If you're new to the audition process, here are a few important tips that may help you survive the ordeal.  We are here to help you do well!

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1. Show up on time. Lateness reflects badly on you as a professional.   On the flip side, it's not a good idea to appear over eager or "brown-nosey."  Just get there a few minutes early, smile as you enter the room, and take a seat to fill out your audition form.  Remember, if you are under 18, an adult must sign your audition form. 

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2. Bring a headshot and resume. If you don't have one already made, it's easy to do an internet search for "headshots" or "theatre resume" and come up with something to use as an example.  It's always better to have something than nothing!  Yes, you can use a business or school photo as long as it clearly shows you from the shoulders up.  This is not the time for Glamour shots. selfies, or a picture of you with your cat/Star Wars toy collection.  You can always just give the audition panel a nice looking casual photo (even printed from the computer is OK) and a piece of paper with your name, address, phone number, email, and a few bullet points about yourself (even if you have no theatre experience to speak of).  It's OK to be a little clever on your resume, but be careful that you don't come off as a smarty pants.  Staple your headshot and resume together, back to back. The preferred size is 8 x 10 or 8.5 x 11 inches.  

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3.  Be ready to sing if required.  For C.R.O.W.'s mainstage musicals, a brief song audition is required.  We recommend you sing a song that you know well, have memorized the words, and can show your personality while singing.  Please DO NOT audition with a song from the show you are auditioning for.  The recommended length is about 16 bars (or about 1 minute).  You can bring your music in the form of sheet music or on a device.  Please have your music cued up and ready to go when you walk up to audition.  IMPORTANT: You don't have to be a great singer to be cast in a C.R.O.W. show.  But you do have to give it a try!  When in doubt, "Happy Birthday" works.  But we'd rather hear another song if you have one.  

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4. Be prepared and be flexible. Whether you have to read a portion of the script (called "sides") or perform a monologue, be sure you are ready to go from the moment you step into the auditioning room.  Be flexible.  Maybe you don't see yourself in a particular role, but the director does.  Be willing to do whatever we ask of you. 

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5. Be respectful...even if the other people auditioning aren't. The fact is that some people are downright rude to those that they view as competition. They may give you a terrifying "go away, you stink" vibe.  It may seem to you that you're not holding the audition panel's interest when you are cold reading, or even that you're being ignored. Do not let this affect your performance.  Just keep a positive attitude and keep going!  Professionalism always shines through, and C.R.O.W. notices people who are respectful at all times.

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6. Be gracious and don't be annoying.  When you're dismissed, always say "thank you"...and then promptly leave the area. Do not linger and discuss your life, the show, how much you enjoy the characters, etc.  It's ok to ask a quick question, but then get out of there and let us make our decisions.  Nothing screams "don't cast me" more than a needy actor. 

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7.  Practice cold reading before the audition.  Grab a newspaper, a magazine, a novel, or a script and practice reading aloud in a nice, clear voice.  Can you look down quickly, get the line in your head, and then look up as you deliver it?  We would love to see your face, so don't hide behind your side (script page) at the audition.  Lower your side as much as possible, and don't worry if you mess up a word or two.  It's more important to show us that you can act!

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8.  Dress nicely.  You should ALWAYS wear nice looking clothing and shoes that you can move in to an audition.  Don't wear something sloppy such as a hoodie or pajamas, don't wear something too tight/revealing, and don't dress exactly like the role you want (i.e.-If you're auditioning for "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz, don't wear a blue gingham dress and carry a stuffed dog.)  Audition attire is important, and there is a fine line between what looks good and makes you stand out, and what makes you look unprepared or like you don't really want to be there.  If a dance combination will be taught, it is OK to bring dance shoes to the audition and change into them, but your outfit should remain the same.  If you wear a dress, please put shorts or briefs underneath, in case the combination contains turns or kicks.   It's a good idea to wear an accent piece such as a hat, scarf, bow, or shoes that might make you memorable in the audition panel's mind.  

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9.  Remember to have a good time.  Let's face it.....all auditions are scary, but if you have a positive attitude, and are willing to accept whatever the outcome will be.... it is half the battle!  Remember, you may think that you're perfect for the role of _____________, but the panel may have other plans for you.  Be open, be fair, and be professional at all times!  This includes being supporting of anyone who receives a role that you may have wanted.  Being a good team player and exhibiting good character is a crucial life skill.  We stand firm by integrity at C.R.O.W.  

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Your audition is your first impression. Make it a good one.

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If you are new to C.R.O.W. we strongly encourage you to read our FAQ's.  CLICK HERE.