It’s Christmas 1938 and someone is killing department store Santas! Join Harry Hunsacker, Nigel Grouse, and Lt. Foster as they try to unravel the mystery in time for Harry to finish his Christmas shopping!
Yes, this summer Pegasus Theatre is celebrating Christmas in July with a production of our Christmas show, It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Murder! You’re going to want to be part of this very special offering. To learn more about these auditions, go to DFWAuditions.com. For more about Pegasus Theatre auditions, read on!
What To Expect
Every theatre has their quirks about how they conduct auditions and Pegasus Theatre is no exception. Here are some tips about what to expect:
- If you sign up, show up. Or call ahead of time to tell us you need to cancel. Anything less is unprofessional and pretty thoughtless of your fellow actors as well as the director. If you’ve been a “no show” in the past, don’t be surprised if we cancel your appointment and only allow you to audition as a walk-in.
- You’ll be sent the audition sides after you sign up. Read them!
- You will have five minutes in which to convince the director you are someone worth taking a closer look at. One important element is your acting style, which should resemble the style of the 1930s. If you don’t know the difference between that period style and a contemporary acting style, watch some old movies, like The Thin Man. Listen to the actors’ diction, watch their movement. Both of those elements were very different in the 1930s.
- It isn’t necessary to dress in 1930s attire but it doesn’t hurt. Remember, you have those five precious minutes to make an impression. Use every tool at your disposal.
- Minorities are strongly encouraged to audition. For many years, our Lt. Foster was Hispanic, and we have cast both Hispanic and black actors in the Living Black & White™ shows. The key is item #3 above. Whatever your ethnicity, we need to see that you understand 1930s acting style!
- There will probably be a table of about five people watching your audition. Don’t worry, the one you need to focus on is the director. The others are the stage manager, a couple of actors you might read with, and the executive director. The director may ask their opinion during the casting process, but this isn’t a democracy. The director casts the show.
- After your audition, you will receive word as to whether or not you are being invited to callback auditions. Generally, we send an email to those people who are not needed at callbacks, and we call those people who are being invited to callbacks.
- In some instances, the director is able to cast the show directly from the original auditions, without holding callbacks. If this happens, you will be notified one way or another (email if you are not cast, a phone call if you are).
- We do occasionally use actors as backstage help, having had some very positive experiences when we do so. So if you didn’t get cast, and you said “yes” to the question about being interested in working backstage, you may receive an email inquiring about your backstage experience and interest. VERY IMPORTANT: Your answer to that question has absolutely no bearing on whether or not you get cast in this or any future show at Pegasus Theatre!
Dispelling Myths
Sometimes people hear interesting rumors, so let’s set the record straight:
- RUMOR: Most of the roles are pre-cast.
FACT: Three roles are pre-cast for every Living Black & White™ show: Harry Hunsacker, Nigel Grouse, and Lt. Foster. The remaining 5-9 slots are fair game for anyone. - RUMOR: Pegasus Theatre does not cast Equity actors.
FACT: This is very dependent on the theatre’s finances and on what level of non-Equity talent we see at auditions. If the director can cast the show as non-Equity, he or she will do so. Otherwise, we will make arrangements for an Equity contract. - RUMOR: Pegasus Theatre feeds its actors well.
FACT: Yeah, that rumor is true. Not many theatres have a Craft Services table at each rehearsal and performance!
Now go sign up online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084fa4a62aa6fa7-its! See you at auditions!