Actors at FMCT are not paid.
*FMCT promises a welcoming and supportive creative atmosphere throughout our audition and call-back process. We encourage everyone of all ages, walks of life, and levels of experience to audition. Our productions are chosen to offer unique and challenging educational experiences for our actors as well as quality productions for our community.
Audition Signups
Click here to view our Signup Genius page, with all currently available audition and volunteer opportunities.
*Audition dates are subject to change. Please check our Facebook page for signup links and additional details, or join our mailing list here to make sure you’re included when we send out the Signup Genius links for auditions.
Do I need to schedule a time to audition?
Signing up via production Sign-Up Genius forms is preferred; however, we gladly accommodate walk-in auditions on a first-come, first-served basis.
What should I bring to an audition?
Be prepared to mark all your scheduling conflicts from the day you audition to the last performance. A calendar with all possible rehearsal dates and all performances will be provided at auditions.
A director would like to know what all your conflicts or anticipated conflicts are, so please be up front. Often, we can work around the availability of the actors we cast.
Do I need a headshot and a resume?
At the auditions, you will be given an audition form to fill out. If you have a resume, we will attach it to the form. If you do not have a resume you will need to fill out the space that asks you to list any theatrical experience.
A picture is not required but highly recommended. If you have a school picture, a clear photo of yourself, or a headshot, please bring it with you. It is a great way for the people who are casting the show to remember what you look like. Photos will not be returned.
What can I expect at an audition?
You can expect different things from auditions for a non-musical and those for a musical production.
At most auditions, you will be asked to prepare a monologue—either one of your choosing or one that is provided by the director. Sometimes, no preparation is needed at all. Instead, the director may assign cold readings from the script (short scenes or monologues) when you arrive at the audition.
Most musical auditions consist of singing only. Typically, we ask auditionees to prepare 60-90 seconds of a song that best showcases your voice.
Do I have to have sheet music for my audition? Can I just sing a cappella or with a digital music track?
FMCT does provide an accompanist for all musical auditions—use him/her! The best auditions are those that are supported with piano accompaniment, so we highly recommend auditionees to seek out sheet music. Unfortunately, FMCT is not able to provide audition sheet music resources.
A cappella auditions will not be turned away, but they are not preferred. Singing along with a live musician is an essential part of any musical production and directors would like to see this skill displayed.
Auditioning with a digital music track is preferred over an a cappella audition if the track is version with instrumentals only. Directors will want to hear your voice, not the voice of the backup singers or the singer itself. A downloaded track vs. a track that is streamed online is also preferred to minimize potential issues with slow internet signals or outages.
What should I wear?
It is protocol to try to look professional in an audition; however, you should still be able to move in what you are wearing. For a musical theatre audition with a dance and vocal audition, it is appropriate to bring a change of clothes for each component.
Will I have to audition in front of others also auditioning?
Sometimes, yes. If asked to do a cold reading, you may be asked to read with other people for the scene.
Can my parents watch my audition?
No. Parents are welcome to accompany you before and after the audition. There will be a place for them to wait while you are in your audition.
What if I cannot make the audition dates?
Unfortunately, if you cannot make the audition date then you will not be able to audition. We are not able to set up individual auditions.
What is a callback?
The callback is a second audition where the selection process becomes more specific. At a callback you may be asked to read additional scenes from the show, prepare music from the score, or learn additional dance combinations. The callback is an opportunity for the director to see and hear different combinations of actors.
What if I don't get a callback?
Not being called back doesn’t always mean that you aren’t being cast in the show. Sometimes a callback is needed for a director to look at the way specific groups of people fit together. A callback list is not an indicator of final casting.
When and where do rehearsals take place?
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances take place either at FMCT’s Mainstage location in the Hjemkomst Center (202 1st Ave N, Moorhead MN, 56560) or at our rehearsal studio in the Pioneer Center (715 13th Ave E Suite 101, West Fargo, ND 58078). Rehearsals are typically held Sunday-Thursday evenings between the hours of 6:00-10:00, depending on availability. Some Friday and Saturday availability may be required as indicated on audition form conflict calendars. Tech rehearsals may also require longer hours of availability.
How will I know if I receive a callback or if I am cast in a show?
Audition communication will be done by email using the address supplied via the Sign-Up Genius and audition forms. All auditionees—whether they are or are not called back or cast in the show—will receive this email correspondence. We try our best to have final cast lists communicated within the week following auditions. We ask that auditionees not call the theater to inquire whether you have been cast or not.