The Bluegrass Players cast every production from open auditions, and there is no cost to participate. Audition age ranges may vary by production. Most of our productions are adult, but there are several intergenerational shows throughout the year. Check the current audition notice for the show you are interested in.
There is no fee to participate in a Bluegrass Players production, and financial circumstances should never keep anyone from taking part. Our productions make use of the costume collection and other resources at The Spotlight Playhouse and Spotlight Acting School. From time to time, actors may help find a costume piece or small prop, and we work together to make each production happen. If a production needs something beyond that, such as particular shoes or a cast shirt, the cast is told directly. And if a cost would ever stand between you and taking part, say so, and we will work it out.
How involvement works
You can get involved with the Bluegrass Players through an individual production—by auditioning, helping backstage, assisting with costumes or props, or volunteering in another way. There is no fee to participate in a production. Requirements and schedules vary by production, so begin with the audition notice or email chad@spotlightactingschool.com with your question. There is no membership sign-up and no dues, and being cast does not come with a required number of volunteer hours. Volunteering is open to anyone, cast or not, and plenty of people love to pitch in with ushering, concessions, set work, and the like. You are always welcome to join them, but it is never required. Cast and crew are encouraged to stick around and get to know each other too; what you do beyond your role is entirely up to you, and nobody keeps score.
If you are not ready to audition for a specific show, you can still email us about backstage or other volunteer opportunities. Tell us what you enjoy doing and any relevant experience or availability, and we can let you know what current opportunities may be available.
The best way to get to know the Bluegrass Players is to come to some shows. You will meet the people behind the productions and see what we do on stage, and it is the easiest way to tell whether this is your kind of theater before you audition or volunteer. See what is coming up on our What We’re Performing page, and ticket links are on The Spotlight Playhouse site. There is no separate beginner program or orientation. The path for a first-timer is simple: come to a show, email us with questions, then audition or volunteer when you are ready. Every production mixes experience levels.
What to expect at auditions
- Cold reads are standard. You will read from the script, with direction.
- Monologues are optional. Bring one if you would like, but it is not required.
- Some musical auditions include singing. Follow the audition notice for that production to see whether you should prepare a song or anything else.
- No experience needed. Directors are looking for people who show up ready to try.
- Exact audition instructions are always in the audition post for that show. There are no general rules that cover every production, so read the post that matters.
- Bring nothing but yourself. If a specific show wants a resume, photo, or prepared piece, the notice will say so.
- Wear something comfortable you can move in.
Auditions are straightforward. Review the audition notice for what to expect and for any information or materials it requests. Disclose schedule conflicts at the audition or as the notice directs. You will be called in with a small group or individually. The director will have you read from the script, sometimes with another actor, and may give you direction to see how you take it. For musicals, the audition post will tell you what to prepare and how music will be handled. Just show up at the time listed in the audition post. If you cannot attend, contact the person listed in the audition post and ask whether another arrangement is possible.
Previous theater experience is not required for every opportunity. Audition instructions, age ranges, and production needs vary by show, so read the specific notice for the production you are considering. You can also email us about backstage or other volunteer opportunities. If this is your first show, that is fine. Directors work with people of every level and teach as you go: where to stand, how to take direction, and how rehearsals run.
Rehearsals
Rehearsal schedules vary by production, director, and role. Individual audition notices provide the most specific information available, including planned rehearsal nights and required technical or dress rehearsals. Most productions rehearse in the evening during the weeks leading up to performances. Review the notice and disclose conflicts at auditions before accepting a role. Planned conflicts such as work travel, a wedding, or a vacation are a normal part of that conversation. The notice lists the rehearsal dates and flags any dates where attendance is required, and the director can tell you whether a specific conflict can be accommodated. Ask at the audition rather than assuming.
How to find auditions
Audition announcements are posted on this site and on the Spotlight Acting School auditions page. The audition post with the date, time, character breakdown, and specific instructions for each show lives on that page. Most shows audition a few months before opening, so check back often. The season is planned about 18 months in advance, and the current lineup of upcoming shows is on our What We’re Performing page. The school also shares audition announcements on its Facebook page, and you can email chad@spotlightactingschool.com to ask what is coming up. After auditions, cast lists are posted on the Spotlight Acting School site’s Cast List page, and cast members are also notified directly by email and text message. Whether a show holds callbacks is up to that production, and the notice will say.
How casting works
Every Bluegrass Players production is cast from open auditions, so each show starts fresh. Newcomers and familiar faces audition side by side, and directors cast from the people who come out. There is no resident company and no roster to join; if a role interests you, you are welcome to audition for it. If you would rather start with a smaller role or an ensemble spot, say so at the audition; directors appreciate knowing what you are comfortable with.
Interested in directing?
Directors come from inside the troupe. To be considered to direct a Bluegrass Players production, you first need to be an active participant for quite some time. You might act on stage, stage-manage a show, or help backstage; any of those count toward being part of the troupe. From there, the path runs through assistant directing. You serve as an assistant director on a show, and the director of that show recommends what they believe you are ready for. Only after that is someone considered to direct.
Shows are chosen about 18 months in advance, so bringing a show idea forward means committing nearly two years out. If directing is your goal, start by getting involved in a production and let us know. The road is long, and it is walked inside the troupe.
Not an actor?
Interested in stage management, lighting, sound, set construction, costumes, props, or front-of-house work? Email chad@spotlightactingschool.com and describe what you would like to do, along with any relevant experience or availability. Crew needs and schedules vary by production, and your message can be directed to the appropriate production team.
Questions? Email chad@spotlightactingschool.com or call 859-756-0011.