Organizing Drama Auditions Without Losing Your Mind

Stepping Into the Director’s Chair

When I directed my first full-length show as a senior project in college, I was pumped. After years of being on the actor’s side of the table—agonizing over monologue choices, walking into intimidating audition rooms, and hoping my resume wasn’t too wrinkled—I was finally the one on the other side of the table.

It felt thrilling... until it didn’t.

We had way more actors show up than expected. While that's a great problem to have, I ended up second-guessing myself at every step. Casting was a giant puzzle, and I had to go hunting for the pieces.

Now? I’ve got over a decade of experience as a drama teacher and director, and I’ve learned how to hold auditions that organized and calm (at calm as possible when kids are going up there and being totally vulnerable). Let me walk you through what works for me—whether you're prepping auditions for a school play, a musical, or even a short film

Step 1: Initial Planning — Set Yourself Up for Success

Before anyone walks into your audition room, you’ve got to know the plan. Ask yourself:

• What do I need to see from actors in order to cast this show?
  

• What types of monologues or scenes are appropriate for this production?
  

• Do I need singing or dancing components?

• Should I a pre-audition workshop to help actors prepare?
  

Once I’ve studied the script and nailed down the character breakdowns, I create a clear, concise audition flyer. This flyer should include:

• Show title and dates
  

• Audition date, time, and location
  

• What to prepare (e.g. monologue, song, movement)
  

• Any forms or headshots needed
  

💡 TIP: Not sure how to help actors find a monologue for an audition or what actors should prepare? I recommend providing a few suggestions or linking to sources that help students know how to find a good monologue for an audition.

📌 Looking for audition workshop ideas? Host a pre-audition session where students can practice with cold reads or mock auditions. It helps calm nerves and boosts turnout!

Need help with flyers? I’ve created customizable templates in my TPT Audition Resources Bundle that you can tweak for any production.

Step 2: Assemble Your Team

You don’t (and your shouldn't) have to do it alone. Even a simple school play audition benefits from having a few key players:

• Sign-in table assistant: Keeps the flow going and gathers audition forms.
  

• Stage manager or student assistant: Helps with timing, directing traffic, or collecting rubrics.
  

• Audition panel (if needed): Who will be making casting decisions with you?

These volunteers can be students in the program, parent volunteers, or fellow teachers. Having everyone know their roles before audition day keeps things running smoothly—and helps avoid those awkward “what do we do next?” moments.

Step 3: Day-of Logistics — The Calm Before the Storm

Here’s what I always have ready before the first actor arrives:

• Audition forms: I use a digital version in advance, but paper copies are at the table too. This saves so much time!
  

• Audition scoring rubrics: Helps keep evaluations consistent, especially when multiple people are giving input.
  

• Casting breakdowns and notes: Character ages, voice ranges, must-cast roles, etc.
  

• Audition room setup: One area for performance, another for the “judging table,” and ideally, a waiting area outside.
  

💡 RESOURCE: My downloadable Audition Rubric Template is editable and includes criteria for acting, voice, physicality, and overall fit. Grab it in my Audition Bundle.

Step 4: Running the Audition — Stay Present & Open-Minded

When auditions start, it’s game time. I like to:

• Greet each actor warmly to ease nerves.
  

• Take brief but useful notes on the rubric.
  

• Fill in potential casting options as I go (yes, I multitask).
  

If you're working on a musical or dance-heavy production, this is where you’ll want to incorporate specific dance auditions or song selections. For high school musicals, group dance auditions are usually more efficient and way less intimidating for students.

And if you're not quite sure yet? Don’t be afraid to schedule callbacks for more chemistry testing or scene work.

Step 5: Casting — The great production Puzzle

After all the monologues, cold reads, songs, and scene work, it’s time to make those big decisions.

Casting is like assembling a puzzle. It's not just about who gave the best performance—it's about:

• Ensemble balance
  

• Role compatibility
  

• Scheduling and commitment
  

• Growth potential
  

My Digital Casting Board tool makes it easier to drag, drop, and visualize the whole cast before finalizing. You can find it in my Audition Resources Bundle if you're ready to ditch the sticky notes and spreadsheets.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Casting can be intense. You want to make the right choices for the show, for the students, and for your own sanity. But when you stay organized, clear, and open-minded, the process gets smoother every time.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to how to hold auditions. Whether you’re working on a school play, a short film, or a high school musical, the key is preparation and flexibility.

Want to save yourself hours of prep time? Check out my Audition Resources Bundle which includes:

• Editable audition flyers
  

• Audition form templates
  

• Rubrics for acting/singing/dance
  

• Digital casting board

• Audition tips handout
  
  

FAQs

How do you hold auditions for a school play?
Start by planning what you need to see, advertise clearly, gather a support team, and stay organized with forms and rubrics. Keep the environment friendly and stress-free for student actors.

What’s a good way to find a monologue for an audition?
Encourage actors to choose pieces that fit their age and emotional range. For younger students, public domain plays or age-appropriate films are great sources.

How do I run auditions for a musical in high school?
Incorporate singing, acting, and movement. Use a rubric for each component and allow time for callbacks if needed. Pre-audition workshops also help boost student confidence.

What should be on an audition form?
Actor contact info, conflicts, past experience, preferred roles, and consent to be cast in any role.

Can I hold auditions for a short film the same way?
Absolutely! Just adapt the rubric and expectations for on-camera acting. Consider asking for self-tape submissions if casting remotely.

Useful Links

• Theatrefolk’s Free Monologue Library
  
  

• StageAgent: Find Audition Songs
  

• Backstage – Audition Tips for Film