Phoenix is home to a growing performing arts scene. It’s easy to get involved in community theatre and other artistic endeavours. But, how do you break into the professional theatre companies located in the city? For aspiring actors, singers, and dancers who want to participate in bigger productions, planning and preparation are important. This guide outlines how Phoenix auditions work, where to find them, and how to approach them with confidence.
Preparing for Auditions in Phoenix
Community theatre, professional productions, independent film, and commercial casting are all available to performers in Phoenix. The theatre companies in Phoenix and nearby Tempe usually hold casting calls and auditions in the spring. Information for casting and auditions can be found on theatre websites, university theatre department websites, and talent agency sites.
| Theatre Company | Location(s) | Sign Up Season | Audition Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Theatre Company | The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Ave | Late March | Early April |
| Arizona Theatre Company | Tempe Center for the Arts, Carter Lounge, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe | Late March | Early April |
| Arizona Theatre Company | Temple of Music and Art, Rehearsal Hall, 330 S. Scott Ave, Tucson | Late March | Early April |
| Childsplay Theatre | Childsplay Campus for Imagination and Wonder, 900 S Mitchell Dr. Tempe | Late March | Late March |
Unlike community theatres that hold open casting calls per production throughout the year, the professional theatre companies require pre-submissions and only take auditions once per year. The Phoenix Theatre Company and Arizona Theatre Company are more adult-focused, while the Childsplay Theatre Company in Tempe gives opportunities to child and youth actors.
Childsplay Theatre not only holds family-friendly productions that give young performers experience on the stage, but also offers internships, classes, workshops, and programs to help children prepare and gain confidence. Auditions for all these musical theatre companies tend to be quite competitive, and your preparation should match that level.
Organizing Your Materials
Before attending any Phoenix auditions, actors must prepare a complete and professional package to present at the audition. Casting teams often make quick decisions, partially based on a talent’s readiness and adherence to the schedule. They may see dozens or even hundreds of people in one day, all performing monologues and songs; it’s a gruelling day of analyzing talent and remembering promising auditions. Stand out with your personality, respect, and skills, not for your incomplete portfolio.
Bring with you printed copies of:
- A current headshot that accurately reflects your appearance
- A one-page resume with your experience and training
- Clearly listed contact information
- Special skills relevant to the role (dance, accents, instruments)
Headshots should be simple, without heavy editing or styling. Casting directions need to be able to see how you look in real conditions and remember your face at the audition. Your resume should include performance experience, including school or community theatre, film roles, workshops, and training or professional education. If you’re new to theatre, list any relevant classes, community involvement, or personal projects.
Monologues and Songs
Auditions generally require pre-prepared material. Talent usually has a strict time limit, sometimes as short as 2 minutes, to present their piece. For roles that require acting and singing, the audition window is a little longer. Some theatre companies will have actors perform a dance as part of their first audition, while others may save it for the callback.
Acting and musical auditions differ. Each company may have its own preferences about what type of material an actor should prepare, so be sure to thoroughly read any available information well in advance. In general, casting teams want talent to demonstrate:
For acting:
- One or two monologues (usually with a time limit of <2 minutes)
- Pieces that match your age and casting type
For musical auditions:
- A song that fits the style of the production (usually 16 bars or 1 minute)
- Avoid overly popular songs unless you offer a fresh interpretation
You may generally bring your monologue and/or sheet music with you to prep while waiting your turn and reference briefly during the audition, but try not to rely on them. Always look at the casting team, only glancing at your materials if needed.
Local productions often value spirit and connection over pure technical showmanship, but these professional-level theatre companies in Phoenix expect actors to have a high level of mastery. If you’re auditioning for a dance-heavy production, you may be asked to learn choreography on the spot to evaluate how quickly you can learn new dances. Gaining this experience can help you prepare for auditions on Broadway or anywhere else.
Day-of Tips
Audition days can be stressful, especially for new actors. Having a day-of plan can help reduce some of the anxiety. The exact process may differ depending on the production and the company, but certain expectations generally remain the same across Phoenix casting environments.
If it’s an open call, arrive as early in the morning as you can to get a better spot. Many auditions on Saturday or Sunday begin very early. If you have a scheduled slot, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. If some people before you were no-shows, your slot may get moved up.
Wear clean, simple clothes that allow the casting team to envision you in a stage costume. For some roles, it may be appropriate to wear clothing that suggests the role, but that isn’t a full-blown costume that distracts. For most actors, neutral tones work the best.
Remember to bring your headshot and resume and have them in hand, ready to give to the casting team when you enter the room.
Have a printed copy of your materials to reference while waiting for your call and to glance at during your audition (if needed).
Bring water to keep your body and voice hydrated. Ideally, avoid caffeine, which can add to nerves and negatively impact your voice. Be sure to use the restroom before your call!
Always be respectful to staff, the casting team, and other performers. Not only is it the right thing to do, but casting teams may look unfavourably upon people who are seen as difficult or rude. When entering the room, stay focused and succinct. Introduce yourself clearly, perform your prepared material, follow any given directions, and avoid over-explaining or apologising; if something falls flat, either try again or let it lie.
