Q&A with the director of Radio Plays
These are some of the questions director, Lydia Mong, has received since we announced auditions for Radio Plays. If you have a question you’d like to ask, email it to act2theatre@gmail.com and we’ll add it to the list.
For details about the plays and auditions, go to our Audition Info page.
What are Radio Plays?
Before television, show like Dragnet, Ellery Queen mysteries, Little Orphan Annie, Flash Gordon, Gunsmoke, The Lone Ranger and a lot of comedies were only on radio. These shows were performed by actors reading these scripts from a radio studio. People listened to actors play the parts without ever seeing them. You may recall the scene from A Christmas Story when Ralphie listened to Little Orphan Annie. Sometimes, the larger stations would have live audiences while the actors performed, much like the studio audiences for some sitcoms today.
When are the performances?
April 25, 26, 27, 28, May 2, 3, 4, 5, 2019. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. Sundays are at 2:00pm.
When do rehearsals start?
March 18 or thereabout.
I’ve never been in a play before. Can I audition for Radio Plays?
By all means! Yes! All you need is a loud mouth and the ability to read with realistic expression.
Do I have to memorize anything?
No. All but one of the plays will be performed script-in-hand. You don’t have to memorize, but you should be very familiar with the script if you are cast.
Which one is not script-in-hand?
I hope whoever plays Professor Erudite L. Pedanto can memorize that part. It’s not long. Experienced actors shouldn’t have any trouble with it.
Why do you want people to come to auditions on March 16 even if they send an audio audition?
Directors often like to see as many different combinations of people in the roles to find the best blends of vocal and acting styles. It’s easier to tell which people’s voices and acting styles work together best when they’re in the same room together.
What if I can’t make auditions on March 16?
You can record yourself reading from any script and attach the audio file where indicated on the form. If you don’t have a script, read something from a book or magazine. I just need to hear your voice, diction, and reading ability. I’d appreciate a note prior to March 16 if you know you can’t be there on that date.
Can I send you the audition form without an audio file?
Yes, if you intend to attend auditions on March 16.
I’d love to audition, but I work odd hours. I could participate one week, but not the other. Should I still audition?
Yes. Here’s why… This kind of performance allows for some flexibility in casting. I could cast as few as four people to do all four plays in the show if they can do different voices, but I don’t want to. I’d rather have as many people as can be involved. If I have too many talented people show up, I can double-cast some parts as long as all performance dates are covered.
How many rehearsals will there be?
That’s hard to tell until I know how many people are going to be in the cast. I try to schedule rehearsals to accommodate cast member’s jobs and previous commitments when I can. Once rehearsal dates are set, though, I expect everyone to be there on time and ready to rehearse. In general, you can expect 2-3 rehearsals per week beginning March 18 up until the week before the show. That’s tech week, when we’ll rehearse every night and go right into performances.