You're Ready For This! Preparing for your SETC Audition

by Jenna Tamisiea

(she/her)
Co-chair, Professional Theatre Division

Being invited to audition at SETC is a special and unique experience. Not only is SETC the largest theatre convention of its kind in the U.S., it’s also a true “one-stop shop,” where hundreds of performers audition and can receive immediate callbacks from several dozen professional companies offering varied employment opportunities. 

However, auditioning is also vulnerable and stressful. Your well-earned sixty-second package is likely a big moment for you.  

Despite the high stakes, SETC is designed to be supportive and encouraging, and places a strong emphasis on helping artists make the professional connections they long for during the conference. No need to crash out about auditioning! We have so many resources in place to help you along the way so you can be booked and blessed.

Whether you are an expert at auditioning or this is your first time at SETC, here are three concise steps we highly recommend you review to get the best results out of your sixty seconds of fame:

  1. Take advantage of this year’s new coaching opportunities.
    New to SETC this year is a recommended series of coaching experiences. Auditionees can attend an accompanist panel led by the pianists who will be playing their auditions at the conference, then sign up for individual coaching sessions with theatre professionals, and finally visit with a pianist during warm-up time right before their audition. All of these opportunities will be available once you arrive at the conference, so keep an eye out for more information through Acceptd and the conference schedule.

  2. Watch the “What to Expect” videos.
    Be sure to check out the short videos on What to Expect in Your Audition (this one is especially important-it walks you through what happens after you’re assigned an audition number), as well as interviews with some of the Professional Companies on What Elements Hiring Companies Look For and What Makes a Memorable Audition.

  3. Use the conference workshops to your advantage.
    Beyond your audition, your registration fee gives you access to hundreds of workshops throughout the conference, many of which focus specifically on audition techniques. Once it’s available, explore the Convention Schedule through the Whova app and grab an opportunity for last-minute insight.

Auditioning is one of the bravest things an artist can do! We are so ready to see your hard work, and we hope these resources help you walk into the room confident and ready to shine.