Question 1

WHAT ARE CFT’s CASTING POLICIES?

Accepted Answer

CFT casts each show to serve the overall production and ensemble. Casting decisions may consider vocal fit, acting choices, age and maturity level, movement readiness, focus in the room, directability, collaboration, reliability, and schedule availability. A student may not be right for a role in a particular show. and that is not a statement of a young actor’s worth or potential.

Casting Decisions are Final
CFT’s casting decisions are final. We do not reconsider roles or “re-cast” based on requests, pressure, comparisons, or complaints.

We expect families to agree to support a positive culture by not disputing casting with staff or engaging in negative casting talk. Instead we expect parents to help their young actor navigate disappointment with maturity and resilience.

Expectations for Families and Students
To protect a positive culture for all young actors:
Parents/guardians may not contact directors, music staff, choreographers, or production staff to dispute or discuss casting.
Families agree not to engage in negative  casting talk (in person, on social media, in group chats, or online).
We do not discuss casting in relation to other students.

Audition Feedback
Students participating in a Broadway style audition may request skill-based feedback from the casting director by emailing the office to request a 10 minute feedback meeting based on their audition (rubric) subject to their director’s availability. Parents may not contact on behalf of the student. Feedback is about growth, not a discussion of casting decisions.

Because our group audition days are ensemble-based and observational, we cannot provide individual feedback from group-audition activities. See best practices below to help improve your auditions.

Policy Violations
Depending on severity and pattern, CFT may take any of the following actions:
Written warning and reset of expectations
Required meeting with CFT  leadership (not the show staff)
Removal from the production and/or loss of eligibility for future auditions for a defined period
Removal from the program for harassment, intimidation, or repeated disruption

Here are 10 best practices for auditions that can help get an actor noticed:
Confidence (even if you are just "acting" confident)
Willingness to try new things
Being prepared
Cooperative attitude
Taking direction well  coachability)
Staying focused and following instructions quickly
Strong effort and commitment
Positive, respectful behavior toward staff and other young actors
Reliable attendance and a generous schedule availability especially the final weeks leading up to      the performance
Actors that keep growing through      vocal and acting skills through continued training. This continues to      strengthen their skills and confidence.

Question 2

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD INVOLVED?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children ages 8 and 18 to join us for classes or audition for a show!

CLASSES: We regularly offer classes for elementary/middle or middle/high school aged actors during our fall & spring semesters. Sign your child up for one of our classes as the school year starts or after the first of the year.  Classes and sign-ups are posted on our website when registration opens.

AUDITIONS: Come out an audition for any of our Junior or multi-generational shows. For our Jr. Musicals we offer two different styles of auditions to match your child's skill and comfort levels.

The best way to find out when sign-ups begin for any classes or auditions is to make sure that you are following us on Facebook

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CFTChattanooga 
WEBSITE: https://www.cftchattanooga.com/ 
EMAIL SIGN UP: at the bottom of any page on our website.

Question 3

WHAT ARE AUDITIONS?

Accepted Answer

Auditions are an opportunity for the show director (the person in charge of the show), the musical director (person responsible for teaching  the music), and the choreographer (person who teaches the dance steps) along with other show staff, to see what each actor has to offer the show. Sometimes they are looking for a particular look, personality or ability for certain characters.

Question 4

WHAT ARE OPEN AUDITIONS?

Accepted Answer

We conduct an “Open Audition” call. This means anyone can come and audition for the show. We will hold two types of auditions—“Broadway Style” and “Group Auditions”—so you can pick the one that fits you best. See our FAQ’s below for descriptions and expectations for both.

Question 5

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN AUDITIONS ARE HELD?

Accepted Answer

Make sure that you have joined our email list and follow us on facebook (www.facebook.com/CFTChattanooga).

Question 6

IS THERE AN AUDITION FEE?

Accepted Answer

No there is no fee to audition, although you may need to find/purchase sheet music and an accompaniment track for a Broadway Style audition.

If cast in a show there will be a non-refundable show fee for each cast member that is paid online as part of accepting your role.

Show Fees Currently are:
KIDS Shows $75JR Shows $125

CFT has never turned away an actor for inability to pay show fees and regularly seeks out funds to assist your child to experience theater.

Question 7

WHAT DO I PREPARE BEFORE AUDITION?

