Hey y’all! I’m a current MT freshman and everyone in my class is going crazy over summerstock auditions. I’m applying for Strawhats and I plan on auditioning at several open calls in NYC (I already attend school here). I’m also hoping to do video applications/auditions for a few. This process is 10000X more terrifying to me than the college audition process, so I wanted to start a forum where current college students/graduates/their parents share their personal experiences with auditioning for summerstock theatres! (There are a few older forums on this but I just wanted to make an updated one). So if anyone has any thoughts, stories, advice, etc. on this process PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share!
I personally am wondering if anyone has attended any open calls in NYC, and what those were like? It’s so intimidating to me because most of the open/non-equity calls are the day after EPA and ECC auditions and I feel like a baby. Hoping someone has some insight on this!
So glad you started this ! I have a freshman in MT and it would be great to have input about this. Not even sure what EPA and ECC auditions are…
Anyone on forum who could explain the ins and outs of SUMMER STOCK ?
EPA auditions are equity principal auditions, for principal roles. ECC auditions are equity chorus call auditions. At most equity auditions, it is very difficult for non-equity actors to get seen. Which is where auditions like Straw Hats, NETCs and SETCs come in. They are very good places for non union actors get to seen. Some theaters also hold open calls where non union actors can get seen.
Summer stock typically refers to work actors do during the summer months. There are many theaters around the country who hire companies of actors to do anywhere from a single show to a whole season of shows. Some theaters are better than others. I have heard of theaters at resorts where they also require actors to help clean guest rooms or do other maintenance type jobs during the week. But others you are strictly actors. There is a wide, wide variety of opportunities and requirements.
If you happen to live in or near NYC or Chicago, search audition forum for when theaters will audition for summer.
There are some unified auditions that help with auditioning for this type of work. Some that come to mind are NETC (North Eastern Theater Conference); SETC (South Eastern Theater Conference); Mid West Theater Conference; Strawhats; and I believe there are some more regional ones that others may have info on for outdoor theaters. I believe Ohio has one specifically for this. I believe there may also be one in Chicago or Minneapolis for things in that area of the country. There is also something called UPTAs for graduating seniors and professional actors only that you may want to consider your senior year. (they limit it to graduating seniors because many of the organizations auditioning there are hiring actors for entire seasons throughout the year - not just for summer work).
While you are still in school, there are also internship and apprentice programs where you can both take classes and perform, sometimes earning EMC points along the way. A few I can think of in this vein are Flat Rock Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, Barrington Stage and Hangar Theater. Each has different requirements and some of these require that you pay to participate. You must be accepted by audition, and as with all things MT, competition for most of these spots is pretty fierce.
There is a site called Audition Update that has a section in it where people are able to tell about their experiences at different theaters. It is something you may want to read before accepting a job at some place with which you aren’t familiar. They really vary in terms of pay, living conditions, work requirements, etc… But summer stock can be a great way to get to perform, add some roles to your resume, learn and make industry contacts.
If you are still in school, make note of the dates you are available. I know D has been offered things in the past she couldn’t do because she had to be back at school before their season closed. So make sure whatever you audition for fits with your schedule or make sure your school will allow you to finish your contract before starting your semester.
I should also make sure you are aware that it is also very competitive just to get slots to participate in these Unified auditions. Strawhats and SETC I know have prescreening processes. Because they have a limited # of audition time slots, they have to turn away many people each year. MidWest does not prescreen, but its slots are usually gone within minutes of their application going live. So you really have to be on top of it to get a spot at any of the unified auditions.
@vvnstar@CTDramaMom Thanks for the info!! What are your thoughts on freshman doing summerstock in regards to maybe not doing them because of “burnout” I have heard of this in past discussions. Im sure it has everything to do with personal choice and drive of each person ?.
I think that depends on the kid. My son basically never came home from college – he’s had internships and day jobs every summer since he got there – but lots of his peers go home and do local community and/or professional theater in the places they grew up. There are pros and cons. Certainly cheaper and less pressure to go home. You grow up faster if you have to make your own way and, obviously, it’s a great way to build contacts, get experience, nail down living space, find reasonable survival jobs. etc.
My freshman really wants to do some sort of theater work. It’s a little challenging for her, as she is union so she can’t attend the mass auditions like Straw Hats and NETCs, but she can’t miss too much school to get to NYC for ECCs and EPAs. She’s worked up a schedule of auditions she can make, and is constantly checking the equity board for more.
Yea, it’ll get easier as she goes further in school and has a little more flexibility. But I keep reminding her how happy she’ll be when she’s out and can get seen at EPAs and ECCs. Like everything in life, it has its pros and cons.
BAL to those attending OTAs. S attended the last two years, but not this year. In our experience, the venue is well-run and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
@Raam1012 traditionally NETC has not sent notifications until after the final application deadline. So, notifications have come sometime in late February.
