How to Find Musical Theatre Auditions: STOP missing opportunities
Finding musical theater auditions can be a frustrating endeavor, but fear not! In this blog post, I'll guide you through six valuable resources where you can start your search right away.
Image: Ashlee Espinosa in rehearsals for Sondheim on Sondheim with director DJ Gray at the table.
Actors' Access is a crucial platform for discovering auditions, offering a wide array of options, both union and non-union.
It allows you to submit for auditions, and then callbacks are done many different ways including on tape, virtual or by appointment.
You can customize your search criteria based on location and preferences, making it a powerful tool for actors.
If you want an agent in the future then you need this when submitting for representation so might as well get started now
Want to audition for a Broadway show, national tour or regional theatre production?
This is the place now post 2020 where you can submit online from anywhere in the world.
Yes, you heard that right. You don’t have to be in NYC to be a musical theatre performer.
You do need to read the breakdown for each casting notice though to make sure you are comfortable with the way they are holding auditions and callbacks. Sometimes they require in person auditions are pre-screening which are by appointment but sometimes they are going to make offers directly from eco cast self tapes. It happens all the time. It’s the wild west these days.
I highly suggest starting out with a free account and exploring what types of submissions are available at first when you are new to the platform. Setting up an account is free! Then, you pay for each submission along with uploading new videos but once you are ready to start submitting then I highly suggest getting the annual subscription. Trust me, it’s worth it in the long run if you will be submitting more than a couple times a year.
Backstage is a go-to platform for both union and non-union auditions, as well as support job opportunities.
It's particularly useful for self-submitting actors, and you can even do callbacks through this platform similar to Actors Access but with much more ease.
Backstage is excellent for non union work in musical theatre along with some park entertainment, cruise ships and other performance opportunities.
Best part is that once you pay for a subscription you can upload as many photos or videos as you want at no extra fees.
Do not sleep on Backstage website for opportunities as a performer. I make extra money using the website for all kinds of work including UGC and voice over jobs. You can also find film/tv/commercial work. Most of that work is non union but it’s a great way to make extra cash plus dip your toe into other forms of acting and diversify your skills.
I’ve had clients book jobs through backstage submissions completely via self tape callbacks. It happens.
Actors’ Equity Website
While primarily designed for union members, the Equity website provides a comprehensive list of union auditions for those who have joined the union. You’ll only get access to this once you are a member and then you can sign up for Equity EPA/ECCs along with video audition submissions.
Casting Notice Platforms
These are websites or platforms that are free resources and do not require any type of subscriptions because they are just the actual casting notice postings for musical theatre auditions.
Each audition post will tell you how to proceed whether it’s an in person open call, schedule an appointment or submit via email or some type of form where they collect your submission materials.
Playbill.com
- Playbill is a valuable resource for finding auditions, offering both union and non-union opportunities along with support job listings.
- While it's a free website, be prepared to spend some time filtering through the listings to find the right fit.
Broadway World
- Broadway World is another platform, mainly featuring non-union work, and offers a similar format to Playbill.
- It's a free website, so be prepared to invest some time in searching for the right auditions.
Social Media and Theater Websites
- Don't underestimate the power of social media, especially Facebook and Instagram, in discovering local theater auditions.
- Some smaller theaters may not post on mainstream casting sites, making it essential to follow and bookmark their social media pages.
By utilizing these six resources, you'll significantly expand your opportunities to find musical theater auditions.
Remember, persistence and diligence are key in this competitive industry.
*Some links in this blog are affiliated links which means I make a small commission if you decided to purchase any of the products I mention at no additional cost to you.
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
