are auditioning by video, you can email your videos to auditions@runningtoplaces.org.

• ALSO: If you are auditioning in person, please know that all R2P staff involved in the audition have been fully vaccinated. The audition room is very large and well ventilated, and will allow for ample distance.

• ADDITIONALLY: Masks are allowed during your audition if you wish.

What should I wear for the dance audition?

You don't necessarily need to wear dance clothes or shoes (although you are encouraged to if you have them), but you should be able to move comfortably. Jeans, boots, short skirts, and excessive jewelry are not recommended. You will also have time to change between your audition slot and the dance audition, if you wish.

Who will be watching my audition?

The only folks watching the open audition will be the people involved in working on the shows, like the director, music director, choreographer, and an accompanist. We do not allow friends or relatives to sit in on auditions. The only time other students will be present is during the group dance audition. Callbacks will involve groups of students called for roles.

How will the directors remember who everyone is when casting?

You do not need to bring a headshot or other photograph. We will take a picture when you arrive and video record the audition for our reference when casting later. You will also be given a name tag to fill out and wear. If you are auditioning by video, it’s important to “slate” (introducing yourself and your piece) before you begin.

How does R2P decide what shows and roles are right for me?

We’ve all been doing this for a long time. We will consider your strengths and the needs of the shows across the season. It's our job to put people in the places we feel they will have the most success, and that might even mean offering you a place in a show that you didn’t expect.

If I audition, am I guaranteed to be cast in something?

Yes. We don't cut anyone and work hard to find the best match for each person within the season. Everyone is offered a place in at least one performance per season. You don't necessarily get to pick which show you are offered. We do our best to find the place where we feel you will have the most success.

What are callbacks – and what if I don’t receive one at all or for a show I’m interested in?

Callbacks are another round of auditions in which we have people sing and/or read material for particular roles from shows being cast. A callback for one role might actually serve for several similar roles in a show, so being called back for a particular role doesn’t mean you are auditioning just for that role. If you do not receive a callback it DOES NOT mean you are not cast, or even that you are not cast in a supporting or lead role. We only have so much time for callbacks, and we use it to find out what we don’t yet know and need to figure out in terms of appropriate castings. We also sometimes call people back for a variety of educational reasons, such as gaining the experience of auditioning alongside others. Please do not try to read too much into callbacks – there are lots of reasons why someone is or is not called back for a particular role, or at all.

What if I am disappointed with the casting?

Don't envy the people doing the casting. While it's a wonderful job (getting to see and hear courageous young people lay it all on the line is inspiring beyond words), we know that it also means breaking hearts from time to time.

Paramount for us is putting everyone where they will have the most success. It's not unusual for an ambitious, capable, and brave young first-timer to wonder why they didn't get a lead role or even a callback. Please know this:

We would never want to make someone happy the day the list comes out, nervous as rehearsals approach, anxious about struggling with the role, scared for the performances, and then sad and regretful after it's all done. We want everyone to succeed, whatever shape that happens to take.

Any other tips for my audition?

You should be prepared to tell us who you are and what your pieces are from. A complete summary of the play or situation isn't necessary. You should put your focus straight out while you speak/sing (so we can see your smiling face), but look over our heads – not right at us. This way, we won't feel like we need to act in the scene with you, and you won't be distracted when we look down to write, "nice job!" or "would be good to play _____."

FOR VIDEO AUDITIONS: You will need to “slate” at the beginning of your videos – that just means clearly saying your first and last name, as well as the title of the piece you are about to perform.

What do I need to know about the shows covered in these auditions?

As we are still finalizing dates and venues, we are not able to announce the titles for our 2022 season at this time. We will announce the titles asap!

When and where are the auditions?

TBD. We’ll update this page and spread the word via our newsletter and social media when the time comes.

Any final audition thoughts?

Do your best to be prepared. (Although more important than being perfectly prepared is simply showing up!) Be well rested and nourished. Arrive in plenty of time to check in with the stage manager at the sign-in table, get your picture taken, turn in required paperwork, relax, get a drink of water, etc. before your audition. And remember, we're rooting for you to do great! We know that auditions can be nerve-wracking. (Believe us, we've done them, too!) Just keep in mind we want to see and hear everyone do well -- we're your biggest fans!