Almost any good-sized city or town will have at least one--if not several--community theater companies to entertain the population. Some may be geared towards age groups as with young actors' groups, and others may center around a certain style of production like musicals or Shakespearean works. Most of them are volunteer-run non-profits, and as such, are always looking for more people to audition, organize and just help out in general. Here are some tips for auditioning.
Instructions
1. Subscribe to the local arts newsletters and mailing lists. The level of organization of each group will determine what sort of announcement method they use, but make sure they know to contact you when an opportunity arises. Also watch community calendar features in the newspaper and on local television as well as any campus events that may be taking non-student participants.
2. Check the rehearsal and performance schedules before you audition. Probably one of the worst things is to audition, get a great part and then find out that rehearsals interfere with classes or that you'll be out of town during the 2 weeks the play goes on. Always err on the side of asking too many questions to make sure you can fulfill your obligations.
3. Read up on the play you'll be auditioning for. This goes not only for the actual audition piece, but it's good to check, especially in newer or independent works, for any subject matter that you may be uncomfortable with. Very little is sacred to some playwrites, so do your homework.
4. Practice the required audition piece until you know it by heart. Called "off book" in theater lingo, being able to speak the part freely shows professionalism and allows you to use your hands and body language during your scene. Practice alone in front of a mirror, as well as with others either as an audience or someone feeding you responses if the audition piece is interactive.
5. Be prepared to commit time to building sets and sewing costumes if necessary. Remember, many community theaters are volunteer run and funding comes either from grants or the success of the last performance. Pitching in may be expected, and even if it isn't, if you have the time consider contributing anyway since it'll only make the total experience that much better.
