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Registering for Stonehenge
- Pre-registration is required (no walk-ins).
- Registration is online only. Actors may register over a two-week period. Check the schedule of the particular Stonehenge for the precise dates and times.
- Audition slots are assigned by lottery. Lottery results are sent to all actors after the two-week registration period.
- Audition times are divided into 15-minute timeslots from 10am until 4:45pm (with a break from 1pm to 1:45pm for lunch).
- Timeslots are assigned in order of lottery selection depending on timeslot availability. When actors register, they may choose "10am-11:30am, 11:30am-1pm, 2pm-3:30pm, or 3:30pm-5pm. Actors may also specify other time constraints as needed (ie "must audition before 11am because of play rehearsal at noon," etc.)
- 5 actors are assigned to each 15-minute timeslot. These are guaranteed or regular spaces. In addition, 3 actors are waitlisted for each timeslot. These are standby spaces. This way, no actor has to wait a long time to not audition.
- Actors should expect two or three emails:
- You should receive an automated email after you register.
- Next, all actors will receive an email approximately 24 hours after actor registration has closed. It will list whether you have a timeslot or not and whether your space is guaranteed of standby.
- If you are one of the 192 actors with a guaranteed or standby space, you will receive a third email one or two days prior to the audition date. This email will re-confirm your timeslot, making note of any changes due to cancellations on the part of other actors. It will also contain the exact number of headshots you will need to bring.
Preparing for Stonehenge
- Monologue(s) must be 90 seconds or less.
- Please choose monologues appropriate for TV and film.
- Plan on bringing at least 50 copies of your headshot and resume (the exact number will be confirmed in the email sent 1-2 days before the audition)
- If you need to cancel, please let us know IMMEDIATELY at stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com. Well over 300 actors try and register for Stonehenge every time, but there's only 192 spaces (120 guaranteed and 72 standby).
Attending Stonehenge
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to the audition location. Check the particular Stonehenge schedule for location information.
- You must check in 15 minutes before your audition. If you do not check in when your audition slot is called, your space will be given to an actor on the standby list for that timeslot.
- There are no substitutions for any of the timeslots.
- Actors with guaranteed spaces who do not show up and do not cancel will not be allowed to audition at any Stonehenge for a period of no less than three years. (This is the "mud list.")
- The most important thing to remember when attending Stonehenge is to have fun. We're excited to have you audition and want you to do well. Budget your time to come to the audition relatively relaxed and ready to impress. That will probably involve some "hurry up and wait" time, but that's film.
Actor FAQ
What am I auditioning for again?
Stonehenge! Some of you may have attended a mass audition for theatre such as the Leagues. Stonehenge is a massive audition designed to bring as many actors as possible in front of as many independent filmmakers and production companies as possible. It's about you being able to get more film and video work. It's about filmmakers knowing and hiring more of the actors in the area.
How do these sentiments translate into statistics? Since Stonehenge started, we know that at least 82 projects have cast at least 320 roles with actors first seen at Stonehenge—and that's just the ones of which we've been told.
Should I attend?
The short answer is: that's your call. We can provide information to help your decision, but the decision rests with you.
87% of actors surveyed reported getting calls or follow-up auditions out of Stonehenge. 100% of the companies reported seeing actors at Stonehenge they have since used or planned to use—and as you saw in the above statistic, these projects are going into production!
The issue, especially for the experienced actors, many of whom are SAG, is wanting a good percentage of paid projects. We always have companies offering paid projects, however, we recommend that you check out the company information page for the particular Stonehenge. (Bear in mind companies can register up to four days before the event).
Pay particular atention to specific company information as companies list their pay scales:
None/Deferred
Low Pay
Non-Union (commercial rates)
SAG (low budget agreement)
AFTRA (commercial rates)
SAG (commercial rates)
Remember any given production company may offer several of these pay scales. One company may compete in the 48 Hour Film Project and also make industrial films for clients. Whenever you get a call from a company, don't be hesitant to get details—and we don't just mean pay (which can vary even in the categories above).
Stonehenge is open to aspiring and experienced actors alike just as it's open to both aspiring and commercial filmmakers. As many of you have pointed out, the most rewarding acting work is not always the most lucrative. This is one of the reasons why SAG has low budget agreements with many indie filmmakers.
