a week in the life of musical theatre audition season in NYC!

Are you curious about what auditioning in NYC is like for musical theatre? Follow me along in a week as I audition for everything from big regional theatres, broadway, tours, all of it!!! Please enjoy :) If you have any questions, specific things you want me to show or talk about, or like this video, let me know in the comments below!
@melcabey

[@alanaharris6972]

This just showed up in my recommendeds, it’s been a long year but this was so encouraging to hope that things will be like this again!! Break so many legs!!

[@dougzimmerman9404]

I just watched your video for the first time. I had a knot in my stomach. Auditioning is stressful but you have made it look effortless. You have the skills and background to keep doing theater for years. I applaud all your energy and determination. You are inspiring for sure. Thank you. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Take care and break a leg!!!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

That means so much to me. Thank you, Doug!

[@elledaspitzer4183]

Just stumbled across this vlog!! My dream is to live in NYC and perform too!! :) Thank you for this!

[@elledaspitzer4183]

Is it possible to make a video about survival jobs in NYC? It is hard for me to imagine being able to have a job and then also be up to run around for auditions!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

@@elledaspitzer4183 I'm so glad you liked the vlog!!! I could totally make a video on survival jobs. Keep a look out :)

[@sofiacastorena700]

@Elleda Spitzer My dream is that too!

[@missandieangel]

Girl I see you all over the internet! MT life! 🥰

[@tonyadoran6364]

I remember this life. Would have been great to have this as a reference back in the day. Best of luck to you!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

It's a crazy but rewarding life! Thank you so so much Tonya :)

[@juliafeeley]

Mel I'm watching this to feel alive. I miss cramming into a small room with 300 of my closest friends

[@Emmabespolka]

Ok Mel I love these vlogzzzz so much!!!! I can’t wait to see more!! It’s so nice to see videos that actually reflect our real every day life especially for people getting their BFAs! Love it 😍

[@melcabeyvlogs]

I am so glad you love the Vlogs, Emma!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@quaesimpson2042]

This was wonderful !! I love how relatable you are . I so remember these days of auditioning. I will most certainly show this to my musical theatre students. I hope you are staying safe and well . Break legs !!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Thank you so so much!!

[@ArianneDavidow]

Just seeing this now - I'm non-eq and got typed in for the tuacahn call! I loved that they did that :)

[@EpicEthra]

Love that this got recommended to me. One thing I am interested is seeing how hard/long the auditions were. Now I know you can’t record in the audition obviously, but I’m wondering if you could perform the dance you were taught/the song you sung? And maybe some insights into what material you chose to perform and why? (Unless you want to keep your repertoire a secret from other actors 😜)

[@LaurenLaass]

This was really interesting! Maybe you’ve made a video of what I’m about to say, but it would be really interesting to know what kind of job you have and how you’re allowed to audition while still working at that job. That would be so helpful.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

I am working on making a video all about that this week!!! Keep an eye out :)

[@LaurenLaass]

@@melcabeyvlogs ooooo awesome!!!

[@crediblerebel8295]

Oh my sweet summer child... you had no idea what was coming. Always weird to see a video from the before-times. Hope you are well.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Pretty crazy to see how we were all busting our butts last year for, well...nothing! Ha. Thank you so much, I hope you are well, too!

[@lalalalaaAa123]

Greetings from an actor in Los Angeles! Your work ethic is so inspiring, thanks for sharing your videos! I've had a crazy audition season too... it involves a little less walking than yours, but still. 😂Thanks for the reinvigoration- and may our theatres be able to return soon!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

That is so kind, thank you! Sending you lots of luck and love :)

[@georgechlada4868]

Those crowded rooms got me wondering how those will work when Broadway and theatre eventually returns

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Yup, we are all wondering the same thing. Hopefully things will change for the better.

[@georgechlada4868]

@@melcabeyvlogs could it be that equity productions will be even more strict on who they see and not accept non-equity actors at all? I hope not.

[@orlandocordova8818]

I just joined! I find this vlog so interesting. I on my way! My thing is creating MUSICALS AS A LIBRETTIST! I m right there with You Guyz! 🙂

[@adreannaroad1687]

Oh my god when you said Tuacahn I freaked out! I work at Tuacahn!! Its so beautiful and the theaters is INCREDIBLE! Hope to see you perform here one day!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Tuacahn is truly my dream contract!! I made it to final callbacks last year but didn't end up booking. One day :)

[@abbyelizabeth3321]

This only made me want to be on broadway more. I so miss theatre ☹️

[@audreypowell3602]

Just happened to notice your Aladdin on Broadway cups! You best believe I have them as well :) ;)

[@totallysofia6027]

Super cool video. Great to see what happens to be an actor.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

thank you!

[@KeeganMac94]

Living for All Stars 2 being on in the background ❤️❤️

[@mishamalcolm7034]

Same! I was like, is that Katya 🤗

[@Mcg59]

I do not miss meting non equity. Audition season was rough.

