StrawHat Auditions

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 1:43pm

What?

[blondebaby589]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 1:47pm

This should probably go on the Student Board, and there are already multiple threads about it. But they're legit. I'm participating for the first time this year and I know people who have gotten jobs from it in previous years.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 4:58pm

They are indeed legit. My undergrad used to participate in them a lot, don't know if they still do, and people got a good amount of work from them.

Many of the unified type auditions you have to pay for. The fee helps cover the administrative costs of running such an event, it is not one of those scam type of things where an "agent" has you give them several thousand dollars so they can "promote" you. There is a lot of time and planning that has to go into these unified auditions, much more than I can imagine anybody doing for free.

[Neverandy]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 5:02pm

GO.Some of the best theaters in the country are there. Get your stuff in soon though. slots fill up quickly!

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 6:04pm

I went, got called back for five theatres, and then was raped up the butt by the hardest dance call I have ever experienced in my life. (and my friends who DANCE echo this sentiment.)

[snowskittle]

Posted: 1/19/09 at 11:40pm

It's not a scam. Many regional summer stock theaters cast their ensemble members through straw hat. Most are cast for a whole summer season as interns or resident company (ensemble). Pay is very low, but usually housing and sometimes meals are included. Hours are very long, but it's a good opportunity for students to get a lot of experience. You only get about 90 seconds to audition, followed by callbacks if someone likes you. Callbacks might, or might not include dance, but be prepared for dance.

It's a good opportunity to be seen by a whole lot of companies at one time. The audition fee is relatively small and pays for the space, organization and accompanist.

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 1/20/09 at 5:45pm

Of all the unified auditions...Straw Hat should be the last one on your list. Most theatres that attend Straw Hat already have their principals cast and are looking for very specific things or ensemble. I've never heard of a good experience coming from Straw Hat. If you want a better chance at getting roles, go to UPTA's or SETC's. UPTA's has 93 companies registered this year.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 12:46am

UPTA is good, but last time I attended, and according to what is currently on their website, you must be available for year round employment. They will only accept students who are going to be graduating this coming spring.

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 1:04am

Oh yeah, minor detail I forgot to mention.

[MeMeMeee]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 10:16am

I loved Strawhat and got two fabulous jobs there!

Definitely go and break a leg!

[Amneris]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 2:37pm

the thing is... most of the theatres that did attend strawhats are closing down because of the rough economy. A lot of actors will lose out on Regional jobs because they are too becoming far and few.

[Amneris]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 2:37pm

double post sorry. Updated On: 1/21/09 at 02:37 PM

[Neverandy]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 4:42pm

It is incorrect (and damaging really)to state that MOST of the theaters that traditionally attend Strawhats are closing. I can think of 15 theaters off the top of my head that attend that are open for business. Yeah,times are tough, but let's not make things worse by providing inaccurate information.

[Amneris]

Posted: 1/21/09 at 11:19pm

Neverandy, I am sorry you are so angry & please dont accuse me of lying. Who do you think you are? Patti Lupone? I am not posting false info. there are going to be less jobs.

Updated On: 1/21/09 at 11:19 PM

[BobRandomGuyMan]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 12:04am

I did these my freshman year of college and got a job out of them... they were fun, but nothing like an actual audition. You can't tell anything about a person by a 2 second monologue and 4 bar song, or whatever.

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 2:38am

BobRandomGuyMan...very true.

I'm attending UPTA's next month and I know that they won't get a real sense of who I am. But, that's why I'll audition for those theatres again when they come to New York to audition for their seasons. It doesn't hurt to at least go once. I've never been to a unified audition, so we'll see what happens...

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 3:03am

Does anybody have a list of the theatres that participate in the Strawhat Auditions?
I'm just trying to get a feel for the number of theatres at the audition.
And does anybody know if MT-Wichita attends these?

[pattilupuppy]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 3:17am

yes go.... its for real... I will be there casting some shows for a theatre

[Neverandy]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 4:31am

Who do I think I am?
A director at one of the theaters who will be attending the strawhat audition. I will be there doing the casting for that theater
I will also be an actor at another theater that will be attending.
I obviously have a few "dogs in the fight".
For you to say, incorrectly, that "most" of the theaters that usually attend will not be there because they are closed, negatively impacts those that do attend.
It is one thing to give your opinion on the efficacy of the process or your personal experience. But to say something like that without corroborating information is a bad idea. I am sure you weren't trying to hurt anyone, but in these admittedly difficult times you should be more careful.

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 04:31 AM

[Amneris]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:24am

I wasn't trying to hurt people neverandy :) there is no reason to. But, as someone who does know people who have attended in the past with theatres I just know a couple of those places are not going to be there. I don't think there is anything more to fight about. This is totally dumb.

[blondebaby589]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:27am

This is my first year doing StrawHats. I figured I should try it once and see what comes of it. And at least I get to some exposure to a bunch of theaters, whether I get a job or not!

[eturner]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 3:29pm

Yes, I went last year and got work from it as well, and I will be attending again this spring, I think the deadline may have already passed, hope to see some of you there!