Auditions
Our Mission
To provide performing arts opportunities in a creative and positive environment that is inclusive of all members of the community, creating an intergenerational theatrical experience in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Casting
We consider our organization a people-focused community theater, that values the importance of growing good and kind human beings, as well as providing a safe place where everyone is welcome and has a part to play.
FCCT differs from other theaters in our region in that everyone who auditions will be welcomed into the cast, and with the exception of Tech Weeks, will typically only rehearse 1-2 nights per week.
FCCT appreciates and values the importance of every performer in our production and the impact they make on our audiences. Typically, our newer performers are given the opportunity to become comfortable and develop confidence on stage by sharing their talents in the ensemble, which is ultimately the foundation for an amazing show.
We truly believe that a show is only as strong as its ensemble!
Our older performers, who have supported their peers, and grown their confidence and talents in the ensemble, are given casting priority for the principal roles.
We recognize and value their essential contributions by inviting them to participate in our discussions regarding upcoming shows and attempt to make sure that they have at least one significant role at some point during their time at FCCT.
Audition Requirements
Age Requirements: All ages – 4 years old through college-age
We hold open auditions so that our performers will become accustomed to sharing their talents in front of others, as well as demonstrate that they are ready to perform for an audience.
Accommodations for a closed audition may be considered for those who might struggle with the open audition process. We would ask that requests for a closed audition be submitted to us via email at fcctheater@gmail.com, along with the reasons why such a request is being submitted for our consideration.
Since we hold open auditions, parents and guardians are welcome to watch, although sometimes performers feel more comfortable if their parents/guardians are not present. (We do have an adjacent room in which parents/guardians can wait.)
If you cannot attend an audition date and wish to audition for a role, please email us at fcctheater@gmail.com, to set up a virtual audition. Additionally, if you cannot attend auditions, and are not interested in a particular role, you can still be added to the ensemble.
Location for Auditions: FCCT Main Space, 287 ½ Chestnut St (3rd floor), Meadville, PA 16335
Participation Fee: There is no fee to participate, however, there may be some individual costume expenses.
All parents/guardians are expected to volunteer to help with the production. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Audition Requirements: (Audition Packets Posted Separately)
• Complete and sign the following forms contained in the audition packet and turn them in at your audition. (Please bring pages 8-11 which include all forms (single-sided). Please also bring a copy of the music selection contained in this packet that you will be singing.
1. Audition Form
2. Contact/Medical Form
3. Parent Volunteer Sign-Up Form
4. Rehearsal and Planned Conflict Form (Please be as specific as possible with potential conflicts. We encourage parents/guardians to review this form, regardless of the performer’s age.)
5. Code of Conduct Form - Page 2 of 20
• No experience is necessary. Everyone who auditions for the show will be part of the cast. If you cannot attend an audition date and wish to audition for a role, please email us at fcctheater@gmail.com, to set up a virtual audition. If you cannot attend auditions and are not interested in a particular role, you can still be added to the ensemble.
• If you DO NOT want a singing or speaking role, please note “chorus only” on your audition form. If you are comfortable with “singing only” OR “speaking only,” please note that as well. This, however, does not guarantee the opportunity for a solo role.
• If you are interested in a particular role, be prepared to sing, and/or act.
• If you are interested in a speaking role, you will be asked to read a script selection.
• If you are interested in a role that involves singing, you will need to sing a solo. Please be prepared to sing one of the songs included in this packet. Singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is absolutely fine, especially for our younger performers (9 and under). We want all our auditioners to feel comfortable.
FAQs
Casting FAQs:
Who makes the casting decisions?
Casting is decided by the director(s) with input from the board of directors. We work together as a collaborative team to make our casting as fair as possible. Roles are given based on past experience with FCCT, ability, and availability.
How are casting decisions made?
Casting priority is given to students who have performed with FCCT in the past, especially those who are close to graduating from high school. We attempt to make sure that our performers get a significant role at some point in their time with the FCCT and often the shows themselves are chosen with valuable input by our older performers.
When will the cast list be released?
The casting meeting is held after all auditions have been completed. Since this is a volunteer organization, and we do not have full-time employees, it takes some time before we are able to meet. You can expect to hear about casting within 3- 4 weeks of auditions.
