Last week we held the FCP General Auditions. We thought it would be fun to share a few thoughts and some “facts and figures” of our auditions.
- We held three days of auditions. Two were dedicated to musicals, and between the two days we saw 110 people. This did not include several video tape submissions – including two from as far as Iowa who are so interested in performing in BARE that despite the fact that FCP is unable to compensate our performers financially are willing to move here for the summer just to be in the show. One day was held for the play auditions and we saw about 40 artists.
- In terms of the musical auditions the most sung song was Not a Day Goes By from Merrily We Roll Along. Although the highest number of songs sung was actually from another Sondheim classic, Into the Woods.
- No one for the play auditions had matching monologues.
- The average cost of an audition for the musicals (factoring in room + accompanist) was $4.76. The average cost of an audition for the plays was $3.30.
- Of the 110 musical auditions more than half were newcomers to Fighting Chance Productions and more than 3/4′s of the play auditions were newcomers to the company.
- There were more “no-shows” on the play day than on the musical day combined; however the number of no-shows were still relatively low.
A few other thoughts:
- I like to ask our auditioners if they have ever seen a production of ours. I’m happy to report that the majority had.
- The panel was “Susan Boyle-d” many times. To be “Susan Boyle-d” one must have a preconceived notion about a performer as they walk into the room only to be shocked and amazed when they open their mouths.
- As always, auditions are one of the best parts of the process. Just seeing how much talent is alive in this city is remarkable.
Finally, one of the neatest things about generals is as I sit and watch I start to formulate ideas for future shows, and so I always encourage people, if you can – come out to the generals. You never know where our minds might go after we meet with you.
