Auditions for Mainstage Productions

Each season the Studio produces 6 to 9 shows involving hundreds of youth and playing to thousands of audience members. Production experience is a great way to develop teamwork, responsibility, and confidence. It demands that you focus, listen, follow directions, and take risks – all while having a lot of fun!

Each production is open to students of a particular age range with opportunities through the year for young actors. Every show is different! Please check the audition information posted above to see if your young actor is eligible.

Auditions are mandatory for each production and are held a few weeks before rehearsals begin. Each show rehearses for 5-7 weeks prior to performances.

Audition Workshops

Auditions can be intimidating if you’ve never done them before. Please consider enrolling in our audition workshops if you would like some guidance. Workshops are offered quarterly and are an inexpensive way to prepare and build confidence! You can also check out our Audition Tips and Resources (at the bottom of this page) for valuable information.

Auditions for Intensive Training

Advanced theater students ages 10 to 19 may audition for Studio East’s intensive training programs during the school year and in the summer. Studio Intensive offer 9 months of training from September to June. Learn more and to sign up for an audition visit. Learn more about our 6 week summer program, Young Actors Professional Intensive.

Financial Assistance

Studio East has a Scholarship Fund to offer partial scholarships for all of our programs to students who could not otherwise participate. Apply for Financial Assistance here.

How to Audition for Video Submission Auditions

What should I do when filming an audition piece?

Treat it as you would an in-person audition. Make sure you still slate your name and monologue or song name. Please read any instructions on the audition page to see if there are specifics about how they would like you to film.

Should I film more than once?

Yes, this is your opportunity to give us your best take. However, please don’t edit within your audition piece.

Do you have any other video audition tips?

We recommend you find a quiet place to film and make sure it is free of background noise.

How To Audition for In-Person Auditions

I’ve never auditioned before. Where do I start?

We offer audition workshops throughout the year that teach you the basics about auditioning. Select from Audition 101 and Audition Coaching. Call our office if you have any questions at 425.820.1800!

How do I know when auditions will be held?

Audition information will be posted on our website 4-6 weeks before the audition dates.

What do I need to prepare?

Check the audition listing for specific requirements such as  Shakespeare or classic monologue. Generally, for a non-musical, prepare a memorized monologue, not to exceed a minute and a half. For a musical, you’ll generally prepare a memorized song and a contrasting monologue, not to exceed two minutes total. Be expressive, confident, and positive!

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need sheet music for your song, a resume, and your performing arts experience and training. You will also need a recent, disposable photo, and the audition form which can be downloaded from the audition page for that show.

How do I find a good monologue?

For younger students, any piece of text that tells a story is appropriate. You can find these in monologue books at the library, on websites, or take a passage from your favorite novel. For older students (12 and up) you can find monologues from plays appropriate to your age, again in books at the library, on websites, or from plays with young characters (Anne of Green Gables, Annie, Oliver, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland, etc). Come to our quarterly Audition Workshops for examples and more details!

How do I choose a song and find sheet music?

This can be tricky, so it’s best to find a musical person to help you. You should choose a song that you enjoy, that fits your vocal range, and that is of a similar style to the show you’re auditioning for. It’s best not to use songs from the show you are auditioning for. Make sure you bring sheet music with the piano part as well as the vocal part, in your key.

You can use YouTube to see other performers sing the songs you’re interested in. You can often find scores or song books at the library or sheet music online. Come to our quarterly Musical Workshops for examples and more details!

Can I sing a song that was written for someone of the opposite gender to sing?

If you can sing and act the song well, go for it! The basic guidelines are to choose a song that is appropriate to your voice and the show you are auditioning for. What style of song does the character you are most likely to be considered for sing? If it is a sweet ballad, choose that kind of song for your audition. If that character needs a strong belt range, use a similar song in your audition. Your goal is to be called back and have the chance to sing and read from the script!

Can I sing my song a cappella (without piano)?

We would prefer you have sheet music in the correct key for your song. If you cannot get sheet music, tell the directing team you’d like to sing a cappella. The Musical Director may ask you to sing “Happy Birthday” or some other simple song with piano accompaniment after you sing your prepared song.

Are there any songs I definitely shouldn’t bring to an audition?

Songs with very difficult piano parts (Jason Robert Brown, some Sondheim, etc.) are not a good idea. Songs that are very popular and too difficult for you to sing well are also not a good idea (Defying Gravity, I’m Alive, etc). And as stated before, don’t bring a song to your audition that is from the show you are auditioning for. The director will decide which roles they might see you in and invite you to sing those songs at callbacks.

What happens after the audition?

You’ll receive a phone call letting you know if you’ve been “called back”. (For some productions, you may be invited to callbacks at your audition.) Callbacks are the second round of auditions, when you’ll read scenes and/or sing songs and/or learn a dance from the show. To help you prepare, come to our quarterly Callback Workshops for practice reading scenes and more details! After callbacks, you’ll receive a call letting you know whether or not you’ve been cast.

How do the directors make casting decisions?

The directors come into auditions looking for actors to fit the specific characters in the show. Each director has a unique perspective and vision of what the characters are like, but they are all looking for confidence and expressive performance. Acting, singing and dancing skills are all considered when assessing which roles a student could fill. The callbacks give the directing team a chance to test their initial thoughts, and challenge students to bring their best efforts to a role. They are often surprised! Overall, the directors want to put together the best possible cast to make the show successful.

How can I get feedback on my audition?

Studio East staff will always be happy to give you feedback from the directing team. Call and ask to speak with Lani Brockman for details.

Sign up for our Audition Workshop series for more information!

Audition Resources

https://www.musicnotes.com/– A great website for finding sheet music for your audition song.

Ace Your Audition – help with everything from resumes to casting calls.

Good information on auditioning for plays.

Show Tuition

Mainstage Tuition Range

$550 – $650

Scholarships Available

Studio East has a Scholarship Fund to offer partial scholarships for all of our programs to students who could not otherwise participate. Apply for a scholarship here.

More questions on tuition or scholarships? Contact our Production Stage Manager Cassie Fitzgerald.