Greene Room Productions

Overview of Auditioning: What the directors are looking for?
The directors are looking for the best fit between actors and roles. They don't  simply put the best actor in the biggest role. Instead, they're hoping to find people who "have it in them" to play the role the way the director wants it played. How does the actor take direction? The actor can make a positive impression in this area,  by being respectful, listening carefully, and making an effort to follow the direction given by the director. Feel free to ask questions if you don't understand. The last thing you want to do is get attached to a way to read something, and fail  
to change when the director gives you direction. Directors are looking for what you do right, rather than what you do wrong. Mistakes are expected, so don't
focus on them. Instead, focus on showing off what you're capable of. The directors want you to do well, so they're on your side. Although you may crave the
largest role, getting a role that's the right fit is probably more conducive to happiness during the production period. It's in your best interest to be yourself,
show off what you do well, and trust that the directors will put you where you will shine.

Warmup/Range Check: Picking the right song
Show up warmed up if at all possible. The warmer you are, the better you'll sound. Try for something which suits your range and personality. Avoid songs with lots of non-singing bits, or figure out a way to skip over them. If in doubt, pick something which is less challenging but that you can sing well. Interpretation is good - it shows you know what the words mean, but don't go overboard. If you need to read the lyrics off of the sheet music, that's OK,  though you'll be more
free to move if your hands aren't occupied. You may not get to sing the full song. If there's a particular passage you want the directors to hear, arrange to get to that part soon. The vocal director is looking at your vocal quality, musicianship, hether you can act while you sing (do you pay attention to what the words
mean), and various technical details (tuning, etc). The director is looking more at the whole package. Does your voice and body language suit the song you're
singing. Are you entertaining to watch/listen to. Try not to be nervous (yeah, easier said than done). No one expects perfection from you. Just do your best. If
things go poorly, keep going, and do your best. Don't keep restarting. Don't apologize for messing up. Don't tell us how badly you think you did. Mistakes happen. We're all human, and we want you to do your best!!

Readings: How to prepare
Read through the reading so you are familiar with the words. You don't need to memorize the passage, but you want to avoid tripping over the words. Make a
choice as to how you're going to read it - what that choice is less important than that you make a choice. Don't make assumptions about what role you're being
considered for based on the director's choice of reading. Listen carefully to the direction the director gives you. Try to implement it. If you're not sure about
something, ask what the director is looking for.  The director looks for two things:

Can you play the role the way the director has asked you to read it. Can he
or she "hear" you as the character.

How well do you "take direction". Do
you respond and change, or do you just do the same thing you did the first time.

Listen to the other actor while they're reading. React. That's acting.

This information was taken from MIT's Theatre Department audition page online
and arranged to meet GRP guidelines and philosophies.

GRP AUDITIONS are in JUNE for the next full year.  Audition dates will be announced in May.

1.) GRP casts the entire season with one yearly audition. This means you are auditioning for multiple shows at once. You are considered for everything regardless of what you actually read
for in the audition.

2.) Auditions are by appointment only. For scheduling call 413 668-7284

3.) Casting will take place in June for the 2012-2013 Season. (2 Mainstage shows, 2 Kids Tour shows)

4.) Callbacks: You may or may not be called back. If you don't get called back, it doesn't mean that you will not be cast in a show.

5.) Casting: Once a show is cast an announcement will be posted online. If your name is not on the cast list then you have not been cast. Kids ages 5-18, if you have not been cast in a show you can simply register for Imagineering, CenterStage, or G.R.I.P.

6.) Auditioning for a musical role...Please prepare a song, preferably with pre-recorded background music. A CD player will provided. We will have a piano available for those who can accompany themselves. Please do not bring sheet music. We will not have a pianist available.

7.) Clothing/Attire...Please bring/wear comfortable clothing that will allow for easy movement. You may be asked to stay for a dance audition.

8.) Time... In order to be fair to all of our auditioners, It is really important that we stay on schedule. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out appropriate paperwork and to familiarize yourself with the reading selections. If you are late for your appointment we will fit you in when we can depending on the evening's line-up.

9.) If there is an emergency and you cannot make it to your appointment, please call 413 668-7284