Theatres and Film Companies when you’re putting together your audition notices, I’d recommend being thorough when writing them. There are the basics that many should already be including, such as the production team, pay rate, time commitment, etc. However, it would be great if they added the following to their audition notices.
Be clear with the following:
- Any and all physical intimacy.*
- Any and all physical fight(s)/stunt choreography.*
- Subject matter.^
*Include with this the characters, their involvement, the requirements, and any possible requests. The more details you can provide the better.
^Subject matter should always be included, especially if it’s in a gray area.
Information given to Actors who may be interested in production can help you filter the net prior to them even attending the audition.
Actors don’t always do their homework past the audition notice. As much as people such as acting coaches, teachers, etc try to encourage Actors to do their due diligence in this industry, we can’t guarantee that they will. Your audition notice may be the most important thing they read, and the only thing they read. When you put it out there from the beginning you have a better chance of attracting the Actors who will do the work needed for your production.
None of this is a guarantee or will be perfect. What it is, is you’ve done your job on the front end of your production.
If you’re ever unsure what should be included in your audition notice, here’s what you can do.
- Check with the publisher, playwright, and/or writer. Ask them questions about the script. They will have the most information around their vision and intent.
- Hire a professional for a consultation. It can be a Fight/Stunt Coordinator, Intimacy Director/Coordinator, a Cultural Sensitivity Specialist, etc. Seeking out individuals with experience and training that have done this is a bonus.
- If it’s a theatre piece that has been previously produced, connect with other theatres. Pay them for their work if they’re willing to share any materials they have used. They may also be able to recommend someone to help you to advise or write your own audition notice.
Remember you can do all the things. The goal isn’t to be perfect, but to be better. To do your best to be up front with what you need for your production in order for it to work.
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