How to Prepare for a Theatre Company General Audition

For a few exciting days each year, many theatre companies around the world throw open their stage doors for ‘general auditions’. When this happens, actors from all walks of life are invited to audition in front of a panel of theatre company representatives and industry members. Then, those actors are considered for casting in upcoming shows!

These so called ‘general auditions’ are a busy, exciting and potentially nerve-wracking time for actors, no matter their level of experience. But with the right mindset and a few simple preparatory steps, actors can be sure to put their best foot forward and make the most of this incredible opportunity!

What is a General Audition?

Firs things first, what exactly is a general audition? A ‘general audition’ is simply an audition that is not for one particular production. Typically, general auditions or ‘generals’ are hosted by theatre companies or theatre collectives. In a general audition, actors are invited to bring prepared pieces of their choosing to share with the panel. Usually slots will be anywhere from 5-10 minutes. This allows the team to see many actors over the course of the audition period.

Why Should Actors do General Auditions?

Theatre companies hold general auditions because they are a time efficient way for the company to see a wide variety of new actors, especially those who might be appropriate for parts they’re casting across their upcoming season. Additionally, they allow the production team to meet a wide array of actors! Those actors might be new to the industry or just new to the producing team. Alternatively, it may have been a while since they’ve shared their work with the company.

No matter which camp you fall into, general auditions are a fantastic opportunity for actors to share their talents. Attending general auditions allows actors to get familiar with the decision makers in the industry and get a look in for upcoming productions. This is especially true for actors who are unrepresented, or new to the location or industry!

All in all, they’re a massive opportunity to share your work and impress key industry contacts.

How Do Actors Get Invited to General Auditions?

General auditions are usually held around the same time each year. To find out when a company runs theirs, Google the company + “general audition” to view past callouts. Make sure to sign up for the mailing list or follow the online accounts of the theatre company to stay up-to-date and be notified! 

Once auditions are announced, check the eligibility requirements. Because theatre companies want a wide array of actors to be eligible to audition, the range of criteria is typically broad. Ensure you meet the requirements, which will vary from theatre to theatre, and follow the instructions supplied by the company. Once approved, the company will inform you of your audition date and time.

Selecting Your Audition Monologues

Now, for the exciting part: selecting your audition pieces! When it comes to general auditions, companies will usually request that you prepare two contrasting monologues. Keep in mind that ‘contrasting’ does not necessarily mean a classical and a contemporary. It could also mean a comedy and a drama, a piece in your native language and one in the language of the theatre, or any other number of combinations!

Also, the theatre company will often specify a time limit for each piece. As a general rule, err on the shorter side when it comes to length. The panel will be seeing lots of monologues, and the last thing you want is for them to check out because your monologue is beginning to drag. A punchy 60 – 90 seconds is far better than 2.5 minutes that drag.

Monologues to Avoid in General Auditions

There are a few types of monologues to avoid in general auditions.

1. Overdone monologues. These are often famous monologues that the panel will have seen performed many times over. Best to steer clear of well worn classics (I’m looking at you… Biff’s monologue in Death of a Salesman)
2. Film monolouges. If you’re auditioning for a theatre company, make sure you’re showing them a theatre monologue!
3. Passive monologues. Monologues where the character is remembering something often have lovely language and imagery, but can be incredibly difficult as audition pieces because they lack a strong objective. Choose a piece where your character is actively fighting for something!
4. Monologues with extreme emotion or offensive material. The panel will see enough emotional screaming and crying without your contribution, trust me! Also best to avoid any potentially offensive or shocking material (ie. racial slurs, violent content, etc.)
5. Monologues that bore you. You’re going to be spending quite a bit of time on your piece, and the panel will be hoping to get a sense of your taste as an artist from your selection, so kill two birds with one stone and choose something you’re passionate about.

The panel want to get to know you as an artist. Go for something you know back to front and feel totally confident discussing, and pick pieces that excite you to work on! There are no wrong answers here (other than trying to pick what you think they want to see). Still a little unclear on what you should choose? We have a great article about how to pick the perfect monologue.

Preparing for Your Audition

Once you have selected your pieces, it’s time to get to work! While there are as many different acting processes as there are actors, there are a few key principles that will help guide you in your preparation. Consider each of the below while you prepare your pieces.

Read the Whole Play

As part of your script analysis process, it’s important to read the whole play your monologue is from. Of course, knowing the entirety of the given circumstances will set you up for success in your performance. However, it’s equally important to prepare yourself for questions the panel might throw at you. They may be curious about the broader context, or why you chose the piece, and it’s best to be able to speak intelligently about your selections.

Practice Your Audition Stagecraft

It’s likely your audition will be in an empty room. Which means besides  a few panel members sitting in front of a table, there won’t be anything for you to use in your performance. Except, perhaps, a spare chair (though, no guarantees!) Prepare your pieces so that you can perform them without props, a set, or elaborate blocking.

Top tip: Make sure to consider your eyeline while rehearsing. Don’t plan to stare deep into the eyes of the audition panel while you perform, it can make them uncomfortable and unable to fully enjoy your performance! 

Perform in Front of Someone Else Before Your Audition

Audition day nerves can get the best of even the best actors. To give yourself the best chance of success, make sure you get your piece up on its feet, at ‘performance level’ in front of a trusted friend or coach before your audition. The purpose of this is to help you feel psychologically safe when you get up in front of the panel, knowing that you’ve already succeeded in giving a great performance.

Audition Day Tips

Here it is, audition day! Take a deep breath and look at moi, Kim, look at moi. You’re gonna do great. For general auditions, all of the usual standards of audition etiquette apply, like:

• Show up on time.
• Be prepared.
• Be yourself.
• Look and feel your best.
• Get a good nights sleep (which means NO hangovers, mmkay?)
• Be nice to everybody in the building. And everybody in the car park. Actually, just be a nice person!

But that isn’t everything you need to know. There are a few extra considerations to keep in mind for the general auditions. The key to truly nailing a general audition is to show the panel what you’re like to work with. Bring the energy into the audition room that they would expect from you at a rehearsal.

The vibe we’re going for here is: relaxed, confident, and great to be around. If you can bring a chill and upbeat energy to the room, you will already be in the top percentage of actors they’re seeing that day, guaranteed. Dispel your nervous energy and own the value of what you bring as a performer. Be excited to share your hard work, and enjoy your time in the spotlight. When you’re done, be gracious, and walk out of there with your head held high.

What to Do After Your General Audition is Over

It’s over! Now, get out of that windowless room and give yourself a big pat on the back. It’s important to remember that once the audition is over, you might be struck with a barrage of feelings. Anything from was that it? to CRUSHED IT or, potentially, oh god, what have I done. Whatever happened in there, it can be easy to get caught in your head thinking about what you did or didn’t do, or how it went. Especially since general auditions can be over in as little as 5 minutes! The key here is that once you’re out of the room, let the audition go.

Since its a general audition, you might not hear a direct outcome of the audition until weeks, or even months later. But, rest assured that if you’ve prepared and been true to yourself and your talents, you shone. I always recommend taking time to do something you love that lets you transition out of performance mode. For me, that usually involves a trip to the coffee shop and a guilt-free browse around the bookstore before picking a paperback to take home. No matter what your version is, make sure you celebrate a job well done regardless of the ultimate outcome.

Want to work with a coach on your next general audition? Come and join us in the StageMilk Drama Club!