We use a program called Casting Manager to coordinate our audition process. To sign up for an audition you will create a profile in the system (it’s free). After creating a profile you will be able to sign up for a time slot. If you have difficulty creating a profile or signing up for a slot, contact the theatre and we will be happy to assist you.

We strongly encourage everyone to sign up for a slot in advance. However, it is not required, and we do welcome “walk in” auditions. Be aware that when you “walk in” you may have to wait. Those who have an assigned time slot will be seen first.

That’s okay, we understand things come up. That’s one reason we use the Casting Manager system. You can cancel or change your auditions when you log into you free account.

What you should prepare varies slightly depending on the show. Audition expectations for each show will be posted as part of the audition information.

For plays, there will generally be some excerpts, known as “sides” for everyone to read. These may be posted on the audition page, depending on the preference of the director.

For musicals you will be asked to come prepared to sing a song of your choice (between 16 and 32 bars, or 30 seconds to 1 minute). Please bring sheet music. Musicals may also ask you to learn some brief choreography at the auditions. Depending on the director, you may be asked to read sides as well.

You may check out a copy of the script from the Theatre Lawrence box office during regular hours. We do ask for a security deposit that will be returned when you return the script.

We will post brief character descriptions for roles in the audition description. This information generally include age, the gender of the role (as identified by the playwright), and other special considerations.

Unless otherwise noted all roles in show are cast through the audition process. In the event that a role has been precast (such as hiring a special guest artist) that information will be clearly indicated on the audition notice

You will receive an email via Casting Manager letting you know if the production team wants to have you come in for a callback. That email will indicate the time you are needed, and ask you to confirm or decline your callback. You will only receive and email if you are called back. Don’t panic if you don’t get a callback.

Directors often do not call back everyone they intend to cast in a show. Often times they are only calling back a few people they are considering for specific roles. If you are not called back, that does not mean you will not be cast in the show. In that same regard, being called back does not automatically mean you will be cast.

If you are offered a role in the show, you will receive an email through Casting Manager, offering you the role and asking you to accept or decline the role. Make sure to check your spam folder. You can also log into your Casting Manager profile and if you are cast, it will show there. Some directors also choose to reach out via email or phone to offer roles. After being cast, you will receive an email from the show’s stage manager with instructions regarding read thru.

If you are not cast, you will also receive an email from Theatre Lawrence letting you know.

Finally, we will post the cast list on our website and social media. Please be aware that we now do this several hours after posting in Casting Manager, and after emails have gone out to everyone who auditioned.

We tell everyone that casting decisions will be made by the end of the week auditions are held. So if you audition on a Monday, you should hear something by Friday afternoon. However, under very special circumstances it may take longer. If so, we will communicate that information.

It can be disappointing to not make the cast of a show. Many factors go into casting decisions. Even the most talented performers are not cast in every show they audition for, and sometimes it could even just come down to schedule conflicts.

We are unable to provide individual feedback on auditions.