Atlanta has become a centre for stage and screen work in the US. Performers can find plenty of opportunities for acting, voice acting, singing, and dancing year-round. The performing arts scene, in particular, is a hotbed for theatrical casting prospects. Find out which resources are available to Atlanta actors and how to prepare for your next audition.
Overview of Atlanta’s Performing Arts Scene
Atlanta’s arts scene is large and fast-moving. Major theatres, regional companies, and independent productions all make up the stage and film industries in the city. For aspiring actors, this means there are many chances to gain experience, both in auditioning and in acting in productions.
In the stage scene, Atlanta is home to many large-scale theatres that put on Broadway-worthy productions, smaller theatres with solid offerings, community theatres, and independent and artistic companies. Performers can find roles in traditional musicals and plays as well as avant-garde and experimental works. Occasionally, satellite auditions for Broadway are even held in Atlanta.
The Rise of Atlanta as an Entertainment Hub
Atlanta has long been a center for culture, especially in the Black community; as early as the 1970s, it was being called “Black Mecca of the South” by journalists (specifically Phyl Garland, in this instance). The city was a place where folks could express themselves freely, which was especially important during those oppressive years.
Still today, Atlanta is at the forefront of cultural representation and innovation, particularly in the Black community. It was where filmmaker Tyler Perry pioneered the first major film studio owned by a Black person in 2019. As time has passed, the city has become a hotbed for arts and culture that encompasses the Black community and beyond.
Today, actors can find regular casting calls in theatre, commercial work, and film. These casting notices seek talent across all age and experience levels.
Key Venues and Institutions
Atlanta is home to a few big names in stage production. They host auditions for everything from national commercials to local experimental works. Many lead with progressive, inclusive missions.
Alliance Theatre
Alliance Theatre is one of the top names in Atlanta. It typically holds two invited calls for Coca-Cola and Hertz Productions, focusing on local Atlanta talent (those who live within a 60-mile radius of the city). Local actor submissions are open all year long via email. General Alliance Theatre auditions for locals are periodically conducted, and talent can re-audition once per year. Out-of-town talent can submit their headshots and resumes via email for specific productions when they’re announced.
As Atlanta’s national theater, they also produce blockbuster musicals, new works, and family-friendly shows. Notably, the Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young focuses on audiences aged 5 and under (along with their families), making it one of the only professional theatres specializing in this type of production.
Don’t oversell yourself. Really know what you’re auditioning for. If you’re auditioning for a theatre that doesn’t do Shakespeare, don’t do Shakespeare in your monologue.
Chanel Pinnock, intern at Alliance Theatre
Horizon Theatre Company
Actors can find audition opportunities at Horizon Theatre when new productions are announced. The theatre notes that it accepts Equity and non-Equity contracts for all shows, except those specifically for children and families; those are non-equity only. Horizon Theatre hosts large-scale productions of popular and contemporary shows, with occasional classics.
Actor’s Express
The theatre hires both Equity and non-Equity performers, but Equity actors usually have priority in the audition schedule. Auditions are only held once per year, in the fall (usually October), but they may post periodic calls for talent throughout the season if needed. Actor’s Express values artistic exploration and provocative performances.
Regularly practice your acting, singing, and dancing (if applicable), so you feel confident in your skills. Research the theatres and productions so you can choose the best monologues and songs for the roles. Arrive about half an hour before your time slot, or as early as possible for open auditions. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated! Punctuality and professionalism go a long way!
Theatrical Outfit
Actors can upload their information, along with a video submission, to Theatrical Outfit at any time. The company maintains its database of active talent to refer to when new productions are announced. Actors can also audition for specific productions rather than the general audition. While out-of-towners are welcome, Atlanta-based performers are preferred. The theatre emphasises community and the power of art.
| Theatre Company | Location(s) | Sign Up Season | Audition Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Theatre | 1280 Peachtree Street NE | Year-Round | Occassional |
| Horizon Theatre Company | 1083 Austin Avenue | Per production | Per production |
| Actor's Express | King Plow Arts Center, 887 West Marietta Street NW | Fall | Fall |
| Theatrical Outfit | The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. NW | Open | Open & Per production |
How to Find Audition Opportunities
Keep up-to-date with Alliance Theater auditions opportunities and more by checking trusted sources. Casting notices often appear on theatre websites, social media, local association pages, and casting platforms. In Atlanta, there are a few main choices for actors.