Think about your expectations for the audition, check out the companies listed before actor registration opens up, and decide whether or not you'll benefit from auditioning.
Should I audition if I've been to a previous Stonehenge?
This question should have been at least partially answered by the question above, but here's a few more factors to help you with your decision to attend:
The production companies will never be exactly the same each Stonehenge, which is one of the reasons we won't say no to any actor.
On the other hand, we do hold Stonehenge several times a year and we do want to see as many actors as possible—not the same 120 each time. We unfortunately do not have as many slots as the annual League auditions. With the production companies changing slightly each Stonehenge, this will always be a balancing act.
We encourage companies to get their information up before actors register. That way, you can better gauge whether it's worth returning. If you see enough new companies offering the kind of work you want, by all means register. If you're auditioning just to audition (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), check out which companies are attending. Remember, most companies keep the headshots on file. Has something about you changed dramatically? (pun not fully intended).
However often you choose to attend Stonehenge, please change your monologue. There are enough companies that do attend every Stonehenge. We will remember and we will compare, perhaps subconsciously, your delivery to your previous performance. Moreover, some filmmakers may just think, "jeez, this monologue again." and tune you out as they wait for the next actor.
What if I can't make it to Stonehenge that day?
We're sorry we won't be able to see you. New Stonehenge dates are always being set. You can check back at the Team J blog for more information on the Stonehenge schedule.
How does the lottery work?
You'll need to check the schedule of the particular Stonehenge, but there are three days you need to remember:
- About one month before the audition, actor registration opens.
- Two weeks before the audition, usually at 6pm, actor registration closes. Actors will then be randomly selected and placed in timeslots based on their preferences and timeslot availability.
- The following day, 24 hours after actor registration has closed, you will receive an email with your status and timeslot (if applicable).
There are four different statuses:
- GUARANTEED
(5 spaces per timeslot, 120 spaces total)
You will be auditioning! This email will give you your timeslot assignment. If you are unable to attend, please cancel as soon as possible at stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com. (Actors with a guaranteed slot who do not show and do not cancel will be placed on the "Mud List.") Remember, another email will be sent one to two days before the audition giving you your order and the eaxt number of resumes (plan on at least 50).
- STANDBY
(3 spaces per timeslot, 72 spaces total)
You might be auditioning.
This email will give you your timeslot assignment. If enough actors don't show, you will audition. You will still be able to drop off your headshot/resumes for distribution with the production companies. If you are unable to attend, please cancel as soon as possible at stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com. Remember, another email will be sent one to two days before the audition giving you your order and the eaxt number of resumes (plan on at least 50).
- WAITLIST
You probably will not get a chance to audition. Based on past Stonehenge cancellation rates, a limited number of actors will be placed on a waitlist. If a space opens up within the two weeks between the lottery results and the audition, you will be sent an email indicating you have a space (almost certainly a standby space). Only then can you expect a confirmation email one to two days before the audition. If you receive this status from the lottery results and do not wish to be on the waitlist, please send us an email at stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com. If you don't receive an email after the lottery results, there hasn't been an opening and we hope to see you at a future Stonehenge. (Remember, only actors with guaranteed or standby spaces may attend the audition and there are no substitutions.)
- NOT SELECTED
Unfortunately, you will not audition at this Stonehenge. Based on previous Stonehenges, we expect at least 30% of actors who register will not be selected in the lottery. We're sorry we won't be able to see you at this Stonehenge, but we've worked to add more Stonehenges, so perhaps we'll see you in the future.
What if I'm registered and I have to cancel?
Whether you have a guaranteed or standby space, please let us know as soon as possible—and know that you will have made someone on standby quite happy.
Remember, if you have a guaranteed space, do not show up and do not cancel you will be placed on the Mud List, which means you will not be allowed to audition at Stonehenge for no less than three years.
If you have a standby space and cannot attend, we would still appreciate if you took a cue from the considerate actors of Stonehenges past who've let us know they won't be attending. A quick email to stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com and another actor has a chance to audition. Go for the good karma.
What if I registered and now need to change my audition time?
Please let us know as soon as possible. If we can switch you to your new preferred time, we will, but remember the lottery will fill up all available spaces. Chances are the best we can do is place you in a standby space for your preferred time.
What if I'm late?
