<p>I've been reading that many people have been doing community theater, and I'm wondering how? Because I've been lookign at the audition notices for many productions at community theaters, and I don't see any particular roles for teenage actors. So do most people just audition anyways? Or do they look for specific roles that require someone of a similiar age?</p>
<p>Some community theaters also have youth productions, but the age range that I find is always from like 8 or 9 to like 18. But i'm hesitant about being in a youth production where most people are as young as 8 or 9 because will those productions be any good at all?</p>
<p>I would suggest you go see some of the community theater shows to get an idea of how they cast. It sounds like you live in a large city where there are several to choose from. Our little one-horse town :) has an excellent community theater and many talented people. Casting is usually based on looks, and not age. For instance, at Christmas we did It's A Wonderful Life and Mr. Potter's secretary was played by a 12-year-old girl. But she is very tall, and with the right hair, makeup and costume, she pulled it off beautifully.</p>
<p>There isn't a lot of lead role opportunities for teenagers, but usually even being in the ensemble is worth your while because you'll be working with adults who know what they're doing. So I suggest doing a few shows and getting your name out in the community and then if an opportunity arises where there is a part for a teenager, they'll know who to invite to auditions. Just a suggestion! :)</p>
<p>Where do you live? We live in the Philadelphia area, and if you google "Philadelpha Theatre Alliance" you get a casting call list of upcoming auditions for all area theatres in NJ, Delaware and Philadelphia. In my area there are plenty of aspiring actors, so you are competing with 40 year old actors, but often they are specifically looking for a young person. It may not be a lead part, and often isn't, but it's a fabulous experience. My S is doing a Shakespeare play with a semi-professional theatre (half notch up above community, only insofar as there's a small salary) and has a minor role, but it's been a totally amazing experience for him.. Sometimes you can learn a great deal more in community theatre, surrounded by adults, than you can in high school productions. </p>
<p>If you live in a rural area, it might be a bit more tricky. Look for local community colleges. They frequently put on plays and will look for outside talent. </p>
<p>I'd recommend a google search and see what you can find. Good luck--</p>
<p>In some areas, there are community theater groups housed in churches, but open also to anyone in the area who is willing to audition and give of his or her time and talents.</p>
<p>I live in Orange County, California... There are many community theaters but I just don't know if I'm allowed to audition or why they would even pick me if I'm competing against older, more professional actors.</p>
<p>claydavisdbc:</p>
<p>At community theaters (and I mean the ones with no pay, not the semi-pro ones) any and every type of person usually auditions. From all ages and talents and experiences. Many of the people in a true community theater setting have full-time careers that usually have nothing to do with theater or the arts. Community theater lets them do their hobby of performing without having to live the life of an actor. I'd assume you're in high school? There's no reason why you wouldn't be allowed to audition. Last year I was in a community theater production of Jesus Christ Superstar where our Pilate has worked professionally (but non-union), our Judas and Mary were in their 30s and had done many shows at the theater over the years. Our Jesus...he was 16!!!! and absolutely INCREDIBLE!! You'd never know the kid was that young!</p>
<p>Some places may cast age appropriate, but many of them don't. The only downside to community theaters is that it can be very clicky when it comes to casting. They will choose people they have worked with before over someone who might actually be better (talent or lookwise) for the role. Which means that when you start out on the community circuit you've got to just take whatever role they give you. Once they get to know you, see how you work, know your talent outside of an audition situation, etc.; you'll get better roles.</p>
<p>The key is to just jump in! It's a lot of fun and great experience!!</p>
<p>I second all these comments. I recall one of your original posts mentioned you have just reached the conclusion to pursue MT and so perhaps you have not exposed yourself to a lot of theater. That is certainly one of the first things to start doing. you can learn as much by attending shows as you can by being in them. Absolutely make a contact with the theaters in your community. Talk to them and get involved. If you are in a large community you should be able to see some good stuff, probably even touring shows. Watch them closely and try to see what it is that makes them good. If you are in a smaller community with a volunteer theater, watch the shows and try to figure out what could make them better. Go audition any place you can; the experience auditioning is critical to allow you to be comfortable once you begin audition for schools. Perhaps you will be one of the oldest in the children's theater. That need not be a handicap, especially if you are just starting out. You can progress that much faster in a non-threatening environment.</p>
<p>But whatever you do, get started!!!</p>
<p>And regarding Children's theater 9-18. That's the age range for children and is thus their target participant. They probably already have adult performers to anchor shows. But they probably don't take lots of 9 y/o unless they have some training and discipline. In our community most shows at the children's theater had similar age notices but were filled primarily with Jr high and HS students. And depending on the theater they don't merely perform "kid stuff". Our's tried as a matter of principle to do at least one "meaty" show (shakespeare or classical MT) every year. Because of that my S had the chance to play Mercutio in R & J as a 8th grader, sing Marius in Les Mis as a freshman and play the lead in the Scottish play as a sophomore long before he contemplated MT as a college choice. And these were not watered down productions. I'm guessing Orange County is probably pretty good with their chilren's work. Don't sell it short.</p>
<p>Is there a standard way that community/regional/semi-professional theatre gets classified?
When we put D's resume together there is some grey zone in my mind about how things get classified.
Typically is she has received any amount of pay -usually called a stipend- we list it as semi-professional. But at the last auditions were we at some one told us that this should be considered regional.
What I have typically called her "regional" experience was at small equity house outside of our immediate location. As a child actor for this she was still given a "stipend" versus "contract pay" in accordance with equity.
Community theatre I classify as any non-paid production. But I must say there is a HUGE range in community theatre, at least around our neck of the woods.
Finally, anything we pay to participate in, I consider training- this is where we list interlochen shows and other summer programs.
Oh yeah, and there are 2 types of children's theatre here - one is theatre for children that has some kids parts, for D these pay well so we list them as semi-pro. Then there are the childrens theatre which are performed completely by students not yet in college, and sometimes these have participation fee.
Does this sound about right? or are there other ways of classifying and i am just out to lunch?</p>