Holly
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Auditioning for a professional theatreSo I'm considering auditioning for a professional theatre in the area - but I've never auditioned for an adult production before, so I'm kind of hesitant.
If it was a production with specifically teenage roles I'd be less so, but they say they want an ensemble age of 20-40 - I'm 16. I can look older, but I don't know still...would it be a complete waste of my time if I were to go? The theatre is both equity and non-equity so that isn't an issue for me.
Hmm, along those lines here's another question! A friend of mine, very talented but is, looks, and acts like a teenager (she's 15), has been in a number of professional shows. She says the way she gets past the age thing is by leaving her age off of her resume and lets them assume her age. So if they don't ask, she doesn't say anything. What do you guys think of that?
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wicked_diva
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Usually if they want to know your age, they're looking for a playable age range. However, this can vary with professional theatres, and they may not be able to hire anyone under 18.
What show is it? It will make all the difference as far as auditioning goes. And from your pictures, I think you could easily pass for 20, so I say go for it as long as it's not a legal thing.
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Holly
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It's Pajama Game...I'm not familiar with the show other than knowing the basic idea.
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what_the_heck013
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What theatre is it? I could probably tell you how they usually cast as I see a lot of shows in the area.
Honestly, I've been turned down by major theatres (not necesarilly professional... some though) and I'm never sure if it's for talent or height/size/type. Go for the ensemble! Why not? Ya' only live once.
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BroadwayBaby0202
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Normally I would say that's fine but if you're looking to have an actual part, The Pajama Game really doesn't have any that a 16 year old could pull off at a professional theatre. I would definitely go out for the ensemble though. What have you got to lose?
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Holly
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| what_the_heck013 wrote: | | What theatre is it? I could probably tell you how they usually cast as I see a lot of shows in the area. |
It's at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach.
And yeah BroadwayBaby, I'd be going for ensemble 
I did realize after posting this that someone may have told me that they hire 21+, but should I email and ask?
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what_the_heck013
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Well, I know they do a youth show each year. This year it was HSM. I don't know if because of their yearly youth show, they might not cast younger actors in their other shows.
My advice: Go to the audition, only tell them your age if they ask, and blow their socks off.
There may be issues with somebody under 18 if they rehearse during school days and if a teacher would be needed.
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Chevstriss
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there are no teens in Pajama Game. The youngest characters are pushing 30. Due to the sexual situations in this show, it is not likely that a pro theatre would cast anyone underage.
Even the mention of sexual innuendo in front of anyone under the age of 18 can lead to sexual harassment lawsuits.
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Holly
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Thanks Chevstriss :] Like I said, I'm not at all familiar with the show so I didn't factor that in.
I guess I'll email them and see, though.
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Bagel
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I was going to audition for Pirates down there but they told me some rehearsals were during the day.... so if you're heading back to school soon, you might not be able to do it for that reason. I never got to see the performance because of work, but I know they had Rex Smith(!!) as the Pirate King.
I did a community theatre production of Pajama Game almost 10 yrs ago that was put on by a local church group and I don't think they made any large changes, and we had plenty of teens. The play is nowhere as racy as the book it's based on which is definitely not appropriate for kiddos. There's no reason why ensemble can't be younger as long as they look like they're old enough to work in a factory...so if you legitimately look 18+, it's definitely worth a shot. It's got some great ensemble numbers, especially if you can dance.
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MaryMag
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| Bagel wrote: | I was going to audition for Pirates down there but they told me some rehearsals were during the day.... so if you're heading back to school soon, you might not be able to do it for that reason. I never got to see the performance because of work, but I know they had Rex Smith(!!) as the Pirate King.
I did a community theatre production of Pajama Game almost 10 yrs ago that was put on by a local church group and I don't think they made any large changes, and we had plenty of teens. The play is nowhere as racy as the book it's based on which is definitely not appropriate for kiddos. There's no reason why ensemble can't be younger as long as they look like they're old enough to work in a factory...so if you legitimately look 18+, it's definitely worth a shot. It's got some great ensemble numbers, especially if you can dance. |
When I read it was Pajama Game I was like 'I bet that's the one Bagel talked about...'
Here's what MaryMag would do:
audition for it.
leave your age off your resume. (I've never put mine on there.)
go in there and do your best and know that even if you don't get cast, you are learning SO MUCH and are going to be fairly well ahead of the game because few girls your age are auditioning for adult roles at professional theaters. Even if you don't get cast, you are learning SO MUCH about the whole audition process that girls who don't even attempt these auditions will never know. Get your ass to that audition.
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Holly
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Okay, so I did find out (from the friend I mentioned in my original post) that they're looking for over 18 for their shows in general. Since I've been mistaken for being over 18 for several years, I'm thinking of taking your advice, Marymag.
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Bagel
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They have the casting breakdown on the AEA site (actorsequity.org) and they're looking for people who look 20+. So as long as the rehearsals don't conflict with school/work, and you can look 20 with makeup, no reason not to go for it.
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