Auditions

No. Venice Theatre auditions are open to the public. You do not have to have taken any classes or have been in a show before. However, you will be best prepared and more likely to be cast if you know the actor’s process, the vocabulary of acting, basic audition techniques, and know what an actor does. Having had at least some introductory training in acting and auditioning from any reputable source will exponentially enhance your chances of being cast. Venice Theatre offers such opportunities.

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• Non-musicals: Usually the Director will have you cold-read a scene or two. Additionally, the Director may have an informal interview or perhaps have you participate in an improvisation. If a monologue is required, that will be included in the audition information for the individual show.
• Musicals: Just as in non-musicals, you will be asked to read a scene. You will also need to have at least 16 measures of a song memorized. Bring the sheet music so the Musical Director can accompany you. Additionally, the Choreographer will teach you a dance routine appropriate to the show. So wear comfortable clothes and dance shoes if you have them. Hard-soled rubber or tennis shoes are best if you don’t have dance shoes.

• Sheet music for a musical. Local music stores, bookstores or www.musicnotes.com are good resources for sheet music.
• Dance shoes if you have them.
• Additionally, if you’d like to bring a head shot or a small recent photograph it can be helpful, but is not necessary.

Most musical directors prefer that you bring sheet music, not a CD.

In most cases, a monologue is not required. However, if one is required (find out by calling the theatre or checking the audition for the show you are interested in) the best sources would be to search the web or your local library and/or book stores for monologue books appropriate for your age. Sometimes the Director will provide monologues ahead of time that will be included on the website.

It is best to have read the show for which you are auditioning so that you know the story and the characters beforehand. We make perusal scripts available here on the website.

The general rule is that Directors prefer you to sing a song in the style of the show, but not from show. For instance, if you are auditioning for The King and I, prepare a Rodgers and Hammerstein or other classic musical theater song, but from a different musical. That way the director won’t have to listen to 50 people singing the same song!

A director may take as long as 6 weeks to cast a show. We post audition results on the audition page of our website under “Casting Callboard” and on Facebook and Instagram. Some directors will notify you via phone or email.

The general rule is that you look nice and wear clothes that you can move in. Dressing slightly to the style of the show is a good idea. For example, a woman would not dress in jeans and a t-shirt for a show such as My Fair Lady. A man would not dress in formal attire when auditioning for Rent.

That varies, depending on the show. If the information you are looking for isn’t on our website, please contact the administrative offices at 941-484-4033.

The range of the rehearsal schedule could vary between 5 to 12 weeks, 4-6 days a week, depending on the show. Traditionally, musicals have a longer rehearsal period. Most rehearsals begin at 7 p.m. and run up to 10 p.m. “Generations” productions try to let the younger cast members out by 8:30 p.m. Most Directors will not call you to a rehearsal unless needed, so depending on your role, you may not be required to be there every night.