The Dance • Opera • Theatre (DOT) engagement policy contains provisions to guide the audition process.
Auditions
Provisions
Venue and scheduling
- The Theatre has an obligation to ensure safe and accessible audition spaces, in an accepted place of business (i.e. not a hotel room or private residence) that is properly lighted and heated (or cooled)
- Dance auditions can only be conducted on approved dancing surfaces
- At least 2 persons representing the Theatre are required in the place where the auditions take place
- Audition calls for Equity members are limited to 3, at a maximum of 1 hour each (exceeding these limits requires compensation for the Artist)
- Self-tapes or video conferencing auditions are allowed (at the Artist’s request only) if the Theatre wishes to audition an Artist who is unable to attend an in-person audition.
- A DOT Engager may not audition solely by submission of self-tapes.
Materials
- An inclusive casting policy must be declared in casting notices and breakdowns
- Nudity is not allowed at auditions
- Artists must be provided with audition materials if it is specific and not readily available
- Artists must be provided with audition materials 48 hours in advance for singing auditions
- Artists participating in another Artist’s audition can be engaged under the non-standard provisions of this engagement policy
- Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed at auditions, unless a request to record is made to the Artist and agreed to
Notice of Auditions
To promote awareness of work opportunities to the broadest spectrum of artistic talent, casting notices for DOT productions can be shared through Equity’s eDrive.
eDrive is Equity’s free email subscription, connecting artists across the country with audition notices and other work opportunities in the live performance sector.
Engagers must submit notices through eDrive at least three weeks before publicly announced auditions. For an open call, Engagers should submit their notice at least four weeks in advance.
Notices for stage management positions can also be submitted through eDrive.
Self-Tapes and Virtual Auditions
The Theatre must hold true in-person (not self-tape or videoconference) auditions, but may accommodate Artists who can’t attend an in-person audition by accepting self-tapes.
Equity has developed a Best Practices Advisory, identifying key elements for consideration when requesting self-tape submissions or auditioning Artists by digital means.