A Call for Kindness: Supporting Students This Audition Season

by Chris Peterson

Dear Theatre Educators,

As the audition season approaches, I write to you not just as a colleague in arts education but as someone who deeply believes in the transformative power of theatre—and in the hearts of the students who bring it to life.

This time of year is exciting but can also be incredibly overwhelming. Students come to you with their dreams laid bare, carrying the weight of countless hours of preparation and the hope of finding their place in the next chapter of their artistic journey. With that in mind, I encourage all of you to approach this season with an extra measure of kindness and care.

Each student who steps into an audition room is offering a piece of their soul. They may be nervous, over-rehearsed, or still learning how to stand confidently in their own skin. Some may have had the privilege of rigorous training, while others are discovering their talent through sheer passion. Every one of them deserves respect for their courage.

Kindness does not compromise rigor. We can hold students to high standards while also creating an environment where they feel seen and valued. A smile, a moment of encouragement, or even a simple “thank you for sharing your work” can go a long way in making a vulnerable moment feel meaningful.

Let us also remember that, for many, this process is their introduction to this field on a collegiate level. How you treat them now may shape how they view themselves as artists—and how they view theatre as a profession. Let’s nurture the spark of creativity that brought them here in the first place.

Thank you for the work you do every day to shape the next generation of theatre-makers. Together, we can ensure that their audition season, no matter the outcome, leaves them inspired to keep creating.