Commonly Asked Questions & Answers Regarding Auditions
What is the purpose of LYT?- To reflect Judeo-Christian values by offering quality, wholesome family entertainment to the community and by providing quality theatre arts training to children . These are two separate goals that have been intertwined through the LYT sessions. Students who participate in class should do so with the perspective of receiving quality theatre arts education.
What is an audition and why is it important in theatre arts training? An audition is part of the process to arrive at casting a production. LYT has always felt that the audition process is an important aspect to theatre arts training in that it is a primary way in which an actor learns how to present him or herself. As a result of this process, a number of character traits are developed: hard work, discipline, commitment, and accepting disappointment. LYT has chosen to use the audition process even though all children are cast in the production in order to further develop these important characteristics. Secondarily, LYT’s mission also includes presenting a quality product to the community.
Why does LYT hold “closed” auditions and call backs?- This policy was created in order to help the selection process. During the closed auditions and call backs, parents, friends, or family are not allowed to watch during the auditions. This is to enable the director and the actors to concentrate fully on the scene or song being presented. Having the atmosphere more calm and controlled also alleviates distraction for those involved.
Who participates in the casting process?- Basically, the artistic team for the show presides over auditions. This group generally consists of the director, music director, choreography and a guest panel of musical theatre artists/ professionals. These directors make the final decision in casting the show. Questions regarding your particular audition should be directed towards them.
How does the artistic team arrive at their decisions for casting the show?- Basically, the director has developed a particular concept for the show. He or she has a general idea of character “types” to cast (ie. hair color, height, general “look”, vocal range, acting ability.) During the audition and call backs, a director must subjectively form an opinion as to which part a student could best perform.
How does my child find out what he/she has been cast in the show? The cast list will be posted on Dec.17, 2023 on LYT’s website on a private webpage at www.lifelightarts.com/BATB2024 .
How can a parent best explain audition decisions to their child? Whether a child is cast in the role of his/her choice, a young student needs to glean a proper perspective on the auditioning process. Explaining the concept of fairness to a disappointed child is not easy, but taking healthy risks is important in the development of life-long character traits. Students need to be encouraged not to base their self-worth on the role they did or did not get. Encourage your child not to place blame on themselves, the director, or others. Remember, this is a subjective decision based on a director’s concept of the production. LYT recommends that those with questions regarding audition decisions should discuss their concerns with the director.
The Casting Process- Casting a show is a complex process. We want to help you understand better what the factors are that go into casting decisions so that you will know what you can do and what you can’t do to get a part. -There are some things you can do absolutely nothing about which may have a huge bearing on casting. These include your height, your overall “look”, and what part you sing (soprano, alto, etc.), as well as what specific parts are available in a particular production, and being the correct size to fit in specialty costumes. -Next, there are some factors that depend on other people. How tall are the other actors who have auditioned? What is the director’s “vision” of physical types for various parts? How is the “chemistry” between possible on-stage couples?
However…there are some things you can really do that may affect the outcome of your audition.
-PREPARATION: Prepare the best audition that you can. Research the show and learn about the parts. You can even learn the music.
-VOCAL TRAINING: Improve your vocal range and performance. Remember how important enunciation and projection are for musical theatre.
-DANCE TRAINING: Lack of dance ability often keeps good singers and actors from getting parts in musical theatre. Keep practicing and learning. Move with energy!
Good advice…do what you can do, don’t worry about what you can’t do, and know that you did your best!
How to Handle Disappointment- Several times each year brings anticipation, excitement, nervousness, and disappointment to many of those auditioning for LYT productions. Decisions are always extremely difficult for those casting the show. There are two ways that one can react to disappointment. One way is to give up and never try again. The second way is to say to yourself, “This is something that I really want, and I’m going to work on my skills so that the next time I audition, I will have a better chance of landing the part I want.” How one reacts to disappointment is a tremendous test of character. Although disappointment is also painful, it can bring about a new understanding of goals and what the Lord has in store for you.
If you look at the role that you didn’t receive as a lost opportunity, you will fail to look at your new role as just that– a new opportunity. You are going to have to see that role being played by a different person very often; sometimes even every rehearsal. If you remain broken up about that character, you are going to make yourself absolutely miserable.
Instead of focusing on something you lost, focus on what you have, and get excited about it! Every character has an amazing story to tell. If you fully embrace the opportunity you have to tell a new character’s story, you won’t be worried about that other role. It’s not yours, and you shouldn’t mind. You have a duty to take your character and be the absolute best (insert character name here) you can be!
This mindset can apply if you were going for the lead role and received a supporting one, or even if you were cast in the chorus! Every character has just as much of a story to tell, no matter how many lines they have. Actors are story-tellers and the script only supplies part of the story. It’s up to you whether your character is going to be interesting or not.
It’s your choice to do one of two things:
1) Tell your characters story with energy, passion, and TRUTH! and make that role (no matter the size) a stand-out in the show, or-
2) Let that role go to waste, and spend the show dreaming of what could have been.
When disappointment comes your way, whether it be in auditioning or in another area of your life, take a deep breath, open your eyes, and then see what wonderful doors the Lord will open for you.