Details

YOUTH 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 (which can run to 10pm into the evening). 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, 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 

 

UPCOMING AUDITIONS

Youth Auditions for our 2023-2024 season have completed.

For those who audtioned on July 9 &10:

  • We will try to get back to everyone within 2 weeks to let you know if we need to see you again for a specific show.  
  • If you have not heard from us by the beginning of August, feel free to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check on where things stand.

OVERVIEW OF SHOWS

  •  THE WIZ – Musical (Motown, Soul, Gospel). Performs Oct 7-22, 2023 in Overture Center’s Playhouse. Rehearsals start Sept. 5th.  Specifically seeking Black actors. 7-10 Youth roles available.
  • A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Non-musical; some roles sing. Performs Dec. 9-23, 2023 in the Overture Center’s Capitol Theater. Rehearsals start Nov. 4th.  15 Youth roles available.
  •  THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL – Pop Rock Musical. Performs March 2-17, 2024 in MYArts’ Starlight Theater. Rehearsals begin Jan. 27th. 6-10 Youth roles available.
  •  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. 3 Youth roles available.

FAQ for Youth Actors

Auditions & Casting

  • When are CTM Youth auditions held?
    • CTM holds general-season auditions in the late summer/early fall; youth who are interested in any of CTM’s shows for the upcoming season should plan to attend these general-season auditions. We may hold additional auditions specific to a show closer to the start of that show's rehearsal process if needed.
  • 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. Most shows are roles for a variety of experience levels.
  • Why do you need to be age 8 or older to audition?
    • Taking on a role in a mainstage CTM show is a big responsibility and requires a lot of time, energy, and focus for all actors involved. For that reason, all actors who audition for us need to be 8 years or older. We encourage actors ages 4-7 to enroll in CTM theater classes!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What will happen in the audition room? What can I expect?
    • Each audition CTM holds is customized to the needs of the show or shows that the audition is for. We hold both group auditions and individual auditions.
    • If it's an individual audition, CTM will ask you to perform either a song/scene of your own, a piece that we choose from the show, or both. Once you're done with your piece, you may be asked to do your piece again with some changes or different choices, or to do a different activity designed to learn more about your acting skills and abilities.
    • For group auditions, we typically do some warm-up/getting to know you games, to help everyone in the room feel comfortable acting with each other. We may ask you to read or sing a piece you've prepared, and will ask you to read a scene with others in the group. Group auditions are all about us getting to see how you act and interact with others, which is what theater is all about!
    • Click Here for audition tips.
  • Does CTM double-cast youth actors or cast understudies?
    • In rare cases CTM will double-cast a lead role for a show, depending on how big the role is and the complexity of the show. However, most youth roles are not double-cast; instead, we employ a system of youth covers to help share the load of being in a show. Youth covers are youth actors that are cast primarily as an understudy, to perform in case a main cast member gets sick, has an absence, or is otherwise unable to perform in a show. We do guarantee a few performances where the cover will perform in place of the actor they are understudying, with the number of performances dependent on how long the show runs and how many performances there are.
  • Are parents allowed to observe the audition?
    • No. In our experience, we find that students focus better and participate more fully when family members are not in the room. If your child is nervous about the audition, you can reassure them by waiting in the lobby areas near the audition room. If your student is cast, family members and friends are encouraged to attend performances as supportive audience members.
  • 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.

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 adult actors in a CTM show?
    • We believe that theater should be an educational experience for all involved, and we consistently hear from youth who are cast in CTM shows that they learn a lot and are inspired by working with professional adult actors. CTM strives to create an atmosphere in rehearsal and performance where all actors (regardless of age) respect and collaborate with each other.

Family Responsibility

  • What are the expectations of the family during the rehearsal process?
    • One of the things we say at CTM is that when we cast a child, we are casting their entire family. We expect family to be supportive of your child and help them balance the added work that it takes to be in a show while keeping up with school and other activities. This includes arranging transportation to and from rehearsals and performances, helping them memorize their lines and rehearse their scenes if needed, and making sure they can stay healthy and happy while working on the show.
  • What are the expectations of the family during tech week and the performance process?
    • CTM often asks parents/guardians of young actors to volunteer for certain roles during performances, such as being a monitor in the green room (the waiting room backstage), selling merchandise in the lobby, or volunteering to be an usher for the show. More details about these opportunities are discussed at the start of each rehearsal process.
  • What if I am unable to provide transportation to and from rehearsals or to volunteer during tech week?
    • CTM is committed to making our shows as accessible as possible to all family types and structures. If your child is offered a role in a show and you are concerned about the intensity of the rehearsal/tech/performance process, please reach out to our Artist Relations Manager, Trevin Gay (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)

Additional Opportunities at CTM

Take CTM Theater Classes! From beginners to seasoned performers, we welcome ALL students to bring their creativity, build their confidence, and join our community of theater students. We provide classes year round for students grades 4K-12 and offer payment plans and financial assistance on a sliding scale! See our website for more details.

Volunteers Wanted! We are looking for Theater Ushers, Greeters, Concessions staff, and more. We welcome ALL who are interested (ages 14 and up)! Volunteers who complete THREE shifts will become eligible to receive two free tickets to a CTM show. Click here to learn more about volunteering.