Hi folks,
I am working on a follow up to this week's column in Back Stage on the topic of EPAs and whether they are worth the collective effort. If you do EPAs, or have done EPAs, and want to weigh in, I'd love to hear from you. Please read the column (see the link here or the one in my signature) and let me know your thoughts.
Again, please read the column before you respond--I'm not looking for a definition! You can respond via this thread or PM me or email me...
THANK YOU!

http://www.backstage.com/bso/advice-columns/working-act...ontent_id=1003714727

I heard directly from the Casting Director at an EPA that I just took my daughter to and she never got seen, that children should not attend EPA's. Otherwise, for adults, they are definitely worthwhile, but you need to get there about 3 hours before the call time to get an audition slot.

I've taken my daughter to a couple EPA's and she was seen at both. I guess it depends on which production it is for.

You're lucky As an Equity member, I was shocked to show up at the time of the call, and have my DD at get alternate #75! We waited around all day and was never seen (plus I pulled her out of school). For kids it's defintely good to find out if there will be agent appts, and then wait to be granted one of those appts happen. The CD there said that they are generally looking for adults when they have those EPA's. I guess I had to sit through the process to see that I would never do it again!!!

My daughter has been seen at every EPA she's attended. Sometimes we have a long wait, sometimes not. Once they were so excited to have a "real" kid that they push her ahead of the group! Once my daughter just missed the call for before lunch and would be the first "non-Equity" to be seen after lunch break. I asked the monitor if she could squeeze my daughter in because my younger daughter was leaving for camp later that day and I really wanted to get home to her. She did! These have been adult with only one child in the play, musicals, straight plays, many kids in the play, etc. It all just depends on the way the wind is blowing that day.

Is it worth it for a kid? Absolutely - it allows them to "practice" auditions in a very professional environment and to get in front of cds. It works for us!

Well stated neverdefeated!

My daughter has been to many EPAs. She has always been seen. Sometimes no other kids show up, or just a couple. I'm wondering if the hitch is that she has never gotten the big roles even though she has been on multiple callbacks for several shows. The audition experiences have been amazing and wonderful, but she would really like to land one of the big parts. She's the offer to join Equity a few times before, and stupidly we have not done it. Next time for sure!

I agree with neverdefeated. These auditions have been invaluable in building her self-esteem.

Definitely. My daughter has been seen at every EPA she's attended. Is this the norm? I don't know. My dd attended an EPA at DTC. She received a callback and has since booked the role. It will always be a crapshoot for anyone non-union who attends an EPA, child or adult. How else though do you expect to be seen if you don't attend? If this is your goal, you just audition and move on. The theater community is a lot smaller than we think and people do talk. Who knows you may even network with someone for another show at the EPA? That has happened to my husband. One thing I know for sure is that if you don't attend you definitely won't be considered.

From these EPAs that we have attended, twice she has been called by casting directors to audition for other Broadway shows. Yes, you are right, the theatre community is very small. My daughter wants the exposure, so we go.

What is DTC?

DTC is Delaware Theatre Company.

This is a little delayed, but I feel that sometimes it can't hurt to go to the EPAs.

I recently went to the EPA for "Glory Days". Th casting calls clearly stated they were only seeking understudies as it is transferring from Signature in VA, but I was seen by the book writer, music and lyrics writer, the director, the assistant director and the casting director. So it can't hurt to be seen.

I also sometimes go to the EPAs when I can't make the ECCs for some reason. Who knows...maybe I would be good enough to understudy a pre-cast lead and fill an ensemble slot.

And as far as waiting around for nothing, when you get to the EPA, check the sheet with who is in the room. If it says it is a casting assistant and you don't want to get seen by them, then leave.

I'm show my newness but what is and EPA?