Non-union actress/singer auditioning for AEA Tours/Broadway

[JuneyB]

Posted: 10/29/14 at 11:45pm

I am a non-union actress/singer, Kristin Chenoweth type voice, and I'm wondering if there is a way that I would be seen/heard at an AEA National Tour ECC or for Broadway. I've gone to auditions like that in the past, every week in NYC and I sat there all day never being seen and told after 8 hours that non-union will not be seen. This is my passion and I can't see myself doing anything other than performing on stage in a musical, reaching my ultimate goal of being in a Broadway Musical. I'm not looking for the lead or anything, just being a part of the chorus singing those amazing songs would be enough for me. Do Casting Directors look at new talent even though they are not AEA or don't have an agent?

So, long story short, non-union actress/singer wondering if she will ever be seen and heard at an AEA National Tour ECC or for Broadway.

All I need is the chance to be heard and someone to listen to me when I sing.

Thanks :)
Performer Website

[Kad]

Posted: 10/29/14 at 11:52pm

There is no guarantee non-union will be seen at those major auditions- they are simply too well-attended and the union members get priority.

The majority of early career performers receive their union membership doing regional work.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 12:29am

It depends what you're going for. You have to be smart. If you're going to Wicked, you probably won't get seen. Go the EPAs of musicals even if you aren't the right type for any of the leads. At least you'll get seen by the team where as at an ECC it might be harder.

Also, try for regional stuff, to get your foot in the door.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 10:12am

Your priority right now is to build a resume. Theater is not only about how talented you are, but who you know and who you have worked with.

You should aim at auditioning for regional shows, off-Broadway shows. You might also consider auditioning for one of the equity children's theaters. Sometimes its easier to get an Equity card via a company like Theatreworks USA.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 10:33am

You are not ready for your Equity card. Keep doing what you're doing. Go to non-union open calls as well (there are many tours that cast young people fresh out of school). Do not join Equity until you are competitive, and without snark or rudeness at all, you are clearly still very green. Keep at it and build your resume, as Goth suggested. I would avoid Theatreworks unless you only do one tour with them. You don't need to take your card in that case. You sound very dedicated so it really is a matter of continuing to audition, grow, and learn.

And yes, casting directors look at young talent, but they are more likely to take a chance on you for a big project if you have credits. Good luck to you!



Updated On: 10/30/14 at 10:33 AM

[JuneyB]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 11:29am

Thank you everyone. I'm hearing stuff I probably already knew, but needed to hear. I'm guessing I missed all the auditions for theater companies seeing as this season already started. Do I need to be living in NYC to be considered for Tour productions, Equity or not? I live in Lansdale, PA outskirts of Philadelphia.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 11:39am

The majority of tour auditions and rehearsals will be in NYC, so you'll obviously be expected to be able to easily get to them.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 11:55am

You don't have to live in NYC to be considered for a tour, but it certainly helps to be available to get to NYC should you get an appointment or be called back, etc. Plus rehearsals are usually in NYC and you would be responsible for your own housing. And no, you haven't missed all the season auditions. There will be a ton in January/February.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 12:49pm

All the tours will be auditioning Feb-May usually.