These industry-led masterclasses are designed to offer accessible information, answer questions, and provide skill-sharing opportunities for working creatives.
Unlock the secrets to a positive audition experience with our Auditioning Masterclass. Join us for this friendly and informal session, designed to help you walk with confidence into any musical audition. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, this masterclass will equip you with the skills and confidence to show yourself to the best of your abilities.
This masterclass will take the form of ‘mock auditions’ – each participant will have the chance to “audition” for the panel, and receive feedback. Participants will also watch each others’ auditions and feedback, and there will be a short Q&A at the end.
New for this year: Rather than bringing your own audition material, participants will be sent material from three musicals that Lisa Campbell has previously cast. This material will be provided two weeks before the session. Once received, you’ll choose which project you’d like to ‘audition’ for on the day. The names of the musicals will remain a surprise until the material is released – just like a real-life audition scenario!
What You’ll Gain:
- Song Choice Mastery: Discuss how to select the best song to showcase YOUR talents.
- Presentation Skills: Learn how to engage the panel from the moment you step into the room.
- Character Interpretation: Deepen your understanding of conveying character effectively through a short performance.
- Cold Reading Techniques: Learn strategies for handling cold reads, and locking into a performance with minimal preparation.
- Feedback Utilisation: Gain insights on how to interpret and apply feedback constructively.
- Preparation, preparation, preparation: Learn how to prepare effectively, from organising your sheet music, to other essential audition materials.
Led by award-winning casting director Lisa Campbell, alongside special guest industry professionals (to be announced), this session will give you the tools, insight, and confidence to show up and stand out. For even more information, check out our FAQ section below!
This is a participatory, hands-on session designed to build your skills, grow your confidence, and get you ready for whatever audition room comes next.
Prices
Full Price | $49
Under 35s | $29
Passports
Festival Passport 10% off | $44 full / $26 U35
Festival Passport 20% off | $39 full / $23 U35
Times
Tuesday 22 July | 6pm – 9pm
Running Time
3 hours
Additional Info
British born Lisa Campbell is an award-winning producer and casting director. Her production company, Luckiest Productions has produced national tours, international documentaries and live recordings for DVD and cinema release. They have won Helpmann and ARIA awards, as well as numerous Sydney Theatre Awards. She was producer of Adelaide Cabaret Festival from 2009-2011, alongside her husband David as Artistic Director.
As a Producer, Lisa has presented many successful musical theatre productions, including Sweet Charity (with Tinderbox Productions and Neil Gooding Productions), Little Shop of Horrors (with Tinderbox Productions), Only Heaven Knows, Miracle City and Gypsy. For the Hayes Theatre Co, she has produced Assassins, Caroline, Or Change, Merrily We Roll Along and A Little Night Music – which recently won Best Musical at the 2024 Sydney Theatre Awards.
As a casting director, Lisa has cast productions world wide. She is currently the International Casting Director for Global Creatures’ Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Casting Director for the forthcoming Australian tour of Beetlejuice The Musical – produced by Michael Cassel Group. In 2022, she was awarded with the award for Best Casting of a Musical for her work on Moulin Rouge! Australia.
Lisa is a founding member of the Hayes Theatre Co, and sat as Chair of the Board for eight years.
FAQs
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What should I prepare?
Two weeks before the session, we’ll send out audition material from three musicals previously cast by Lisa Campbell. You’ll choose one of these projects to prepare for your mock audition. You won’t know what the musicals are until the material is sent, so be ready for a surprise!
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Will I be performing in front of others?
Yes. All participants will watch each other’s auditions and hear the feedback provided. It’s an excellent way to learn through shared experience.
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How long will I have with the panel?
Each participant will have approximately 10 minutes to perform and receive feedback.
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What do I need to bring?
Just yourself and any notes or annotations you’d like to make on your chosen material. We will provide piano sheet music and any sides needed—there’s no need to bring your own.
Please also bring:
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Water and a snack (no kitchen facilities on-site)
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A notebook or device for taking notes
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Can I use a backing track or sing a cappella?
No need! We will provide a professional pianist to accompany you on the day.
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Should I send anything ahead of time?
Yes. Once registered, you’ll be asked to email your CV and headshot, which will be shared with the panel in advance. Please await our email regarding this.
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What should I wear?
Dress as you would if you were auditioning for the specific role in the show you’ve chosen. Consider comfort and character—this is your chance to show how you’d show up for the real thing.
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Is this a formal audition for Hayes Theatre Co?
No. This is a masterclass, not a formal audition. If you’re interested in auditioning for Hayes Theatre Co productions, keep an eye out for General Auditions.
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How do I get there?
Train, Bus, Car – whatever your heart desires! Hayes Theatre Co is located in the heart of Potts Point and is just a short walk from the 311-bus stop and Kings Cross Train Station. For more info, head to transportnsw.info
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Is the venue accessible?
Hayes Theatre Co is accessible to everyone. We encourage all customers with access requirements to get in touch with us so we can discuss your requirements. Our theatre includes road-to-stage step-free access, and we have several dedicated accessible seating areas.
A lift operates from the theatre entrance to the foyer and entry to the auditorium is via the side door located off the balcony for those who have difficulty managing stairs. Please speak to the Box Office Assistant upon arrival at your performance to arrange access. Our staff and volunteer crew will assist in navigating these access points.
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Are there restrooms available on-site?
Yes, we have multiple restrooms on-site! At Hayes we welcome gender diversity and encourage everyone to use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.
There is one accessible toilet on the foyer level. There are also two ambulant toilets located within the male and female bathrooms.
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Is there parking available?
Discount parking is available from the Kings Cross Parking Station (entrance on Ward Avenue). Bring your parking ticket with you to the theatre and have it validated at our Box Office to receive unlimited parking for $15.
Limited 1 hour (free after 5 pm) street parking is available around the area. Please note the parking signs as to restrictions.