Why is there delay in auditions and when the cast list is announced?
We do our best to get the cast list out as soon as possible but sometimes it can take longer. Since this is a volunteer organization, and we do not have full-time employees, it takes some time before we are able to meet. Sometimes we are still finishing another show while auditions for the next show take place.
Who is in the room during auditions?
We have open auditions, so parents and guardians are welcome to watch auditions, although sometimes performers feel more comfortable if their parents/guardians are not present. (We do have an adjacent room where parents/guardians can wait.) Open auditions are held so that our performers will become accustomed to sharing their talents in front of others, as well as demonstrate that they are ready to perform for an audience.
Do you have callbacks?
We do our best not to need callbacks. We may video an audition and take pictures so we can go back and review if necessary. On rare occasions, if you are needed for a callback, you will be contacted.
GENERAL INFORMATION FAQS:
How much money can I expect this commitment to cost me?
There is no fee to be a part of an FCCT production, although you may need to purchase costume items (we usually recommend just buying things at local thrift stores). Other potential costs may include rehearsal space supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, etc.), show t-shirt/hoodie, photographs, cast party, and donations of candy, baked goods, and batteries.
When are rehearsals and how often are they scheduled?
Rehearsals are typically scheduled on Sunday night and one weeknight. There may be optional workshops or cast bonding activities added. Not all cast members may be scheduled to rehearse the entire practice, with the exception of Tech Week. Official rehearsal schedules will be distributed at the Parent Meeting.
What can I expect from rehearsals?
We attempt to keep the rehearsals organized and structured, but often with so many kids involved, it can seem noisy and raucous! We have open rehearsals, so parents are always welcome to sit and watch the rehearsals, and also to offer an extra set of hands when needed. Parents of performers 11 or younger must remain with their children at rehearsals.
What can I expect during tech weeks?
Tech weeks normally run from Sunday through Thursday for two weeks prior to our performance dates. The first tech week will take place at our rehearsal space and the second will take place at our venue. The main purpose of tech week is to run the show as we would during a performance, as well as incorporate all of the technical elements of the show (set, props, costumes, lights, and sound). Tech weeks do require an increased time commitment from our performers and parents, as all members of the cast will be requested to be at every rehearsal.
What if I have a conflict?
All known conflicts should be noted on the conflict sheet, which is provided with the audition packet. If you have a potential conflict during Tech Week or during a performance, you must let the director know immediately.
Who will my contact be if I have any questions about the production?
One of the parent coordinators/producers will be your main point of contact. Followed by any board member, committee head, or director. If you have any questions, please email fcctheater@gmail.com.
How am I expected to participate as a parent/guardian?
Volunteers are an essential part of our shows. They are depended upon to accomplish the production workload. Each family is strongly encouraged to volunteer at least 10 hours. There are several areas to volunteer your time. All families are expected to help with moving to our performance space (usually one week before the performance) and with a strike (tear down after the final performance).
Important Tips
Scene Information: At the auditions, we will have cold reads where you will read from chosen selections from the script. Your directors are looking for expression, creativity, preparedness, and a commanding speaking voice from the stage! Have fun with these! Do not be afraid to try something different and act them out! Stage presence is key!
Singing Information: Please choose one of the selections included in the audition packet to sing at your audition. Pick a song you feel shows your range and fits best with the character you are most interested in. You will sing with a vocal track. Please prepare the complete selections as indicated by part, however, the directors reserve the right to start, stop, or repeat as desired. In addition, the music director may check for pitch and vocal range. If you are auditioning for more than one part, we may ask if you know any of the other selections if we wish to hear it.
Singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or "Happy Birthday" is an option for our younger performers, age 9 and under.
We are LOOKING for ACTING skills in EVERYONE’s Audition Song:
● In singing your song you are not just auditioning for the ensemble you are auditioning for any and every role.
● Try your best and actually practice this.
● As you learn the song, put actions to it, act, smile, and above all breathe.
We are looking for:
● Energy and smiles
● Acting ability
● If your character has a funny voice, use it.
● ACTING, ACTING, ACTING!
● Connection and understanding of the words being sung
● Confidence!
● Did we mention acting yet?
What we do not want to hear:
● I just got the audition packet
● I’m sick today
● I haven’t practiced
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney