It’s important that you know a set of key information before arriving at any audition, beginning with where the audition is; it’s not always at the producing organization’s facility. It’s not hard, just remember what you learned in school: ask the 5 Ws (and one H) and read the whole question (breakdown).
Who:
Who is producing the show? Another way to consider this question is: to whom will you be reporting for rehearsals and performances? It may be an established organization with their own facilities, or it may be a newer organization renting the facility.
What:
What is the show? This may seem obvious, but there are shows that have the same title, written by different people, and adaptations of works in the public domain are prolific. Double check the title and the author.
When:
When will the show rehearse? When will it perform? Do you have any conflicts during that time that cannot be moved? Are there conflicts that you can move? Perhaps a dentist appointment can be postponed, or dance lessons skipped (tell your teacher, of course) in order to make room on your schedule. Or maybe you need to pass on this project. If you audition for a project and do not list conflicts, only to show up at the first rehearsal with a list of them, you risk damaging your relationship with that producer, director, stage manager, and maybe the other actors, as well.
Where:
Where will the project rehearse? Where will it perform (or film)? Where are auditions? Not every theatre company owns a building, even those that do may be partnering with another organization. Often, a theatre’s office and rehearsal spaces are in a different building than their performance space. In film, it’s important to know the general location of filming and whether or not it will require an overnight stay at a hotel. There are many variables, make sure you know what they are.
Return next week for additional tips on what to look for in the breakdowns.
Contact me to schedule your individual acting lessons (Skype lessons available for non-local students). If you live near the Louisville, Kentucky area, look into my upcoming Masterclass 4-week Series or monologue & audition workshops.