Auditions

Put yourself in the spotlight on stage at Theatre Lawrence

Come "play" with us!

Theatre Lawrence auditions are open to everyone. People of all races, genders, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged and welcome to audition. Theatre Lawrence is committed to diverse and inclusive casting. You do not need previous experience with us, or a special “in” to be cast.


Detailed audition information and sign up slots are posted approximately one month prior to auditions.


Audition dates for the 2025-2026 season productions will be announced in July


We occasionally offer workshops or classes relating to improving your auditions, or special skills a show may require. Watch here and on our education pages for more information.


If you need accessibility accommodations, please email us.

Upcoming Auditions

Audition FAQs

Have questions about auditioning? We want to help you be successful. Check out these FAQs

  • How do I sign up?

    We use a program called Casting Manager to coordinate our audition process. To sign up for an audition you will create a profile in the system (it’s free). After creating a profile you will be able to sign up for a time slot. If you have difficulty creating a profile or signing up for a slot, contact the theatre and we will be happy to assist you.

  • Do I have to sign up in advance?

    We strongly encourage everyone to sign up for a slot in advance. However, it is not required, and we do welcome “walk in” auditions. Be aware that when you “walk in” you may have to wait. Those who have an assigned time slot will be seen first.

  • Oh no, I have to cancel my audition or change the time slot!

    That’s okay, we understand things come up. That’s one reason we use the Casting Manager system. You can cancel or change your auditions when you log into you free account.

  • What should I prepare for my audition?

    What you should prepare varies slightly depending on the show. Audition expectations for each show will be posted as part of the audition information.


    For plays, there will generally be some excerpts, known as “sides” for everyone to read. These may be posted on the audition page, depending on the preference of the director.


    For musicals you will be asked to come prepared to sing a song of your choice (between 16 and 32 bars, or 30 seconds to 1 minute). Please bring sheet music. Musicals may also ask you to learn some brief choreography at the auditions. Depending on the director, you may be asked to read sides as well.


  • Can I read the script before auditions?

    You may check out a copy of the script from the Theatre Lawrence box office during regular hours. We do ask for a security deposit that will be returned when you return the script.

  • Is there a role in the show that’s right for me?

    We will post brief character descriptions for roles in the audition description. This information generally include age, the gender of the role (as identified by the playwright), and other special considerations.

  • Are all roles available at auditions?

    Unless otherwise noted all roles in show are cast through the audition process. In the event that a role has been precast (such as hiring a special guest artist) that information will be clearly indicated on the audition notice

  • How will I hear about callbacks?

    You will receive an email via Casting Manager letting you know if the production team wants to have you come in for a callback. That email will indicate the time you are needed, and ask you to confirm or decline your callback. You will only receive and email if you are called back. Don’t panic if you don’t get a callback.

  • What if I don’t get a callback?

    Directors often do not call back everyone they intend to cast in a show. Often times they are only calling back a few people they are considering for specific roles. If you are not called back, that does not mean you will not be cast in the show. In that same regard, being called back does not automatically mean you will be cast.

  • How will I hear if I get cast in a show?

    If you are offered a role in the show, you will receive an email through Casting Manager, offering you the role and asking you to accept or decline the role. Make sure to check your spam folder. You can also log into your Casting Manager profile and if you are cast, it will show there. Some directors also choose to reach out via email or phone to offer roles. After being cast, you will receive an email from the show’s stage manager with instructions regarding read thru.

    If you are not cast, you will also receive an email from Theatre Lawrence letting you know.


    Finally, we will post the cast list on our website and social media. Please be aware that we now do this several hours after posting in Casting Manager, and after emails have gone out to everyone who auditioned.


  • How long do casting decisions take?

    We tell everyone that casting decisions will be made by the end of the week auditions are held. So if you audition on a Monday, you should hear something by Friday afternoon. However, under very special circumstances it may take longer. If so, we will communicate that information.

  • I didn’t get cast. Can I find out why?

    It can be disappointing to not make the cast of a show. Many factors go into casting decisions. Even the most talented performers are not cast in every show they audition for, and sometimes it could even just come down to schedule conflicts.


    We are unable to provide individual feedback on auditions.

Audition Tips

Auditions do not need to be a scary process. Here are a few tips:


  • Relax and have fun. Auditions do not have to be a painful process, just look at it as another chance to perform.
  • List all your schedule conflicts from the day of auditions until the closing performance of the show. Be honest. The show’s director (at their discretion) might not accept any new conflicts after the cast list is posted. If you regularly add conflicts after being cast in a show, it may impact future casting. Just be honest.
  • A “cold reading” means you will be asked to read some of the dialogue from the show, sometimes with other people sometimes by yourself. Don’t worry if you stumble over words, we’re looking for energy and character choices, we assume you can read.
  • Relax and have fun.
  • It’s good to know a little about the show you are auditioning for. We have copies of the scripts for all our shows that can be checked out from the theatre.
  • For musicals we ask you to sing something, no longer than one minute. If we stop you during your song, it’s not because you have done poorly, we are simply trying to keep the auditions moving along in timely way.
  • When auditioning for a musical, it’s best to sing a song from a musical, but not the show you are auditioning for.
  • Relax and have fun.
  • Sing with the piano. Everyone sounds better singing with accompaniment.
  • Be courteous and professional. Remember you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your audition lasts from the moment you walk in the auditorium until the moment you leave.
  • Did we mention relax and have fun?