Are ensemble positions usually called back to do a cold-reading?

Question

after an audition? or is that mainly for the main roles?

Answer 1

If you're called back to do a reading you're usually being considered for a role even if it's a one-liner. Ensemble members don't need to read, just sing and dance :-) A person who was called back to read but ultimately given 'ensemble' may just have had someone else read better for the role, but should be glad that they were considered. It's a compliment. It may just have come down to height or hair color... you never know.

Answer 2

It really depends on the director, and what they want to see. Callbacks are designed to give a director another chance to see what actors are capable of, whether they take direction well, or how they work with certain actors (chemistry between actors is very important, especially if their characters interact a lot).

If you get a callback, that isn't always an indication of what role you're being considered for, or even whether or not you will get a role. Some directors won't call back actors they've already decided to cast, and some directors call back as many people as possible.

If you're going out for an ensemble role and got a callback, it could mean several things. The director could be considering you for a larger role (such as a smaller roles or speaking parts within the ensemble).

Or, the director wants to see how you handle yourself onstage. If your audition only consisted of a monologue (or singing/dancing), the director may want to get a better sense of how you read when you *haven't* had time to prepare the piece. Even if you're up for an ensemble part, your stage presence and how you interact with others is vital--this is another chance for the director to see how you fit into his/her vision of the show.