First Stage Children's Theater - Auditions

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Young Performers

Registration is now open for young people ages 8 through 18 (must still be in high school in fall of 2008) to audition for our 2008-2009 season. Roles are available in Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF, WITNESS, THE NEVERENDING STORY and HOW I BECAME A PIRATE. Appointments are available between 4:30pm and 8:30pm on the following dates:

Monday, July 21
Tuesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 23
Monday, August 11
Tuesday, August 12
Wednesday, August 13

If you are a current First Stage Theater Academy summer student who wishes to audition, we encourage you to choose an audition date sometime after the completion of your summer program.

To make an appointment:
e-mail Desiree Rosas, Company Manager, at drosas@firststage.org and provide the following information:

Your name
Your age
The name of a parent or guardian
Phone number
E-mail address
Your first, second and third choices for a 30-minute appointment, on the half-hour, on one of the above dates. Please type "Audition" as the subject. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your appointment no more than one week after we receive your request. We will do our very best to accommodate your preference.

What to prepare:

Please prepare a memorized monologue of no more than one minute in length. A monologue is an excerpt from a play or novel where one character is speaking for the entire time. No poems, please.
You may also choose to sing a single verse of a song, without accompaniment, in addition to the required monologue. Singing is optional, but recommended if you would like to be considered for our musicals.

What to bring:
Please bring a photo of yourself with your name clearly printed on the back that may be left for our files. A school photo, snapshot or copy is acceptable.

Frequently asked questions:
Where to do I go for my audition?
Auditions will be held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street. Click here for map and directions.

Should I arrive earlier than my scheduled audition time?
Please arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time. That will give you time to check in, fill out your audition form and relax for a minute before the audition.

I just sent First Stage a photo when I signed up for Academy classes. Do I need to bring another one?
Yes, please!

Can I bring my parents?
Parents are welcome to accompany you on the day of your audition, but will be asked to wait outside the room during audition. Kids under the age of 13 are strongly encouraged to bring an adult.

Why aren't roles available in GOSSAMER and CHARLOTTE'S WEB?
Casting for the season's first two shows are always based upon previous summer's auditions. By auditioning this summer, you are also auditioning for the first two shows of 2009-2010.

What can I expect at the audition?
As many as seven other kids may be scheduled at your audition time. When you enter the audition room a member of our artistic staff will guide your group through a series of warm ups. Then you will be asked to perform your monologue and song (if you have chosen to sing). Your group may also be guided through a simple improvisation exercise.

How long will my audition take?
You can expect to be here between 30-60 minutes total. You may want to bring a book or a quiet activity to do while you are waiting for your name to be called.

What should I wear?
You will be asked to move around during the warm-ups, so please wear something you are comfortable in.

Any other inquiries may be directed to Desiree Rosas, Company Manager, at drosas@firststage.org