AEA Auditions...

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 2:54pm

I was wondering if I can go to AEA Auditions that I read about although I am non-equity... is there a chance I'll be seen? Is there a point?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 3:15pm

I think it depends on the type of theatre you are auditioning for. If it's regional/stock type of contract you may have a better chance than if it's a Bwy/production contract. Just get there early and be prepared to wait, be patient and ask the monitor if there is a non-eq list. Good luck.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 3:31pm

Tell us what the audition is for. Is it an EPA or a chorus call? If the latter, is it singing or dancing? And where is the audition being held?

[Chevstriss]

Posted: 1/8/05 at 7:40pm

you have a much better chance if the auditions aren't held AT Equity. If its at another studio, you can actually speak to the monitor and sometimes office personnel of the theatre who are in/out the door.

At equity, they make you wait outside the lounge like a lost puppy.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:23am

There is a list for the non-Equity actors to sign up outside the lounge at Equity.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:30am

there are a few i've been looking at... all are EPA's. they are either actors who sing or singers. they're being held at Equity apparently.

[AnothaPartofMe]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:39am

Yes, upcoming required principal Equity call for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST's Broadway company, and the regional equity productions of SEVEN BRIDES..., PIECES OF ASS, SHE LOVES ME, and A PICASSO.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 12:39am

Ok. Well get to Equity a couple of hours of so before the sign up time (which is an hour before the audition start time). Outside the building is a line for everyone, but non-Equity will proceed to the list on the second floor outside the lounge. Then you wait. If they have room, they will most likely see you. If they are full and have a long alternate list, your chances are nil.

You should def read up on EPAs on the Equity web site.

[kenmarksnj]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 10:50am

just go and get an agent and they can get u an appointment at AEA usually even if you're non-equity...

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 10:58am

kenmark--where in the world did you hear that?

An agent can get an actor an appointment for an appointment audition--aka not open. But, EVERYBODY has to wait in line to sign up for an EPA or a chorus call, agent or no agent.

And, you make it sound like getting an agent is as easy as buying milk.

[kenmarksnj]

Posted: 1/9/05 at 11:03am

it's not terribly difficult to get representation these days, as long as you have talent. if you don't then why are you bothering to wait on the long lines anyway?

ummmm... my freelance agents have gotten me numerous EPA appointments. once you have representation that is AEA-member qualified, you can have a set appointment at the audition center even if you're not equity.

i promise, i've done it plenty of times.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 4:26am

oh my I'd say I'd have to disagree with you just a titch

1. it is NOT easy to get an agent. hundreds of talented people do not have agents. Hell, there are people on Broadway who don't have agents--they got the show through an open call.

2. if you really have an agent, you may have gotten an appointment for an APPOINTMENT audition, but not an EPA. An EPA is an OPEN CALL.

3. I could be wrong, but I highly doubt theatre agents in NYC carry many non-Equity actors. (I'm not saying that you can't be non-Equity when you start with him/her). They make money when you make money--and why would they waste their time on less than $30 a week when they could represent an actor who is likely to make at the least $30 a week for them, and more often $70 - $130 a week?

Updated On: 1/10/05 at 04:26 AM

[AnothaPartofMe]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 7:04am

With so much available online now- regarding online resumes and submissions, all the audition breakdowns available online (and even some you can get the sides for), why dish out the money for an agent? Pay someone for something you can do on your own?

[misterchoi]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 8:25am

Actually, I disagree just a titch.

The agent is still an incredibly important part of being a working actor. They can get you into auditions-that is the point of the agent.

AND many incredibly successful agents still take on non-equity actors- its still a matter of talent.

[operadiva1979]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 1:40pm

"why dish out the money for an agent? Pay someone for something you can do on your own? "

Please tell me you know that you don't pay an agent up front.....they get paid when you work. Don't ever use an agent you have to pay up front

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 3:07pm

Oh I never argued that having an agent is important. It is. It isn't easy trying to get work without one.

It just isn't easy getting (a good) one either.