WHAT HAPPENS AT AUDITIONS?
Each actor who wishes to be a part of a production with State 48 needs to complete an audition! The process for each individual show is laid out in our audition tab on the website, but basically: for a non-musical (“straight play”) actors will need to come prepared to read a “side” that we send out in advance. These are traditionally pieces of the script from the play we are auditioning. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the different characters and lines sent out so you can read any part asked at the audition! Sides do not need to be memorized. On rarer occasion, we will ask for a prepared and memorized monologue (preferably in the style of the show), but this more often applies to community theatre and Shakespeare productions. When auditioning for a musical production, actors are asked to prepare a 60-90 second vocal solo of their choice (it is helpful if it matches the show’s genre) and provide their own accompaniment for this. We do not have an in-house accompanist, and so the actors will need to bring in a backing track on an auxillary or bluetooth-compatible device, OR make pre-arrangements to use the company keyboard and provide their own accompanist at the time of audition. Actors auditioning for musicals will also need to come prepared to read sides and come dressed for a possible dance audition (depending on the show). This means dressing in appropriate, comfortable clothing you can move in and close toed tennis shoes or dance shoes. We ordinarily invite actors in one at a time to sing and act with only our panel of judges. Dance auditions are completed in small groups according to audition sign up time. All auditions are closed, meaning only the actors are invited in with the judges! Parents and siblings may wait outside the audition room! More specific details are sent via email after an audition sign up is completed.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN A PRODUCTION AT STATE 48? (Not applicable to community productions)
Each actor who auditions and is accepted into a show pays a participation fee of $250. If there is more than one child from the same family accepted into a show, the first child pays full price at $250, the second child pays $150, and the third child and beyond pay $50 each.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
These fees cover the actors costumes, the cost of the rehearsal and performance space, sets, props, etc. Putting on a full production is quite pricey and the participation fees make this possible!
WHAT DOES MY ACTOR GET FOR THIS FEE?
In addition to costuming, the actor receives 4 complimentary tickets to the show (per full price tuition payment), a show t-shirt, both a hard and a digital copy of their character photo, and digital access to a video recording of the show. The actor is also, of course, receiving extremely valuable experience and training to build their performance skills and confidence! Actors/families may also sell their complimentary tickets to their family and friends to offset their own costs to participate!
WHAT ELSE IS EXPECTED OF THE FAMILIES?
We ask that each family provide volunteer hours as a part of the production process. In order for the theatre to provide a full and true play or musical experience, costumes and sets must be constructed, props must be made/gathered/organized, actors (during rehearsals and shows) must be supervised, and our box office and ushering need manning! We ask the parents or older and responsible siblings of our actors to assist with these jobs and these hours count toward the actors’ credit during the process! There is a special sign up for this once we have completed our initial parent meeting to help organize and track volunteers!