Audition FAQ

Audition for Zombie in Love and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) at Lexington Children’s Theatre

Lexington Children’s Theatre is excited to announce auditions for our two fall productions. We will have our Learning Stage Series production of Zombie in Love (directed by Rhonda Bell) at the Learning Stage, and our Holiday Opera House production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) (directed by Jeremy Kisling) at the Lexington Opera House. If you are ages 9 or older, we are excited to invite you join us for these productions.

Audition Dates
Sunday, August 20th 3-5pm
Monday, August 21st 6:30-8:30pm
Tuesday, August 22nd 6:30-8:30pm

Auditionees must attend an entire two-hour block.

Callbacks for Zombie in Love will be Wednesday, August 23rd from 6-9pm. Callbacks for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) will be Thursday, August 24th from 6-9pm. We hope to have casting decisions made for both shows by end of day Friday, August 25th.

All performers must turn 9 and be two weeks past their COVID-19 vaccination date prior to Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, to be eligible to audition.

How does it work to audition for two shows at the same time? Can I be cast in both shows?

We are auditioning both of our fall shows at the same time. Both our directors, Jeremy Kisling (BCPE) and Rhonda Bell (Zombie in Love), will be in attendance at the auditions and will be considering the auditioners. There will be a question later on in the audition form that will ask which show you’d like to audition for. You can be considered for both shows or just one show. It is possible to be cast in both shows, but there is also a place to indicate if you would only like to be cast in one show.

Please note that folks who are student director, student stage manager/ASM, student music director, or student choreographers for Zombie in Love may not also audition for the show. Any folks who are on a design or marketing team may audition for the show.

Where and When Do the Shows Rehearse and Perform?

We are able to accommodate some vacations/travel plans/conflicts, but in order to be cast, you must be able to attend all tech rehearsals and performances. We will not be double casting. For the full list of specific timeframes for tech rehearsals and performances, please see the end of the Jotform audition form sign-up.

Zombie in Love will rehearse 3-4 times per week in the weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Rehearsals may start as early as August 28th and the process will be done by November 5th.

Zombie in Love performs at Lexington Children’s Theatre from Sunday, October 15th through Sunday, November 5th, 2023. There are 8 weekend performances and 16 weekday performances.

The weekend performances are:
Sunday, October 15th at 2pm
Saturday, October 21st at 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, October 22nd at 2pm
Saturday, October 28th at 2pm
Sunday, October 29th at 2pm
Saturday, November 4th at 2pm
Sunday, November 5th at 2pm

The weekday performances are:
10:00am & 11:45am
Thursday, October 19th & Friday, October 20th; Wednesday, October 25th thru Friday, October 27th; Wednesday, November 1st thru Friday, November 3rd

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) will rehearse 3-4 times per week in the weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Rehearsals may start as early as September 18th and the process will be done by December 4th.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) performs at the Lexington Opera House from Saturday, November 25th through Monday, December 4th, 2023. There are 4 weekend performances and 12 weekday performances.

The weekend performances are:
Saturday, November 25th at 2pm
Saturday, December 2nd at 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 3rd at 2pm

The weekday performances are:
10:00am & 12:00pm
Monday, November 27th thru Friday, December 1st; Monday, December 4th

Do I need to prepare anything for auditions?

No. Please come dressed to move and prepared to sing and read from audition sides. Everyone will be provided with/taught the material that they will be auditioning with at the auditions. We will soon have a perusal script that you can check out if you’d like, or for access needs purposes, please reach out to Kate Tayler at rsm@lctonstage.org to be sent audition sides early. We cannot guarantee that you will be reading for any one role.

How many people will be cast and what ages?

These shows have MANY characters of all different ages. More information will be added here soon.

Synopsis for Shows

The synopsis will be added soon.

What roles are available in the cast of characters?

The roles will be added soon.

To sign-up to audition for Zombie in Love or The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, please fill out this audition form: https://form.jotform.com/232136113732142

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kate Tayler at rsm@lctonstage.org.

It doesn’t look like there are any characters my age/gender. Should I still audition?
Yes! The “Cast of Characters” listed in the section above is a suggestion, not a rule. A 17-year-old may be cast in an adult role if they look mature or in a 13-year-old role if they look younger. Everyone is considered for all roles, even if their age doesn’t match a character’s exactly.