First off, remember that you must check in 15 minutes before your audition time to allow us to collect your resumes. (e.g., if you have a 12:30 audition, your check-in is 12:15pm). There is no number to call if you are running late. Please do not call the audition location as neither they nor we can change the clock.
That said, if you miss your timeslot, we can try and fit you in at a later timeslot. There are 5 guaranteed spaces per timeslot, and 3 standby spaces per timeslot. If enough of those 8 people do not show up and we can fit you in, we will.
At the same time, do not plan on us being able to fit you in. Your best chance of being seen is to arrive on time for your timeslot—whether you have a guaranteed space or a standby space.
What if I'm early?
If you arrive well before your check-in time (15 minutes before your audition slot), feel free to relax. The staff at the check-in table will announce when they're collecting resumes for your timeslot.
However, if you're tuned out listening to your iPod, deep in conversation with a friend, or have somehow locked yourself in the bathroom, we don't have the time to look for you. Please help us help you and be sure to be within earshot of the check-in table as your check-in time approaches.
What if I'm on standby?
For every timeslot, there are five (5) guaranteed spaces and three (3) standby spaces. We have made the standby list timeslot by timeslot rather than an overall standby list because we don't like the idea of actors waiting for hours to possibly audition.
Another reason? A lot more of the standbys get to audition this way. Even if standbys do not get to audition, we will distribute their headshots to the filmmakers.
Consider this for a moment: you're trying to attend a job interview with a couple dozen employers who are obsessed with how you look. Sure it'd be great to make a presentation to the employers (audition), but wouldn't it be good to make sure they see your headshot and resume?
Incidentally, yet another reason why we do the standby list timeslot by timeslot is so the Team J staff doesn't have to collate and distribute too many actors' headshots for any given timeslot. We've found that handling up to 8 actors' headshots is manageable and doesn't throw us off schedule. So in case you were on standby and were thinking of showing up any old time to drop off your headshots, now you know why we say, "Sorry, but no."
Do you accept walk-ins?
No. Every Stonehenge, all available spaces fill up and we have 72 standby spaces, many of whom get to audition.
How do I get there?/What's the deal with parking?
Check the specific Stonehenge schedule page for details and directions. Essentially, depending on other events going on that day, parking may be sparse to downright awful. Please budget plenty of time and/or money for parking or plan to take mass transit.
What's the deal with the camera and screen?
There will be a camera pointed at you during the audition: from the front. In addition, there will be a large screen set up behind you for the filmmakers to view. Furthermore, the space you will be acting in will most likely be no larger than 6'x6'. Therefore, don't plan on any extensive movement during your monologue. This will be different from a standard theatrical audition. The setup is so the filmmakers can see how you look on camera (often markedly different from how you look in person).
What's the deal with the video release form?
We're excited to now offer the added free service of taping your audition and posting it on YouTube. However, to do so means you must first read and sign this release:
Stonehenge VII (Baltimore 5/18 Event Only) Video Release (PDF - 35k)
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader if you don't already have it).
If you email us with questions, we will most likely refer you to a specific clause in the release. However, we do want to note a few important points:
- You must be eighteeen years or older to sign and be taped. No exceptions.
- We cannot, at this time, provide you with a separate video. It it planned to be uploaded to the Stonehenge Auditions YouTube channel.
- You may, at any time, write Team Jabberwocky and we will take your video down from our YouTube channel
- We will be collecting the signed releases and determining the who to tape WHEN YOU CHECK IN, so it's very important that you either read the relase provided online or read the releases we will have at the event WELL BEFORE you need to check in.
- This is a free service being offered on top of the audition and is being offered "as is." If you have any doubts, ignore the taping and focus on the audition.
What's the deal with SAG (union) actors?
SAG actors are very welcome to audition. Some of the companies plan to use one of the SAG contracts designed for indie films, specifically the short film agreement or the ultra-low budget agreement. Companies using any of these agreements will have "SAG (low budget agreement)" listed in their company information.
Bear in mind that Stonehenge is open to aspiring and commercial filmmakers just as it is open to union and non-union actors. We want a good percentage of attending companies to offer paid work as well as SAG work, but that's in the hands of the companies. We recommend checking the company information page a day before actor registration to decide whether to attend.
What happens if I go over 90 seconds with my monologue?
