Is anyone going to the equity call? Do you think non equity will be seen since they're looking for actual kids? Also, the notice said looking for actors who are 12-15. Do you think if I just turned 16 two weeks ago, I should still go?? Thanks!

I think if you fit the breakdown for the audition, meaning truly look 12~15, go for it!

You must look 13, no older. That all the actors are (or their average ages are) thirteen, is the "gimmick" of the show.
What a great opportunity for those tall 12 year olds!

Remember, you may have turned 16 two weeks ago but this show is going up months from now. That's probably why they recommended kids who try out be 12-15. But if you're sure you can believably play 13 and still do it months from now, go for it! It's an amazing oppertunity.

Well it's starting rehearsals in April, which is just two months from the audition, so I don't think I'll look that much different than than I do now. Thanks for the advice everyone!

This is one of those peculiar auditions. No one can define "13" in today's environment. There are 13 year olds who are 4'10", and my own daughter (now 17) was 5'6" by age 13. There are kids in my friend's daughter's class in 7th grade who are 5"9"-5'11"!

She called the casting office to clarify it, and the casting office said if you are between the ages of 12-15 (not look), you can come. Any shape, size, race, braces, etc. The look will have to be up to casting and the producers/directors I assume.

The kids in the reading were probably between 4"11-5'1 judging from 2 girls that my friend's daughter knows who were in it. The original cast in CA, the girls looked more mature, and when you look at them standing next to JRB (don't know how tall he is), they look like they "could" have been anywhere between 5'1"-5"3"....it's all random. My daughter's friend just turned 13, but she looks older and is very mature. Does she depict today's 13 year old and can others identify with her? Who knows. Most of her friends are that height. Others are shorter or taller.

If you look at the cast of High School Musical, they had a little of everything - goodlooking, nerdy, fat, thin, jocky, etc. Certainly different heights. Maybe they are going for that same composition. If not, then they will probably cast like they did the LA show and the reading - mostly the same height. The LA show had a mixed bag, but the reading seemed to favor brunette girls. You just don't know.

I know a bunch of kids who are 15 and turning 15 who are auditioning for sure. Many look much older than 13, but their agents told them to go on the audition. None are equity, so they will be in the noon-5:30 call. And yes, it promises to be an absolute mad house since it is an open call. They were told to be prepared to wait a long time, bring books to read and food. If you know Chelsea Studios, you will know it is not a big space. Hopefully, it will be well organized anticipating the turnout.

They did put a specific call out for Evan (the lead). The LA cast's Evan was a 17 year old boy who played the part. There is also information floating around that there are already 13 workshops being conducted, but I don't know if it is true or not.

Break legs to all going!

So they specifically said age 12-15 and not look? that is interesting. On one hand, it seems sort of unfair that a young looking 16 or 17 year old (like myself-lol..maybe i am biased) couldnt have a chance, but on the other hand, i am also glad that they are looking for real 13 year olds for a show about 13 year olds.

That is a very interesting point you make though. there is such a huge range of 13 year olds. Not only how they look, but also developementally. But as far as looks and heights, it is completely true. I always thought it was funny that when i was in 7th grade, I was around 4'6'' (i remember only because that was the height requirement at an audition...lol) and my best freind was 5'9''. there is such a range, it will be interesting to see what kind of group of kids theyll come up with for the show.

Wait, was everyone between 5'1 and 5'3 or just the girls? Thanks!

i met someone at another audition and she said her daughter was too short at 4'11 (from the LA auditions). It sounded like they wanted 5'1 - 5'3, but who knows on this one. I agree, the LA kids looked much more mature. The girls in the workshop look around that height range to me, but hard to really tell. They all look like sisters though, so i would think they would want a little diversity in looks, hair color, ethnicity, etc. I just hope this isnt all for publicty and they plan to cast the workshop and LA kids.

Sydb, I am with you on that one. I truly hope that they are not going to have hundreds of kids coming in for the open call and meanwhile have cast it all.

What is interesting is that my friend's daughter's drama teacher said she was sent the breakdown and told to get the word out especially to non-union kids.

I don't think there is much of an equity pool, but I could be wrong. The original post in playbill only called for equity chorus singers. Goodspeed said that they will allow non-union to perform in this production of 13, but I guess it all depends on casting.

I agree that the 3 girls in the picture all looked like sisters and there really wasn't much diversity at all. Too many kids looking alike. The LA cast definitely looked much more diverse. JRB posted on his website that this January reading was thrown together quickly, but he did go up to 2 camps over the summer - Stagedoor manor and French woods - both of which he went to when he was younger so some kids were part of the pool that came to the callbacks with agent kids.

It makes you wonder why he wouldn't use the CA cast - they did bring a 17 year old out to LA from NY to play the lead "Evan"...they also flew in a girl from CA to do this last NY reading. You would think with such a big talent pool in NY that they wouldn't just work with what they have here for the 2 week reading. So it does make you stop and wonder why....perhaps they will keep some of the cast and recruit others - also they will need understudies. And won't they need more than 1 cast since everyone is under 18?

My daughter is 13, and really wants to go to this audition. We are very hesitant for some of the reasons you mentioned. I have a feeling that it has already been (mostly) cast, and that this audition process is a formality. I disagree though with the amount of equity teens. I believe there are plenty of them out there and they would jump at the chance to have a role like this. There isn't much for kids in this age range to be in, so this show is huge.

Lalita, I don't know the numbers of equity teens, but from what I've been told from someone that got the listing directly from people running the show, the pool for equity ages 12-15 is not that big. Older teens perhaps. The lot out there that have done Mary Poppins, Annie, Grinch, Les Mis, Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Grey Gardens, Sunday in the Park with George, American Girl...those are some examples...are either non-union (not all) or busy on other projects...If people fly in from LA or elsewhere that are equity, then I'm sure it will be greater. Someone from the show called a few places telling them to spread the word about the auditions to non-union.

Who knows maybe it is a publicity stunt and then everyone will have been fooled, but I doubt it. Maybe they are looking for media coverage and want to show that there is an incredible interest in the show....but I do know that the non-union turnout is going to be huge.

I still wonder if they will have 2 or 3 casts? It is a law that you can only work a certain amount of hours per week at that age?

I don't think it's a scam. I was just called in to audition friday from my headshot and resume I sent in. So excited I don't have to wait in line all day!

I'm not sure why there would be two or three casts...our friend is 14 on bway now and he does 8 shows/week. We know another girl who did the same at 13. But all the speculation in the world doesn't help anyone, imho, if you want to audition, give it a shot.

jg6970--congrats on the audition! I know there are agency submissions as well so break a leg everyone!

jg670: so agent appts are happening too? maybe that will cut down on the open call??? congrats on your appt! do you mind telling us your age, height, experience (general) etc just wondering what gave you that extra sparkle! IThats so great for you, good luck. When did you submit?

anyone else get a call from their submission?