What are generals? Why generals?
- Generals are your chance to audition in front of all of the directors at once. There are two rooms, one for plays and one for musicals, that you can sign up for when the time comes. Should you choose, you can sign up for open calls for specific shows instead of attending generals. The audition materials are sometimes more tailored to the shows, but this is not always the case, so make sure to double-check the info sheet for each open call.
What if a show I want to audition for is not at generals? What if I only want to audition for one show?
- Read the show’s info sheet and sign up for their open call.
What do I bring to my generals audition?
- If you are auditioning for musicals, please bring your sheet music, or a karaoke track. If you are able, please bring your own speaker, but if not we will have one available in the room. Otherwise, just bring your best self!
Where are callbacks and cast lists posted?
- An announcement will be sent out via the TWIST that the lists have been posted to the website.
What is a callback?
- This is the chance for directors, music directors, and choreographers to callback specific people they are interested in seeing for their shows. They may ask you to prepare your own material that is not from their show, or there might be provided material that it’s helpful to be familiar with beforehand. Most teams also provide you with the opportunity to go over the material before you do your “final” callback. If you’re nervous about learning music, reach out to the team in advance, and let them know. StuCo may also be able to provide coaching sessions throughout the week.
What do I bring to my callback?
- Depending on whether or not a show has asked you to prepare your own material, you may or may not need to bring something. It’s always smart to have something to write with and your water bottle, but most of the time shows will provide callback material.
What are conferrals? Do I need to attend conferrals?
- This is when directors (and their teams) all come into a room with the StuCo Co-Chairs and cast their shows. The process is very systematic. If you auditioned at generals, you are not allowed in the room where it happens.
I want to be a designer (or participate in a process in a different way) for a show! What now?
- Most shows will post an ad in the TWiST with information about what roles they need to fill on their teams. You can email the team’s contact person to express your interest in the role.
You keep mentioning this TWIST thing…what is that? How do I sign up for that? (finish answer)
- TWIST stands for “This Week in Student Theatre”. It’s a weekly newsletter sent out by the StuCo Co-Chairs on Wednesdays with updates about student theatre at Northwestern. The TWiST and the StuCo website are the best places to find information about student theatre.
Wait! I still have more questions about theatre at Northwestern!
Check out the Guide to Northwestern Theatre!