Remember that 16-ton weight from Monty Python that dropped on people who overstayed their welcome? Seriously though, please choose and practice your monologue so that you can reasonably perform it in under a minute and a half—without sounding like a speed reader.
If you do happen to go over 90 seconds, a staff member, who has been timing you, will say, "time" whereupon we ask you to simply thank the filmmakers and exit the stage.
This might be a good time to reiterate that we really are very excited to have you audition and want you all to do wonderfully. At the 90-second mark, some actors are hitting the crescendo of their monologue and the timer would rather not stop you. But hey, we have 120 people to get through in the course of the day. We need to keep things moving. So again, please pick a monologue comfortably under 90 seconds.
May child actors audition?
Yes, with caveats. First, we would prefer any actor under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The world is not as nice or safe a place as any of us would want. Second, we have no way to place all child actors in one audition slot. Therefore, the child actor will audition with 4 other actors, some of whom may have monologues with adult language or mature themes. While this did not appear to be a problem for our previous Stonehenges, we do want to make parents aware of it. Third, while it's important for actors to include contact information on their resume, please consider what contact information to share—again, simply to be prudent and safe.
How many copies of my resume should I bring?
Plan on bringing at least 50 headshots/resumes. The exact number of resumes needed will be included in the second confirmation email you should receive one to two days before the audition. Please count out the exact number before handing them to us upon check-in. Nice headshot copies can be pricey and if we receive extras, they may regrettably find their way to the trash. If you do not have the proper number of headshots, you will not audition.
How should the headshot/resumes be formatted?
Headshots and the attached resumes need to be 8" x 10" or 8 1/2" x 11". They should either be printed on both sides or the headshot should be secured to the resume with four neat staples on each of the four corners. (You've naturally already done this and aren't hoping we'll have a stapler.)
99% of you already do this, for which we're thankful. Resumes in folders, resumes in slippery sheet projectors, or headshots in non-standard sizes will not be accepted and you will not audition.
Incidentally, whether you use color or b/w headshots and whether you use photocopies is entirely your call. The most important thing about the headshot remains whether or not it looks like you: really you on any given day.
Should I bring demo CDs or other media?
No. Not all of the filmmakers will be interested in those media. Those that are may contact you for them after the auditions.
May I email you my headshot and resume?
No. All headshots and resumes will be collected and distributed at the event. Headshots and resumes sent to the Stonehenge email address will be deleted.
May I mail (post) you my headshot and resume?
No. All headshots and resumes will be collected and distributed at the event. You may wish to follow up with a particular production company after the event, but please check their website as some companies prefer not to receive unsolicited resumes.
How do callbacks work?
As you will see in the company descriptions, most everyone has some specific projects they plan to work on in the coming months. Each company will handle its own callbacks based on your audition today and their individual needs. In some cases, they may simply keep your headshot on file. You may not hear from anyone for months, or you might hear from a bunch of people next week. We often schedule Stonehenge right before film competitions such as the 48 Hour Film Project to increase the chance of you getting work sooner.
What should I expect if I am cast?
The short answer is: the pay varies, but you should always aim for good experience.
A specific producer will be able to tell you what compensation they offer. Please bear in mind that the 48 Hour Film Project and the National Film Challenge are volunteer only. No one on the teams gets paid (but they should definitely feed you).
In the realm of independent film, most of the projects in this area are currently low to no pay, or for deferred pay. "Deferred pay" usually means no pay unless the film makes money. Producers generally offer screen credit and a copy of the final film, as well as feeding you during the shoot—and hopefully giving you some great acting opportunities.
Casting agencies, multimedia companies, and production houses all have different rates of compensation, not coincidentally related to the budget of the project they're working on.
Acting for film and video offers several different challenges unlike acting for theatre. Rehearsal time is truncated and sometimes non-existent. You may need to take one of your fellow actors aside to run lines and feel comfortable. Films are often shot out of sequence. You need to find a way to pop into whatever emotional state your character is at that time. Films are usually shot by location, not in scene order.
