Details

ADULTS Auditions and Casting for the 2023-24 season

AUDITIONING AT CTM

CTM strives to reflect the diversity of our audiences and community on our stages and encourages actors of all races, genders, abilities, and skill sets to audition. Adult actors (18-year-old high school graduates & up) and youth actors (ages 8-18) are cast in mainstage productions and work together in a collaborative, mutually respectful process. We hold adult and youth general auditions in the summer, with additional callback auditions throughout the year as needed. Click Here for audition tips & what to expect. See below to sign up for our mailing list, see upcoming auditions, FAQs, and more!

PERFORMING AT CTM

Rehearsals for mainstage shows are typically held on weeknights and weekends over the course of a 6 week period, including tech week. Adults may be called until 10pm for weeknight rehearsals and tech. Performances typically span 3 weeks, including student matinee performances on weekdays and public performances on weekends. Acting in a mainstage production is a significant commitment of time over the course of the contract period. We are committed to a professional process that embraces our values of joy, inclusivity, and discovery. As a theater for young audiences, youth are central to our mission. We believe that adult and youth actors working side by side provides a unique opportunity for a rewarding shared experience and fosters creative growth for all involved.

BE IN THE KNOW

To be the first to know about upcoming auditions:

  • CLICK HERE to join our mailing list!
  • Visit MADSTAGE or MADSTHEATRE 
  • Check back here often!
  • Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions

 

THERE ARE NO UPCOMING AUDITIONS

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for CTM! Our 2023-2024 Adult General Season Auditions have concluded.

Should we decide to hold show-specific auditions later in the year, they will be posted on this page and the announcement will be sent out via our email list.

If you auditioned for the season, please keep an eye on your email for a status update in the coming weeks.

 business backgrounds powerpoint template 2

THE WIZ – Musical (Motown, Soul, Gospel). Performs Oct 6-22, 2023 in Overture Center’s Playhouse. Rehearsals start Sept. 5. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Non-musical; some roles sing. Performs Dec. 9-23, 2023 in the Overture Center’s Capitol Theater. 

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL – Pop Rock Musical. Performs March 2-17, 2024 in MYArts’ Starlight Theater. Rehearsals begin Jan. 30. 

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK – Non-musical. Performs May 4 – 19, 2024 in The Overture Center’s Playhouse. Rehearsals begin April 2, 2024. Especially seeking Jewish actors.


FAQ for Adult Actors

Auditions & Casting

  • When are CTM Adult auditions held?
    • CTM holds general-season auditions in the summer; adults who are interested in any of CTM’s shows for the upcoming season should plan to attend these general-season auditions. CTM representatives also often attend other auditions in Wisconsin (for example, Milwaukee General & Diversity Auditions). 
  • Do I need to have experience to audition for a CTM show?
    • No. CTM believes that wonderful actors can be found from a wide variety of life experiences and circumstances, and we encourage all to audition for us whether you have never acted before or have been in dozens of shows. In most shows there are roles for a variety of experience levels.
  • Do I need to audition in person or can I audition virtually?
    • While we prefer in-person attendance at our auditions, we accept video audition submissions for general-season consideration and detail the process to submit video auditions on the audition notice.
  • Are all actors required to audition for CTM shows?
    • No. There are times when we will hire or rehire actors without requiring them to audition. Generally, these are actors specifically recruited or identified through our networks. All new actors to CTM meet with CTM’s Artistic Director or Associate to discuss the company culture, expectations of rehearsals and working with youth, and address any questions the actor has prior to being hired.  
  • What if I have an accessibility need for an audition (ie: physical accommodations, larger print script, social story, sensory tools, etc.)?
    • CTM is committed to making our audition and casting process accessible for all. When you sign up for an audition slot, the form you fill out has space for you to list any accessibility needs/accommodations you may have. Please do not hesitate to call, text or email CTM if providing the information on the form is not possible.
  • After auditions, what is the casting process? 
    • A member of CTM’s Artistic/Casting team will reach out to you to schedule a callback for specific roles, or arrange a meeting to discuss the role(s) available. CTM will follow up with you, generally via email, to let you know your status whether or not you have been cast.
  • Does CTM employ understudies?
    • Yes! CTM employs a mix of internal understudies (actors who are part of the main cast,who understudy roles and can step into those roles if needed) and understudies external to the main cast. Understudy casting, schedules, and expectations are set on a per-show basis.

