IOD Auditions

Description
Companies Attending

JANUARY 17-19, 2014

Preliminary Announcement Only
More information to be posted September 2, 2013

AUDITION LOCATION

Wright Auditorium on the Campus of East Carolina University in Greenville, NC 27858

WHO MAY REGISTER

Anyone who is:

At least 18 years old by May 1, 2014
Has had previous training and experience in theatre and
Is available for the entire summer season

Individuals with disabilities should contact the Institute if they require any special accommodations.

Please add phillipss@ecu.edu to your email contact list so you will receive your confirmation packet and other information via email.

Online registration will open Monday, December 2, 2013 at 8:00 am.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION, HOTEL(S) AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES WILL BE POSTED HERE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2013

Companies who attended the 2013 auditions included:

Horn in the West, (Boone, NC)
Jenny Wiley Theatre, (Prestonsburg, KY)
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, (Manheim, PA)
Pioneer Playhouse, (Danville, KY)
Serenbe Playhouse, (Chattahoochee Hills, GA)
Shakespeare in Delaware Park, (Buffalo, NY)
Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, (Snow Camp, NC)
The Lost Colony, (Manteo, NC)
Theatre West Virginia, (Beckley, WV)
Trumpet in the Land, (New Philadelphia, OH)
Unto These Hills, (Cherokee, NC)

Theatre companies, please contact the Outdoor Drama office at 252-328-5363 for company registration information.

Audition FAQs

The Institute of Outdoor Drama auditions are the first combined auditions to be held for the 2014 Summer Season. Scheduled from January 17-19, 2014 at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, NC, the auditions bring producers of outdoor theatres together with performers and technicians from around the country for two days of intensive auditions, clinics and social activities over the Martin Luther King weekend. These theatres offer a wide range of employment possibilities in historic dramas, Shakespeare festivals, religious dramas, renaissance festivals and dramatic and musical theatre.

Theatre directors and staff from outdoor theatres from across the country will attend the IOD auditions at ECU to select performers and technicians for summer jobs. The auditions, sponsored by the Institute of Outdoor Drama, are open to anyone 18 or older with previous theatre experience. Compensation varies from company to company and jobs require a nine to 12 week commitment, including two weeks of rehearsal.

How is Outdoor Drama Different?

A summer performing in outdoor drama is often one of the first and most memorable experiences for college age actors and technicians, and many veteran actors return to their favorite dramas each summer as well. A number of famous actors got their start in an outdoor drama, and the friendships forged in this often strenuous and demanding genre can last a lifetime. Some theatres have very long running productions of 50-60 performances while others produce multiple shows throughout the season. Other theatres combine the two with one long production accompanied by a several shorter ones. In all cases company members learn how to carry on through a variety of weather conditions ranging from beautiful startlit nights to tropical heat and rain. Not for the faint of heart, a summer in outdoor theatre builds character as well as talent.

What Kind of Job Can I Get?

Outdoor drama is rich in opportunities for performers and technicians to hone their skills. In addition to acting, singing and dancing, some productions use and teach the techniques of stage combat, pyrotechnical display, and equestrian skills. Staff skilled in scenery, costume and props design and construction as well as the operation and maintenance of equipment for sound, special effects and lighting are also in demand.

What Is the Audition Format?

Auditioning Actors/Singers will be given 90 seconds for a monologue and song (including your name and number). "Actors Only" or "Singers Only" will be given 60 seconds (one minute) for a song or monologue (including name and number). Dancers will be led through warm-ups, combinations and routines featuring a variety of choreographic styles.

Special Note to Technicians

Technicians must pre-register on this site and complete the registration process in full (including photo). Position descriptions (salary, benefits and minimum requirements) will be posted in the lobby along with a list of interview times and locations for each theatre company. Those applying for tech jobs should (1) check the company callback schedule, then (2) sign up for an interview on the sheet posted at the company's callback location.

Singing Guidelines

Please carefully prepare your music for the accompanist - s/he wants your audition to go smoothly as much as you do.

1) Bring a copy of your music that is legible and in your key, the accompanist will not transpose it on the spot.

2) Mount your music on cardboard or put it in a notebook so it will not fall off the piano during your audition! Please, no music books.

3) Be sure your music is clearly marked for any deviation in tempo or text (many accompanists follow the text as well as the music).

4) A cappella singing, recorded music, or self-accompaniment will not be allowed.

Before you audition, quickly and efficiently tell the accompanist whatever is important for them to know:

1) Tell them what song you will be performing,and whether you plan to repeat any section of the song. If you plan to take only second endings, mark through the first ending and instruct the accompanist of your intentions.

2) Give your tempo to the accompanist in accurate, professional terms. Ways to indicate tempo include counting it out quietly, humming quietly just a little of the song, or lightly snapping your fingers to the beat. If the song changes tempo in the middle, please tell the accompanist even if it is written in the music.

3) Expect the timer to interrupt you when your time is up, that is his/her job and it doesn't have a negative impact on the result of your audition. The correct response is to stop, say “thank you” and leave the stage (stopping to pick up your music on the way off.)

Need To Know

The first event of the audition weekend will take place Friday evening January 17, 2014 when the theatre companies attending the auditions will talk to the auditioners about their shows and answer questions. Following this event, there will be a reception where the companies and auditionees can mingle. The auditions will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Wright Auditorium on campus. After Saturday evening callbacks, a Sunday morning career development workshop will be given, concluding by 11:00 am.

Navigation

IOD Auditions

JANUARY 17-19, 2014

AUDITION LOCATION

WHO MAY REGISTER

Audition FAQs

How is Outdoor Drama Different?

What Kind of Job Can I Get?

What Is the Audition Format?

Special Note to Technicians

Singing Guidelines

Need To Know

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