Another aspect of filmmaking that actors should know about is that long hours are not uncommon (but always make sure filmmakers are up front with you about their schedule, their expectations, and your compensation). Not only that, as an actor, you will be asked to do the same scene again and again—and to hit your marks as precisely as possible each time! Then, the filmmakers will tinker with their equipment and ask you to do that same scene again, so the camera can take it from a different angle. The routine is monotonous, but your acting has to remain fresh. And remember, you might do a perfect "take" and an equipment glitch—something forever out of your control—means you have to do it again. Welcome to film!
What do you mean by "monologues suitable for TV and film?"
Besides picking a monologue that can be comfortably performed in 90 seconds, the
basic guidelines for choosing a monologue apply: choose a monologue that best shows your skills and is appropriate for the project you're auditioning for.
As an actor, you should already have a number of monologues in your repertoire. You may have a dramatic monologue, a comedic monologue, and a classical monologue. In fact, if you do a lot of classical work, you may have a dramatic and comedic monologue for that as well, because your Neil Simon piece just won't fit when you're auditioning for a Shakespeare comedy.
Likewise, you should have a TV or film monologue. This doesn't have to be a monologue from TV or film—in fact, you may wish to avoid popular, well-known film monologues as you would popular monologues from plays. The important thing is that you practice the monologue in the style of TV and film.
What does that mean? That means you are much more understated. Even if you are in a film with a hyper-real genre (e.g. horror or fantasy), the acting generally starts from a more naturalistic place. Take care not to pick monologues that are too melodramatic. Monologues with such histrionics do not lend themselves to film. Good monologues should have subtlety and powerful meaning in subtext. We want to see small moments and you act with your eyes.
This underscores another point. Yes physical presence is important and, naturally, as filmmakers we are very concerned about your appearance. However, you don't need to gesticulate much—if at all. Indeed, some filmmakers would rather have you in a straitjacket for the whole audition so you will be forced to act with your eyes and face alone. Why? In production, you may be six inches from the camera and you won't be able to move—otherwise you fall out of the camera's frame.
If your strength is as a quirky or off-the-wall character, find a monologue that allows you to do that with your eyes and subtle intonation of your voice. Film is an intimate medium and you want to draw us in, not push us away.
This leads to the next point. Thankfully, since this FAQ debuted for Stonehenge III, actors have learned to dial themselves down. However, lest we backslide into loud, unpleasant, and inappropriate monologues, we will continue to be frank and perhaps a little harsh. Here it is:
No yelling.
To be clear, we are not looking for timid actors who can't be heard. We are not opposed to high-energy monologues or enthusiasm in general. If you need to belt out an expletive or a command to a character "off-camera" in the course of your monologue, that's fine. None of this involves yelling.
No monologue we want to see, regardless of the source material, involves yelling, especially the sustained yelling we had to endure far too many times during the previous Stonehenges. We will be sitting right there, not 10 feet from you. Out of simple decency, you don't need to yell.
Imagine, if you will, that you're reading a web page, perhaps very much like this FAQ right now, and all of a sudden THE WRITING BECOMES LARGE AND IS IN ALL CAPS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT ISN'T HELPING EXPLAIN ANYTHING. IT'S JUST BIG AND OBNOXIOUS AND HORRIBLY OUT OF PLACE. Did you enjoy that? Neither did we. Yelling takes us out of the moment, and in that moment we have one thought: "Don't hire this person."
When you yell "in all caps" like that, you have no chance to display subtlety, subtext, or tell the story with your eyes. Moreover, we've noticed that actors who succumb to sustained yelling have more awkward physicality, or worse yet, start gesticulating wildly. Remember those filmmakers that would prefer you be straitjacketed? They're now looking for a taser—anything to stop you before you hurt yourself or others.
Speaking of weapons, brandishing one during your monologue, even if it is actually fake, ("it's just a prop revolver") is not a good idea. Luckily, no one has done that yet at Stonehenge, but there may be an actor out there not reading this, ready to make that ill-conceived choice. Do them a favor and let them know scaring the bejeezus out of people you hope to work with is very counterproductive.
Do you have any additional suggestions based on previous Stonehenges?
Did we mention "no yelling" and that monologue choice is very important?
Don't forget to put your phone number AND an email address on your resume.
Please allow plenty of travel time.
Lastly, don't forget to have fun. We're doing this because we love to make films and are excited to have you come and audition.
What if I have other questions about Stonehenge not answered on this website?
Email us at stonehenge@teamjabberwocky.com.
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