Auditions & performance opportunities
We are aware that some casting websites and agencies, copy our casting calls out to their clients. That is absolutely fine, but please ensure that all relevant information (dates, locations, rehearsals, profit share, etc) are also shared and not altered or omitted.
Our casting process also follows Equity policies, promoting fairness and excellence in running productions:
Manifesto for Casting | Safe Places Policy | Cast It Here | Inclusive Casting Policy | Performance for All
Our castings as laid out in this website section, are the correct official version. If you have questions, that are not answered here, please email us.
These are professional castings as stated below. We do not charge anyone to audition or get involved with us, we are strictly against "pay to play!"
Our casting process also follows Equity policies, promoting fairness and excellence in running productions:
Manifesto for Casting | Safe Places Policy | Cast It Here | Inclusive Casting Policy | Performance for All
Our castings as laid out in this website section, are the correct official version. If you have questions, that are not answered here, please email us.
These are professional castings as stated below. We do not charge anyone to audition or get involved with us, we are strictly against "pay to play!"
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When attending an audition please wear comfortable clothes, bring a pen, your diary, a comprehensive list of dates that you are not available for rehearsal or performing, and your completed audition form.)
Please note that as of January 2020, the actors contracts will be replaced by the one below, for additional clarity:
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The South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company, is the trading name of The South Devon Players Limited;
Registered at Companies House: Company number 11569166 | ||||||||
OPEN AUDITIONS
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What happens at our auditions:
Our auditions, unless otherwise stated in audition information, take the form of performing excerpts from the script (sides) readings in groups of auditionees, (scripts provided at audition or in advance by request for sides), in front of a casting panel. If you are auditioning for a specific task such as a singing or dancing role, you will be asked to prepare something of a relevant genre, of your choice, to show us at the audition. We do not require the recitation of monologues from unrelated shows, and only in very unusual cases accept video auditions. CASTING MINORS : We only rarely cast minors. Any minors must be accompanied by a parent, or legally licensed chaperone at all times. A minor's involvement in our productions is subject to individual licensing per child, from the local authority, and is also dependent upon the parent/ chaperone following legal guidance; including remaining with the child at all rehearsals and performances, and keeping the child in your line of sight at all times when with us. You may obtain more information about this from Torbay Council - CHILD PERFORMANCE LICENSING TORBAY (additional useful links to peruse the legal obligations further: Child Performance Legislation Advice - Children & Young Persons Act 2014 - Chaperone Service professional practice) WHEN YOU HEAR BACK You will be informed within a stated time (usually 24 hours), if you are selected for a role. It is only in very rare cases that we accept video auditions, and then only from people whom we already know are reliable. As a rule, we expect you to attend in person. PAYMENT As professionals and aspiring professionals, we do our utmost to ensure that we do our utmost to reward the team members with the show profits, from ticket sales, less venue hire. We fundraise and work with our Supporters Trust to cover the costs of rehearsal hall, costumes, props, printing and other production expenses, so that we can pay the maximum possible to our team. While full amounts can never be guaranteed as it is based on ticket sales numbers; the total amount, whatever it is, is equally shared among all actors and production crew, so that nobody is treated differently than any other. We have never finished a production in the "red". At the time of payment (usually within 10 days of ticket sale monies being received from venues) we also provide the box-office sales reports from the venues, showing precise ticket sales, and how much the venue has deducted in hire for the space; to the cast and crew. You will also receive portfolio photos of you performing or working in your crew role during the rehearsal and production process, references (upon completion of your first production), backstage light refreshments, and anything else that we find we can offer. We are applying for funding to increase our work, including a prioritised aim of being able to offer salaries, and at such time as we find such funding, everyone will be automatically upgraded on the spot (even if mid-way through a production). The current profit share situation is because we are self-funded from market stalls, and sponsored activities to pay for a rehearsal room, costumes, and materials, so that we can then share the ticket takes, less show venue hire only, to all our cast and crew. We are committed to rewarding our cast and crew to the very maximum of our ability. We have a strict equal opportunities policy WHAT WE LOOK FOR AT AUDITIONS In your audition, we will look at several factors in deciding who gets the role. These include: - Suitability for role and quality of audition given. - Skills in clear speaking, expression, body language. - Good social skills: how you seem to interact with others in the room. - Pleasant, positive "can-do" attitude. - Timekeeping (arriving on time, or communicating in advance if unavoidably delayed. We reserve the right to not audition latecomers.) - Preparation (bringing audition forms, your pen and diary, etc) We do take natural "audition nerves" into full account, but due to only casting for serious performers who, regardless of previous experience, share our career-based ethos, we look for a range of qualities required by anyone who seeks to be a serious performer. We have a strict equal opportunities policy. WHEN YOU ARE CAST IN THEATRE The first session, for those selected as cast, will involve a mandatory getting-to-know session, for the team, along with workshops, getting measurements or any especial information relating to the roles, and stating what is expected. All cast and crew will be expected to sign contracts which will then be held by our secretary. A seated script read-through will also take place and you will have the opportunity to ask role or production questions. Rehearsals will subsequently take place on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm- 9.30pm, and Sunday afternoons 12.30pm - 4.30pm at Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham, Devon TQ5 0SA. You are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of rehearsals involving your character, and to inform the director at once, before the start of rehearsal, if you find that you are unable to attend a rehearsal. No-showing more than once is likely to result in removal from the production, or in being cast in a smaller role. GOOD PRACTICE We operate to the best of our ability and knowledge, within the guidelines of good practice laid out by Equity, BECTU, Protecting Actors, and the Equality Act 2010, We regularly seek advice and guidance from same, and leading industry professionals, to ensure that we are up to date. In the case of doubt we refer our queries to same. Link to our governance and policies page IMPORTANT NOTE This may seem very basic indeed but is being noted publicly after a couple of incidents over recent years: If you are joining us in any capacity, please be aware that you will be expected to read and learn your scripted scenes, by the deadlines given, attend rehearsals on time, and to keep detailed notes on your blocking (where you are stood on stage, on stage directions), props and/or techincal notes penciled into your script. Being involved with us also requires that you have adequate literacy, and focus, to do this. You are not joining an amdram amateur club, but a dynamic professional team of ambitious, hardworking, career-orientated people. You will also be required to abide by the norms of socially acceptable behaviour towards other members and towards the public, failure to do so, is likely to result in instant dismissal. If you have questions, please get in touch via email southdevonplayers@gmail.com. |