Tips for a Successful Audition
Auditions require a lot of preparation and practice, and they require more than just talent to be successful. Your professional habits play a large part in casting decisions. Knowing how to behave at an audition to make yourself stand out in a good way is imperative. It can take some time to hone that skill. Start with:
- Punctuality: Always arrive early and respect the schedule.
- Respect: Keep your introduction short and your monologues and music auditions within the time limits.
- Preparedness: Know your material and understand the role(s) you’re auditioning for.
- Professionalism: Communicate clearly and kindly, follow instructions, and exude confidence and competence. Always thank the team for their time.
- Adaptability: Be willing and ready to adjust your performance if asked.
- Follow-Up: Some production companies may appreciate a thank-you note or email, which can leave a good impression. Avoid sending gifts or any sort of contact if the company has outlined that it is not welcome.
Productions want performers who are easy to work with, meaning they are considerate and competent. You must have a proficiency in handling yourself, rather than waiting for people to tell you what to do. A sense of confidence goes a long way in impressing a casting table. Being reliable and having a good attitude are surefire ways to stand out. Use these skills for auditions in Chicago and any other cities you might visit.
Community theatres in Phoenix with open calls throughout the year are still accepting auditions. The professional-level companies have closed auditions for the season, and they will open again in Spring 2027.
Vocal Coaching Tips for Phoenix Auditions
How can you prepare to be as unshakeable and confident as possible on audition day? The process starts with your foundations. Working with a vocal coach can strengthen your self-assurance and conviction, whether you’re in an acting-only role or a musical theatre role. Knowing how to control your voice can add layers to your delivery that make you stand out from other actors.
Vocal coaches help you in a variety of ways:
- Improving pitch and tone
- Vocal flexibility and control (avoid unwanted wavering, screeching, creaking, breaking, etc., and know how to employ those techniques on demand)
- Develop vocal stamina
- How to choose audition material that suits your voice and the role
- Preparing for cold readings or unexpected direction
- Warm-up techniques and routine exercises to keep your voice strong
- Breathing techniques for control and power
Regular coaching sessions can help you build consistency, which is especially helpful if you’re attending multiple auditions over a short period. You’ll be able to recreate your performance and understand how to make specific adjustments for a different impact.
Understanding Phoenix Theatre and Casting Opportunities
In Phoenix, there are two main production companies for actors to work with: the Phoenix Theatre Company and the Arizona Theatre Company. Beyond the city limits, there are many other incredible companies that actors might like to pursue, even if it means frequent travel.
The Phoenix Theatre Company: Founded in 1920, it’s a staple in the local arts scene. It produces a wide variety of shows each season, including classic plays, new works, and major musicals.
The Arizona Theatre Company: Operating in two cities, performers get to showcase their talents in Phoenix/Tempe and Tucson. The non-profit has been the Official State Theatre of Arizona since 1966 and has produced more than 350 plays and musicals.
In March 2023, [Artistic Director Matt August] announced the 56th Season grand slam lineup, in which every show is either a Tony Award winner or nominee, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, or has been adapted into a blockbuster film.
ATC.org
Childsplay Theatre: A professional-level production company for adult, child, and youth actors in Tempe. Established in 1977, the company is nationally and internationally respected. Its productions are aimed at child audiences, and actors of all ages are welcome to audition. Youth talent can take classes, attend programs, and even find apprenticeship and conservatory opportunities.
Arizona Broadway Theatre: Located in Peoria, this theatre specializes in delivering Broadway-quality entertainment to the people of Arizona. The non-profit opened in 2005 and puts on large-scale musicals as well as murder mysteries.
Herberger Theater Center: Hosts touring productions as well as local shows from a variety of local companies. Other art events, like festivals and exhibits, are frequently conducted at the center.
Independent film productions are becoming incredibly popular in the area, as well. Find casting and audition information for roles beyond the stage with well-known services like Backstage, Casting Networks, and All Casting. These websites are also valuable for finding auditions in Atlanta and other cities. Getting involved with the local art scene is the best way to network and learn about new opportunities that might slip through the mainstream cracks.
References
- “2026/2027 Season Auditions - Arizona Theatre Company.” Arizona Theatre Company, 6 Apr. 2026, atc.org/auditions-submissions/2026-2027-season-auditions. Accessed 22 May 2026.
- “Audition at ABT.” Arizona Broadway Theatre, www.azbroadway.org/auditions. Accessed 22 May 2026.
- “Audition, Callback and Casting Information.” The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1 May 2026, phoenixtheatre.com/about-us/audition-callback-and-casting-information. Accessed 22 May 2026.
- “Casting Frequently Asked Questions.” The Phoenix Theatre Company, 27 Mar. 2026, phoenixtheatre.com/about-us/audition-callback-and-casting-information/casting-frequently-asked-questions. Accessed 22 May 2026.
- “Employment | Join Our Team.” Childsplay Theatre, www.childsplayaz.org/employment. Accessed 22 May 2026.
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