The Children’s Theatre of Charleston’s Current Season

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July 2025

July 12 - July 13

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Auditions

CTOC Rehearsal Space 115 Spring Street, Charleston, WV, United States

October 2025

October 12

How The Grinch Stole Christmas Musical | Auditions

January 2026

January 3, 2026 - January 4, 2026

Matlida Jr. | Auditions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are tips and resources to help you prepare for a Children’s Theatre audition. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.

Click on the question to view the answer.

Are actors paid?

Actors are not compensated, but gain valuable stage experience performing in a professional production.

Do I need to memorize a monologue for the audition?
Sometimes, but not always. After you sing (if the production is a musical) you may be given a copy of a scene from the play that you will be asked to read from. This is called a “cold reading.”

What is 8 bars of sheet music?

For productions that are musicals, you will be asked to sing 8 bars of music. If you look at a piece of sheet music, you will see that the notes are on a series of 5 horizontal lines. You will also see vertical lines that separate those lines into a series of groups of notes. Each one of those vertical sections is a “bar” of music. You can choose any 8 bars for an audition, so try to pick the 8 bars that show off your voice the best. You can even sing “Happy Birthday.” You will be singing a cappella (without musical instruments).

Do I need a headshot (picture) and a resume?

When you arrive you will be given an audition form to fill out. You do not need a resume. There is space on the audition form that asks you to list any theatrical or other experience. If you have a resume we will attach it to the form. A picture is not required. A digital photo will be taken during the audition process for the director to use in casting. The photos will be deleted and destroyed after the casting process is completed.

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.

How old do you have to be to audition?

CTOC is for children 8 years old and older. We do not allow children younger than 8 to audition.

What happens 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 should I wear?

An audition is much like a job interview, except in this interview you might be asked to dance or sing! You should wear clothes and shoes that are easy for you to move in and not trip or fall. CTOC suggests you wear tennis shoes for auditions.

Will I have to audition in front of anyone else who is auditioning?

Yes. You may also be asked to do a cold reading with other people for the scene.

What is a callback?

The “callback” is a second audition where the selection process becomes more specific. At times you may be asked to appear for a callback audition. Not every person will be asked for a callback and not being asked for a callback does not mean you have not been cast in the show. At a callback you will be asked to read additional scenes from the show, prepare music from the score, or learn a dance. The callback is also an opportunity for the director to see and hear different combinations of actors.

What if I am not called back?

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.

I will be out of town or not available to attend a show date or dress rehearsal, can I still audition?

Dress rehearsals and show dates are must dates and are required for the entire cast; please join us next time when those dates are open for you.

What if I can’t make all rehearsals?

CTOC generally rehearses for 6-8 weeks prior to the show. Rehearsals are held at the CTOC workshop at 115 Spring Street in Charleston. Rehearsals are scheduled on weekday evenings between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Rehearsals are also traditionally held on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. On your audition form we will ask you to note any dates that you can’t rehearse. We are often able to work around the availability of the actors we cast. Always be honest about your availability. Excessive absences may result in you not being able to participate in the actual show or in future productions.

Can a parent stay during rehearsals?

Parents are allowed to remain in the building and volunteer in costumes, sets, or props. We do not allow parents upstairs in during rehearsal unless arrangements have been made with the Director.

Can I just drop my child off, or does a parent have to stay?

A parent does not need to stay during the rehearsals. However, we do ask that children be delivered and picked up from rehearsals promptly, and that parents agree to supply transportation to and from rehearsals and performances. Cast members are required to remain inside the CTOC workshop until a responsible adult enters the CTOC rehearsal space and signs them out.

How will I know if I am cast in the show?

As soon as all casting decisions are completed, an email listing of the entire cast list will be sent to everyone who has provided an email address. In addition, the cast list will be posted on our website and social media. Eit

What is expected if I am cast?

CTOC expects all actors and participants to exhibit the following behaviors at all times: respect, cooperation, reliability, courtesy, and safe practices.

CTOC also expects the following of all actors and their parents:

Parental cooperation is essential in order to make the production a rewarding and pleasant experience for all children

Actors are making a commitment to be present at ALL rehearsals needed and ALL performances. The only absences that are allowed are those excused by the Assistant Director or Director. If an actor will be absent from any rehearsal, CTOC must know in advance.

Actors must know their lines (if any) and blocking (where they need to be on stage). Parents need to help ensure all actors know their lines and blocking.

Actors are expected to sit quietly during rehearsals, even when not on stage.

CTOC has lots of costumes, props, and stage pieces in its workshop and backstage during performances. Actors should never play with, disturb or move this property, unless it is their actual costume or stage prop. Actors also should never play on any of the stage pieces.

Actors and their families are expected to respect the production staff, the facility and the property owned or used by the CTOC.

If I am cast, do I receive any free tickets to the show?

No. Income for CTOC comes from the sale of tickets from both our school and public performances. Except for a small amount of money received from donations and Fund for the Arts each month, ticket sale money is the only income that keeps CTOC able to provide theatrical opportunities for children and adults in the community. All family members wanting to watch the show, must purchase a ticket.

How do I purchase tickets?

When tickets go on sale you they can be purchased through the Clay Center Box Office. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. All tickets are reserved seating.

THE OFFICIAL WEST VIRGINIA CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Auditions