December 3rd, 2025

What does it take to audition for a play or musical? Tips to prep for your next audition and behind the scenes of auditioning at Weathervane!

Types of Theater Auditions

Types of auditions in the theater world include open call and closed call auditions. Open call auditions are for any actor regardless of their experience, whereas closed call auditions are typically limited to pre-screened actors or ones who are invited. This could mean they are a part of a specific agency or union to be invited from.

Some auditions can be self-taped as compared to in-person. Self-taping is where you record your audition and send it in to the directors. And both have their own pros and cons.

A callback audition is for an actor who has already auditioned for the directors and would like to be seen by them again. They typically perform the same material but are checked for chemistry between other actors and response to direction. This gives them the ability to compare their top contenders more closely.

Inside of these types of auditions, they can include prepared auditions (memorized monologues), cold readings (from unfamiliar material), and specialty calls (like dance or musical auditions).

No matter the type of audition, you are always expected to be respectful, prepared, and willing to learn.

Tips, Tricks, and More…

For the more physical preparation of your body and vocal cords, there are many good measures to take to perform your best and stay safe.

• Drink lots of water to help protect your vocal cords by lubricating them. Water also gives you mental clarity and nerve control, and adds to your energy.

• Eat a balanced meal or snack which provides ample energy, improves your focus, and prevents any physical discomfort from hunger that could distract you during performance.

• For a light meal, try eating grilled chicken and vegetables, beans, eggs, and potatoes
• For a snack, try a banana, some almonds, apples, or carrots
• * Avoid dairy, sticky foods, heavy meals, and excessive caffeine

• Good sleep or rest gets you physically ready and puts you in a better mood. Sleep also improves memory and recall, which helps you remember lines and music/dance numbers. Resting will improve your overall focus.

• Rest your voice by talking less, not whispering. Whispering is actually more harmful for your vocal cords. Resting your voice prevents fatigue, maintains clarity and range of voice, and protects vocal cords against potential injury.

The night before your audition is important, but being organized will reduce your stress and anxiety. Although it is always hard to sleep the day before something big, the only thing you will want to focus on is just relaxing, and you can do so by planning ahead.

• Plan your day and route so you know what to expect and reduce mistakes in your schedule or drive there.

• Pack your bag of items to bring with you the night before so you don’t forget anything or feel rushed. If you forgot something while packing it, you will more likely remember it in the morning.

• Plan your outfit for the audition. Your clothes should match the character but also be comfortable for your body and the weather and be appropriate for a professional audience. Bringing back-up dance clothes and shoes is always important.

• Avoid stimulants the night before such as alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine. This prevents anxiety and jitters, and ensures a good night’s sleep.

• Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep if you can. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, at least keep resting your body and mind through just laying down, a bedtime meditation, drinking some tea (with honey is a plus!), or reading a book. Avoid scrolling on your phone as it keeps your brain stimulated and the blue-light screen makes your body think it’s daytime still, which reduces melatonin production.

For the audition itself, there are many ways to prepare for your role and nail the audition. This all depends on the type of audition, type of performance, and the specific role you audition for.

• Understand your character as a person with a personality and with motivations. This can help you improve behaviors, expressions, or lines if you forget them. Embodying the character is what directors will be looking for.

• Rehearse and memorize your lines for the role you are auditioning for.

• Move to some music and get your body feeling the energy, the beat, and let go of some nerves.

• Don’t get discouraged–just keep auditioning.

The moment of truth, the scariest part–the day of the audition. Here’s what you can do to feel calmer and have a successful audition!

• Arrive early as you want to be professional and prepared, and running behind will only stress you out more.

• Bring your headshot, resume, dance shoes, water bottle, and snacks.

• Dress appropriately in the clothing required for the character and for the movement you will be doing during the audition. Your comfort is key to your focus, and your confidence from your clothing affects your performance.

• Prepare to be unprepared during the audition. This is why it’s important to understand your character and just be yourself. Most directors are looking at your personality and ability to adapt.

• Let yourself be nervous and jittery–it’s normal!

• Focus while waiting if that helps you, unless chatting is better for you.

The Audition at Weathervane

Weathervane is here to support and challenge all actors, as well as cast great shows. During summer stock performances, actors must be able to play many parts and be versatile in their acting, singing, and dancing. This means we must choose our actors carefully and wisely. Weathervane auditions are open call, where actors are to be casted for the whole season, not a specific role.

Our artistic director, Jennifer Sansfacon, does the hiring for the directors we bring on site for each performance. She is looking at personality and vibe. Actors will need to live with each other and work with each other, so she wants to choose people who can quickly get along with others and are friendly. Who you are is shown to directors before, during, and after your audition.

Weathervane does not do virtual audition submissions, only in person auditions.

Professional Auditions Around the U.S.

Artistic Director, Jen, travels across the country to universities like Bowling Green, Wright State, and Coastal Carolina, to hold individual auditions for Weathervane’s summer stock season. These actors from around the country will need housing near Weathervane and will be casted for the whole summer.

Some other off-site soliciting includes Jen going to conferences like USITT (The United States Institute for Theatre Technology) to interview technicians or actors. She also attends SOTA (Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions) at the Southeastern Theatre Conference to see large auditions where actors may travel to audition for Jen if she isn’t visiting their university, or go there to audition for many directors at one time.

Local Auditions at Weathervane

Local auditions are for actors who don’t typically require housing, and may only do 1 or 2 shows for the summer season as they work other jobs.

Individual timed auditions can be very intimidating, so Weathervane tries to ease that tension and create a comfortable environment for actors to audition by having group auditions in which actors sign up for an hour time slot.

Weathervane typically does a group audition, where actors present their monologue and song they have prepared, and then do a cold read with partners, and have a dance call later in the day. Actors must participate in each of these sections in order to be considered.

We wish for young people to learn, grow, and have opportunity. If you are an actor, consider auditioning for a role at Weathervane! Or if an aspiring actor, join (or have your child join) our children’s theater to learn more during workshops and courses!