Auditions at 34 West are like opening Pandora's Box. You never know what to expect.
Therefore, it’s super-rare when we host an open call. Once every eight years, in fact.
We’re not elitist or anything. When we find actors who can pull off our type of high-energy comedies, who can sing, who add gravitas to the role AND who are good people who care about others — we tend to work with them again and again.
Seems like a lot to ask, doesn’t it?
The truth of the mater is, the stakes are very high. The intimacy of the venue requires authentic performers. There’s no hiding. You’re literally inches from the audience. And you can hear EVERYTHING that happens in the theater.
Open auditions April 9. Email casting@34west.org
You can tell if the audience is enjoying the show just by the way they breathe! And the same is true for them. They see everything you’re thinking and feeling.
Performing at 34 West is electrifying. The adrenaline of a packed, intimate house — laughing, cheering, chortling — it’s everything you can do to stay in the moment and in character. It requires focus and discipline.
Most of all, it requires you to put the story first.
Not all actors understand this. Many actors, if not most, put themselves first. They crave the applause, accolades, they need feedback afterward. The irony is that when we put the story first, our performance is better.
Our audience expects to be taken on a journey. Inspired. We write characters who overcome insurmountable odds. The audience is right there, five feet away, waiting for a triumphant ending.
Because in the end, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE.
Our cast has to care about the audience every night. Actually, many of our actors are also educators — teachers, tutors, mentors, etc. We like to hire people who have a natural inclination to care for others. That’s part of our secret formula. It’s what makes a great performance, memorable.
Because the audience can tell…
They know when someone is a diva. They know when the actor has “checked out.” They know when you’re just playing for laughs and when you’re honestly in the moment.
If the idea of performing in this environment excites you, then come on in. You’re in good company.
We’re all in it together. The actors, the audiences. There is not a more supportive, generous environment in all of Charleston. Everyone knows the shows are written by our actors and designers. This sort of creativity births kindness and thankfulness from our audience and community.
It’s a wonderful, magical box to play in each and every night. We hope you’ll consider lifting the lid and exploring more. Auditions are April 9. Email casting@34west.org for an appointment.
Open sesame!
We’re waiting for you… April 9, casting@34west.org