Auditions

Auditions Policy:

Verwood Pantomime Society are committed to treating all members of the community with fairness and respect regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or their socio-economic background.

The Auditioning Panel:

The auditioning panel shall consist of an odd number of members (usually five), and will include the director(s), musical director, producer(s), and other experienced members of the production team.
Each panel member will make any notes they feel necessary, during the audition process.

Auditions Organisation:

The audition date will be set by the society secretary, in consultation with the producer(s). This will be publicised on social media, and an email will be sent to existing members prior to the auditions.
While it is expected that prospective cast will audition on the agreed audition date, there is awareness that, in exceptional circumstances, some applicants may not be available on that day. The committee retains the right to offer an alternative audition date prior to the official date, if personal circumstances warrant it.
Anyone wishing to audition should put their name on the list for the part that they wish to audition for, please note this is restricted to 3 per person. To ensure clarity and openness, this list will include the names of all persons wishing to try out for a part, including those who are not able to attend on the official audition evening and who have auditioned already.
If the panel is not in full agreement, a vote will be undertaken, and the resulting casting will be with the majority.
In certain circumstances, it may be considered impossible to cast a principal part, as a last resort and in the best interests of the show, someone from the waiting room that the panel feels may be suitable may be invited to audition for that part.
After all other casting avenues have been completely exhausted, and no other suitable candidate can be found to fill a role, a director may step in to play the part.
In the unlikely event that all possible casting options for a role have been considered on auditions night, the panel will have to leave it until a later date to consider a resolution to this problem. If this is the case, members will be advised 'this part is yet to be cast’.

After auditions:

Smaller parts not requiring audition (i.e. not on the published audition list) will be cast from the membership, at the discretion of the director(s).
It may later become apparent that a cast member is unsuitable for the role they have been given. In such cases, the Society Chairperson, along with the director(s) and other panel members, will engage in discussions to find a resolution. This could involve a conversation with the cast member and, ultimately, the withdrawal of their role offer within the production.
If a member of the cast is instructed to leave, or has to vacate their role, it will become necessary for the part to be recast. Senior members of the production team and the Society Chairperson will agree the best way forward in this situation.

Important note:

If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to approach any of the VPS committee for advice.

Auditions Guidelines:

We recognise that auditioning for a part requires a lot of effort and courage, which is why we have put together the following guidelines for auditions.

Aim of the audition:

The aim of the audition is to ensure that the audition panel knows that you can act the role, sing if necessary, and that you meet the director’s expectations for the part. Remember that auditions are all about your potential.

Things the audition panel will be looking out for include:

Will you have the ability to develop the character fully?
What will you bring to the role that is unique?
Will you give full commitment to the director, the cast and the show itself?
How well will you fit with the rest of the cast?

The Auditions:

Arrive in plenty of time – if you are going to be late, please try and contact a member of the audition panel as soon as possible.
A list of principal parts for which auditions are being undertaken, along with the pieces for audition, and age requirements, will be available in the waiting room on read through night.

Audition Results:

The final casting decisions will be announced at the end of the auditions evening.
Results will also be posted on social media and an email with the casting decisions will be circulated, as soon as practicable after the auditions – usually the following day.
We ask that you are mindful and respectful of your fellow auditionees and cast members’ feelings when posting any comments on social networks following casting.

Note:

If you have any specific concerns or questions regarding these guidelines, please do

not hesitate to contact any of the VPS committee for advice.