Auditioning for Traveling Troupe or Commedia Troupe - Here's How it Works!

Do I need to register for auditions?

Yes. And replying on Facebook doesn't count. Register today and get lots of useful info (your parents will thank you for this).

We recommend that you register for the High School Ensemble session of your choice (or Middle School if you're a rising ninth grader) at the same time that you register for the audition. That guarantees you a place in that ensemble, whether or not you're accepted into the troupe. Later, if you're accepted, we can change your registration.

Is there a fee to audition?

There is an audition fee of $35 (in advance), or $40 (at the door), which covers our staff time and rental fees.

Do I need an audition slot?

Nope. You'll be in the audition room the whole time. We're equally interested in how you play with others (and with whom you play particularly well) as we are in your audition piece. So plan to spend the day with us.

Do I need to prepare anything for the auditions?

Yes. Traveling Troupe auditions require a Shakespearean monologue (min. 14 lines). Even Commedia Troupe kids need to prep a piece.

Do I need to bring anything to the auditions?

Bring a lunch/snack, a water bottle and something to write with. You should also wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.

Does it matter if I come to the January, February or April audition?

Come to the January audition if at all possible, since we begin to make some casting choices at that point. Nothing is actually set until after the second audition, though, so don't sweat it if you can only come to the February audition. The April audition for Commedia Troupe is mostly intended for new campers and people who had a conflict with the first audition. If you intend to go to the April audition, it's especially important that you register for the High School Ensemble, in order to preserve a spot.

Can I audition even if I don't know if I can participate this summer?

No, sorry. While we understand that it can be hard to plan your summer, it's impossible for us to cast actors who might not accept the parts. By coming to the audition, you're making a commitment to the show and to the other ensemble members.

I was in a Troupe last year. Do I still need to audition?

Yes. We select new actors each year. Usually, this means returning Troupe members will be re-accepted, but not always. Plus, for casting purposes, it's important for us to see how you've grown or changed over the year: the audition isn't just to determine if we'll use you, but also how.

How do you decide who gets in?

We accept kids to the Troupes by considering the needs of the individuals and the needs of the play. We have to cast the plays with actors who are right for the roles. We also have to find roles that will challenge the individual actors, and sometimes we don't take a brilliant actor because they stand to get a better part in the High School Ensemble. We also select people based on how they work in the group and what kind of energy they bring in.

I'm interested in Commedia, but I love Shakespeare. What should I do?

The best option would be to enroll in High School Ensemble first session, and audition for Commedia Troupe for second session. This will give you an incredible range of training in just one summer.

Are the auditions scary?

We like to create a playful and supportive environment where returning TPE kids can reconnect with friends and newcomers to our community can be welcomed. Over the course of the audition, you will be given lots of opportunities to display your skills through improvisations, readings from scripts, and group discussions. We've been told that Troupe auditions are the most fun auditions our kids have ever attended. We intend to keep it that way.

Can I audition for both Commedia and Traveling Troupe?

Yes, you can! And we highly recommend it! You can't be cast in both, as they overlap. But this will allow you to be cast in the show that will give you the most challenging role. Here's how it works:

Figure out which troupe you'd prefer, since we will take that into consideration. We genuinely care about what you're most interested in learning, particularly since the disciplines are so different. Audition for both in January.

• If you specify one or the other as your first choice, then the director of that ensemble has first dibs on you if they think you would do well in their play.
• If you have no preference between the Troupes, Toby and Jeanne will discuss how they would potentially use you in either production, and accept you into the Troupe with the greatest challenge for you as an actor (meaning the largest substantial role).

When will I find out if I'm accepted?

The notification generally happens within one week after the second audition. Students are accepted, declined, or deferred. Deferred students are asked to re-audition in later when the director can see how the actor plays with other auditioners. (For example, if we're considering you for a lover role and the other lover didn't audition this round, we need to check chemistry between lovers during the next round of auditions.) Very few students are deferred - 1 to 3 every January. Kids auditioning for Commedia Troupe in February will NOT be deferred to April.