What role is perfect for me?
If you want to know what role is perfect for you we recommend reading the PERUSAL SCRIPT, available by request. But please keep in mind the role you think is perfect for you may not be the role the director chooses to challenge you with.

What does a director look for at auditions?
The director evaluates:

VOCAL QUALITIES — pitch, placement, articulation, and projection (That means, are you loud enough? Can we understand your words? Do you use inflection?)
MOVEMENT SKILLS — Do you experiment with the stage directions in the script or stand like a stick?
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — Do you embody the character with your voice and body?
SENSE OF FOCUS — Do you live in the world or are you too aware of the audience?
IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY — your unique interpretation of language or character
EXPRESSIVENESS — Is it in your words? your face? your body?
HONESTY — Are you reacting and speaking as your character would?

THEN we look at things like height, age, etc. to consider what role you might fit into and which of the other people that auditioned might match up with you. The same criterion is true for callbacks.

How can I prepare for these auditions?
You should read the perusal script and familiarize yourself with the source material (info on how to find it is above). You can also familiarize yourself with the source material for the script if it is based on a book, movie, historical event, etc.

We do not recommend copying or mimicking the source material (especially movies or soundtracks from musicals). They can help you understand the story and character motivations, but we want to see your unique interpretations and the creativity that only you can bring to a role.

What do I wear to auditions?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move without risk of embarrassment but does not mask the size and shape of your body. If you are called back, it is a good idea to wear the same clothing you wore on the day of your audition.

What do I bring to auditions?

• You might also want to bring a “quiet” activity (homework or books are highly recommended as the process can be a lot of hurry up and wait)
• Please dress to move at our auditions.
• A great attitude, kindness, and joy for the art of making theatre!

What is on the audition form?
The front has your information, so we know how to get hold of you (and your parents), your availability for callbacks and rehearsals, a space for listing conflicts, and a photo waiver. The back of the audition form is a place to list your theatre experiences, training, and special talents. Resumes are encouraged but not required.

Do I have to have a resume?
No. But if you’re serious about this business and have been in several productions or taken several classes you should create a resume. We’ll be glad to attach it to your audition form on the day of your audition.

Special Arrangements
If your auditionee has any needed accommodations, please do not hesitate to ask. We will work with you to create resources as needed and prepare them for the audition process however we can. Please alert the stage manager of your needs before you arrive at auditions.

What will I do at auditions?
When you arrive at the theatre, go to the check-in desk. If you have not already, you will receive an audition packet and be asked to fill it out. During the actual audition, you’ll participate in warm-ups and improvisational games, and/or you may be asked to read from the script, learn and sing a song from the show, and dance a combination.

It’s best to think that you are always auditioning from the moment you walk in the door until you leave the building. We do watch how you behave while waiting, while standing in line, while others are performing. All these things tell us how you will behave during the rehearsal and performance process.

Do I attend callbacks?
You will attend callbacks only if requested in the callback announcement email.

What is a callback?
It’s a director’s second look at you and your skills. Especially with the number of people that we will see at these auditions, it is often important to bring some people back for a “second look”.  It might be an opportunity for a director to see certain actors read a scene together or to see you read for a specific character.

I didn’t get called back, does that mean I’m not cast in the show?
Not necessarily. Just because you are not called back does not necessarily mean you were not cast. You may have been perfect for the role the director is using you for and consequently does not need a second look at you. Or if the director knows your skills very well (perhaps you were in a show with them previously) they may have chosen to see only people with whom they were less familiar at the call back.

The callback announcement will let you know if we are calling back everyone we are considering or not.

If I am cast, what is a rehearsal schedule like?
We use your conflicts and other commitments to create a schedule that works for everyone.  We may rehearse in the evenings, but we could also rehearse during the days if it works best for the group. When we announce the cast, we will also let you know the date and time of the first rehearsal, when you might need to come in to have measurements taken, and what you might need to bring or provide.