Payment, Housing, & Actors Equity

  • Are adult actors paid?
    • Yes. As a professional theater company, CTM pays all adult actors who perform in our shows. Compensation varies and depends on multiple factors, most often the relative size of the role (i.e. lead/s, supporting, ensemble).  
  • Does CTM work with out of town actors? If so, is there housing provided?
    • CTM’s shows typically incorporate a mix of local and non-local actors. CTM is able to provide housing for a limited number of out of town actors per show, subject to negotiation during the casting process.
  • What is the typical contract length? 
    • Typically, actors are engaged for 6-8 weeks, depending on the show. 
  • Do you hire AEA actors?
    • Most, but not all, of the actors that CTM employs are non-Equity actors. For select shows CTM may employ one or two Equity members, using the Guest Artist Agreement, and these actors are typically precast in advance of auditions.
  • Does CTM offer EMC points?
    • While CTM occasionally employs Equity actors, we are not an Actors’ Equity affiliate theater and thus are not able to provide EMC points at this time. However, due to Actors’ Equity’s recent eligibility changes, employment as an actor with CTM does qualify you for membership in Actors’ Equity should you choose to pursue that independently.

Rehearsals & Performances

  • What is the typical rehearsal schedule like? What are the expectations?
    • CTM’s shows typically rehearse for 5-6 weeks, which includes staging rehearsals in the rehearsal room as well as technical rehearsals onstage, before the show opens. We typically rehearse 3-4 hours in the evenings on weeknights, and longer rehearsals (5-6 hours) during the day on weekends. We rehearse five or six days a week, depending on the size and complexity of any given show. Rehearsals are held at MYArts, located on the East side of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Technical rehearsals are held in either the Overture Center or MYArts, depending on the performance venue for the show.
  • What is CTM's policy on conflicts/missing rehearsals?
    • We can accommodate a limited number of conflicts in the rehearsal process, which we negotiate with you during the casting process. Beyond those pre-approved conflicts, you are required to be available for all scheduled rehearsals. Prior to the start of the rehearsal process we will provide you with an anticipated rehearsal schedule to assist you with pre-planning.
  • What is the typical performance schedule like?
    • The typical performance schedule spans 3 weekends, and consists of weekend performances (Friday, Saturdays, Sundays), and 3-4 mornings during the week for student matinees (generally Tues, Weds, Thurs). A typical performance week for a CTM show consists of 7 performances. We expect actors to be available for all performances, including the student matinees.
  • What is it like working with youth actors in a CTM show?
    • As a theater for young audiences, the youth experience is core to our work. Youth selected for mainstage shows demonstrate high levels of competency, talent and commitment to learning; we believe this is reflected in our adult cast as well. Adults are role models, and youth will learn from you – from your actions, your approach to your work, and how you show up. However, adults are not expected to be teachers or caregivers. CTM is committed to an atmosphere in rehearsal and performance where all actors (regardless of age) respect and collaborate with each other.

Additional Opportunities at CTM

Teaching Artists Wanted! We are always looking for passionate and skilled theater educators to join our CTM teaching team during our Academic Year program and Summer Stage. To apply, please send a resume and a sample lesson plan to Giana at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Technical Staff / Run Crew Opportunities:  Many actors are skilled in aspects of technical theater arts. Please let us know if you have interest or experience in backstage operations, costuming, props, etc. There are opportunities for both crew heads and support staff. Email Rafael at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Volunteers Wanted! We are looking for Theater Ushers, Greeters, Concessions staff, costuming, painting, and more. We welcome ALL who are interested! Volunteers who complete THREE shifts will become eligible to receive two free tickets to a CTM show. Click here to learn more about volunteering.