Accepted Answer

1 Be familiar with the show2 Select your audition style and time online
3 Audition form (filled out online) 4 Upload your resume if you would like5 Bring a  4x6 head shot, portrait orientation (this doesn’t need to be professional head shot. It can be a school photo or parents photo. It will not be returned).6 For Broadway auditions you need to a bluetooth device with your accompaniment music on it. Know how to connect your device to a bluetooth speaker.

Question 8

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT I BRING A HEAD SHOT?

Accepted Answer

Even if we know you and have worked with you often, you need to bring a head shot. As part of our audition and casting process we use your head shot extensively. We put notes on them and look at them often. When we go to do our final casting we put all the head shots on the table and sort them into the available parts. If your photo isn't on the table there is a greater chance you could be forgotten altogether

Question 9

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUP and BROADWAY AUDITIONS?

Accepted Answer

GROUP AUDITIONS do not require preparation but it is still good to be familiar with the show for which you are auditioning. Everyone shows up at the same time and will stay 3+ hours as they are given acting exercises to do as a group and parts of songs to learn. Each actor will be assessed by the directors.
BROADWAY AUDITIONS is an audition style where each actor will select part of a song (2 minutes or less) to perform and a monologue (1.5 minutes or less) to act out for a panel of directors. These are individual auditions done one at a time with a reserved audition time slot.Young Actors may only participate in one style of audition.

Question 10

WHAT STYLE OF AUDITION SHOULD I PREPARE FOR?

Accepted Answer

Because the CFT Youth Theater program is about training children & youth how to be good actors we also want to teach them how to do a proper Broadway Style Musical audition. 
We also understand that many children may not be ready for that level of preparation so we will conduct a simpler Group Audition phase as well.

Adult auditions are conducted in a similar manner but can be adjusted depending on the style of show we are producing.

When we have multiple styles of auditions for a show you must choose the style you want to participate in and should not audition for more than one style even if your initial audition didn't go well. You pick the way you want to present yourself and it wouldn't be fair to other actors to get two chances to audition when everyone else has one.

Question 11

HOW I DO TO PREPARE A BROADWAY STYLE AUDITION?

Accepted Answer

#1 Research the show. Be familiar with the story line. Know the characters in the show and what that part demands such as singing or memorization of a lot of lines.#2 Prepare a monologue. A MONOLOGUE is an acting presentation, spoken by a single character (from a play, musical, tv show, or movie), usually either to someone else or to the audience.  You can select your own monologue or look through some of our suggestions. Pick one that you can connect with and become that character.#3 Pick a song. Remember that songs need to be 2 minutes or less. If you select a long song then the directors may stop you after a couple of minutes. So if there is a great part at the end of the song you want them to hear you perform, consider how you'd like to cut the song possibly starting further into the song.#4 Prepare and rehearse. Have your song and monologue memorized so that you can be free to act while performing those for the directors.

#5 You are in charge of your accompaniment. Make sure you have a playback device that you know how to connect to a blutooth speaker. We will have a speaker in the room for you to connect to.

Question 12

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A GROUP AUDITION?

Accepted Answer

Familiarize yourself on the show. Fill out the audition sheet. Attach your head shot. Show up a few minutes before the group audition to check in. Plan to stay until auditions are over. Whether we are conducting a multi-generational or youth production, we try to keep these auditions fun and fast paced. We will play theater games and do activities to get actors moving and having some fun. When casting a musical we will teach everyone part of some songs from the show and give groups and individuals a chance to sing some for a vocal assessment.

Question 13

WHAT ARE CALLBACKS?

Accepted Answer

Some actors are asked to come back for another round of auditions where they may given part of a dance to learn with the choreographer and perform for the directors as well as singing a particular song or doing lines from a particular scene that the director thinks you might be right for. PLEASE NOTE if you do not get a callback it does not mean you have not been chosen for a part.

Question 14

WHERE DO I FIND A SONG OR MONOLOGUE?

Accepted Answer

Other Broadway musicals and plays are a great source. You can use any source for your monologue or song but we require that you bring a copy of your sheet music for the pianist. (This must be piano/vocal score and not just a melody or chord score). There is a wealth of resources, as well as YouTube videos etc., available to assist you in selecting a song or monologue.  Keep in mind that we are a Christian organization and as such we appreciate it if you do not perform questionable or offensive material.
For children that don't know where to start they can look over our Songs & Monologues pages for some sample ideas.
*A note on choosing a monologue or song.
Do not perform any content from the show for which you are auditioning. Remember we are a Christian-run organization, so do not do questionable or offensive materials. If there is a particular character you want to be considered for, try finding a song & monologue for a character from another show that has a similar personality or vocal style.

