Our Policies

Audition Policy

Auditions are essential to the theatre production process, allowing directors to select the most suitable actors for each role. This policy outlines the procedures, guidelines, and expectations for theatre auditions to ensure a fair and organised selection process.

ELIGIBILITY

Age Requirements

Actors should meet the age or other requirements specified in the audition notice. Some productions may have specific age ranges for certain roles and it is crucial that actors adhere to these requirements. Some discretion is allowed for the director depending on who attends auditions and how the proposed cast members look and act together.

Experience

While experience is not always a prerequisite, it may be considered based on the demands of the role. Actors with previous theatre experience may be given preference for more challenging roles. Where there is nothing to choose between an existing theatre member and a new person, the existing theatre member should be preferred for the role.

PREPARATION

Script and Materials

Where possible auditionees will receive a portion of the script, known as sides, for their audition. It is the actor's responsibility to familiarise themselves with the material and come prepared to perform. If a portion of the script has not been received prior to the audition, then the auditionees will be given a reasonable opportunity to read the portion of the script prior to the audition.

Attire

Actors should dress appropriately for their audition. Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement is recommended, as some auditions may involve physical activity or dance.

AUDITION PROCESS

Registration

Actors must register for auditions by submitting their details through an online form or in person on the day of auditions. Early registration is encouraged to ensure a smooth process.

Auditions will be either ‘open’ auditions or ‘closed’ auditions at the discretion of the Theatre. In particular, musical productions will generally involve ‘closed’ auditions for principal roles and a specific time slot will be allotted to each auditionee.

Audition Slots

Unless the auditions are ‘open’ with no allotted time slots, auditions will be conducted in scheduled time slots. Actors will be assigned a specific time to perform their audition. Punctuality is crucial, and actors should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled time.

If the audition is an ‘open’ one, then the director will allow all actors wanting to audition for a particular role (unless in the director’s reasonable opinion the actor is unsuitable for the proposed role) an opportunity to do so in front of the audition panel and other auditionees.

Performance

Actors will have a limited time to perform their prepared sides. Directors may ask actors to repeat their performance or try different approaches to gauge versatility and adaptability.

EVALUATION

Criteria

Directors will evaluate actors based on various criteria, including:

Ability to portray the character
Expression and emotion
Vocal clarity and projection
Physical presence and movement
Adaptability and direction-taking

Feedback

Actors may receive feedback after their audition, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback is intended to help actors grow and develop their skills.

SELECTION

Callbacks

Selected actors may be invited for callbacks, which are additional auditions to further assess their suitability for roles. Not receiving a callback does not necessarily mean an actor is not considered for the production.

Final Casting

Directors will make the final casting decisions based on the evaluations from auditions and callbacks. Actors will be notified of the casting results through email or phone. The decision of the director is final and no discussion will be entered into with unsuccessful auditionees.

EXPECTATIONS AND CONDUCT

Professionalism

Actors are expected to maintain professionalism throughout the audition process. This includes being courteous, respectful, and cooperative with directors, staff, and fellow actors.

Commitment

Actors selected for roles must commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule. Any conflicts should be disclosed during auditions to avoid issues later in the production process. The final double rehearsal for the production and show dates are non-negotiable and if an auditionee is not able to attend those dates, then an audition should not proceed.

As RTC values a professional outlook for its productions we expect commitment to the production and the rehearsal schedule, including start times. Any roles cast may be subject to recasting with repetitive missed rehearsals, failure to learn lines or to reach a standard of performance reasonably acceptable in the absolute opinion of the Director.

Membership

Membership in RTC Theatre Company is required for all actors participating in productions. Membership must be paid by the second week of rehearsals. Failure to do so may result in removal of the part. Membership ensures that all actors are covered for insurance purposes during rehearsals and performances.

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE IF AWARDED A PART

Punctuality

Actors must arrive on time for rehearsals. Late arrivals are disruptive and show a lack of respect for the time and effort of others involved in the production. If an actor is consistently late, the director may reconsider their role in the production.

Preparedness

Actors should come to rehearsals prepared, having memorized lines and reviewed blocking notes. This allows rehearsals to proceed efficiently and helps actors develop their characters more fully. Unpreparedness may lead to recasting.

Respect for Space

The rehearsal space should be treated with care. Actors are responsible for keeping the area clean and returning props and equipment to their proper places. Misuse of the space may result in dismissal from the production.

Health and Safety

RTC is committed to the health and safety of all participants. Actors must adhere to safety guidelines during rehearsals and performances. This includes proper handling of props, sets, and costumes, as well as following any specific instructions given by the director or stage manager. Any health issues or injuries should be reported immediately to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Photos

You agree to us taking a photo(s) of you at the time of audition or during rehearsals so that we may use the photo(s) in our considerations of you for a part or promotional material for the production.

Use of Mobile phones

Unless used for reading sides sent to auditionees prior to auditions or scripts if awarded a part, the use of mobile phones during auditions, rehearsals and performances (except in the case of emergency) is not permitted.

Conclusion

The theatre audition policy aims to create a structured and equitable process for selecting actors. By adhering to these guidelines, both actors and directors can ensure a productive and positive audition experience.

