General Audition Information

What type of auditions do you hold?

  • Open auditions, welcoming all levels of experience.

How often are auditions held?

  • Auditions are typically held 8-10 weeks before the opening night of each production. Dates are posted on our website and social media when our season is announced in early May.

Do I need to prepare anything?

  • Each show is different. Most musicals will require you to sing a common song or a selection from the production. 
  • Music is typically posted on our website at least two weeks before auditions. 
  • Expect to learn basic choreography so we can assess how you move. 
  • Plays generally require cold readings, and perusal scripts are available with a small deposit for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the show in advance.

What should I wear?

  • Comfortable clothing that allows for movement, especially for choreography. For dance auditions, appropriate shoes are recommended.

Audition Process

How do I sign up?

  • Sign up online through the provided links. Audition forms can be filled out online after selecting your audition slot.
  • If you sign up in advance, LCT will make a good effort to send you a welcome email with audition information letting you know more specific details on what will happen at the audition for that particular show.
  • Photos and resumes are no longer required.

What happens during auditions?

  • Depending on the production, you may be asked to sing, dance, or do a cold reading from the script.
  • Callbacks may or may not be conducted for final casting decisions.

How long does an audition take?

  • For a musical, expect the audition process to take about an hour including check-in, vocal audition, and choreography audition.

Callbacks

What are callbacks?

  • Callbacks are used when the director needs to see more from certain actors to make final casting decisions.
  • Not being called back does not mean you haven’t been cast; it simply means the director may have already decided on certain roles based on auditions.

Only one or two people read for a role during callbacks. Does this mean the role was already cast?

  • Often callbacks focus on the chemistry between actors, meaning that callbacks can sometimes feel predetermined for specific parts. However, we may need to see how actors interact with one another to finalize casting for undecided roles.

How will I know if I’m called back?

  • You will receive an email the night before callbacks letting you know that you were called back.
  • Generally you will receive instructions on what will be needed of you at callbacks, but not always.

How long are callbacks?

  • Callbacks can range from a half an hour to over three hours depending on several factors. These include the amount of actors that have been called back, the roles that are still undecided, and what needs to be seen by the casting director.

Casting Decisions

Does LCT precast roles?

  • LCT has a policy to NOT precast roles EXCEPT in extreme circumstances where there is a need to cast an actor for a very particular reason, such as a specific look, ability, or set of characteristics.
  • LCT will announce if any roles in a production are precast.

When will I be notified?

  • You’ll receive an email or phone call within 1 week of auditions. We will share information as soon as we can, and will try to give you an idea of how soon the decision will be made at the end of auditions and callbacks.
  • The cast list will also be posted on the LCT website and social media page as soon as all actors have accepted their roles.

My friend got an email offering them a role, but I didn’t.  Should I assume I’m not cast?

  • If you hear that a friend received a role but haven’t heard anything yourself, you may still have a chance.  We may not have had a chance to send your offer or if someone declines a role you were being considered for, you may still get it.

What if I’m not cast?

  • Not being cast doesn’t mean you aren’t talented! Continue auditioning and consider participating in other roles, such as backstage work, volunteering in a shop, or attending workshops.

Can I get feedback?

  • If you would like to receive feedback about your audition, let us know, and we’ll pass on any notes the director, music director, and choreographer are able to give.
  • Not all directors will be able to respond, but we’ll try our best to give you some feedback for next time.

Inclusivity & Fairness

Is LCT inclusive in its casting?

  • Yes! We welcome actors of all backgrounds and levels of experience. Roles are cast based on a combination of talent, fit for the part, and overall ensemble dynamics.

What goes on during the casting process?

  • The casting panel, which includes the director, music director, and the choreographer, makes decisions based on role fit, ensemble needs, and availability.
  • Donations or favoritism do not play a role in decision-making.
  • LCT ensures fairness by having at least one member of the LCT staff not involved in the casting process present at auditions and callbacks to prevent favoritism. If a guest director is casting, an artistic director is present. When an artistic director is casting, either the other artistic director or the executive director witnesses the process. Other staff may step in as necessary.
  • The LCT Executive Director may overrule certain casting decisions in extreme situations.

Tips for Audition Day

  • Research the production and practice any materials found on our audition page or in your audition welcome email.
  • Be kind. Your demeanor also affects your chances of being cast.
  • Bring water.
  • Arrive early.
  • Stay relaxed! Remember, our panel wants you to succeed.