Question 15

CAN PARENTS WATCH AUDITIONS?

Accepted Answer

We ask that parents not stay for auditionsWe respect each young actor that comes to our auditions. When your child comes for an audition we respect and see them as an actor regardless of age and we want them to see themselves that way. For individual auditions we ask that parents wait in the holding room. When your child is with you they are “your child”. In the audition room we want them to see themselves as an actor. If your child is not ready to step into the audition room without you, please consider the group auditions. For group auditions we do not have the capacity at our new location for parents to stay. It can also inhibit your child's willingness to participate in activities. For Callbacks No parents are allowed in the studio except for drop off and pickup.

Question 16

WE WERE NOT CAST IN THE SHOW. WHY?

Accepted Answer

While we wish we could cast every child that walks through our doors it is just not possible. Most Jr. musicals call for a cast size of 25-30 young actors.  While we can occasionally add a few extra stage and facility size limits the number we can cast effectively.

The sheer numbers of auditionees will keep us from being able to cast everyone. If 100 children walk through our doors on audition weekend around 25% will be cast. We normally do not cast large numbers of children in a show to give every child one scene to participate in. We strive to give all the actors as much stage time as we can to tell our story.

Sometimes students are just not ready for the stage so we encourage any of those not cast to return and audition again. Sometimes they want large roles that require singing, dance or challenging acting that we feel they are not ready for yet.

Question 17

WHAT STEPS CAN WE TAKE TO IMPROVE OUR CHANCES OF BEING CAST?

Accepted Answer

While some young actors seem to come out of the womb ready to perform there is never an actor that can't benefit from improving their skills. Our best recommendation for EVERY actor is to always be growing and honing your skills.

TAKE CLASSES
Everyone can benefit from Acting & Dance classes. Actors need to learn how to bring emotion to their character and training yourself and honing that skill is important. Take all forms of dance regardless of your gender. Each type of dance teaches a different discipline and builds core strength and stamina.

FIND A VOCAL COACH! 
No matter how long you have been singing a vocal coach will help you learn to control your voice and get the most out of it that you can.  If you're going to be in a musical being able to know how to sing is important.

Spend time making your talents and skills the best they can be!

Keep auditioning.

Question 18

WE'VE BEEN CAST! NOW WHAT?

Accepted Answer

You've been cast congratulations! We are excited to have you join us for a show!#1) Accept your role online and pay your show fee. For KIDS musicals that is $75 and for JR musicals that is $125 (We never turn away an actor for inability to pay a show fee and regularly look for donors to give toward student scholarships. Just indicate that on your audition form if you need assistance.)#2) When accepting your role online make sure that you check the box to add your email to the cast email list so you will begin receiving the "Cast News" for your show.#3) Mark you calendar for you first rehearsal and any "Show UNI" (University) dates that may be associated with your show.#4) Parents and actors will need to attend a cast meeting on the day of the first rehearsal. This is normally no longer than 1hr and if you are new we will need liability forms signed for each actor and the parents that will be volunteering.#5) Do not add any of the rehearsal dates from the audition packet to your calendar until after the parent meeting. You will be given the final schedule for all the rehearsals. Do not make any plans for these dates until you know you are not called. We will normally run an online schedule  where we post who is called on particular rehearsal nights.#6) Buckle up and get ready to enjoy the ride!

Question 19

WHEN ARE REHEARSALS? WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Accepted Answer

JR SHOW Rehearsals normally run 2.5 to 3 hrs a night, three days a week.Sunday 2:00-5:00pmTuesday 6:30-9:00pmThursday 6:30-9:00pm

KIDS SHOW Rehearsals are normally 3 hrs two days a week.Monday 5:00-8:00pmWednesday 5:00-8:00pmDifferent roles will have different time commitments depending on the type and size of role they have been cast in.As we get the the two weeks before the performances rehearsals may start earlier and/or end later and once tech week begins rehearsals will be every day.

Question 20

WHAT IS TECH WEEK?

Accepted Answer

Tech week is the 7 or so days leading up to the performances. It is the time everything comes together. Actors are finally taking the stage with costumes, props, make-up & hair, microphones learning quick changes and the backstage rhythm. Our crew is testing and adjusting all the technical elements of a show like the sound, lighting, staging and special effects.

Tech week is hard and are some of the most import rehearsals that we have. For this reason actors that have scheduling conflicts during our planned tech week are normally not cast.

Frequently Asked Questions