If you’re a theater lover, there are many opportunities for you to not just take in a local show, but maybe even star in one yourself. Whether you’re an experienced actor, haven’t been on the stage since your school days, or it’s just something you’ve wanted to try out but never have, acting in a show can be an amazing experience. Luckily, many local groups have open casting calls that allow you to audition and perhaps get a role. Knowing when these events are happening can be tricky if you’ve never tried to find this out before.
Local Advertisements
Local newspapers and fliers will more than likely be the main way that local production companies let the community know about open casting calls. For example, if a community stage group has a casting call coming up, you can find out about it in local publications—usually in the arts or community sections.
You might even find posters or ads up in highly frequented areas, like libraries, community centers, grocery stores, and other shops. The bottom line is that if you’re looking to act in a play, you need to keep your eyes open so that you have a better idea of what is going on in your community and when.
Check Online
Your local theater groups probably have an online presence. It is the 21st century, after all! They might have their own website with news updates on it, but if not, they more than likely use Facebook to communicate with members and fans. Whatever method of online communication that your local theater groups use, they will more than likely update their online platform first. If possible, signup for alerts, too. This way, you can be the first to know whenever changes are made.
Local groups might even have a mailing list that you can signup for. So, if the company is currently in the middle of a show, this way you can get the updates not just on future casting calls, but whatever else might be happening behind the scenes, too.
Be Proactive
Finally, if you are unsure of when the next casting calls are occurring after trying out all of the above methods, start asking around. If you’re a theater fan, you probably have friends who are theater fans, too. Ask them if they have this information. If they don’t, escalate it the next level. Go onto the websites or Facebook pages and look for the contact information of those in leadership positions. Send out a message or an email and ask. It might take a few days for them to get back to you, especially if it is a busy time of the year for them. However, when all else fails, this becomes your last choice.
Taking part in a play and being up on the stage is one of those thrills that can never be replicated any other way. You don’t need to be a professional actor to get up on the stage, and you don’t even need to have experience. Odds are, there are plenty of opportunities in your community for a beginning actor, and the local stage is one of the best ways to get your toes wet as a thespian.