Auditioning for Commercial Theatre.

I was wondering how one goes about finding out about auditions for commercial theatre in Perth. For example Barking Gecko, Black Swan, Perth Theatre companies and companies that do shows at the blue room or even downstairs at the maj. I'm looking at their websites but I am not finding much in the way of audition notices. Is there a site like this but for commercial theatre? Any help would be extremely appreciated.

I assume for Barking Gecko, etc. that you would audition via normal means (agents), but it's helpful to remember that venues are hired spaces and therefore won't necessarily have anything to do with the audition process. Ie. a number of people have over time announced their auditions for performances - to be shown at the Blue Room - here on this site. Professional theatre tends to be as 'secretive' as film/TV in that they don't regularly advertise auditions. They usually hire through agencies, or via word of mouth. A good idea is to get on the mailing list for companies you'd like to audition for and perhaps submit a CV for their files. And yeah, my standard reply: go read the FAQ.

I'm with Actorsnow I should ask my agent if she gets audition details. It would seem odd to go purely through frog. It's not a Wolf, It's an Alaskan Malamute.

Networking is pretty important. Most professional or independent theatre will work with an ensemble of actors they use on a regular basis. Submit your CV for their files, you never know. Sometimes companies will hold open auditions once a year. So keep an eye out on their website or give them a call to find out. Also, invite them to see your current play. They will get a taste of what you can do and have you in mind for future productions.

I think to get professional work to have to be with the main agents - Frog, RGM. The companies will go to the agents with shows they are doing and then the agents send specific actors to the auditions. You always see pretty much the same names in the pro shows, so i can only assume they are with these agents. i guess that is why they are professional rita

Asked my agent and she said they do a general audition every year. Alas it has been and gone for this year and although they occasionally ask for specific actors. Next year then. It's not a Wolf, It's an Alaskan Malamute.

hey tom, few questions. Have you actually asked any of the companies directly about auditions they might be holding? or did you just ask your agent? I am also keen to try out for anything that may be on offer but am a bit scared to just call them up. I wonder if they ever see anyone who doesnt have an agent ? Do you know of many people who have gone from the community theatre scene into the professional scene? rita

Sent a few emails of which I have yet to get replys. Was over the weekend though. So yeah just my agent really. They do say you can email your CV and headshot in and they'll add you to their list. Still I'll let you know if I hear my submission was succesfull. It's not a Wolf, It's an Alaskan Malamute.

On the Perth theatre companys mailing list. I assume they send out audition notices. It's not a Wolf, It's an Alaskan Malamute.

Not necessarily. I've rarely seen audition notices for pro companies in their mail outs. However, knowing the kinds of shows they perform, when and where, you can plan ahead. For instance, if you notice a pattern in their season timetable - March, September, December - then you can call them up a few months beforehand when they're likely to be seeking actors. Likewise, you can find out when/if they receive a grant; which means they have funding in place to begin a new show and will be looking for actors sometime soon. Etc etc. Mailing lists are more about research than about audition notices.

You will NEVER get an audition for one of the professional companies via their mailing list. The only auditions are via your agent - and in Perth you have to be with RGM, Frog or Actors Now. That is how it works, fullstop. Hope this clarifies everything. :-)

Yes, actually this is what another chap said as well. It's not a Wolf, It's an Alaskan Malamute.