Audition FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS UPDATED FOR AUDITIONS 2021
about auditioning for the Randolph College Greek Play

 

Why are auditions in spring and summer when the play is in October?

October became the season for the Greek Play in 2002: it’s the best time for good weather in the Dell, and it’s a time when the College calendar accommodates us well. But it’s also only five and a half weeks from the beginning of classes until the first show, so we have some auditions in April to make it possible for our actors to arrive on campus off-book and ready to hit the Dell running.     {more}

What roles are available?

10 Chorus Members Singing and dancing WOMEN OF TRACHIS (but you do not have to be a woman to be cast)

Mute Characters:  Captive Women, Soldiers

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Who can audition?

Anyone willing to make the commitment, regardless of major or experience.  Priority consideration is given to Randolph students.    {more}

How do I prepare for auditions?

Be ready to sing a song–any song–a capella.
Dress in comfortable clothes you can move in outside.
If you have other things you want to present, we’ll give you the opportunity. {more}

How long should I expect to spend at auditions?

It will depend on how many other people we need to see, but we’ll be as efficient as possible and not keep you more than two hours  {more}

What if I can’t audition on August 22 (and I *really* want to be in the show)?

Get in touch with Prof. Cohen immediately. There’s always a way.    {more}

Will there be callbacks?

Probably not, but make sure we know how to reach you.    {more}

Wait a minute . . . what do you mean GENDER-BLIND CASTING. What gives?

If Greek male actors could play Medea, Clytemnestra, and Lysistrata, then a Randolph actor’s gender in real life couldn’t possibly limit the roles they can fulfill on stage. In other words, our talented actors can handle whatever roles they want. And they have, with great success. In 2016 we had a man playing the Landlady and a woman playing Heracles.  And the Chorus will be all the musically richer for having voices in many ranges.     {more}

What else do I need to know?

We value clarity with volume, versatility, the ability to take direction, and a presence big enough to make an impact in the Dell. Chorus members need to be able to stay on pitch, be heard, and be able to take choreographic direction. If you can play a musical instrument, we might be able to use that talent, too.    {more}

Can I get credit?

YES. Commit to working at least 20 hours on the Greek Play, and enroll in CLAS/THTR 1181: Greek Drama Production Lab for .5 credit. Commit to working at least 40 hours on the Greek Play, and enroll in CLAS/THTR 1181 for 1 credit.      {more}

Do I HAVE to be in the class?

No. Anyone involved in the play MAY enroll in Classics/Theatre 1181, but you don’t have to.    {more}

Can I perform in the Greek Play and also perform in the November Theatre production?

Yes.  But a few caveats: you may have to make special arrangements with Cohen to be able to attend the November show auditions, which may be during a Heracles and Deianeira rehearsal.  We’re making sure the productions overlap as little as possible.  When you accept a part in Heracles and Deianeira, you’ll be committed to that production through the performances October 1, 2, and 3, and the November show rehearsals won’t be fully underway.   It is therefore possible that you could do both things, but you’d need to think carefully about committing fully to rehearsals for that much of the semester and keeping up with your schoolwork.     {more}

Can I be in the Greek Play if I’m in Dance Concert?

Yes, and we’d love to have your talents. If you’re planning to be in Spring Dance Concert 2022, or even the Fall Dance Concert 2021, the Dance Department has always been extraordinarily accommodating for their dancers in the Greek Play. Our rehearsals are predictable and it’s all over before fall break.    {more}

What if I play a fall sport?

Our performances are September 29 and 30 at 9:30a.m., and October 1, 2, and 3 at 4p.m. If you don’t have games those days, it’s possible that you could do both things, but you’d need to think carefully about committing fully to practices and rehearsals (see schedule below) and your schoolwork.    {more}

Can I get Sock and Buskin hours?

YES.    {more}

To what will I be committing myself if I get a part?

    • Mask and costume measurements.
    • Learning your lines and/or song lyrics ASAP.
    • The three actors will begin rehearsals on August 16.
    • Rehearsals for the whole company will begin on Tuesday, August 24.
    • From then on, rehearsals are 7-10 Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, and 1-4 on Sun.  Sometimes we need to add Friday afternoon dance rehearsals.
    • Yes, that’s two rehearsals on Sunday, but we have to have one time a week to work in the sunshine.
    • The shows are during the mornings of September 29 and 30, and the afternoons of October 1, 2, and 3.
    • We are also hosting a conference October 1-3 to go with the play, and you will be part of the festivities.
    • We usually have an open rehearsal on the Saturday of Family Weekend, and we’ll probably do a little something for the Board of Trustees.
    • Cooperating with designers and crew.
    • Supporting and promoting the Greek Play for the duration of Heracles and Deianeira.
    • It’s an incredibly intense experience, but IT’S ALL OVER BY FALL BREAK.
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How long is the performance?

No more than 90 minutes, with no intermission.    {more}

Is it fun?

The twelve plays we’ve done have been transformative (difficult, thrilling, tiring, intense, exhilirating) experiences for everyone involved. The comedies in 2006 and 2016 upped the giggle level considerably, but even with during the tragedies, we’ve always had lots of laughs and formed lasting friendships (not to mention three marriages). And, hey, one of the crew positions is Chief Groupie. So . . . Yes, it’s fun.    {more}