Auditions

Auditions for the first two shows of 2025, Once Upon a Mattress and Heathers are now closed. Please email auditions@heaproductions.nl to express interest in auditioning for future shows.

Different from previous years, we are introducing a more formal process for 2025 to ensure the success of each show without burning out volunteers. For each show, we will be asking each cast member to indicate which committees they have the skills to join, and will assign a committee to each cast member to contribute to the show’s success.

Show committees

Committees will include front of house, makeup & hair, costume assistance, flyering, props, set build up, set tear down, social media, and photography. Even if you don’t have skills in hair and makeup for example, you can easily be on the flyering committee to volunteer some extra time distributing and handing out flyers to help sell tickets for the show.

Audition FAQ’s

  • YES! Please audition for all of our shows for the year that you are interested in. There will be very few conflicts between them, despite some overlapping rehearsal schedules.

  • Fill in the form. Please include your full name as you would like it on a program. Include any major holidays or conflicts that you know you have. Look at the character descriptions on the website and select which shows and roles you would like to be considered for.

  • YES! We rarely precast our productions, and when we do we will only hold auditions for the understudy. Actors who have worked with us in the past, whether it be a production or a bootcamp, may have a better chance at being cast if they have shown a history of hard work, dedication, talent and are in general an asset to the team.

  • An understudy is an actor who is prepared to perform the role of another actor if that actor is unable to perform. Understudies are crucial for ensuring that the show can go on without interruption, maintaining the continuity and quality of the performance. In HEA shows, an understudy is always guaranteed at least one performance.

    Double casting is when two people are cast in the same role and split the shows evenly. This may be done due to a particularly demanding role or to provide more opportunities to play a role. It is expected for someone who is double cast to be able to step in for an additional show if their counterpart is unable to perform for any reason.

    Both cases help ensure that a show can go on in the case of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. The financial impact of cancelling a show due to an actor being unable to perform is massive for any theatre group, so we need to take steps to ensure this doesn't happen.

  • YES! We always need help behind the scenes, and if you want to be involved in a specific production, we will figure out where you fit. If you are only interested in performing, we encourage you to sign up for one of our Musical Theater Bootcamps! This will help you practice your skills, enjoy the process of putting on a production, and give you a chance to play a role without the pressure of a full scale production.

  • The team of each production will decide together for the most part, but the final decision is that of the director. The casting team consists of the director, vocal coach, band director, and choreographers of each production. The level of influence directly correlates with the demands of each show.

  • Absolutely! Ability to pay has no influence on casting decisions. If you are unable to pay the contribution, we will find other ways for you to contribute to the production.

  • Amateur theater is expensive to produce, while maintaining the quality. The cost of sets, costumes, rehearsal space, theater rentals, rights to productions, sound equipment, lighting equipment, programs, posters, stipends for professionals working on the productions, etc. far exceeds the average amount that ticket sales alone can cover. We do not get funding and every production carries a huge financial risk, and the actors contribution helps us offset some of the upfront costs.

  • Cast members need to commit to selling tickets because it significantly boosts audience attendance, which is essential for the financial health and success of the production. By leveraging their personal networks, cast members can reach a wider audience, ensuring that costs are covered and the theatre can plan future shows. This personal investment also builds community support, creates a vibrant atmosphere for performances, and generates authentic buzz and excitement.

    Cast members inviting audience is the number one seller of tickets, and crucial to ensure the success of a show.