Online Casting Platforms
The number one option for finding roles is aggregate casting platforms. These websites list theatre casting opportunities as well as any other acting gigs located in the area, from TV to dinner theatre. They’re a great way to see what other projects are available besides just the stage. The top casting sites in Atlanta include:
- Casting Networks
- Backstage
- Atlanta Theatre Buzz
- All Casting
- Atlanta Community Theater Association
Listings can change daily or weekly, so be sure to check often. The listings usually include information such as dates, callback details, rehearsal locations, performance dates, and audition requirements. These platforms are also helpful for auditions in Phoenix or any other city.
Theater Company Announcements
Check each theater company’s website to find out its specific requirements in auditions. Talent in Atlanta, like most places in the US, is typically expected to prepare for auditions in advance. The general requirements include:
A printed copy of your headshot and updated resume, highlighting relevant acting experience
One or two monologues, usually no longer than 2 minutes each
For singing roles, typically 16 bars of a song
For dancing roles, you may need to have choreography pre-practiced or be ready to learn some on the spot during the audition; dance auditions may take place in the initial call or the callback
Each theatre company lists audition information for general auditions and production-specific auditions on its website. Read them carefully to see what’s expected of you in terms of monologues and songs; each will have different expectations as house rules, and sometimes, based on the production. Practice this technique when looking for auditions in Chicago or anywhere else as well.
Networking and Community Involvement
In any arts community, getting involved in the scene at the local level is often the best way to make connections and secure jobs. Attend workshops and classes at places like Alliance Theatre to connect with fellow performers, as well as directors, casting directors, and other important people in the theatre scene. You’ll build your skills while getting your name shared with influential people who might like you for a future project.
Checking for casting announcements in local circles can help you discover niche projects or find out about new opportunities before they’re broadcast widely. Facebook is one of the top resources. Join local groups for up-to-date information, last-minute casting calls, and smaller opportunities that don’t get posted to official sites. Some of the best groups to join are:
- Atlanta Georgia Casting Calls & Auditions for Film/TV Actors & Actresses
- Atlanta Actors for Actors
- Atlanta Auditions, Casting, Crews & Gigs
- Atlanta Actors Network
Prepare for an Audition with a Vocal Coach
One often-overlooked way to prepare for auditions Atlanta of any kind is to work with a voice coach. Of course, a vocal coach is perfect for musical theatre and singing. But, it’s also a valuable skill that can be applied to any sort of acting. Additionally, it can help you sound (and feel) more confident even when you’re not acting, such as when you’re giving your name and talking with the casting crew! That self-assurance can leave the casting director with a positive and distinct impression, improving your chances of being selected.
A top-notch vocal coach will understand what healthy singing is and will never let a singer hurt the voice.
Badiene Magaziner, Juilliard faculty member
Vocal coaches help actors by:
- Working with you on monologues and musical selections
- Teaching you breathing techniques for breath control
- Giving you effective vocal warmups for speaking and singing
- Honing your pacing, diction, projection, and pronunciation
- Exploring how to avoid vocal accidents like breaking and screeching, while also learning how to employ them on demand without damaging your voice
Vocal coaches help actors prepare for musical theatre auditions, as well as speaking-only roles. Voice control and techniques can help any actor appear more poised and confident, which opens more doors.
Breaking onto the stage or into film in Atlanta can be simple with the right practice, dedication, and audition skills. Hone your talents while connecting with other creators and performers in the arts scene to position yourself as an available, competent actor others love working with. Then, hone your craft with help from a professional coach to make yourself invaluable!
References
- Abdulahi, Neima. “How Atlanta Became the Culture Capital of the Nation.” 11Alive.com, 1 Nov. 2019, www.11alive.com/article/news/local/outreach/atl-culture/how-atlanta-became-america-cultural-capital/85-ba21e6a9-ba32-4cfc-a3bc-3e42f2649f30. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Auditions and Casting.” Alliance Theatre, www.alliancetheatre.org/about/employment/auditions-casting. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “CASTING - Theatrical Outfit.” Theatrical Outfit, 14 May 2026, www.theatricaloutfit.org/work-with-us/casting. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Casting and Designers.” Horizon Theatre Company, www.horizontheatre.com/get-involved/casting-and-auditions. Accessed 24 May 2026.
- “Get Involved.” Actor’s Express, 12 May 2026, actors-express.com/get-involved. Accessed 24 May 2026.
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