There Shouldn't Be Audition Fees for Community Theatre

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog

Recently I was alerted to a community theatre that was charging $50 to audition for their upcoming shows. I was more than a bit surprised by this because it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a community theatre charge, let alone that much, for someone to simply audition for their shows.

I’ve seen plenty of local theatre groups and guilds charge membership fees and I’ve also seen plenty of “pay-to-play” fees once someone is cast in the show. And obviously with youth theatre programs where all of those types of fees are included in registration, where everyone is included.

But an audition fee for community theatre seems more than a bit off to me.

And I’m not alone in thinking that. I put the question out on our social media channels and received a ton of responses. It would seem that a lot of people have a problem with this concept. It’s easy to see why, there are a ton of reasons why community theatre groups should avoid charging for auditions.

One of the core values of community theatres is to provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds and experiences to participate in the performing arts. Charging audition fees can deter individuals who are economically disadvantaged from participating, limiting the diversity and talent pool of the theater. Charging fees for auditions can create a perception that the theater is more interested in generating revenue than fostering a supportive creative environment.

Many community theatres operate as non-profit organizations or have a mission to serve their communities. Charging fees might be inconsistent with this non-profit nature and could create tensions between the theater's mission and its financial practices.

Some have made some fair points saying that the fee was refundable if someone was not cast in the show or if the theatre was transparent as to why they charge for auditions and where those funds go. But for me, that’s a lot of work for someone that should never be charged in the first place. I feel the same about colleges who charge for their BFA auditions (I’m looking at you, USC).

I’ve also seen the argument that community theatres are struggling and need to raise as much funding as possible. I get that. But there are plenty of ways to raise capital for your community theatre without charging someone walking through the door just to audition for it.

For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s a community theatre, youth theatre or any other type of theatre group, stop charging people to audition.