STP Audition Policy

Auditions for the productions of the Summer Theatre Program (STP) are open to any current 8th-12th grade student (during the auditioning academic year) who have not yet reached the age of 19 years at the time of performance.  The directors of STP shows run as fair and inviting an audition as can be done, but auditions are, by their nature, a difficult, necessary burden of the performing arts.  They are, after all, the only way to get an accurate assessment of the ability of the performer.  Students are encouraged to relax, do their best, and be confident in all they do.  To make a mistake with gusto is often far more memorable and therefore more beneficial than presenting a perfect and yet timid audition.  Your goal, after all is to make sure the directors remember you for the good you bring. 

We are committed to providing a welcoming and nurturing environment in which you can most easily display your God-given talents in a way that can be appreciated by all present, directors and students alike.  To that end, the audition process begins the moment you walk in the door and all aspects of your time spent with us are considered by the directors, with particular attention given to your ability and desire to be a part of the community that is STP.  If at any time during the audition a volunteer, member of the team, or another student makes you feel unwelcome, please let a member of the team know of your concern and they will work with you to create the right environment for you.  It is our goal to involve as many young people who want to participate in whatever way they can.

Here are some helpful hints in your preparation:

- Dress casually, but be presentable.  Remember, many roles require proper ladies and gentlemen.  It's much easier to picture a nicely dressed person as something else than it is to envision a mess as clean and presentable.  Additionally, remember you will have to do a dance audition in addition to your singing audition.  Please be dress for and be prepared to jump, twirl, crouch, tumble, etc., and bring/wear the proper shoes. 

- When choosing a song, choose something with which you are very comfortable.   Keep in mind that when you walk into the audition room your nerves will be on edge so choosing something you've sung many times before will bring you some comfort.  There is a lot of risk that goes with singing something from the show for which you're auditioning.  If it goes well, you may have won your part; if it doesn't, you have certainly hurt your chances at that role.  Choose carefully.

- We will try to have an accompanist, so feel free to bring your sheet music.  Singing with a pre-recorded accompaniment from an iPod or CD (where a CD player is available) is permitted, provided (1) the accompaniment is instrumental only—no vocals, back-up, or harmony—and (2) the volume is low enough that the directors can hear you clearly.  If you prefer to sing a cappella, that is also permitted.

- When your nerves try to take over, calm yourself.  Envision that place where you are most comfortable and give it your all.  Rest assured the four or five people in the room with you have all auditioned before, so they know all too well the fears and nerves.

- Don't tell the directors you'll take any part if you won't.  There's nothing that burns bridges more than saying, "Yes, I'll take any part," and then going back on your agreement.

- Your audition is your time, so make it your time.  Make sure the accompanist knows your desired tempo.  Make sure the directors are ready and then begin when you're ready.  If you're not comfortable with how things start, stop and ask to begin again.  (You can't do this a dozen times, but once or twice is perfectly acceptable.) 

- Give it your all and leave nothing on the table.  The only thing worse than not getting the part you wanted is feeling you held back and didn't show everything you had to offer.

Finally, the Fine Print:

STP does not discriminate in its auditioning process.  Every eligible student is given the same fair, open, and unbiased evaluation of their abilities, as presented; however, talent/ability (hereinafter Talent) as a performer is only one evaluation criterion.  Previous experience (hereinafter Experience), including experience with STP and its directors, is also an acceptable evaluation criterion, and may be considered.  Also evaluated/considered is the perceived ability of the auditioning student to contribute to the production, the Program, and the STP Community, as a whole.  This evaluation is drawn from observations in the Audition Room and the Holding Room, among others, and is the evaluation factor of greatest importance, followed by Experience, and then Talent, in that order.  Previous experience with the Program is evaluated and considered on a positive/neutral/negative basis.  The lack of Experience on the part of any auditioning student will not be evaluated negatively.

The offer or lack of a Call Back is not necessarily an indication of a director’s choice in casting; the Director reserves the right to cast any eligible student in any role regardless of whether they received a Call Back or not.  All casting is tentative, and the Director reserves the right to exchange or substitute performers during rehearsals or performances for any reason, including but not limited to failure to appear, produce, or be prepared (e.g. learn lines, music, or dance), or be punctual.  If cast, performers agree to take and follow direction to the best of their ability and to participate in any and all activities to the maximum extent possible, including but not limited to attendance at a Parent-Student Meeting (held soon after casting), rehearsals, performances, structured Program activities, promotional events, and Strike.