Auditions

Below is a general guide to our auditions. As each audition nears, it will be replaced by a similar one that is tailored to each specific show. This one is intentionally generic to cover a wide range of possible scenarios, but includes a lot of information that you might find helpful.

What is ACT1?
ACT1 is a community theater with a focus on wholesome entertainment. Now in our 16th year, we're proud to bring you top-quality theatrical productions. You'll find us in performance in several major productions each year. Among our many full-length shows have been Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, It's a Wonderful Life, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Wind in the Willows, Annie, The Sound of Music, and many others.

ACT1 is the proud recipient of several Metropolitan Atlanta Theater awards, including 5 for our production of Fiddler on the Roof. We are sponsored and supported by Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, and provide entertainment to the community without religious bias.

In addition to using many experienced theater folks, one of the objectives of our work is to provide a venue for actors and crew who have never tried anything like this before. We enjoy having new folks discover a love of theater - whether that's acting on the stage, or building sets, or making costumes, or as a stage hand, lighting technician or sound technician. As new cast and crew members "learn the ropes" and become seasoned pros, they may decide to try their hand at stage managing or directing. All of our cast, crew and management are volunteers. But, no matter what role you choose, this will be the most fun that you've had in a long time.

Can I review the script in advance?
Scripts are available in the church office (Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009) for check-out approximately 2 - 3 weeks before auditions. We do not charge for them, but they must be returned within 1 week, or no later than the first day of auditions, whichever comes first, and are subject to availability.

What will auditions be like?
We'll have you sign in and fill out an audition form to tell us about yourself. Don't worry if you've never done this before - experience is not required. If you have a headshot, bring it along. If not, we'll take a picture to help us remember who's who after you're gone.

Everyone whose auditioning will be in together and you'll be asked to read scenes from the play. It's known as "cold reading", because you're not expected to memorize anything in advance. The material you need will be given to you. However, you may want to review the script in advance, to become familiar with the characters. The Director and Stage Manager will run the auditions, and you'll be asked to come up a couple of times to read. We're all friendly, so we promise that it won't be intimidating. You may be asked to read a part that you're obviously not suited for, or that you have no interest in. It doesn't mean you're being considered for that part, but rather helps us gauge your flexibility and range.

No parts are pre-cast, and everyone who gets a part will have auditioned at one of the 2 scheduled times, unless special arrangements are made in advance. We don't generally do "Call-backs" (that's when a short-list is compiled and some people are asked to re-audition), but will choose a cast based on the regular auditions.

Among the things we'll be looking for are:
Speaking voice quality - Can you project, so that you'll be heard from the back of the theater?
Energy - can we hear the interest and excitement in your voice?
Facial Expression - Does it match the words you're reading?
Character - Can you "be" the person you're reading?
Willingness - Can you follow instructions and give it your best shot?
Vocal range - Can you hold pitch and sing loudly enough?
Movement - Can you move in time to the music and do the steps you've been given?

How will you pick the cast?
Many things go into putting a cast together. Of course, your performance at the audition is important, but so are other things that are not in your control. The script dictates to a large extent who will be cast. As an example, characters playing family members should look like they could be a family. So casting is a process of finding good actors, of an appropriate age range, who fit in combination with the other actors.

When will I know if I'm cast?
If we are able to cast you, we will call you no later than the day after the last audition. If you don't hear from us, we were not able to use you this time. The number of people who audition prevents us from calling everyone. But remember, that doesn't mean you did a poor job, and please - come back to audition for another show.

What am I committing to?
By coming to auditions you're not committing to anything. Come try us out and see what you think. If we offer you a part, and you accept, then you are definitely making a commitment to attend every rehearsal possible. That means you can't miss a rehearsal unless it's absolutely necessary and you've told the Stage Manager in advance. No absences during the last two weeks of rehearsals. Even if you have your part down pat, and don't feel you need to be there, remember that your fellow actors are dependent on you being where you're supposed to be. If someone has a line to deliver to you, and you're not there, it makes it very difficult to stay in character and keep the scene running smoothly. A major factor in a production not getting to a polished, professional level, is a cast that is erratic in attendance. OK, enough preaching - just want you to understand the importance.

What about rehearsals?
Our schedule calls for 3 rehearsals a week, for about 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of performances. Our first rehearsal is usually scheduled for the Sunday directly following auditions.

Rehearsals are normally on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm and on Sunday at 2:00 (Please note - if you have worked with ACT1 before, this is a slight change in the Sunday Schedule).

Not everyone is scheduled at every rehearsal - at least in the beginning. As we work individual scenes, only the actors in those scenes need to be there. We take very seriously your commitment and your time. The schedule will be laid out in advance, and only vary rarely deviated from. You will never be expected to hang around waiting for the director to get to your part.

The very first rehearsal will be a "read-through" and will include the entire cast. It's just what it sounds like - we'll all sit around and read the script. It's the time to meet your fellow actors, hear the Director's vision for the show, begin to assimilate your character, work on any tricky pronunciation etc. We'll give you your copy of the script, the schedule, and any other material you'll need.

After that, the next set of rehearsals will be broken down, scene by scene, and we'll do the "blocking". Blocking is the term used for any stage movement - crossing from one side to the other, sitting down, standing up - all the stuff that supports your lines. Bring a pencil and make notes in your script as you work.

Once everything is blocked, the next few rehearsals will go back through those scenes and work on them some more. By this time, you need to have your lines and songs memorized for the scenes that we're working that day. Once we're through these "working" rehearsals, we're now about 4 weeks in, and we've worked on every scene for at least 3 rehearsals, and it's time to combine them, and run the full act, and later the full show, fine-tuning as we go. Expect about 24 rehearsals in all. There might be one or two added rehearsals near opening, if we seem to need them. There are some breaks in the schedule for holidays and other things at the church which would interfere with rehearsals.

When are performances?
There will be 11 performances of this show over 4 weekends. That's every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm (cast call at 6:30pm) and the last three Sundays at 2:00pm (cast call at 1:00pm).

What about tickets?
Tickets cost $12-$15, and you can have all your fans call the box office at 770-663-8989 to make their reservations. Each cast member will get two tickets free. In addition, cast members may buy more tickets at a discount, for family and friends

What else can I do?
ACT1 Theater is an all-volunteer organization. There are LOTS of jobs, large and small, that we need help with. Anything from Stage Hand-ing, Sets, Props, and Marketing to Ticket Booth or posting flyers around town - there are tons of opportunities to be a part of ACT1. Just ask anyone within ACT1 how to get involved.

What about...?
For any other questions that we forgot to cover, please give us a call - Lisa Matchen, 770-663-8989, or email to lkmatchen@bellsouth.net.