How do I help my child choose appropriate material for their audition?
Students who are new to theatre and/or NTPA are highly encouraged to take the Intro to Acting and/or the free UpSTARt Workshop. These courses focus on performance basics, and include help with audition prep.
Students auditioning for musicals are highly encouraged to listen to the entire album of the show, and get familiar with the soundtrack. Students auditioning for non-musicals should read the entire script. This will help you determine the style of show (see next question) and aid in your song and monologue selection.
All songs and monologues should be from published theatrical works. Original online sources are discouraged.
Examples of Appropriate Song Selections:
https://musicaltheatreresources.com/2013/10/24/repertoire-for-young-children/
Examples of Appropriate Monologues:
https://stageagent.com/shows/musical/1386/youre-a-good-man-charlie-brown/monologues
Many listings for musicals request a song selection “in the style of the show.” What does this mean?
It means to select a song that matches the genre of the type of show you are auditioning for. Look for musicals by the same composer, or that take place during the same time period.
Example 1: If you are auditioning for “Grease” or “Hairspray” sing a fun song from the 50’s or 60’s.
Example 2: If you’re auditioning for The King & I, look for something by Rogers & Hammerstein.
Example 3: If you’re auditioning for Chicago, you’d probably want to sing something that is more of a jazz or big band style.
What not to sing: Avoid singing “Happy Birthday”, singing a song you wrote, or a pop song that does not match the style of the show. Make sure your song is age appropriate and does not include any bad language.
Can my child sing a song from the show?
No. Doing so causes the director to envision you only as that character, which can hurt your chances of being cast. You might actually be more suited for another part. For shows with a unique style of music, the director may want to hear people sing from the show. If that’s the case, it will be posted on the website.
Where and how does my child check in for auditions?
Check-in for auditions typically occurs at the front desk. Check the screen in the lobby to find out where your auditions will be held.
Why does my child need to sing to a track? Why should the track be instrumental (no voices)?
For most NTPA musicals, you will be asked to prepare a one-minute cutting of a song, as well as provide a backing track. This track should be instrumental, which allows the director to determine whether the actor can match tempo and pitch.
Where should my child go to locate an instrumental track?
Tracks can be found easily online through services such as YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, etc.
How should my child prepare their track to bring in to auditions?
Make sure to come to your audition prepared with the track on either a CD or your device through the auxiliary (headphone) port. Put phone on do not disturb mode, and make sure power save mode is OFF.
Am I allowed into auditions?
Auditions and callbacks are closed to parents. The director and at least one other NTPA Artistic Staff Member will be in the room. The only exception to this is students under the age of 8 who are completing their first audition.
Where should I wait during my child’s audition?
Parents are invited to wait at designated waiting areas during their child’s audition.
How long are auditions?
Auditions are scheduled into either 10-minute individual slots, or half-hour group slots. Though we do our best to stay on time, we do occasionally run behind. For this reason, actors should be prepared to stay for the half hour after their designated audition slot.
How do I reschedule or cancel my child’s audition?
Please go to the audition posting on SignUp Genius and click the link to “change your sign up,” located under the audition description.
What is a callback?
Callbacks are the directors way of gathering more information from a given actor, or seeing how they interact with other performers. Having a callback is not a guarantee of a role. Callback time is limited so directors may call you back for one role and use your callback as a way to evaluate you for a variety of roles. If you don’t receive a callback, that doesn’t mean you won’t be cast in a great role. It just means the directors gathered enough information during your initial audition to cast you without seeing you again. Actors are notified of callbacks after the audition via email.
What if my child can’t be present at callbacks?
Though not required for all shows, callbacks can be a crucial part of the casting process. Missing a callback should be avoided at all costs, and can definitely hurt your chances in casting. If you must miss a callback, talk to the director about sending in a video callback audition.
When and how will my family hear about my child’s casting?
Casting is completed by the Director and approved by the local Managing Director. Actors should be notified of casting via email within one week of the callback date.