auditioning in plays and theatre?

Question

where is a good theatre program in michigan? what is the difference from a professinal theatre to a community theatre? what is civic? i really want to act and im 13

Answer 1

Commuity and Civic are the same thing. Professional technically means that the theatre is in a contractual relationship with Actors Equity Association (the union representing professional actors and stage managers). There are also a lot of what are often refered to as semi-professional theatres. These are theatres that pay small stipends to thier cast, crew and creative team, they may occassionally hire union talent, but there are no union protections for anyone else.
The truth is at every level there is a lot of really good people and a lot of crap. Michigan has a lot of great theatre, look in your community first, then look to the larger poulation areas, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Detroit all have some very well respected companies.
Good luck

Answer 2

What I would do to find a good theater program around your area is go to the Yahoo! Search thing-a-ma-bob on the home page, and click "LOCAL". Then search for "Theaters" around where you live. Well, there's not much of a difference between them. A civic and a community theater are the same thing. They are companies with MOSTLY non-professional actors and don't pay, but you usually have to go through an audition process. It's a great place to start! Community theaters can sometimes be professional theaters, I mean if they list themselves as a non-profit organization, then they can sometimes be considered professional. Professional theater is the same thing, except you usually DO get paid, and more professional people work w/ u.

Answer 3

Just a comment on professional theatre...

Working as a professional does not relate to whether you get paid or not - it is an attitude.. a state of mind ..with which you approach your role in the production, whether on stage or behind the scenes.



I have been paid to work with some of the most incredibly unprofessional people I have ever known, and I have worked in a volunteer environment with some of the most professional people I have ever known.

I would provide contacts endlessly for the unpaid professionals before I would do so for the paid unprofessionals - in fact I would tell people to turn around and run the other way.

Answer 4

community theater is amateur local actors, who usually do not get paid for their work. they do it just for fun. It is a great way to learn about acting if you have never tried it, and lots of people that will help you learn and get experience.
professional theater is for paid actors. the standards are much higher, and you have to pass an audition process to get the job.

if you have never tried acting, community theater is a great way to start. a lot less pressure, and usually less ego from the people there. everyone just wants to put on a good show and have fun. but you have to deal with very little money for things like costumes, sets, etc.

does your school have a theater program? you should look into that also.

Answer 5

You can find free listings of auditions at http://www.actorspages.org

You can also post your pictures and resume for free.