Auditions
OYP auditions are open to anyone who falls within the age range specified for a show. Each season, OYP tries to present at least one show involving younger cast members (with lead roles generally going to middle school students) and at least one show where the leads are high school and college-age students. A few shows have specific roles for older adults.
For shows involving middle school students and younger, OYP typically holds group auditions based on age groups. No advance preparation is necessary for group auditions. Those auditioning are taught a song from the show and a short dance combination. For shows involving high school students and older, OYP requires auditioners to come prepared to sing a song of their choosing. An accompanist will be provided, but please bring sheet music.
Auditions are held at Oconee Youth School of Performance in Watkinsville. See the Contact Us section for directions. Auditioners (or a parent) should download and fill out an audition form and bring it to the auditions.
Auditions are generally held 10-12 weeks before a show. Auditioners (or a parent) will be asked to fill out a “conflict calendar” indicating any other events or activities they are involved in during this time period. While the directors will make efforts to schedule rehearsals around a few conflicts, cast members are expected to prioritize rehearsals and, especially, to be available for all final rehearsals the week immediately preceding the show.
Auditions and call backs for lead roles generally take at least a week. The directors then carefully review videotapes of auditions to make final casting decisions. Auditioners are notified by email when the cast list has been determined.
A meeting for parents of cast members who are high school age and younger will be scheduled shortly after the cast list is announced. At this meeting, an initial rehearsal schedule will be given out and parents will be asked to sign up for a volunteer slot, such as working on sets or costumes or ushering at the show. OYP productions are true community theater and could not happen without this support.