Union auditions
Union auditions
#1Union auditions
Posted: 3/12/09 at 7:10pm
Do you have to be a Union member to audition for union shows?
A lot of times when I'm looking on backstage West there are categories for Union, Non-Union, and both. This one only says Union but it doesn't say non-union actors cant audition, but it also doesn't say they can. Please I need help the audition is tomorrow!
bwaylvsong
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
#2re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/12/09 at 9:02pmNo, you don't have to be in the union to audition. Go as early as you can and put your name on the non-union list. You may or may not get seen, depending on how many members audition. In other words, the union members audition first, and the non-members get seen if there is time after everyone else has auditioned.
#3re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/19/09 at 3:18pm
In a union only audition the last thing they want is a non-union person to walk in and waste their time. Not saying you're untalented or unworthy of being seen, but if it's a union only audition it's because they can only cast union people in the remaining roles or they plan on non-union auditions at a different time.
Equity Membership Candidates can sign up for Equity auditions usually, but sometimes even if you have a spot they end up saying no EMCs that day. This is the rule bwaylvsong is referring to, and is for EMCs, not straight up non-union. Sometimes you might get lucky if the unions go lax and you can slip in as a non-union non-EMC, but I wouldn't test that luck if it's going to be your first impression with the theatre. You might get lucky, or you might make a bad impression. Who knows.
Not being harsh, just being realistic with the business side of the art. Your best bet is usually calling the specific theatre for audition information.
"I am ready to disclaim my opinion, even of yesterday, even of 10 minutes ago, because all opinions are relative. One lives in a field of influences, one is influenced by everyone one meets, everything is an exchange of influences, all opinions are derivative. Once you deal a new deck of cards, you've got a new deck of cards."
— Peter Brook
bwaylvsong
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
#4re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/19/09 at 3:54pmI actually did mean straight up non-union, though what you said is correct. I'm not an EMC and have gotten seen at Equity calls.
#5re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/19/09 at 7:13pmI went there, got seen, and had a great audition. I didn't get called back but who cares, I'm young and by the time I'm old enough for them to really consider me I'll be a seasoned pro at these bigger named auditions. I believe that with every person no matter who they are, when they walk in to door the casting director is thinking "I hope this is my girl" not "who is this loser wasting my time". If you don't aim high and dream big there is no way in hell you can make it.
#6re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/19/09 at 7:52pm
In a union only audition the last thing they want is a non-union person to walk in and waste their time.
Well, seeing as non-Union actors get seen at the very end if the casting crew has time and feels like seeing them, I think it's often worth it to go. If they see you, great. If they don't, you move on. Sometimes they see non-Union actors and love them so much they pay their way into the Union.
#7re: Union auditions
Posted: 3/19/09 at 8:27pmAn equity rep met with our class and said that a lot of times equity isn't about talent.
"I'll show you a laughgasm. I'll gasm all over this stage!"
"Interesting choice"
"Interesting choice"
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