Stage Manager Policy

The stage manager provides practical and organizational support to the director, actors, designers, stage crew and technicians throughout the production process. The role of the stage manager is especially important to the director in rehearsals when the director and the stage manager work side by side, with the stage manager keeping track of logistical and scheduling details and communicating what goes on in rehearsals to the rest of the team. This enables the director to concentrate their full attention on directing.

Auditions

Assist the director at auditions if required.

Rehearsals

Attend all rehearsals and ensure that all cast members are present, as scheduled.
Ensure milk at each rehearsal - coffee & tea is a gold coin donation or $5 to be paid for the duration of rehearsals and show.
In consultation with the Director & Set Design Manager, (if any) mark out the dimensions of the set on the floor for rehearsals.
Ensure backstage & green room is safe and clean during rehearsal and show.
Ensure the cast and crew arrive promptly whenever required.
- Contact latecomers or any who fail to show
Maintain orderly and prompt rehearsals.
Prepare the stage managers script and record the directors blocking during rehearsals.
Remind actors if they require it, of moves blocked by the director during rehearsals.
Set up an area for any set pieces that may need to come on or off during the production.
Draw up furniture and prop plans for complicated sets to show exactly where the furniture and props are to be positioned on stage at the beginning of each scene and in the wings.
Work out a smooth and efficient plan for the stage crew to follow during set changes
Attend the directors note session with the cast each time the director elects to hold one.
Advise cast that they are responsible for personal props, make up, ironing on costumes etc.
Remind the cast and crew that they are required to assist with bump out and to return costumes in a clean state.
After each rehearsal make sure the kitchen is clean and tidy. Turn off all the lights, air conditioners. Lock up the venue at the end of the rehearsal/performance. Technical Requirements
Record any special technical requirements (props, furniture, etc.) identified during rehearsals and relay them to appropriate members of the production team.
Encourage and coordinate cast participation in the technical aspects of the production (e.g., set and costume construction) to facilitate their timely completion.
Record any changes related to the script, scenery, props, costumes, lights & sound.
With the properties manager, make a list of props required and note which pages they are on.
Assist the properties manager to find props and furnishings – within the budget set by Board
Ensure the properties manager sets rehearsal props and furnishings exactly where the actors need them each rehearsal and performance.
Record all the lights, sound and set change cues.

Production Week

Assume operational control of the production from the first dress rehearsal. Enforce (or adjust, as needed) the schedule developed with the production team so the space is used efficiently, providing adequate time for both the performers and the crew. Ensure that incomplete technical work does not jeopardize the safety of the performers, adjusting rehearsal conditions as needed.

Performances

Oversee the entire production each time it is performed.
Run sound and lighting checks at least 45 minutes before each production commences.
Ensure that every aspect of the production runs just as the director intended once the production opens, time after time, until the production closes.
Ensure the cast and crew are present before the ½ hour curtain call, unless a late arrival has been approved beforehand.
Ensure that only cast and crew are backstage and in the dressing room.
Inform the FOH team when the house can be opened. FOH clearance should be given at least 15 minutes before the start of the performance.
Give cast calls at 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 5 minutes and beginners. (Calls are to be made 5 minutes ahead of actual time.) Keep the cast informed of any delays to the curtain up time.
Wait for FOH clearance to begin the performance.
Call lighting and sound cues during performances if required.

Ensure the Following is Adhered to by All:

Smoking is not permitted in any part of the building
Alcohol is not permitted in the dressing rooms or backstage at any time.
- The consumption of any alcohol by cast/crew prior to a performance is forbidden
The use of illicit drugs will not be tolerated
No actor is to be seen in public space once in costume, unless required as part of the performance.
Costumes and theatre make up are to be removed before appearing in public following a performance.

After each performance

Make sure the dressing room & backstage area is clean and tidy
Turn off all lights & air conditioners
Lock up or organise for someone else to lock up

Emergencies

If it is necessary to stop the performance, initiate the following procedures:

Unless it is necessary to stop the performance immediately, attempt to identify a logical moment to stop the performance – i.e., a scene break.
Stop the performance calmly saying: “Stop Please” to the performers.
House lights should be brought up.
If it is not necessary to evacuate the theatre, go onto the stage and say: “Ladies and Gentlemen we have a problem backstage. Please accept our apologies for this delay. We will resume the performance shortly. Thank you.”
If it is necessary to evacuate the theatre, go on stage and announce: “Ladies and Gentlemen we have a problem backstage. For your comfort and safety, we would ask you to evacuate the theatre. Please follow the instructions of our FOH staff Thank you.”

To resume the performance, initiate the following procedures:

Call the actors and crew to places.
Check house with the FOH staff.
Take out the house lights.
Actors should be instructed to resume the performance from a particular place you have chosen.

Bump Out

All cast and crew are expected to bump out the set and clean up the day after final curtain, unless otherwise arranged with you.
Oversee bump out until the theatre & set is completely cleared.
Ensure that all furnishings, props and costumes are returned.
Ensure that the set is struck safely with the assistance of the set constructor and cast members.

GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPERTIES MANAGER

With the Stage Manager, make a list of props required and note which pages they are on.
Collect the properties required, in consultation with the Director and Stage Manager. The aim should be to complete this task early in the schedule. A budget will be given by the production manager.
Keep a record of any expenses and hand receipts to the production manager for reimbursement.
Set up a props table backstage and set props and furnishings exactly where the actors need them for each rehearsal and performance.
Ensure actors have any personal props and negotiate it they need you to pre set them for performance.