Summer Audition & Interview FAQ

Ready to audition or interview but not sure what to expect?
Have no fear! We’ve created a handy Audition & Interview FAQ to help you prepare.
I'm ready for summer!image of auditions for traveling players
Do I need to prepare anything for my audition?

Yes, all actors need to prepare for their audition.  But what you prepare will be a little different depending on what you are auditioning for.

  • Actors auditioning for the Mythology (grades 4-6) , Thespian (grades 6-8) or Shakespeare (grades 8-12) Ensembles need to memorize a pre-assigned monologue.
  • Actors auditioning for Shakespeare Troupe need to select and memorize any 14-line Shakespearean monologue (not from Hamlet.)
  • Actors auditioning for the Improv Intensive need to devise a silent, physical scene with an object, or devise an exaggerated story from personal experience.
Technical Theatre Apprentices

Students interested in Technical Theatre (costumes, props, set) will attend an interview. During your interview you will discuss your prepared portfolio, along with other relevant art/sewing/technical experience.

We know that what you currently have in your portfolio might be limited. We ask that you gather what you can (cell phone photos are fine) and present it as best as you can.

Which program is right for me?

Students who have been at Traveling Players before know the power of a strong and well-balanced ensemble. But how do you create a cohesive and effective ensemble? You need a mix of experiences and backgrounds – students of different ages, genders, and leadership experience — all of whom are eager to support and challenge each other to do their best work.

Most students at Traveling Players are eligible for multiple programs, which will offer different experiences. If you’re interested in improv or technical theatre in addition to performing in one of our ensemble plays – then you will need to attend two different auditions/interviews.

Double Dip on Auditions or Interviews!

Audition/Interview once and be considered for two programs!

  • 6th graders
    • Audition for Thespian Ensemble and be considered for Mythology Ensemble, too.
  • 8th graders
    •  Audition for Shakespeare Ensemble and be considered for Thespian Ensemble, too.
  • 9th - 12th graders
    • Audition for  Shakespeare Troupe and be considered for Shakespeare Ensemble, too.  
    • Interview for Technical Theatre Troupe (6 weeks) and be considered for Technical Theatre Apprenticeship (3 weeks), too.
Still not sure? Call us! (703-987-1712). We love talking about camp and crafting the best summer for your child.
What happens at the audition?

You will perform the monologue that you memorized, but that is just one section of the auditions. You will be given lots of opportunities to display your skills through improvisation, readings from scripts, and group discussions. The audition is an opportunity for the director to get to know you and to see how you work and play with other potential members of the ensemble. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know your potential castmates. You will have your best audition if you relax, have fun, and connect with your fellow performers! We have been told that our auditions are significantly more fun than the average audition. We plan to keep it that way.

Where do auditions and interviews take place?

Auditions and interviews are held at our Studio in Tysons Corner Center.

 
I’m not local to the DC Area.
How do I audition/interview?

If you are not local to the DC area, then you can audition or interview virtually! Email Emma Mearns (programassistant@travelingplayers.org) for a registration link. Once we have received your registration, we will set a time to meet with you via Zoom. You may be scheduled to audition with other students. Technical Theatre Interviews will be solo.

I have never been in a play or done tech before, can I still audition or interview?

Yes! We are dedicated to training theatrical artists - whether they have been in dozens of shows or none - and giving them appropriate challenges for where they are, resulting in real growth for everyone!

What makes a successful audition or interview?

The best auditions and interviews happen when you’re having fun and trying new things!

We accept people who will be good in our community - eager, dedicated, kind, team players.  All Traveling Players care about storytelling and theatre.  Some are stronger with the language, others with improv, character analysis, or physicality.  We need a range of skills to do our plays – there’s strength in our diversity! 

image of students in acting class
Do all actors receive speaking parts?

Yes! With only 13 actors per ensemble, everyone is essential to every play.  As an ensemble theatre company, we know how to challenge and bring out the best in all of our performers.

When will I receive my results?

Results are sent out  about a week after your audition or interview.

Our auditions are for placement only. You will not be cast until you join us this summer!

I'm ready to audition!
Still Have Questions?  Want to meet us before auditioning/interviewing?

Join us for an Open House!

image of latest news from traveling players

We typically have one Open House a month - on Zoom so there's no commute! We'll have an in person Open House out at camp in May.

Join an Open House!
Mailing

P.O. Box 1315
Great Falls, VA 22066

Studio

Traveling Players Studio
Tysons Corner Center – DL01
1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, VA 22102

Traveling Players Ensemble is funded in part by ArtsFairfax and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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