What if I have conflicts with the rehearsal schedule?
We do our best to honor and work around the schedules and commitments of those cast in our shows. We provide a “conflict calendar” with your audition packet which is how you communicate those conflicts to us. We try to create a rehearsal schedule that works around these conflicts and understand when you cannot be present.

Directors do their best to honor scheduling conflicts IF THEY ARE PROVIDED in advance. It is very difficult to adjust for conflicts after the rehearsal schedule is set.

Please be honest and forthcoming. We promise that if your student is the right person for the part that we will work around their conflicts; so please do your best to notate them accurately.

What if we don’t know all our conflicts yet?
Please be as thorough as possible even with info you’re not sure about. If you know you will play on a team but don’t have the schedule yet, let us know and give us your best guesses about number of practices per week. If you know there is a tournament weekend, but you don’t know if they will “make it” to the tournament, let us know about it anyway.

Work with your teachers, coaches, and leaders NOW to learn about conflicts so we don’t have to have unpleasant surprises later.

Will it affect my chances of being cast if I have too many conflicts?
Not really. Unless you must miss multiple weeks of a rehearsal process, we really do work around conflicts. Usually the directors pick actors for roles and THEN look at the conflict calendars. We promise that if you are right for the part we will work around a few activities. Don’t be afraid to list conflicts, honesty is best.

Can I audition for this production and also be in other LCT shows and activities?
Most LCT programs are scheduled for you to participate in them at the same time. The audition form has a page which will indicate if the current show conflicts with any other LCT programs or shows.

A Note About Over-committing
People want to do it all these days; we ask you to consider your capacity to do it all without spreading yourself too thin. A play is fun but it takes a lot of time and work – physically and emotionally. We want you to have enough time to be successful, and most importantly, have fun! If you must miss tons of rehearsals, that might not set you up for success and enjoyment.  There will always be another play to audition for when your schedule is less busy.

Does it cost money to be in a show at LCT?
It is our goal to be as accessible as possible for all members of our community. There is no “tuition” to participate in an LCT show, but we do ask you to provide some items (make up, undergarments, shoes, see below). LCT offers participants the option to purchase show shirts and DVDs, but it is not mandatory.

Because we do not charge a fee to participate, we do invite families to support LCT in other ways. Contributing to our annual fund through the Adopt a Character program and volunteering are just a few.

If I am cast, what do I need to provide?
Base costumes: LCT asks actors to provide foundation garments for their costumes. This may include socks, tights, undershirts, camisoles, and other undergarments. If you are a dancer in a production this may also include leotards or modesty shorts, etc.

Shoes: We also ask that actors provide their own shoes. LCT works with you to see if something you already own may be suitable. If you will be dancing in the production this will also include your dance shoes such as ballet or jazz shoes.

Make up: Actors are required to provide their own corrective make up. You may purchase a kit or assemble one.  (corrective make up means foundation, blush, lip color, and mascara, usually. LCT provides specialty make up if your child needs to play a ghost or other type of fantastic character)

How are parents/guardians involved?
It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child arrives and departs in a timely fashion from all scheduled activities.

We ask parents to volunteer a minimum of six hours. These volunteers may help with cast crowd control, front door duty, make-up application, or ushering for performances – to name just a few.

As part of our mission to train the next generation of theatre technicians, LCT offers the following technical positions on all Discovery productions whether in our home facility or across the street in the Opera House.

Students must have turned 14 PRIOR to the audition dates for the production. To apply, contact Kate Tayler, Stage Manager, at rsm@lctonstage.org. Please send your name, contact info, and the position for which you’re applying, and we’ll arrange an interview with the appropriate department head.

Available Positions

Costume Construction, Crafts and Make-up
Works in the costume shop with the Costume Shop Manager and stitchers to complete all costumes, hair, and make-up for a production. Time schedule arranged individually. Must be available during shop hours.

Wardrobe/Dressers
This position works with the Costume Shop Manager to maintain the costumes once they are constructed. Assists with fast changes during performances and laundry and maintenance during the run. Time schedule arranged individually.

Spotlight and Light Board Operators
Works with the Lead Electrician, Lighting Designer, or Technical Director from light hang and focus through recording/design of cues. Runs the HORIZON computer program for performances or operates a spotlight from the grid. Time schedule arranged individually. Must be available for all technical rehearsals and performances.

