Student Blog: Summer Stock Central: Step #7 | Navigate The Callback

Hey Summer Stock-ers,

We're back on that grind! With A1s and SETC posting preliminary info for their 2022 conferences, let's help you Navigate all the Callbacks that you're certain to receive.

In this post, we're talking about Step #7| Navigate The Callback.

Before continuing, be sure to read Step #6 | Nail The Audition in this 8 Steps to Booking Work Next Summer series. To find all the steps in one place, Click Here. It'll take you to my profile, which will be the home base for all my articles in the Summer Stock Central series.

So, after you've submitted your virtual auditions/prescreens, it's time for...

STEP #7: Navigate The Callback

While the focus of this post is to hone-in on the Virtual Callback process, I will briefly mention the callback procedure for an in-person Audition Conference, specifically A1s. Essentially, after your group of auditionees finishes performing, multiple pieces of paper will be posted at a designated location with the Venue name at the top and the numbers listed of who that Venue would like to see for callbacks. Personally, I had some that were just another dance call with vocal callbacks and readings happening afterward for those who made the cut. My callbacks occurred at Pearl Studios, but I was also aware of people having callbacks in hotel rooms and other spaces.

However, onto Navigating the (digital) Callback... there are three key ideas to keep in mind:

1. Speed

2. Have a Reader

3. Personality

1. Speed

If a venue has taken interest in you and decided they want to see more from you... don't wait! Start filming as soon as you get the instructions, as almost all of these digital callbacks are just more self-tapes. If they give you 1 week, try to get that Callback into them via the proper procedure and format within 3-4 days. Not only will your expedited process show interest and investment on your end, but having your materials in earlier than the deadline allows them time to actually watch and register your performance, as opposed to having them spend 10 seconds on your submission if you send it in at the deadline with the rest of the pack.

2. Have an In-Person Reader

If sides are given, and the side isn't a monologue, ALWAYS get an in-person reader. Of course, if you're in a pinch, you can always record yourself reading the other person's lines and edit it during post-production. However, having a live reader just on the other side of the camera allows for a more "in the moment" energy to be created and helps convince the Venue's Casting Director of your ability to work and interact with other humans as part of an ensemble.

3. Personality

I know for a few of my digital Callbacks, I was asked to speak about myself or perform material that represented me well. These Venues want to hire great performers, but they also want to hire great people. Don't be afraid to show them who you are or what kind of material that excites you. After all, the last thing you want to do is show an insincere part of yourself, get the job, and then be miserable the whole summer because you don't vibe with the culture and energy of the company.

That's about it for this installment!

Follow along over the next few months as I'll be addressing 1 of the 8 Steps to Booking Work Next Summer in each of my posts. To find all the steps in one place, Click Here. It'll take you to my profile, which will be the home base for all my articles in the Summer Stock Central series.

If you want to geek out about this stuff more or want to talk about your personalized goals and aspirations with regard to your Summer Stock journey and/or career writ large, hmu on IG @mattguernier. Get ready to dive into Step #8| Respect The Timeline on my next post, but until then, stay safe and Happy Spooky Szn :)