Blackfriars Audition FAQs:
We're thrilled you're considering auditioning for Blackfriars Theatre. We hope this information will help answer any question you might have. If you have other concerns, please email us at info@blackfriars.org or call us at (585) 454-1260.
WHO CAN AUDITION?
Blackfriars Theatre holds open auditions, practices color and gender conscious casting and welcomes anyone who is eligible to attend. Most audition postings will have a cast breakdown detailing ages and specific types for each show to let you know what the production requires. Blackfriars is a non-equity theatre.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE?
Each audition notice will specify what is required at auditions. Please read each notice carefully. Most plays will require cold reads from the script, and some will require you to prepare a monologue of your choosing. Musicals will require one to two musical selections of appropriate style and a dance audition. Please come prepared with sheet music clearly marked, in the appropriate key, and in a binder. An accompanist will be provided for musical auditions. Please also bring your personal calendar for scheduling purposes.
DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY NIGHT OF AUDITIONS?
No. If there are multiple nights of initial auditions, you only need to attend one of them. If you are called back, you will need to be available for callbacks.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED ABOUT CALLBACKS OR CASTING?
If you are called back, you will be notified by email within 12 hours of your audition. If you are not called back, you will receive an email letting you know that as well. If you are cast, you will receive a phone call with an offer within 48 hours of callbacks (unless otherwise noted). If you are not cast, you will be notified via email within 24-72 hours of callbacks.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE AUDITIONS?
If you are interested in auditioning but cannot make auditions, please see the full audition listing for video submission information.
CAN I AUDITION FOR A SPECIFIC ROLE?
Yes and no. You may note on your audition form that you are only interested in a specific role or roles. It is at the discretion of the creative team as to how the audition process will run. Please note that you may not be asked to read for each specific role or roles.
ARE AUDITIONS OPEN OR CLOSED?
Choosing open or closed auditions is up to the discretion of the director. Because of the nature of Blackfriars Theatre's space, auditions can often be heard, even if people are in separate spaces. Callback auditions will often take place in front of the entire group. Only auditionees will be allowed in the theatre. Parents and friends will be asked to remain in the lobby during auditions.
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE LIKE?
Rehearsals are scheduled by the creative team based on availability and necessary rehearsal time. Therefore each rehearsal schedule will be unique. Most rehearsal periods are 4-5 weeks, plus tech week. Traditionally, Blackfriars rehearses 4-6 days of the week, 3-4 hours at a time. Weekday evenings and weekends are the normal rehearsal times. A preliminary rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions. Please be prepared to list any conflicts at auditions and know that availability will be taken into account when casting.
DO YOU PAY YOUR ACTORS?
Blackfriars offers a modest stipend for all actors in every full season production. Our student summer productions are not paid, as they are part of our educational programming.
ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES OTHER THAN ACTING?
Most definitely! Blackfriars is always looking for strong, creative and responsible stage managers, run crew, designers, directors, musicians, choreographers, technicians, and volunteers. For more information and to submit a cover letter and resume, please email info@blackfriars.org.
WHAT DO I DO IF I'M NOT CAST?
Accept it gracefully and learn from each process! Whatever you do, don't let it discourage you from continuing to audition for future productions.