Auditions

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Auditions for Adult Professionals

The Coterie invites union and non-union performers 18 years of age or older to participate in our general auditions for consideration in the upcoming 2024-2025 season! Our season of shows will run September 2024-August 2025. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to our new Producing Artistic Director, Khalia Davis, and re-introduce yourselves to The Coterie community at large. While the theater utilizes age-appropriate casting at times, this general audition is for artists 18 years and older. More information on youth auditions will be posted below when available.

*SPECIAL NOTE*
We are a theatre dedicated to creating work that is fully inclusive of young people. Our spaces are specifically designed to encourage interactive engagement from our young audiences. The Coterie productions often serve as an introduction to the arts, and we passionately seek artists who will both ensure our young audiences feel welcome in our spaces and encourage active participation in storytelling.

The Coterie is joyfully and boldly committed to ensuring the diversity and equity in casting of each of its productions. Performers of all types regardless of race, gender, age, or disabilities are welcome!

WHEN:

  • Sunday April 14, 5:30pm-10:00pm
  • Monday April 15, 5:30pm-10:00pm

 

WHERE:
The Coterie Theatre, located on the first floor of Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, KCMO

 

WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please prepare material that shows you off in your best light that does not exceed 2 minutes (choose one of the options below)

  • A 60 second monologue of your choice and a 16-32 bar cut of a song
    OR
  • Two contrasting monologues

A piano accompanist and a bluetooth speaker will be provided.

HOW TO SIGN UP AND SUBMIT:

Please Note: Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to accept reservations or scheduling requests at this time. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as we can. Check back soon for updates.

HOW TO SIGN UP AND SUBMIT:

Want to audition in person?

Want to audition via video submission?

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL WELCOME:

The Coterie is always looking for additional teaching artists to add to our roster! If you have interest in being a teaching artist or in-school performer for our upcoming season, please send any relevant materials to casting@coterietheatre.org.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to casting@coterietheatre.org.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

On-Stage Opportunities for Youth/Teens

Callback auditions for The Coterie’s upcoming mainstage season are typically held August-October.

The Coterie does not offer general open call auditions for youth. Callbacks are by invitation. Our suggestion is to take a Coterie class to help us know you and your talent.  We urge interested youth in grades 5-7 and grades 8-12 who would like to be a young professional on our mainstage to join a spring or summer Audition Lab class

– Audition Lab class is for those auditioning just for the experience, or future mainstage seasons.  The class is also an audition for The Coterie’s invitation-only Master classes. The final day of each Audition Lab culminates in an audition with professional directors of our mainstage season.

 

Helpful Hints for Young Auditioners

About youth auditions at The Coterie

Advice by Nancy Marcy, Coterie Master Class instructor emeritus 

Usually auditions will entail:

  •     A one-minute to one and a half minute memorized monologue. No poetry, please.
  •     A short improvised momement pantomine. The improvisation will be described on the audition form that you fill out when you arrive. As you wait your turn to audition you should plan a beginning, middle and an end to the improvisation and then rehearse it to match the time limit given.
  •     A photo of yourself. School or family photos are fine but they will be kept by the theatre for future reference.
  •     A simple resume. If you have a resume, bring it with you.  If this is not possible, there are questions on the audition form that will provide the theatre with necessary information.

 

You will be notified by email if you need to come to a “callback” to read for a specific part.  It is important to clearly print an email address on the form that will be checked regularly.  Please understand that sometimes these callbacks are held months after your initial audition!  Do NOT call the theatre to ask about whether or not your are being considered for any role.

How a Play is Cast

By its very nature, the selection of a cast is a difficult and sometimes unpleasant process for all concerned. The actors who audition are risking rejection, and usually most of them come away empty-handed. Some win roles and some do not, so it is vital for young actors to develop a healthy perspective towards what this process is all about. No matter how many times one auditions, there will always be disappointment at not being cast. Rejection is rejection; it goes with the territory. An actor, no matter what age, must find a perspective for the audition process. The Coterie is looking for something specific in an actor to fill a given role. Whether or not you are called back or cast for a role depends upon production requirements, and there are very few roles for young actors. As difficult as it is to accept, rejection is seldom the result of an actor’s incompetence or lack of inherent talent.

How to Perform the Best Monologue

Choose something that is close to yourself in terms of age and experience. Never audition with a character you would not be cast to play – if you’re 13 years old, don’t audition with a 25 year old’s monologue. Rather than using monologues from “books of monologues”, you might try to find a monologue from a piece of literature that you love. You will know and understand the character and his/her story, and that will benefit your performance tremendously. Be sure the monologue stays within the time limit and that it is a self-contained selection that has or implies a beginning, middle, and end. Prepare your monologue – rehearse it “out loud” many times. You shouldn’t memorize it like you memorize material for a test in school. If you are just thinking the words, they will leave your brain when you need them the most. Keep in mind that the theatre is larger than your bedroom – practice with projection!

To Do’s…and NOT To Do’s

  •     Bring something to do while you wait. This will help to keep you focused and to avoid the “jitters.”
  •     Be polite to everyone you meet. Your audition begins the moment you arrive at the theatre, and your ability to be a cooperative team player is vital to casting. Everyone who works for the theatre is aware of the attitude and energy needed for a Coterie actor!
  •     Dress: don’t wear sandals, clogs, crocs, platforms, outrageous clothing, hats, dangling jewelry, or hair that covers your face – you don’t want to distract attention away from you. Maximize your assets.
  •     Do not apologize about yourself or your monologue. Audition with confidence – think “I’ve got something very important to share with you.”
  •     Do not explain the monologue. You need to simply state the name of the play or book that it’s from and the author.
  •     Avoid delivering your monlogue directly to those sitting at the table, or glancing at them while performing.  Create a “fourth wall” for yourself.

Break a leg at your audition!