Q. How much do I need to know about the plays before I show up?
A. We don’t require you to have any prior knowledge of the shows you audition for – although of course a bit of background info can’t do any harm! Each show will have an information sheet with a few brief details about the plot and characters to help you decide which part might be right for you, so there’s no need for frantic Wikipedia searches.
Q. Should I prepare a monologue?
A. No preparation is necessary - we’ll provide all the audition pieces for you.
Q. Should I come in costume?
A. There’s no need to wear anything specific, but we do encourage you to dress comfortably (and warmly – the theatre can get very cold!).
Q. How long will I have to prepare my audition piece?
A. That’s up to you! After we welcome you into our (somewhat chilly) auditorium, you will be able to look over the audition pieces on offer, and take as much time as you need to read through and choose the ones you’d like to use. The pieces aren’t long, usually no more than a few pages, so nothing to be intimidated by. We do encourage everyone to come along as early as possible, to avoid rushing auditions nearer the end of the day.
Q. Can I audition by myself, or do I need a partner?
A. Some audition pieces will be monologues, some will be dialogues or multiple-character scenes – the director will describe on their show’s information sheet any specific instructions as to what they’d like to see, but usually you can either read by yourself or with a friend, whichever you’d prefer. If you’re here alone but would like to audition with somebody, just ask the supervising committee member, who can help to match you up with a scene partner!
Q. Can I audition for several shows?
A. We don’t limit the number of productions you can audition for or be involved in, although do bear in mind that doing multiple shows in consecutive weeks alongside academic deadlines can be tricky. But if you’ve got time, then go for it!
Q. When will I hear back?
A. The show’s director will notify you either by phone or by email within a few days of your audition. You may be invited to a callback, where you’re likely to be paired up with different actors, and try different scenes or texts. Once callbacks are finished, you’ll again receive a phone call or email letting you know whether or not you’ve got the part.
Q. I’ve been offered a role, but I’m pretty busy – what kind of time commitment is a Bedlam show?
A. It all depends on the size of your part, the length of the show and how soon the performance is. Usually a show will have three or four rehearsals per week, each about three hours long, and it’s up to your director to decide how much of that time you’ll be needed for. If you’ve got essays coming up and you’re concerned, just get in touch with your director or producer, who will be sympathetic – we’ve all been there!
Q. I didn’t get in – can I still be involved?
A. Absolutely! Shows are always on the lookout for assistants and helpers in all kinds of areas, so if it didn’t work out this time, you could try your hand at something new - check out the other pages in this section for a few ideas. You could also consider auditioning for one of Edinburgh’s many other theatre societies, such as Paradok, EUSOG, Footlights or the Shakespeare Company – plus, the next round of Bedlam auditions are only a few weeks away…