Application, Selection and Audition Process for Performers

APPLICATION

How do I apply?

The 2021 NETC Theatre Auditions are VIRTUAL and the application is only available online.  We recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to complete the application.

Carefully complete all sections with your most up-to-date information that best highlights your skills and range of talents. We've updated our application so you can upload your resume to show all your performance work.

What is the application deadline?

Applications, student verifications and recommendations, payment and videos must be received by January 15, 2021 DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 1, 2021.  It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all recommendations and verifications are turned in by that date.

Which headshot should I use?

Choose a headshot that best shows your personality. A vertical headshot with good contrast is best.

Should I choose Musical Theater or Acting Only?

This year, we are allowing applicants to apply for both Musical Theatre and Acting auditions. There is a special $75 rate to submit two applications, which will include two separate videos.

What is the selection process?

While we typically do a selection process for in-person applications, this year ALL applicants videos and resumes will be available for producers to view for up to one year from submission. This unique opportunity, gives you the chance to be seen by producers at anytime during the year.

VIDEO REVIEW PROCESS

You MUST choose a review type by February 1st or you will be given the simple review. If you have chosen Musical Theatre and Acting, you will choose a review for each video.

Who are the reviewers?

A list of reviewers and their bios can be found on our Profesional Theatre Reviewer page.

Simple Review

Your video(s) will be reviewed by NETC staff for length and audition criteria ONLY. Feedback will be provided, ONLY, if your video doesn't meet the audition criteria.

For the Simple Review

  • Log into your audition profile
  • Click dashboard home
  • If you have already uploaded your video you will click edit next to your video and choose review type -SIMPLE and "pending review" in the status drop-down before hitting save.
  • If you have NOT uploaded your video you will click edit and upload video and save FIRST before choosing a review type. Then choose review type - SIMPLE and "pending review" in the status drop-down before hitting save.
  • If your video is rejected due to criteria and you are asked to re-record and upload a new video the status will be changed to "rejected" by your reviewer. When you are ready to upload a new video click "new" on your profile, upload your video, and change status to "pending review" before saving. Your reviewer will watch the new video and accept it.

Advanced Review

Your audition video(s) will be reviewed by our professional reviewers - REVIEWER NAMES AND BIOS. Your video and application will be assigned to a reviewer and they will provide feedback on your audition and tips for improvement. You will receive the feedback via email and be given 7 days to upload a new video. Applications and videos that receive a professional review will be placed in a featured section on our website which producers will be able to peruse. 

For Advanced Review

  • Log into your audition profile
  • Click dashboard home
  • If you have already uploaded your video you will click edit next to your video and choose review type -ADVANCED and "pending review" in the status drop-down before hitting save.
  • If you have NOT uploaded your video you will click edit and upload video and save FIRST before choosing a review type. Then choose review type - ADVANCED and "pending review" in the status drop-down before hitting save.
  • The $20 fee, per video, will be added to your cart.
  • You MUST go to your cart and pay for your review to be processed.
  • When you receive feedback from your reviewer your video will be changed to "rejected." When you are ready to upload a new video click "new" on your profile, upload your video, and change status to "pending review" before saving. Your reviewer will watch the new video and accept it.

    AUDITION CRITERIA

How long can my audition video be? What should I do?

Performers can upload a TWO MINUTE AUDITION VIDEO. This will be strictly enforced and videos longer than two minutes will not be approved. Please slate your name at the start of your video.

Musical Theater should prepare one song (or two 16-bar samples) and one brief monologue. Live and pre-recorded music will be allowed.

Acting Only should prepare two brief contrasting monologues. Shakespearean monologues are not required.  Props and costumes are not recommended. 

  • Be well prepared for your audition! Get help from an experienced director or coach when preparing your selections.
  • Choose your selections carefully -- producers have expressed displeasure with audition monologues that are overtly political, violent or obscene.
  • Choose material that is appropriate to the types of theatres for which you are auditioning and to the shows generally done by these theatres, and with a realistic view as to what roles and productions in which you might actually be cast.
  • Take your age and limitations into account when selecting characters or plays for your audition pieces. In other words, do characters and material you would conceivably play in a professional or summer theatre.
  • Two minutes is a very limited time, and applicants are urged to prepare their selections carefully within the established time limit in order to showcase their talent to the best advantage.

What should I wear in my video?

Wear clothing that is simple and serviceable to your audition selections. Movement is very difficult to evaluate when the applicant is wearing boots or heavy clothing. Hair styles which hide features are detrimental. Costumes and props are unnecessary. Remember, this is a “job interview.” Dress accordingly.

How do I create my video?

Instructions for creation and upload of audition videos

Use your phone or tablet device to create and upload a video.  The video must not be longer than 2 minutes.  Formats allowed are MP4, MOV, and AVI file formats.  It is suggested to set the resolution of the camera to regular High Definition (HD).  It is suggested to avoid higher resolution, such as 4k, or high frame rate, such as 60fps, as the size of the file will be large.  The maximum upload size for each video is 300MB.

 

IOS, iPhone, iPad

  • IOS devices should use MOV format videos
  • Login to your NETC Audition account on your device
  • Access your Dashboard Home, your available audition videos will be displayed
  • Click the Edit link for the Acting or Musical audition
  • Click Choose File
  • You can select an existing video, or you can capture a new video to use
  • Click the Upload button
  • Once uploaded, you can select a thumbnail image to use for the video
  • Click Save

 

Android Devices

  • Android devices should use MP4 format videos
  • Login to your NETC Audition account on your device
  • Access your Dashboard Home, your available audition videos will be displayed
  • Click the Edit link for the Acting or Musical audition
  • Click Choose File
  • You can select an existing video, or you can capture a new video to use
  • Click the Upload button
  • Once uploaded, you can select a thumbnail image to use for the video
  • Click Save

What about callbacks? When will I know if I have been hired?

Callbacks will be done by individual companies. You will receive notification directly from the specific company with instructions if you are needed for a callback.

INTERNSHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS

On your application, please check if you would be interested or willing to accept an internship or apprenticeship. Several of the theatres use these auditions to find applicants for their intern and Equity Membership Candidate programs. A few theatres, which offer internships / apprenticeships, charge a fee for these positions. Most offer some kind of benefit: a small stipend, room and/or board, college credit, an option to register as an Equity membership candidate, etc. Theatres offering internships and apprenticeships will furnish descriptions of their programs and benefits, and this information will be distributed to applicants at the auditions.

WHAT THEATRE COMPANIES WILL BE THERE?

See the NETC Application and Audition Overview tab to see what companies will be represented.