Auditioning in NYC

[j'aime_le_theatre]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 2:06pm

hey
I'm writing a paper on auditioning for musical theatre in NYC. I know about going to open calls, auditioning for agents, etc..but is there something that many new performers do to get noticed by the biz?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 2:12pm

You can "crash" equity calls if you're non-eq. Send out headshots/resumes/cover letters to playwrights, agents, and casting directors. You can participate in showcases, or invite agents to a show you're in.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 2:22pm

You should ask ssfun90067.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 6:37pm

I was waiting for that comment about ssfun90067. Try the Library too.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 6:46pm

Well, if you're already in a Broadway show -- that's enough to get you noticed. And if you're nice to the stage door freaks, you'll be LOVED at the stage door and will have endless "he's the nicest person EVER!" threads on this board.

[Amneris]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 8:55pm

Some new performers set up music myspaces / put videos on youtube and send links to people to get seen. Websites are a new huge way that young, non equity performers are getting notices both good and bad. A lot of people create their own cabaret shows as well. Good luck with your paper.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 9:05pm

lolz

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/17/07 at 9:09pm

I used to work for a Broadway casting agency years ago. The best thing is to be in as many agent showcases as possible or any off-off (meaning "free" or "Non-union") Broadway shows.

Casting directors attend these or send people from their offices.

One thing to remember: most casting directors will not even look at a resumee that does not have a NY credit on it. It goes straight into the trash.

Therefore, all of your High School, College, or community theatre credits are meaningless. (Except for whatever skills you may have sharpened.)

Attending classes in NYC is a great way of getting involved with other actors and finding out about pending showcases, etc.

[kate2]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 1:23pm

ssfun90067, you actually had to audition for your shows?! How plebeian.

[Neverandy]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 1:47pm

Tom-I think you should be more clear in what you mean as New Yrk credits. A casting director is more apt to seriously look at your resume if it has legitimate professional credits from reputable theaters. Those theaters need not be in Nyc, although they probably audition in New York.
I think you were trying to draw a line of distinction between credits at the "Dogpatch Community Players" and respected venues like NSMT, Walnut St. theater,Papermill, etc.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 2:06pm

True, Neverandy!

I should have specified "legitimate professional" credits.

However, an unsolicited resumee stuck under an agent or casting director's door, will most likely get tossed if there are no NYC or "pro" credits.

Even then...they still might get tossed!!

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 2:38pm

Don't completely rule out sending headshots/resumes/cover letters. I've gotten an audition by mailings. That could partly be because I'm a teenager therefore being less likly to have major credits. If you are going to self-submit, one trick is to list what major callbacks you've gotten, in your cover letter.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 2:52pm

It's true there are always exceptions. Especially if you are submitting yourself for something specific.

SPRING AWAKENING has broken all the rules of casting, so you never know.

I'm just stating general un-official rules of the trade. It's better to have been seen first, than to just show up. Catch-22.

[AKDPerformer]

Posted: 11/18/07 at 9:50pm

I actually have a quick question about regional theater.

I'll be auditioning for regional theater this coming Spring and I was just wondering if even i'm in ensemble will the casting directors be still impressed by that in NY?