Theatre Charleston will host its second annual Unified Auditions
On April 17, Theatre Charleston will host its second annual Unified Auditions.
"Last season's Unified's were so successful, I couldn't wait to get started on them this year," says Executive Director, Emily Wilhoit. "Last year we had over 100 actors participate and we're expecting even more this season."
"... over 300 roles to fill"
These auditions give Charleston's finest directors and producers the opportunity to see the large selection of talented actors Charleston has to offer all at once. "With over 300 roles to fill in the 2010-2011 season," says Wilhoit, "it only makes sense that we continue to come together to provide a way for both actors and directors to see and be seen all in one afternoon".
"Due to time constraints, we rarely hold auditions for our work," says PURE Theatre artistic director, Sharon Graci, "so we find the Unified Auditions extremely useful. We are introduced to actors whom we don't know, and also reminded of the excellent work being done by actors with whom we've not yet had an opportunity to work. I can happily say that we cast multiple roles this season using actors who were seen at the Unified Auditions." Village Playhouse producing director, Keely Enright stressed the importance that both new and well-known actors attend the auditions, "As a professional repertory company, we take casting very seriously."
A resource for new actors
New actors to the area especially benefit from the exposure the Unifieds give. "I'm so grateful for last year's Unified Audition for helping me get my foot in the door in Charleston's theatre community a few weeks after moving here," says Lara Allred, "The result was an amazing year of being part of wonderful shows and opportunities to work with many of the incredible people that make this city's theatre community the treasure that it is." Audition information
The auditions will take place from 1-6 p.m. April 17 at The Footlight Players, 20 Queen Street. Auditions will be run cattle-call style. Each actor will be given 90 seconds to use as they wish. An accompanist will be provided. Audition slots are first-come/first serve and are open to Individual Members of Theatre Charleston only.
The membership is $25 and comes with a ton of benefits including discounts to member shows, participation in the actor database, invitations to member's only events and more! Wilhoit points out that the Unified's are general auditions and most theaters will not cast directly from the auditions, but will use them as a guide to set up their own call backs.
She stresses, however, that a large majority of directors and producers will be using the Unified Auditions as their only open call and will pull from these actors for their entire season. Actors of all types are encouraged to attend, from those just starting out in theatre to those highly experienced on the stage.
Workshop
A special audition workshop/question & answer session will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the PURE Theatre performance space in Lance Hall at the Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St.
Participating theatres include: Actors' Theatre of South Carolina, Art Forms and Theatre Concepts, The College of Charleston Department of Theatre, The Company Company, Deuce Theatre, The Footlight Players, Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions, PURE Theatre, The Village Playhouse and more.
Deadline
Audition applications must be received by April 9.
A limited number of audition slots are available so reserve your space soon. For more information or to sign up visit www.theatrecharleston.com or call (843) 813-8578.
