AUDITIONS

"You are cast for what you need, not what you want." --Mr. Moore

PCH Players, believes in inclusive casting for our high school theatre program, giving every student an equal chance, no matter their gender, race, or background. You can audition for any role you're passionate about, and we'll consider what you bring to the production. We celebrate diversity, offer non-traditional casting, and hope to explore stories from underrepresented voices, creating a supportive and inclusive space where you can grow, understand others, and express yourself through the arts.

Cast is based on willingness to try, stage presence, characterization, movement, chemistry, making strong choices while auditioning and who best fits the role.

Eligibility

All Parkway Central students, grades 9-12 are allowed to audition for the shows. As required by MSHSAA (MO State High School Athletic Asso.), all students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 courses and have passed 6 classes the proceeding semester (no more than 2 F’s). In addition, there shall be no U's for citizenship.

Plays

1. Check the Little Women page for specific audition information.

2. Some students will be “CALLED BACK” on a 3rd day to read or perform again. Callbacks are used as a way to see people again in different roles, to check the chemistry between characters/actors, or to check very specific elements of a character/actor.

FALL PLAY AUDITION FORM

Musicals

1. Auditions will consist of 1-2 days of SINGING AUDITIONS, and 1-2 days of DANCE AUDITIONS. Singing material will be posted outside the music office, categorized by voice. Learn the song… Memorize it!!! Dancers will be divided into groups and will perform separately then in smaller groups. Remember to wear appropriate clothes and shoes.

2. Some students will be “CALLED BACK” to perform COLD READINGS from the script. That means you will be placed in a group and given an excerpt from the actual script to perform in front of the director. HINT: It’s a good idea to check out a script and read it prior to auditions! Callbacks are used as a way to see people again in different roles, to check the chemistry between characters/actors or to check very specific elements of a character/actor.

MUSICAL AUDITION FORM

One Acts

1. Auditions will consist of 1 day of COLD READINGS from the script. That means you will be placed in a group and given an excerpt from the actual script to perform in front of the director/s. Check the website under Senior Directed One Acts to find a list of shows and descriptions.

2. Students should expect to audition for all one-acts at the same time unless they would rather not be considered for a specific show. If that is the case, please note that on the audition form.

3. During COVID, all students will be expected to wear masks, sign in with a QR code and fill out a screening.

4. All students must provide transportation home. No busses will be provided.

ONE ACT AUDITION FORM

Common Myths

1. “ Only upperclassmen are cast in the shows!” FALSE. Students are cast based on their talent, ability to take direction, chemistry on stage with other actors and sometimes physical character conception.

2. “I didn’t get a Call Back, so I didn’t get a role!” FALSE. Call Backs does not mean you have or have not been cast. It’s just a smaller group of people reading again. Sometimes callbacks will include cold readings, improvisations, or other unconventional ways to check for character understanding.

3. “I play a sport, so I can’t audition!” FALSE. In fact, many athletes have been in the mainstage shows!

From football starters, track all-stars, swimming, softball… you name it…athletes have participated in the shows, as actors or technicians! The coaches are very willing to work with you and the Theatre Dept!

4. “I work after school, so I can’t audition!” FALSE. You can opt to request for a smaller role and then come to rehearsals only 1x week up till production week! It’s been done!

Tips for Cold Readings

The cold reading is simply a scene (usually from the show you are auditioning for) that you are asked to read at the audition. Sometimes you are given a chance to look over the scene while you are waiting for your turn to audition, and sometimes it is given to you right in the audition itself.

Listen to this video! Although he is referring to film, he does a great job of explaining the key points to mastering how to do a great cold reading! https://youtu.be/tCGNM15jvzs

Here is a great article that focuses on character.

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ways-master-dreaded-cold-read-12352/

1.Know and understand the dramatic action of the scene: who, what, where and why

2. It's about the connection - making eye contact with your partner

3. Take your time - find the pauses and fill the silence

4. Take risks - whether it's right or wrong - do it!

5. Commit to your choices. Don't be wishy-washy.

6. Don't memorize the scene, but...don't look down the entire time. (80/20 rule)

7. Do memorize the first and last line

8. LISTEN to your partner/s, so you can...

9. React to your partner

10. Follow the lines with your thumb - so you don't lose your place

11. NEVER BREAK CHARACTER

12. Try to incorporate stage action/movement if possible

13. Lastly let the emotion of the character drive you.

Casting

Casting is color blind and not based on seniority. All students have a fair and equal chance to be cast in the production. Casting IS based on: