Blackfriars Audition FAQs:

We're thrilled you're considering auditioning for Blackfriars Theatre. We hope this information will help answer any question you might have. If you have other concerns, please email us at info@blackfriars.org or call us at (585) 454-1260.

WHO CAN AUDITION?
Blackfriars Theatre holds open auditions, practices color and gender conscious casting and welcomes anyone who is eligible to attend. Most audition postings will have a cast breakdown detailing ages and specific types for each show to let you know what the production requires. Blackfriars is a non-equity theatre.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE?
Each audition notice will specify what is required at auditions. Please read each notice carefully. Most plays will require cold reads from the script, and some will require you to prepare a monologue of your choosing. Musicals will require one to two musical selections of appropriate style and often include a dance audition. Please come prepared with sheet music clearly marked, in the appropriate key, and in a binder. An accompanist will be provided for musical auditions. Please also bring your personal calendar for scheduling purposes.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY NIGHT OF AUDITIONS?
No. If there are multiple nights of initial auditions, you only need to attend one of them. Artists should not attend callbacks unless specifically invited.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED ABOUT CALLBACKS OR CASTING?
If you are called back, you will be notified by email within 12 hours of your audition. If you are not called back, you will receive an email letting you know that as well. If you are cast, you will receive a phone call with an offer within 48 hours of callbacks (unless otherwise noted during the initial call). If you are not cast, you will be notified via email within 72 hours of callbacks.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE AUDITIONS?
If you are interested in auditioning but cannot make auditions, please see the full audition listing for video submission information. We do not hold separate auditions for individual performers who cannot attend the initial call.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE CALLBACKS?
If you cannot attend callbacks, there will be a place to indicate that information on your audition form. If needed, you may be asked to read additional material at the initial call or we may request additional material by video submission.

CAN I AUDITION FOR A SPECIFIC ROLE?
You may note on your audition form that you are only interested in a specific role or roles (and whether you are willing to accept any role). There are, however, several factors that go into casting, so it is at the discretion of the creative team to determine which actors will be considered for each role. Please note that you may not be asked to read for each specific role or roles. If you indicate on your audition form that you will accept any role, the team will expect you to accept an offer for any role when it is made.

ARE AUDITIONS OPEN OR CLOSED?
Choosing open or closed auditions is up to the discretion of the director. Because of the nature of Blackfriars Theatre's space, auditions can often be heard, even if people are in separate spaces. Callback auditions will often take place in front of the entire group. Only auditioning artists will be allowed in the theatre. Parents and guardians will be asked to remain in the lobby during auditions; it is not appropriate for friends to attend auditions with you unless they are a legal guardian.

WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE LIKE?
Rehearsals are scheduled by the creative team based on availability and necessary rehearsal time. Therefore each rehearsal schedule will be unique. Most rehearsal periods are 4-5 weeks, plus tech week. Traditionally, Blackfriars rehearses 4-6 days of the week, 3-6 hours at a time. Weekday evenings and weekends are the normal rehearsal times. A schedule of all available rehearsal dates will be available at auditions. Please be prepared to list any conflicts at auditions and know that availability will be taken into account when casting. Artists should list possible conflicts for ALL dates on this calendar, regardless of whether the theatre is listed as unavailable.

DO YOU PAY YOUR ACTORS?
Blackfriars offers a modest stipend for all actors in every full season production. Our BTSI summer productions are not paid, as they are part of our educational programming.  

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES OTHER THAN ACTING?
Most definitely! Blackfriars is always looking for strong, creative and responsible stage managers, run crew, designers, directors, musicians, choreographers, technicians, house managers, and volunteers. For more information and to submit a cover letter and resume, please email info@blackfriars.org.

WHAT DO I DO IF I'M NOT CAST?
Accept it gracefully and learn from each process! Whatever you do, don't let it discourage you from continuing to audition for future productions!