Who Can Be in a Cheyenne Little Theatre production?

Anyone! Anyone who passes the auditions that is. Variables such as age range, gender, and anything else that the director deems mandatory for the character will be made clear in the audition information on our website so we won't have a 19 year old male trying out for the role of a 90 year old grandmother. (But then again, who knows? After all, it is acting!)

Do I need acting experience?

No! Community theatre is all about the amateur player - the one willing to take the chance to go out there on the stage and give it their all! All you need is a positive "can do" attitude and a willingness to commit your time, your energy and your memory. And above all, be prepared to HAVE FUN and meet some great people!

What will I need to do if I come to an audition?

For musicals you will be asked to sing a prepared song, usually around 32 bars of music. It is recommended to choose a song that is appropriate to the show, either the same style or composer, or perhaps even something from that show.  If you are auditioning for a classic musical, it is not really appropriate to sing your favorite modern song off the radio. The director will want to hear if you can sing in the style that fits the show. The theatre will do it's best to provide an accompanist as well as a cd player. If you use a cd, it's best to make sure that it is a karaoke track with the vocals removed. The director will want to hear you, not whoever is singing on the cd. Accapella or unaccompanied singing is ok in some instances, but some directors may ask that you then sing something with the piano, just to make sure you can stay on pitch and follow the piano. Keep in mind, the director may cut you off before you reach the end of the song. This does not mean they didn't like you, just that they have heard everything they need to from you. Many musical auditions may also require a dance audition. The show choreographer will teach a short routine, usually to a group, and you will be asked to perform that routine for the director. Remember, it's not so important to be perfect as it is to show the ability to move well, and the willingness to try.

For most plays, both musicals and non-musicals, you will be asked to do what is called a “Cold Reading”. You are given a scene and asked to read a few lines of the play based on the character you are auditioning for. This may be in conjunction with other auditioners or it may be just you.  This will give the director an opportunity to imagine you as that character and to determine if your voice, general appearance and demeanor can be molded into their vision of what your character would be like. Remember that this is the stage and there are no microphones to amplify your voice so speak clearly and project your voice. The audience in the back row needs to hear you clearly. Be as animated as possible and don't worry about messing up or misreading something. The point is not to be perfect the first time, but to show that you can fit the character, so have fun!

What traits will the director be looking for at the audition?

It's always helpful if you have some familiarity with the play and the character you are auditioning for. Copies of each play are made available from the CLTP Box Office prior to the audition dates. If you can "bone up" in advance then you can project more emotion into your character during the audition reading. If you come to the audition cold, you can ask the director for some ideas as to what he or she is looking for and go from there. At the very least, demonstrate that you are articulate by speaking clearly and with good volume. Feel free to exaggerate the tone of your voice and the emotions behind them. Chances are, you will still seem quiet and reserved from the director's point of view, but he or she will be encouraged by your enthusiasm. And of course, have fun! What you feel on the inside will shine through on the outside.

How much time will I need to commit to rehearsals?

This depends on several things - including the complexity of the play - and will vary from director to director. As a rule of thumb, you should anticipate rehearsing 4 to 5 nights a week, usually Monday through Friday, with “work calls” or set building scheduled Saturday mornings. The scheduling of work calls may change depending on the director, and some directors may even schedule weekend rehearsals, but it's not that common. Rehearsals will usually last a minimum of 2 ½ to 3 hours per night and major parts may require more time than minor parts. Ideally, rehearsals will begin 5 to 6 weeks prior to the first performance.

Will I get paid for my time?

No. This is strictly a volunteer endeavor by those who donate their time for the sake of providing quality theatrical entertainment to the community. Everyone involved leaves feeling richer and with a deep satisfaction derived from whatever role they play - on the stage or off.

What other ways can I be involved in the production?

If you don't care to act, you can always help out backstage with props, costumes, lights, sound or as stage manager. Every production needs at least four crew members - and there are never enough to go around! Or you can join our Front-of-House volunteers! Help us out by ushering people to their seats, helping out in the Box Office or at the Will-Call table, assisting with concessions or Raffle. Not only do you help us out in a fun way, you get to see the show too! Check out our volunteer info page and our volunteer opportunities page for more information.

Will I need to provide my own costumes?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Costumes for period pieces will usually come from the Cheyenne Little Theatre's collection of costume pieces or from a specialty shop. Plays set "in the now" can often be costumed more easily from the contents of our own closets. The director will usually have a Costume Designer picked to supervise the costuming of the show, and that person may ask for your assistance in finding particular pieces.

Will I have to wear makeup?

Almost always, yes. Because of the small venue, most plays do not require heavy stage makeup. But almost every face requires some enhancement in order to stand out under the harsh stage lights. If prosthetics, hair coloring or other major makeup is required, the director will let you know. 

How long does a production run from opening night to final performance?

Most productions run for three weekends; Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings plus a Sunday afternoon matinee. Most directors will also schedule “Pickup Rehearsals” on the night before the second and third weekends begin. This serves as a quick refresher for the cast and crew, and also helps to get the energy flowing again before performance.

What do I need to bring to an audition?

Yourself! And, really, that’s almost it.

For all auditions, you can (but are not required to) bring your resume to attach to your audition form. Bringing a water bottle is also always a good idea.

For musicals specifically, make sure you have your sheet music ready, or your CD. Additionally, If you aren’t wearing clothes you can move in, bring some to change into for the dance portion.

If you would like to print and fill out the audition form before your audition, you can find it here: