Early Fall 2024 AUDITIONS
Hello! Welcome to the Northwestern Auditions Website. This will be your home for all Wirtz audition information.
Early Fall Auditions are on Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th. In an effort to expand accessibility, general auditions can be either in-person or virtual. These virtual submissions will be considered equally to in-person auditions and are due Friday, May 10th at 11:59pm CST.
We are glad that you are here and are considering auditioning for one or more of the many productions that will be happening at Northwestern University this year! Auditions are open to all students at Northwestern – (not just performance majors!)
How Do I Audition?
- Read the Auditions Procedures and Casting Policies document linked HERE carefully. (If you would like more information, I recommend you read “Demystifying Auditions at Northwestern.” Please note, some information may be out of date though most of it is still applicable to this year’s audition process!)
- Sign-up for an Audition Appointment. These are split into plays and musicals – you may audition for one or both categories. You will need to submit two separate bookings for the corresponding rooms if you plan to audition for both plays and musicals.
- Please see the Production info sheets below for more information on each production. Read them carefully and consider the schedules and content of the shows while deciding which ones you wish to audition for.
- Submit all audition materials, including: a recent photo, list of experience, bio and media release form prior to Generals. The deadline to submit these materials is Friday, May 10th at 11:59pm CST. (If you are submitting a virtual generals audition, you can submit your audition with these documents by Friday, May 10th at 11:59pm CST).
Wirtz Early Fall Auditions Timeline:
Audition Materials/ Virtual Audition Submission Due: 5/10 at 11:59pm CST
In-Person Auditions: 5/11 – 5/12
Callback Lists: 5/14
Callbacks: 5/15 – 5/22
Conferrals: 5/24
Understudy Callbacks: Will happen during Fall quarter.
More instructions are below and should answer your questions – but if they don’t, please don’t hesitate to contact:
Gianna Carter, Production Coordinator (gianna.carter@northwestern.edu)
Break legs!
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Sign up for an Audition Appointment!
Note that the timeslots are available in 15-minute increments, and there are five audition slots in each 15-minute increment.
Auditions for PLAYS will take place in WTZ Struble.
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What Do I Prepare?
For Plays: Two contrasting monologues or monologue sections. Keep to TWO MINUTES TOTAL. Feel free to perform any selection of text you would like — it does not have to come from a play!
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SUBMISSION FORM:
Please submit all audition materials, including a recent photo, list of experience, bio, and media release form using the link below:
Wirtz Audition Submission Form
*Use these links to submit video auditions.
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PRODUCTION INFO SHEETS COMING SOON:
Plays
THE WONG KIDS IN THE SECRET OF SPACE CHUPACABRA, GO!
By Lloyd Suh
Directed by Jamal Howard
Ethel M. Barber Theater
October 24 – November 3
ANTIGONE
By Sophocles (Translated by Anne Carson)
Directed by Tae-Heum Yeon
Josephine Louis Theater
November 15-24
SUNDAY ON THE ROCKS
By Theresa Reback
Directed by Mariana Molinares
Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater
May 17-26
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**The Wirtz Center is strongly committed to diversity. We believe that the growth and vitality of theatre is dependent upon the inclusion of many voices. We urge all directors to challenge preconceived notions of casting, and we encourage people of all ages, ethnicities, colors, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities to audition for all productions.**
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LOOKING FOR WIRTZ CASTING POLICIES?
If you would like to read all existing Wirtz Casting Policies, please view them on the Policies Page
found HERE.
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UNDERSTUDY INFORMATION
In the interest of transparency, we can offer this information on expectations for understudies and the support they will be offered. Info sheets will also list understudy guidelines.
- Required Attendances:
- 1st Rehearsal
- Stumble-through
- Designer run
- All Technical Rehearsals
- Any rehearsals when the intimacy director is present, unless the specified role is not included in the rehearsing scene
- Additional put-in rehearsals as needed
- During rehearsals or tech, understudies may be called to step into their role as an understudy due to illness or emergency.
- For performances, understudies must be available by phone two hours before curtain until the show begins, and be within 20 minutes travel time from the theater. Understudies will not be put-in after a performance begins.
- Understudies are encouraged and able to attend as many rehearsals as possible. In the professional world, understudies attend as many rehearsals as necessary to prepare. Understudies are invited to all rehearsals, design/dramaturgy presentations, and meet and greets.
For more information on understudying at Northwestern, please see the “What is an Understudy?” document.
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Please be aware that in seeking permission from Northwestern University to participate in a Wirtz Center Production you will be waiving all claims for injuries you might sustain arising out of your participation. Upon being cast in a production, you will be asked to sign a LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM before you may participate in the production. Please understand that participation as an actor or performer in any Wirtz production is entirely voluntary and at your own discretion and judgement.
The full text of the WAIVER is available HERE.
Resource for Non-Binary Actors seeking out good audition monologues: Non-Binary Monologues
Also consider visiting the Kilroy List, a survey of excellent new plays by women, trans, and non-binary playwrights.
Have questions?
Contact Wirtz Production Coordinator, Gianna Carter at gianna.carter@northwesern.edu