Properties Assistant
Works alongside the full-time productions staff creating/gathering or pulling all necessary props and set dressing for a performance. May also be required to run properties during a performance depending on show requirements. Time schedule arranged individually. Must be available during shop hours.

Sound Board Operator
Works with the Technical Director and/or Sound Designer from creating initial lists of cues through recording and playback. Runs board, cd and/or microphones for a production as required. Time schedule arranged individually. Must be available for all technical rehearsals and performances.

Assistant Director
Works side by side with a professional director. Focus on blocking, staging, script analysis, and character development. An extra set of eyes and input. Must be available during rehearsal hours.

Assistant Stage Managers and Deck Hands
Works side by side with the Stage Manager to accomplish blocking notation, properties tracking, scenery shifts, line notes, and all responsibilities associated with stage management. Specific duties will be determined and split among those who are interested and available. Must be available during rehearsals and performances.

How else can I get involved with this show if I’m not cast or not interested in being on stage?
On your audition form there is a section to indicate your desire to work backstage on this production. Fill out your interest areas and a stage manager will be in touch. If you don’t want to audition, please contact stage management at rsm@lctonstage.org to indicate your interest.

Should I audition even if it’s my first time and I may not get a part?
Absolutely! LCT is a great place to have your first audition. We do most activities in groups, not as soloists, so it is low pressure and a lot of fun.

You might not get a part the first time you audition for a play. Auditioning is a skill that takes time and practice before you really learn how to do it well. That means the sooner you get started the better. The more you do, the more comfortable you will be, and that will make you more confident. We strongly encourage you to come audition and just see what it’s like.

Why wasn’t I cast in this production?
The worst part about the work we do is that budgets only allow us to cast a certain number of people. We cannot provide individual critiques for all 60-120 people who audition for any given show, and we understand that it’s tough not to know why you weren’t chosen.

In most cases, choosing people for a show is about picking folks whose skill level and “look” match up. If two characters are meant to be the same age, but one actor is 4’10” and the other is 6’3″ they might not be believable to the audience. You might have a class clown personality that isn’t quite right for a show about Anne Frank, or a more subdued personality that isn’t ready to be in a show about circus performers. Maybe you have ballet training but the dance style of the show is more modern and hip hop. Many factors go into deciding who is a good fit for which role.

Sometimes we choose to give opportunities to those who haven’t had as many recently. For example, if two people are equally suited for a role, but one of them just had a lead part in the previous show, we will likely choose the other person to provide them with an opportunity.

For those auditionees who are still very young, ages 9-12, sometimes they haven’t developed their skills enough to compare with a 13-15 year old who may be in consideration for the same part. Lots of shows simply don’t require cast members of certain ages. For example, High School Musical is a show mainly about teenagers; there are very few roles for 9 to 12-year-olds, though we allow everyone to audition.

If you’re wondering why your student wasn’t chosen, maybe it would be a good idea for a parent to stick around for the next audition. You can’t coach in the room, but you might get a sense of the skills that your student still needs to develop. Were they much quieter than the others? Did they stand stiffly while the others moved around? Were they so distracted by reading the words that they weren’t able to be expressive? All of these are things you can practice at home and in theatre classes! Please check out the section above for ways you can prepare for an audition. Those will give your student a leg up before the next opportunity as well!

We know that it is very difficult to guide your student through rejection. Auditioning is a very challenging and brave endeavor, and your child deserves to know that! We are so proud of everyone who comes into the room to play, express themselves, and be vulnerable as actors. It might take a few, or many, tries before they are ready for a show, and the right fit for a character. But we encourage you to keep at it!

Our education department offers many opportunities that don’t require auditions. We encourage you to sign up for Theatre School Classes or check our Companies program. Both offer the camaraderie and skill building that a performance provides.

When are the next auditions? What show are they for?
Our next auditions are for our yet-to-be-announced Summer Family Musical! We will hold auditions in April or May, and we look forward to sharing more information with you soon!

How can I be sure I don’t miss any audition announcements?
Click this link to be added to our audition email list! We will send you an email 1-2 months prior to each audition and all the info about how to sign up.