Audition Information

What About These Auditions?

Each spring, theatre directors and staff from approximately 10 outdoor historical dramas from across the country will attend auditions at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to audition performers and technicians for summer jobs. The auditions, sponsored by the Institute of Outdoor Drama, are open to anyone 18 or older with previous theatre expereince. Jobs require a nine to 12 week commitment, including two weeks of rehearsal.

The 2009 National Outdoor Drama Auditions were held Saturday, March 14, 2009. Nine companies attended, including four of North Carolina's 13 outdoor dramas and companies from Texas, Ohio and West Virginia. Two hundred auditionees from 20 states attended, with 80 participants from North Carolina. Seventy-two schools were represented, including 22 North Carolina colleges and universities.

What are Outdoor Historical Dramas?

Outdoor historical dramas are original plays, often with music and dance, based on significant events, and performed in amphitheatres located where the events actually occurred. From California to North Carolina, more than 30 outdoor historical dramas are performed annually employing 5,000 actors, singers, dancers and technicians.

Outdoor theatre offers an unconventional environment for actors and technicians to expand their skills while gaining invaluable experinece in a large-cast, long-run productions. The Institute of Outdoor Drama sponsors the only combined auditions bringing outdoor historical dramas, performers and technicians to one place. Outdoor historical dramas offer some of the nation's most exciting summer theatre emplyment opportunites.

What Kind of Job Can I Get?

Outdoor historical drama is rich in opportunities for performers and technicians to hone their skills. The productions need the expertise of stunt or combat professionals, pyrotechnicians, and horseback riders. Staff skilled in design, installation and maintenance of equipment for sound, electronic vocal reinforcement, special effects and lighting are also in demand.

For a list of companies that attended the 2009 auditions click here.

What Is the Audition Format?

Auditioning Actors/Singers will be given 90 seconds for a monologue and song (including your name and number). "Actors Only" or "Singers Only" will be given 60 seconds (one minute) for a song or monologue (including name and number). Dancers are led through warm-ups, combinations and routines featuring a variety of choreography.

Speical Note to Technicians: Technicians must pre-register and complete the registration process in full (including photo). Position descriptions (salary, benefits and minimum requirments) will be posted in the lobby along with a list of interview times and locations for each theatre company. Those applying for tech jobs should (1) check the company callback schedule, then (2) sign up for an interview on the sheet posted at the company's callback location.

Bonus Q&A with Outdoor Drama Casting Directors: On Friday evening, before the auditions on Saturday, we host a session with casting and artistic directors from theatres participating in the National Outdoor Drama Auditions and they talk about what makes a great audition. Registered applicants for the auditions may attend for a fee of $10.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door.

Just drop us an email or call us at (919) 962-1328 and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Break a leg!