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Audition Dates:
Thursday, January 18th, at 6:30 pm
Friday, January 19th, at 6:30 pm
at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.
Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty. This universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.
Those auditioning need to attend only one audition date. Auditions are open to anyone in high school or older.
Performances: March 15-17 & 21-24
How to Audition:
Review materials from our audition workshop here.
Below are instructions, materials, and tips for auditioning for OCC Theater productions. Auditioners will be brought into the theater in groups of three, but each person will audition individually.
For a musical, the audition consists of three parts: a song excerpt, a reading, and a dance call.
Song Excerpt:
- Choose 30-60 seconds of a song that best represents your voice and also fits the character for which you are auditioning.
- Bring in sheet music for the accompanist to play along with you. There are many good sites online where you can purchase and print sheet music if you do not have any music books.
- Practice! You should be well-rehearsed for the audition.
- Perform as a character. You want to show that you can tell a story when you sing.
Reading:
- You will read a prepared excerpt (or two) from the script for the audition. These are called sides.
- This is not a cold reading. All sides are posted in advance, and auditioners are expected to have rehearsed them before the audition.
- The characters and their corresponding sides are in the audition materials. Access the sides by clicking the "Audition Sides" tab below.
- You may prepare more than one character to read.
Dance Call:
- You will perform a small dance as part of the audition. Dance call videos are shared in advance.
- You will dance in groups of three or four.
- The choreographer will review the dance with auditioners before performing the dance. The choreographer will also lead the dance during the audition.
TBA
Auditioning for an OCC production, or any production, can be a nerve-racking and scary experience. Here are a few tips to help with that process.
If you have never auditioned before, here is what to expect. You will arrive at the college and enter the lobby in front of the theater. There will be a table where you will sign in and fill out a couple of forms. Once that is completed, you will wait until your name is called.
Someone will walk you into the theater and introduce you to the audition committee (be prepared for a little small talk). You will head to the piano, which is on stage, and give the pianist your music. Tell the pianist where you want to start and what tempo you would like the song played (we recommend quietly singing it in their ear). You will then head center stage and sing your song excerpt. You will next be asked to sing a scale with the piano to see your vocal range.
When that is complete, you will read for the character you have chosen. Someone will come on stage and read opposite you. When you are finished, you will walk back out the way you came. Occasionally, the audition committee will ask you a few questions or ask you to read for another character.
How to Prepare for the Audition:
- Practice, practice, practice! You do not have to be memorized, but it is expected that you are prepared.
- Dress nicely. Make a great first impression.
- Pick out a song that showcases you. Realize you will be nervous, so do not push your vocal range too much.
- You love Wicked. We love Wicked. Do not sing a song from Wicked unless you have a big, big voice. We love Hamilton. You love Hamilton. Rapping when you are auditioning for a character that sings a ballad is not your best bet. Choose a song that matches the character you are trying to portray.
- When doing your read, be the character. Make choices.
- Learn as much as you can about the show story. Learn as much as you can about the character you are auditioning for. The Internet is truly a wealth of information when it comes to shows. Use it!
- Have someone read opposite you several times beforehand: a friend, spouse, co-worker, anyone.
- Unfortunately, the nature of theater auditioning is disappointment. If you cannot handle disappointment, theater may not be for you. Multiple people audition for one part, but only one person will get that part. But if you are cast in a part, allow yourself to fall in love with your role.
1st Rehearsal: TBA
Each member of the cast will receive a rehearsal schedule at the first rehearsal. In addition, cast members will receive weekly updates on what specific scenes will be covered on each day that week via Virtual Callboard. Rehearsals will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. You may or may not be required to attend rehearsal every day each week.
We understand that cast members have families, jobs, school, and are also involved in other activities, so we try to be flexible. If you must miss a rehearsal for something important, we ask that you communicate that to the stage manager in advance. However, please be sure that you can attend most rehearsals so that the cast has time to work together.
Do I have to have experience on stage to audition?
No! We welcome anyone who is interested in participating, even if you have never done a show before.
What if I cannot make the audition dates?
Video auditions can be accepted, but please arrange those in advance. Your video must be submitted before auditions are completed.
Do I have to live in Olney to be in the show?
No! We love having people from different communities participate in our shows. We are always happy to see new faces.
Do I cold read at the audition?
Nope. Audition materials are posted in advance, and we expect you to come rehearsed and prepared with a character.
Do I have to be memorized at the audition?
Memorization is not required, but please come prepared and having rehearsed.
Where are auditions held?
Olney Central College at the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center
305 N West Street
Olney, IL 62450
Drive past the main building all the way to the east end of the campus. The theater is in the separate brick building next to the main building (the lobby is all windows).
I heard that I get class credit for being in a show. Is this true?
It is! You get class credit for being in the cast and the crew. The tuition and fees for the class are waived.
Interested in joining our theater behind the scenes? Contact us: occtheater@iecc.edu
