What is the best way to approach a musical callback?

Question

I'm auditioning for a production of The Wizard of Oz, and if I do get a callback, I want to show the director that I can act the parts of the Wicked Witch, Dorothy, and Glinda. How should I perform my callback, if I am to get one?

Note: I did get said callback for Dorothy and Glinda. This is a school production, and the director has given me specific scenes for each character.

I would just like to know how I can make my callback even more convincing. I recieved the materials today, and the callback is Tuesday.

Also: My director has just given me the script for the Wicked Witch, even though he said he wants me in a singing role.

Thanks to everyone who answered! I got the part of Dorothy!

Answer 1

You don't say what level of theatre you're talking about: High School, College, Community Theatre, Professional, etc. so it's difficult to get too specific. Since the most prevelant of these forms is community theatre , I will tailor my answer to that, and let you adapt as necessary to accomodate something else if need be.
On the audition form that you fill out, there will be the question "Role(s) you are interested in playing". It may be phrased differently, but you'll recognize it. List any and all roles you are interested in. The director will then look at that, then at you to see if he feels you physically fit any of those roles (for example, if he thinks you look the right age for Dorothy, he may think you're too young to do justice to the Wicked Witch or to Glinda -- he also may have certain height and/or weight preference to fit his "vision" of the production).
He will then ask you to read lines (sides) with another actor, to see how the two (or more) of you look together, and get a sense of your onstage chemistry with each other. If he thinks you may work in more than one role, he'll ask you to read other scenes, also.
As for callbacks...there is only one way to approach them: Prepared! When the call comes, it will probably be an assistant director, stage manager or someone else on the director's staff. Be sure to ask if the caller knows which part you're being considered for. That way you know which character to dress like. If you are being considered for more than one role, then dress like you.
Know the music you're going to audition with, work on the dance steps the choreogarapher gave you at the general auditions and the most important part (which is easier said than done) Don't Be Nervous!
Be yourself except when reading a specific character, relax and have fun.
I'm on Yahoo 360--let me know how you did!
Break a leg!

Answer 2

You can ask to read additional roles, but be prepared for "no thank you". A callback is designed for the director to see a bit more of each actor and play with different combinations. If the director has you in mind for a particular role, reading another one will probably have little effect.

I went in to a callback knowing that the role I wanted was already cast. Although I was asked to read this role several times with different actresses, I knew there was no way I would get it over the actor already chosen. But I had fun reading it. The reason for my readin was at the director's discretion: he wanted to see the actresses I was reading with and not me.

Answer 3

Typically, you will be called back for a specific role. Every callback I've ever done was like that, and the director and musical director had me do material from the show.

Answer 4

Not knowing what the director will ask of you, I'd suggest you prepare yourself to do the scene where all three interact together, the one in which Dorothy first arrives in Oz. Make sure the director knows he can ask you to read each part.

Then choose your best song and sing like it means everything - which it does. Break a leg, girl!

Answer 5

Since you don't know what they'll be looking for at the call back, if they don't tell you, Just do the best you can. If you feel like you're being too big or too loud, you're doing it right. Just don't strain yourself because that's easily noticed. You'll probably be nervous, which is good, and all directors know that you'll do better when you learn the part and you'll improve as you learn with them. So just don't worry about it and get up there and do what you feel is right. Don't hold yourself back.

Answer 6

Show confidence*, range* and projection. Think Ethel Merman and reach the back row or the upper balcony!

*Ask to read for an additional role, particularly the Wicked Witch -- the juciest role in the show.

Break a leg! Knock 'Em Dead!

Answer 7

Callbacks are all approximately being relatively very nearly as stable as b4, in a as lots as date callback of mine, human beings relatively cracked and the others that sang indoors the prevalent way the 1st time have been given the appropriate roles :)