<p>I was wondering if it us possible for me to be cast in a regional job even though I’m a teen? If the character is 18-23?</p>
<p>Yes of course you can be cast. It depends on what the director is looking for. If they want an “authentic” teen, you will have a better chance. If they want a more mature, experienced person who looks young, then your chances are less likely.</p>
<p>Still what they say they want and what they do can be very different. I remember that the Cosette breakdown for the upcoming Les Mis movie said something like 18-22, “the younger the better,” but as we all know, a movie star who I think was 26, got the role.</p>
<p>Possibly they might not want to contract with someone who is not a legal adult. Depends on what they said they were looking for. Your best best is to ask for the specifics at the source.</p>
<p>Yes you can, unless the theater has listed specific restrictions. Most theaters will not even ask your age. My D was cast as a prostitute in a large regional production on Jekyl and Hyde when she was 16. She has always looked older and she fit in well. Most directors will not look at your actual age, but rather go by your look.</p>
<p>@takeitallin I’m actually 16…i look older…most people think I’m like 18. I have a beard,i guess that’s why. Should i put my birthday on my resume?</p>
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<p>No, do not include your birthday. They will make notes on your resume as you audition and you can let them figure out if you fit the role. Like I said, your actual age shouldn’t matter for the role unless they have specifically restricted ages. On the other hand, if it is an equity job, they may need to know you are a minor. You might call the theater ahead of time to ask about any requirements. You do not need to identify yourself- just ask if there are any restrictions on age.</p>
<p>There’s really no way to accurately answer this question with the limited information given. If you are a minor, you must tell them. Any reputable theatre company is going to want/need to know your age.</p>
<p>Pros in our big theatre city told us to include the age on the resume until one turns 18. Then the age comes off. This is for professional auditions; I wouldn’t bother with an age for community theatre!
If a professional theatre wants actual teens, then they may hire kids who are young (as in Bye Bye Birdie in NYC a few years ago). But I’ve never heard of a professional theatre hiring a young teen (under 18) who looks older. There are too many older actors available who look their age and don’t come with the issues (legal requirements, etc) that under 18’s have.</p>
<p>@takeitallin i emailed them ahead and asked if minors could audition and they said yes…its a general audition for their whole season.</p>
<p>@classicalbk its a professional regional job…not community theatre.</p>
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<p>TreyH03, is there a particular role you’re thinking of? Different regionals have different rules–some will specify the minimum age to audition and others will let you audition if you’re qualified, and see if you suit their needs. But in general, if minors can audition, your chances of getting a part are pretty low unless they’re specifically looking for someone your age, b/c you’re competing with others who are older. Even if you’re auditioning for, say, Grease, you’re competing with actors in their 20s who are playing teens, and you LOOK like a teen. So usually they won’t take you. And for some shows, there are also some legal issues involved, or the risk of legal issues, especially if the show has sexuality. (Although I have to say, in my son’s experience, that aspect hasn’t been an issue–he did a show with very explicit scenes, but it just required that I sign him off. But his <em>part</em> was for a teen and the director wanted someone who looked like a teen.) Also, the really headachy rules are for actors 14 and younger. After 14 you don’t have to worry about double casting or having a ‘wrangler.’ Finally, different states also have different rules for school. Some states are much stricter about a school aged child missing school than others–it would really depend on the state and your particular age (if you’re 17, it’s very different than if you’re 15). </p>
<p>My final question–did you specify your age when you said ‘minor’? ‘Minor’ can mean under 18, or under 21. If you haven’t, make sure you specify your exact age rather than using the general word, ‘minor.’ If they then allow you to audition, then that means you’re not disqualified. Which is great. Just bear in mind the chances are slight, so view this as a great learning experience, and then if you get something, great. </p>
<p>Sorry for the long answer, but it’s complex.</p>
<p>@connections the role I’m interested in is Corey in Fences…and yes i specified the under 18 i didn’t say minor…but thank you someone who understand…i definitely am not going into thus blind thinking I’m going to get something. The fact of the matter is they are much more talented and more experienced actorsI’ll be auditioning with. I’m simply hoping to Get it.</p>
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<p>That is great that they are willing to see under 18 for late teen roles - the Equity theatre group in our area won’t let anyone under 18 even audition. So by all means take advantage of the opportunity, and break legs! Even if you aren’t cast, it’s always good to get as much audition experience as possible.</p>
<p>I always encourage my D to audition whenever she can!! Have fun, TreyHO3!</p>