A full and frank investigation of what it’s like from “behind the table” when casting for theatre productions. Where to find the opportunities, tips on applying to maximise shortlisting, how best to research and prepare for the audition, what to do (and perhaps also not do!) in the room, what makes a good audition ‘chat’ and how can you ensure you own and nail every theatre audition to ensure you enjoy every minute and leave the room feeling happy.

Find out all this and more, with practical examples and honest answers from Matthew Parker, award winning theatre director and ex-Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre.

The workshop lasts 3 hours and the aim is to debunk the mystery/fear/myths/that seem to surround the casting process for productions on the Off West End and help people feel confident about applying for work, getting shortlisted and how to be the best version of you in audition. And it’ll be both informative and fun. Though aimed primarily at performers this workshop is open to and useful for anyone involved in casting for theatre, including directors, producers etc.

*Some preparation may be required in advance; performers can bring along a 1 minute monologue which they can share with the group for feedback but this element is optional and not a requirement.

Matthew Parker is a multi award winning theatre director, actor, PR consultant and ex-Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre, where he was awarded Best Artistic Director at the OFFIE Awards 2017. For the past 13 years he has directed and been part of the casting process and “behind the table” of over 30 productions on the London Fringe and Off West End including 6 at The Jack Studio Theatre. His work on London’s Off West End often gains excellent reviews, sold out performances and awards, including 8 nominations as Best Director at the OFFIE Awards for his work from 2015 onwards up to and including this year’s Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story at the Jermyn Street Theatre and 2021’s Trestle here at the Jack Studio.

In addition to his work as a director, Matthew has taught and led courses, seminars and workshops in various acting and theatre-making disciplines at the Drama Studio London, The MTA, Mountview and Trinity Laban. Matthew has created and facilitated actor-training workshops, including this one on Audition Process, for professional theatre makers at various London branches of Equity and on the London fringe and he regularly ran this Audition workshop when he was Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre.  More information on Matthew’s work and practice, including all his past productions, can be viewed at matthewparker.net

PHOTO CREDIT: The Lesson is by lhphotoshots