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Header: Paul Gerrior in Krapp’s Last Tape at Cutting Ball Theater. Photo by Rob Melrose.

Theatre Bay Area's General Auditions Info

Theatre Bay Area currently hosts three auditions a year:

Theatre Bay Area General Auditions
Check back in November 2009 for 2010 updates

South Bay Regional Auditions:
August 1, 2009 - information now available

North Bay Regional Auditions:
Check back in January 2010 for more information

Annual South Bay Regional Auditions FAQS - 2009 (for actors)

What are the South Bay Regional Auditions?
Theatre Bay Area hosts this now-annual event to meet the casting needs of theatre companies in the South Bay. Representatives from South Bay companies may see approximately 150 actors in one day.

Who can participate in the South Bay Regional Auditions?
All Actors (equity and non) can apply for an audition appointment. Audition appointments will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with members of Theatre Bay Area receiving priority scheduling.

What is priority scheduling?
Members of Theatre Bay Area will be scheduled for appointments first. Remaining slots will be filled from applications from non-Theatre Bay Area members.

When is the application due?
Audition slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis but must be received no later than July 13.

What if I don’t have a Theatre Bay Area Member number?
If you are a Theatre Bay Area member, but do not have your number, please do not call the office for the number. Please write “number unavailable” in the space provided. If you are not a Theatre Bay Area member, please write “not a member” the space provided for the membership number. We also hope you will consider joining and support our efforts to bring you this opportunity. You can join by visiting https://www.theatrebayarea.org/join.

How will you use the requested time conflict information?
Based on the information you provide we will schedule you in a time window you are available. Be sure to complete the application form correctly, but marking times that you are not available to audition. As audition appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, you should be sure to give us as many opportunities as possible to schedule your appointment. Please be aware that Theatre Bay Area members will receive priority scheduling.

Why do you ask if I might sing? How is this information used?
In order to improve the flow of the auditions, we schedule actors who might sing in the same group, alternating with those who will definitely not sing. If you mark on the form there is a chance you will sing, it is only for scheduling purposes. You are not required to sing at the auditions.

Who is the accompanist?
The name of the accompanist will be provided upon request but we will not release contact information.

When will I hear if I have an appointment?
All notifications will be sent out via e-mail no later than two weeks before the auditions. Theatre Bay Area members will receive their appointment information first.

How do I hear whether or not I have been given an appointment?
All applicants will receive notification by e-mail whether they receive a slot or not. Be sure to carefully check your SPAM folder as e-mails sent in quantity are often sent to SPAM folders by the various providers. Applicants that receive slots are encouraged to read their notice very carefully for special instructions. Depending on number of applications received, a certain number of applicants may receive notice that they have been put on a waiting list, our way of ensuring no slot go unused due to cancellations.

What will be in my notification letter?
Your notification letter will give you the following information: When your audition appointment is scheduled, Where the auditions are, How to confirm your appointment, How to cancel, Details on time allotments, Suggestions about warming up, arrival instructions and what to bring (see below).

What should I be prepared to bring to the auditions should I get an appointment?
Bring 30 copies of your resume and headshot (photocopies are accepted, but not necessarily suggested), stapled at all four corners or printed back-to-back, with your phone number on each resume. You should include the character name and play title of your monologue(s) or song title on your resume. This is greatly appreciated by casting directors attending the generals. Please include your equity status on your resume. If singing, bring music prepared for an accompanist in your key. You should bring your own water and/or food if you think you will need it.

Where are the auditions?
Specific location information will be made available in your notification letter.

How are the participants selected?
Participants will be selected and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

How many auditors (casting directors) will be there?
We accept auditor (casting director) registration until the day of the event, so will not know definitively who will be there until the day of. We will make every effort to give you the contact information of the auditors at or shortly after the event.

When will I know what casting directors were there?
We will post complete information about the auditors on this page of the Theatre Bay Area website within 2 weeks of the auditions. At the regional auditions we do not track specific times the auditors were in attendance.

What if I can’t make my scheduled time?
We will make every effort to schedule you based on the availability information that you submit on your application form. If something comes up and you cannot make this time, please be aware that we cannot switch your times for you. Please do not ask. If you find you need to make a change, you might want to post a request on the variety of free web chat groups in the area. In any case, you must confirm or cancel your appointment by the date on your notification letter to be able to participate in future regional auditions. Cancellations will not be accepted past the Friday before the auditions. No shows will be excluded from future auditions.

What if I am late to my audition?
We will make every effort to accommodate you. Participants toward the end of each day should be aware that if they are late, there is a chance the auditions may be over if they arrive late.

What if I am 18 or under?
The participating companies have requested we limit the number actors who are under 18 to no more than 15 actors (these slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis). Please feel free to submit your headshot and resume if you would like to have your information available to casting directors for future needs (See contact information above).

Do I have to submit a headshot and resumes with my application?
No, the only information required to apply is on the application form.

What if I am on the waiting list?
Waiting list applicants will receive all pertinent information with their notice and will be notified as soon as possible if a slot opens up for them.
Waiting list applicants are encouraged to plan as if they have a slot and be prepared. While we attempt to give as much notice as possible, we may not be able to give you more than a day’s notice.

If I'm given a slot, how much time do I have?
Participants (equity and non) have two minutes to fill as they like. You can do a song and a monologue, two monologues, one monologue or one song for instance. It is generally recommended to do no more than 32 bars of a song.

Can I drop in?
We do not accept drop in auditions at any time. Applications must be received at the Theatre Bay Area offices before the application deadline to be considered.

Does TBA offer any assistance in preparing for the South Bay Regional Auditions?
TBA will be offering an audition brush-up shortly before the event. More information to follow.

What if I have more questions?
Please contact Dale Albright, director of membership services, at (415) 430-1140, ext.14 with additional questions. You can also email him at dale@theatrebayarea.org.

Mark your calendars for all of TBA’s auditions:
August 1: 2009 South Bay Regional Auditions
November 1: applications available for the 2010 General Auditions in early 2010