Broadway shows are cast by casting offices through agent submissions, Equity's own required auditions (Equity Principal Auditions and Equity Chorus Calls) and, sometimes, open calls. To audition well, prepare a song cut and a book of sheet music, a monologue or sides, and dance shoes if there's a dance call, then follow each notice exactly. Here's how it works, with what casting directors in our library said about the room.
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Each production hires a casting office, which brings in actors for the creative team. Many appointments come through agents, who submit their clients on each role. Shows and theatres working under certain Equity agreements also have to hold required auditions open to union members, and Equity says these have taken place in person since 2 January 2023.
Brian Wold and Blair Hickey of CastingAbout told us about visiting a major casting office that handles Broadway and touring shows; their story about generic mail is below.
They're the two main kinds of required Equity audition. An Equity Principal Audition (EPA) is for principal roles, usually with a song, sides or a monologue. An Equity Chorus Call (ECC) is for ensemble singers and dancers. Producers post the notices on Casting Call, Equity's internal job board, and they're also published in trade publications, according to Equity's auditions page.
Equity members book appointments ahead of time, and Equity's procedures tell theatres not to require a headshot or resume just to book one. Members who can't get a slot can join an Equity waiting list on the day. Read the notice for exactly what to prepare, because every show asks for something different.
Sometimes, but you're last in line at required calls. Equity's appointment procedures say only members can book appointments. Non-Equity actors may come along in case time opens up, go on a separate waiting list, and are seen only when no Equity members are waiting.
Your other routes are an agent who can submit you, and open calls that productions announce themselves; check any open call against the production's or casting office's own channels before you go. Once you've been paid for professional theatre work in the US, you can join Equity through Open Access; see how to join Actors' Equity.
Notices often ask for a short cut of a song, commonly described as 16 or 32 bars, in the style of the show. Prepare cuts that show your voice and acting at their best, and bring the full sheet music in a binder (your "book"), clearly marked for the pianist with your starting and ending points.
Jess Orcsik told us that if musical theatre is part of your plan, singing and dancing are essential tools, not extras. Kym's advice for any special skill applies here too: get footage of yourself singing or dancing, even from a play, so casting can see it before they meet you.
For plays, often. Kym told us theatre asks for monologues far more than film and TV does, so keep two pocket monologues ready: one dramatic, one comedic, each under two minutes. Ajarae Coleman added that some New York showcases for theatre casting directors and agents specifically ask for a monologue and a song, so follow the guidelines you're given.
If you're sent sides instead, learn them early. Kym prints them the moment they arrive and starts saying the lines aloud straight away, so the words are never the barrier. Our monologues for auditions page covers choosing one.
Dancers are usually taught a combination in a group, then perform it in smaller groups while the creative team watches, and there may be cuts between rounds. Warm up before you arrive, wear clothes you can move in that still show your lines, and bring the shoes the notice asks for.
Should the headshot be printed? Our film and TV casting directors are split: only 8 of the 24 we asked still routinely want hard copies, and several said they rarely ask. Seth Yanklewitz still asks for them at producer sessions and network tests, and Kerry Barden called your headshot your business card: have one with you whether you need it or not. More on this in what to bring to an audition.
Relax enough to listen. We asked 21 casting directors what experienced actors do differently from new ones, and about half named ease or confidence first. Josh Einsohn said nerves make actors talk over notes instead of hearing them. Victoria Burrows said professionals come in off book and decided on the role, while newer actors seek approval. Meg Morman described seasoned actors as happy to be there and not needy about their choices.
The rest of the answers were about preparation and direction: arriving with specific choices, and making a real adjustment when you're given a note. Seth Yanklewitz called that the true mark of a skilled auditioner. For the basics of arriving, waiting and leaving, see audition etiquette.
Be specific and be present. In Brian and Blair's story, the casting office kept a thick pile of generic "consider me for anything" submissions and saw them as unprofessional; a short note that shows you know what they're casting is worth far more. Chris Roe told us he goes to the theatre most nights when he's in New York or London, and that he thinks the best actors are theatre actors, so being on stage anywhere gets you seen.
Location matters too. In her relocation class, Kym estimates New York has about 50 casting directors, and says the sooner you're in a major market, the sooner you can build long-term relationships with casting staff. Our guide to getting an acting agent in New York covers representation there.
Equity members can book required Equity auditions. Non-Equity actors can attend those calls on a separate waiting list and are seen only if time allows, or be submitted by an agent or go to open calls.
An Equity Principal Audition is a required audition for principal roles in Equity productions. Members book appointments in advance and prepare whatever the casting notice asks for.
An Equity Chorus Call is a required Equity audition for ensemble singers and dancers, usually including a dance call where groups learn and perform a combination.
Follow the notice. Many ask for a short cut, often described as 16 or 32 bars, so prepare cuts of songs that suit the show and bring the full sheet music for the pianist.
Not for every audition, but agents submit actors for many principal roles. Without one, required Equity calls and genuine open calls are the main way in.
A printed headshot and resume, your marked book of sheet music, your sides or monologue, dance shoes if there's a dance call, and water.
Stage or screen, the room rewards the same things: preparation, ease and a willingness to play. Your Free Audition Room Guide is our guide to walking in ready.
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