What To Expect at an HPCP Audition

Frequently Asked Questions about HPCP Auditions

Do you pay your actors?

No. The HPCP is a volunteer, not-for-profit, amateur organization. We don’t pay our actors, nor do we pay our directors, producers, set designers, etc. Our mission is to give people who love theater the opportunity to make it.

Do I have to be an active member of the HPCP to try out?

No. Auditions are open to everyone.

How should I prepare for an HPCP audition?

No advance preparation is necessary. You will be paired up with other people auditioning and given a short scene from the play, which you will read together for the director. You may be asked to do this with a few different scenes and with different combinations of people.

Why are there two audition dates? 

We typically hold two sessions, one on a weekend and one on a weekday evening, in order to accommodate everyone’s schedules (some actors have work or family commitments on the weekend, others may be unavailable on whichever weeknight we choose). Choose whichever session fits your schedule. No casting descisions are made until after the second session.

Will I have to stay for the entire session?

No. Drop in at any point and leave whenever you like. How long the process takes depends on how many actors turn out and how many parts you read for.

I’ve never acted in anything before, but I’m really interested. Should I audition?

Absolutely! Many of our members had little or no acting experience before trying out for one of our shows. Auditions take place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and if you have questions about anything you can always ask. HPCP auditions are a lot of fun, and a good way to meet new people.

Should I bring a resume and/or a headshot?

It’s not necessary. We will give you a form to fill out that asks for relevant information, and someone will take your photo.

What does ‘open casting’ mean and why are you committed to it?

Open casting means that we will consider any actor for any part. We routinely cast people of color in roles that were written as white, women in roles that were written for men, trans and nonbinary actors in roles that were written as cisgender, and so on. For some shows, or for certain characters, it is sometimes crucial to the plot or the themes that they be cast as written, and in those cases we specify the requirements in the character descriptions. Otherwise, we encourage all actors to try out for any part they are interested in.

How will I find out whether I’ve been cast?

The director will send an email to the address you provide on your information sheet, typically no later than a week after the second audition date, letting you know whether you have been cast. If you are offered a part, please respond promptly and let the director know whether you accept it.

If I get a part, how much time will I spend in rehearsal?

It varies depending on the length of the show and the size of your part. Typically the rehearsal period is about eight weeks, with most actors attending one or two rehearsals per week. The week leading up to opening night, or ‘show week,’ there will be full cast rehearsals in the performance space every night. (For our Halloween show, An Evening of Horror and Suspense, the rehearsal period is about a month.)

What if I don’t get a part?

Sadly, there are always more people trying out than we have parts to give them. If you’re not cast after your first audition, we encourage you to come back and try out for the next show. You can still be a part of this one, however, by joining the production team. Every show needs volunteers to help with set construction, sound and light operation, publicity, props, and various other things. You can use the information sheet to indicate whether you would be interested in a production role if you are not cast as an actor.

Good luck, everyone!

Susan Harris