Audition - Reference Letters?

Question

Have you ever auditioned for an Acting program for which you were required to bring letters of references? If so, did you ever find out if the letters of reference were followed up on?

Answer 1

Letters of recommendation are generally required ONLY when people are auditioning for inclusion in a college or university training program. I can't imagine a director asking for letters when he/she is merely casting a play.

ANYTIME you're asked to provide letters of recommendation, you should assume that the people who provide them for you will be contacted.

Answer 2

Did they really require you to come up with references? Haven't had that experience, but if they did ask you to submit. I guess you should ask your school's theatre director if you participated in school theatre or community theatre. Or maybe your acting teacher. Is the letter to see if you have theatrical experience? Most likely, it will need to come from someone who can attest to your acting abilities, if not, then maybe it's a general reference, to see if you have the qualities they are looking for.
Maybe they just want to read aboutyou, know more about you. Is there an interview right after the audition? Coz it may be that the interview will center on those letters of reference. And your resume/application form. I've had an interview like that. For a college admission. They read the letters and asked me if I agree with the letters, if I can give an example where I showed my creativity or initiative or leadership. How did I relate to my employer or internship director? Stuff like that. They even photocopied it and gave the originals back to me. They didn't really follow-up with the writer. They don't have that kind of time. They might ask you for the phone number of one of your letter writers though to follow-up with them. Might be that they have to choose between you and another candidate, so they might want to talk with someone who really knows you and will vouch for you. Bring some contact numbers of people who know you and will give a glowing report. But let them know first that you will use them for a refernece just in case you may need to.