This is a hard question. We are looking for the right person for each role, which can mean very different things. In general we are looking for people who have confidence, a certain amount of talent, a willingness to try things, an ability to follow directions, a positive and supportive attitude, a certain something that seems right for a character, and someone we want to hang out with over the next few weeks.

We will take your photo on the day of auditions, so you do not need to bring a headshot, but you may include one if you like. Please bring a resume or fill out our resume sheet before your audition slot.

Yes! Show us what you’ve got, and we may love it. And you may find you have talents worth exploring.

Yes! Show us what you’ve got, and we may love it. And you may find you have talents worth exploring.

Yes! Show us what you’ve got, and we may love it. And you may find you have talents worth exploring.

There are occasionally non-singing roles in musicals. However, there are always many roles that only sing in a group. While you may not feel confident as a soloist, as long as you can carry a tune, you will still be considered for the ensemble. You will still need to do a singing audition, but don’t let it scare you. If the play is not a musical, there are occasionally singing roles, but it is rare.

Sure! We don’t expect you to be perfect, in fact we like it when you mix something up, because then we get to see how you deal with it. We want to see that a small mistake stays small and doesn’t ruin your attitude or fluster you. Pay close attention while the combination is being taught and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything that doesn't feel right. Be ready and willing to work hard and try your best, but remember to also have fun! If the play is not a musical, there are occasionally dancing roles, but it is rare.

No. Please bring sheet music in the key that you plan to sing. We want to hear how you sing with live accompaniment.

You can find sheet music online in lots of places including musicnotes.com, sheetmusicplus.com, and amazon.com.

It is always a good idea to be familiar with your whole song. The musical director may also be familiar with your song and ask if you might sing a different section in order to explore your range.

No. If there are roles in the show that you know that you would not accept, please indicate that on your audition form. Directors never think badly of an actor who is honest from the beginning. If, however, an actor indicates that they would accept any role, and then declines the role that they are offered, directors tend to take it personally.

One of the most important places to be honest, clear, and knowledgeable is in regards to any conflicts you may have with the rehearsal process. A director can work around a small number of conflicts. Conflicts with performances or tech or dress rehearsals are not something we can work around. Conflicts revealed after the cast list has been announced are another thing that director tend to take personally and remember for the future.

Email us at yaeinfo@crpd.org or call (805) 381-2747. Occasionally, a director will allow someone to audition for the first time just before callbacks begin.

Absolutely not! You’d be surprised how quickly a director can see if you have something they are looking for. In fact, many times a director will spend more time with folks who haven’t done as well in order to see if maybe they were just nervous and need another shot.

No. Every show is different, but many times auditioners are cast without being called back. Callbacks are so that the director and team can see something they didn’t see at auditions. If you have had a solid audition, they may feel like they know exactly where you’ll fit in the cast.

This is always a hard question. Right after auditions is a super-busy time for directors, and therefore a difficult time to get them to focus on the actors they could not cast. Here are some reasons why actors do not get cast that come up again and again:

1. Remember that all behavior at auditions is part of your audition. Be respectful of the production staff, other auditioners, and the facility. Bad behavior, even in the parking lot or restroom, can factor strongly into whether you get cast. Supportive and generous behavior can get you cast!

2. Great performers are not right for every show. You may have rocked your audition, but just not been right for any of the roles.

3. Be energetic, confident, and willing to try anything that the director or production staff may suggest. Directors will test you to see if you can take direction, if you say “no” or take issue with a suggestion at an audition, that tells the director that you do not take direction well.

4. You may come across onstage as younger or older compared to the other auditioners. While we are a youth theatre company, the director is trying to create a cohesive looking show. That means that if the majority of actors she is casting appear to be 16-17, she may choose not to cast someone who appears to be 13-14 to play characters that the story requires to be the same age.

5. CONFLICTS. A big reason why people do not get cast is that they have too many conflicts. Rehearsal schedules are always tight and dealing with conflicts is very difficult. If you have any wiggle room in a conflict, let the director know at your first audition.

6. Previous behavior. Directors and staff members from different shows talk to each other. If you have a history of bad behavior in a previous production, it will likely be passed on through the grapevine. Most especially if that behavior involves having a lot of conflicts that were not listed on your audition form, disrespectful attitude toward staff or other cast members, or a poor work ethic. If you feel the director may have heard about past behavior, but you know that you have changed and are willing to work hard, let the director know that at your first audition.