Upcoming Auditions Dates
|
|
Director & Audition NotesWait Until Dark will be directed by Brandi Perkins.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, July 31st at 4 PM and Monday, August 1st at 6:30 PM. |
Performance DatesOctober 7th - October 22nd on Backdoor Theatre's Main Stage. All performances will begin at 7:30 PM.
These dates do not include any potential marketing or promotional events. |
Show Synopsis & Information
SUSPENSE/THRILLER PLAY
In Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.
In Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.
Audition Materials
Scenes and sides will be giving at auditions. If you would like a copy of the script, please email carter@backdoortheatre.org
Character Descriptions
All roles have race and age flexibility.
SUSY HENDRIX | 20-35 | A vivacious young woman who was blinded in a car accident. Possessing a very strong will, she is highly intuitive even when the stakes are high and her own life is on the line. Most would find her to be kind, funny, clever, with a mild bohemian flare to boot. But in the face of certain death, she’s an intellectual force to be reckoned with.
MIKE TALMAN | 25-45 | A smart and charismatic con-man with an eye on the prize. He should be fit, suave, tough, though not without a relatively good moral compass. He’s a skeptic, possibly even a cynic, but he does maintain a mild admiration for Susy and her unwavering strength.
SARGEANT CARLINO | 25-45 | A small-time grifter. He’s coarse, a bit uneducated, with a very flexible code of ethics. His pride is often challenged which frequently leads to a souring of his attitude. Luckily he’s able to confide heavily in Mike, who ensure’s both of their safety.
HARRY ROAT | 25-45 | A master criminal with no empathy for anyone. Like many sociopaths, he is highly intelligent and manipulates people with ease. Though he’s offbeat, he’s not eccentric. He’s consistently unfazed by his circumstances, and never takes anyone, including himself, too seriously. He’d almost be charming if he wasn’t also a sadistic murderer.
SAM HENDRIX | 20-35 | An ex-marine with a deep love of photography and his wife, Susy. Being so practical and forward-thinking, he’s determined that Susy should have a life of independence despite her lack of sight. He may be a little fixated on his work at times but he’s still a good man.
GLORIA | 8-15 | A young girl with mostly absent parents who often finds sanctuary with her downstairs neighbors, the Hendrix. She’s very insecure and sensitive, but at least she’s smarter than most adults would believe.
SUSY HENDRIX | 20-35 | A vivacious young woman who was blinded in a car accident. Possessing a very strong will, she is highly intuitive even when the stakes are high and her own life is on the line. Most would find her to be kind, funny, clever, with a mild bohemian flare to boot. But in the face of certain death, she’s an intellectual force to be reckoned with.
MIKE TALMAN | 25-45 | A smart and charismatic con-man with an eye on the prize. He should be fit, suave, tough, though not without a relatively good moral compass. He’s a skeptic, possibly even a cynic, but he does maintain a mild admiration for Susy and her unwavering strength.
SARGEANT CARLINO | 25-45 | A small-time grifter. He’s coarse, a bit uneducated, with a very flexible code of ethics. His pride is often challenged which frequently leads to a souring of his attitude. Luckily he’s able to confide heavily in Mike, who ensure’s both of their safety.
HARRY ROAT | 25-45 | A master criminal with no empathy for anyone. Like many sociopaths, he is highly intelligent and manipulates people with ease. Though he’s offbeat, he’s not eccentric. He’s consistently unfazed by his circumstances, and never takes anyone, including himself, too seriously. He’d almost be charming if he wasn’t also a sadistic murderer.
SAM HENDRIX | 20-35 | An ex-marine with a deep love of photography and his wife, Susy. Being so practical and forward-thinking, he’s determined that Susy should have a life of independence despite her lack of sight. He may be a little fixated on his work at times but he’s still a good man.
GLORIA | 8-15 | A young girl with mostly absent parents who often finds sanctuary with her downstairs neighbors, the Hendrix. She’s very insecure and sensitive, but at least she’s smarter than most adults would believe.
Ready to register for auditions? Click the red button below!
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the Director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all! We will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email backdoorwf@gmail.com to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
Some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and that part will not be available during auditions.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.