I am non-equity and have just started to audition for epa's. Im still in school for another month and a half but am getting an early start whenever my schedule allows. SO...I know that for epa musicals I need to arrive at 6am or so to put my name on the unofficial list if I even want to have a chance at getting seen. BUT, what about straight plays? What is the realistic time to get on or begin the unofficial list for non-musicals? ALSO, are there different rules for auditions at the AEA building than, say, Pearl or Chealsea studios? THANKS

Hi, there. There is no official time that you should arrive for plays versus musicals- both auditions can be just as crowded, and sometimes there can be no wait at all. It seems to depend on a variety of different factors, including how many shows are auditioning at the same venue (and, therefore, more people are there to sign up for more than one project.) I have also been at these venues to sign up for a straight play audition when almost no one is there. So, I would go ahead and set aside the same amount of time for a straight play.

As for rules, there are no differences between audition venue, per se. Equity productions have their own set of audition procedures no matter which building they are in. The main difference between the Equity building and other venues is that Equity has a restricted area especially for AEA members that non-AEA members cannot get into until their specific audition time, while Pearl, Chelsea, Ripley Grier, etc do not have such limitations. So, in that respect, your audition experience will be a little different depending on your location. But AEA audition procedures are the same regardless of where they are at.

I hope this makes sense- good luck at those auditions, and congratulations on your impending graduation!