Announce the title of the selected play several weeks ahead of the auditions. Begin circulating general information about the subject or nature of the play.
Ask the school newspaper to run an article about the upcoming auditions, including a short blurb telling what the play is about, when and where it is set, and whether it is a drama or comedy. Of course, the blurb should include the date, time, and place of the auditions, as well as how many actors are needed. Advise students that they should come to the auditions with a memorized 30-second monologue.
Make posters — with the help of students in theater classes or the drama club — that relay all of the pertinent information mentioned in Step 2.
Encourage English teachers to mention the play and the upcoming auditions. Since nearly every student is enrolled in an English class, this is a good way to get the message out. Sometimes, English teachers are willing to help students find appropriate monologues.
Post a signup sheet outside your classroom. Make the time slots five minutes apart.
Arrange for two or more fellow faculty members to assist you on the day of auditions.
Prepare the information, contact and conflict sheets students will fill out as they wait to be called.
As students arrive, direct them to a “holding area” -- a large room with one faculty member assigned as a monitor. While they wait, students will complete forms by providing basic information about themselves, as well as any conflicts they might have with the rehearsal schedule (softball practice, church obligations, etc.).
Seat yourself and other staff member(s) in the house.
Before each student takes the stage, ask him or her to hand you the information sheet, which you will also use for notes, and to pause briefly for a photograph. Photographs will increase your likelihood of remembering each student’s audition.
Ask the student to stand center stage and announce the title and author of the selected monologue. Jot that information down and then say, “Anytime you’re ready.”
Give each student your full attention while she is reading.
Hand the student the script of the upcoming play and ask him to read a passage. If the passage involves another actor, have a faculty member read that part.
When each audition is over, simply say, “Thank you for auditioning. The callback list will be posted (time and day).”
Do not discuss or make comments about any of the auditions in the presence of any students. Post the callback list without comment.