Holding auditions in theater/bar unprofessional?

S

StillGuerrillaFilms

Well-known member
Hi folks. :) I'm about to hold open auditions for my new web series and the only reasonable place I could find so far is at a lounge/theater bar. Will holding the auditions at this theater/bar seem unprofessional?

I've been looking and looking for places but I'm a bit stumped. The issue is my web series has a lot of adult themes and so I don't feel like I can hold these auditions just anywhere I can get space. I want to use parts from the real script because from my experience, when I didn't use the real script to audition people, they weren't able to deliver on the real thing even though they did well during the auditions. Who knows why but I thought it would be more helpful to use the real thing. :)

I asked about renting this theater/bar because it's a wine & beer lounge with a 42 seat theater and they support local filmmakers. That's very cool.

But I just want to get a few other thoughts on this before I move forward.

I'm still thinking about where else I could try that would make the talent feel at ease.

Thanks
 
Thanks Zxander. I was very nervous about it before I actually went to see the place. But after going for a visit, I think it will be fine. It just looks like a small theater with a nice little lounge area and a bar off to the side. :) One location down, one more to go (production space). Fun times.
 
I think preparation trumps location - is the place quiet, and is the area for auditioning closed off, without non-involved people watching or coming and going?

Having just a few involved and attentive people, no phones ringing, no interruptions - that shows you're professional and that you're treating the actors as pros who deserve your full attention, without gawkers. Will you have an area outside the audition room for waiting, with someone acting as a receptionist... keeps appointments from overlapping while someone's in mid-read.
 
StillGuerrillaFilms said:
Thanks Zxander. I was very nervous about it before I actually went to see the place. But after going for a visit, I think it will be fine. It just looks like a small theater with a nice little lounge area and a bar off to the side. :) One location down, one more to go (production space). Fun times.
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You are good to go, that should be a fine place for an audition, preparation is key as is the way you present yourself and treat the actors, but sounds like you did a nice job finding a location that will make you and your talent comfortable, that's really what matters. Good job.
 
Not unprofessional but will a wine & beer lounge with 42 empty seats seem too 'vacant and open and public' when it's for the web?

Maybe something like the green room or makeup room in a local theatre or community hall might be more suitable, making the actors feel more at home?

If you're using a real script and have adult themes, make sure you have complete privacy when you run auditions, no accidental interuptions from the house staff, cleaners etc. Once the word gets around etc. IMO a more secluded area will cut it .. where are you going to shoot it?

Cheers.
 
You could try your local library; they usually have meeting rooms for book clubs and such.

Perhaps the actors could wait in the library proper then have an assistant bring them in to read when it's time.
 
rehearsal studios rented hourly - in a pinch use dance rehearsal studios booked early A.M. when quiet
 
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