An Insider Look at What We Look For in Potential Players at nct auditions
Auditions at Neighborhood Comedy Theatre happen but once a year, and this is the first time in several years that auditioners will be cast directly onto the Main Stage performing improv team. However, it might be hard to know what we are looking for as we watch the hilarious and exciting auditions take place?
Be On Time- In Fact, Be Early
Auditions for 2016 are Sunday February 28th at 1:00pm. We like to start as close to 1:00 as we possibly can, which means that everyone needs to be ready to go! There is a short form to fill out when you arrive, and our helpful players will also take your picture so that we can match the face up to the names. Of course, it is helpful to arrive about 10-15 minutes early in order to accomplish all this. PLUS, being a bit early shows us that you are eager and excited to be a part of the action.
Say Yes
It’s Rule Numero Uno in impov and, of course, it is the first thing we look for in new improvisers for our team. The best advice that we can give potential improv comedians is also pretty great advice for the rest of life as well: Say YES! to ideas that come your way. Listen carefully and interact with positivity and encouragement for your fellow performers.
Yes, we have cast folks before who did not get one laugh during auditions, but they listened carefully and said YES! to all of the ideas that were put in front of them on stage.
Add SOMETHING
Saying YES! is a great beginning, and adding something is key to letting us know that you are an engaged and energetic person. Listen carefully to the ideas of others on stage, agree by saying YES and then add something interesting that will help to move our story forward. Should you add something crazy and wackadoodle from way out of left field that will catch everyone off guard and get a laugh? Heavens no! Add something that makes sense and is the logical next step in the story. This will show us that you are able to listen, you know how to say yes, and you can add information that tells an interesting story.
Be YOURSELF
NCT is most interested in adding fresh perspectives to our always evolving team of improvisers. Each Friday & Saturday night we choose between 7-9 performers for the show. We like for the show to always have a new and fresh spin, and that is why we like to keep the team fresh and exciting as well. The best way to be noticed at auditions is to be the best and most interesting version of yourself possible!
No Show Boats
During improv comedy auditions we are never interested in too big, too loud, too splashy or too kookoo bananas crazy. We are not even interested in seeing which of the auditioners get the biggest laughs. We are looking for the people who are listening, saying YES!, adding to the story and supporting their fellow players on stage. Show Boats rarely get positive attention at improv auditions. So please, be yourself and show us how amazing you are!
Be Polite
Many of the cast of improv comics at NCT like to help out at auditions. They will be the people checking you in when you arrive, taking your picture, explaining what to do next and yes, they will be watching as you go through the process of audition. Our players will almost always note when someone is particularly nice and polite, they will certainly note anyone who is pushy or rude. Remember, if you make it to the team, the folks helping out at auditions will be your new team mates and friends.
Have Fun!
Let’s be real, the whole point of improv comedy is to have fun! Therefore, it makes the most possible sense to have fun in your auditions! Get up there on stage and show us that you love it, you listen, you say YES! and you belong on the team at NCT!
Give us a call today to sign up or ask questions! 602-374-5638