[@simplywill]

I was prepared to hate on this video. Saw the title and I was like 😬. However there’s tons of people out there who don’t know what it’s like until it’s too late. Also for all those aspiring equity members it does get better but not by much. It stays a hustle. At least now there’ll be much more self tapes.(used to HATE them) now, we’re all getting better. Kudos to you for sharing your experience.

[@conorpicard1021]

Hi! Just a small question I’m 16 and I go to a performing arts school and my “acting goal” for my drama class is to audition for just 1 Broadway production. Around when should I look out for Broadway casting calls.

[@TRTCreations_Official]

When is the main audition season for broadway? Like what months are the best months to be in the city for auditions?

[@ShannonTheSongBird]

Where did you get your audition bag? I’ve been looking for something that could carry all of my stuff (once I have auditions to carry stuff to lol) and that one looks awesome!!!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

I got it at Marshalls! It's awesome.

[@fxlyon]

Hii! I know you said non equity auditions, is it harder landing roles being non equity do you find? Asking cuz I’m trying to decide if I want to go with the union but it’s been super confusing lol

[@matthewgordon8314]

why is this so entertaining

[@handsomeX]

It really is!

[@bwayslimess4124]

Okay right I love the idea of performing but do all auditions usually start with a dance call? I have danced for nearly 13 years now but the stress of memorising the choreography in such a short space of time messes with my confidence and I get in my own way :(

[@melcabeyvlogs]

You can go to either the dance call or the singer call (and if you get a callback, it is usually then the opposite medium)! Most people go to both auditions, however. Just keep practicing! The more you audition, the more you get better at picking up the choreography

[@jacobltwells6609]

Hi Mel, where can you find open call auditions in the city for non equity members?!

[@sydneystephan3402]

This was awesome!! I noticed you & your friends headshots were both horizontal, is that typical? I always learned vertical.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

It's pretty typical! I would say I see about half and half these days.

[@sydneystephan3402]

@@melcabeyvlogs cool!! Thank you!

[@vemovasnena]

This was randomly on my recommended! UGH why do I miss this though? Those open calls were rough haha.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Vanessa!!! I hope you're doing well! They were so rough yet somehow I miss it too, hahahaha

[@vemovasnena]

Hope you are well too

[@fbueller]

10:10 What is the name of the song used here? I like it a lot. Great channel!

[@shelinafaith]

When is “audition season” in NYC?? When does it start and when does it end?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

audition season is usually January through the end of April!

[@leahclo4857]

So what’s with the horizontal headshots? Is that the new thing to do?

[@MiaRTV]

I posted a theatre vlog bc u inspired me!😃

[@melcabeyvlogs]

YAY!!! Isnt it so fun???

[@kasimotinka123]

Did you get one of those parts you auditioned for?

[@TheMagentaDimension]

what are your go-to audition songs?

[@blj1523]

Missing this chaos ?!

[@aprilgrant1957]

Auditioning is the job. Booking a job, is the bonus. This industry is not for the meek/weak. But, God: it is in my SOUL. Best of "breaking legs" to us ALL!

[@handsomeX]

So true 💯

[@tamaradenson3412]

How do you find out about these auditions?

[@missdesmd]

Why aren’t you finding a way to join Equity?

[@isabellerashkin9996]

What do you do for work?

[@kacielynne5104]

what does typed in mean? i’m new to the career side of performance but it’s something that i want to do!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

typed in means that they look through everyone's headshots and resumes, and they decide if you are the "type" they are looking for. If you get typed in, that means your "look" or type of experience is something they want for the show. A lot of times you can't actually pinpoint what they were typing for and it seems pretty arbitrary haha. But unless you are behind the table, there is no way to know!

[@kacielynne5104]

ohhh okay, thanks!

[@oscarvillarreal4725]

Where do you find all of your auditions ?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Playbill.com, ActorsAccess, and my agent!

[@kacielynne5104]

also what is the difference between equity and non equity?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

equity is the union that protects actors. There are lots of ways to join equity, but it is pretty difficult. The main way is to be offered an "equity" contract, which would be a Broadway show or a Regional Theatre that has an equity contract. However, you have to be seen at those auditions which can be hard because they see Equity actors first. So if you are non equity, you need to make sure you are there early enough to have a chance to even be seen. Non equity is not protected by a union and the pay is extremely low (usually between $100-600 a week depending on where you are working). It's hard to explain and honestly I could do an entire video on this subject haha!

[@kacielynne5104]

thank you so much!!

[@nijienjoyer_]

I know this is probably stupid...but what steps should you take if you want to be a professional theatre actor? thank you! (and I'd appreciate any input :>)

[@sakellaridoupeg584]

I'd say take some classes. It's not always needed to start a career but it helps a lot to have some form of degree

[@nijienjoyer_]

@@sakellaridoupeg584 Thanks for the advice :"> but this was a year ago AHAHAHA and I'm more of a musical theatre hobbyist now

[@libbyb8075]

whats the difference between equity and non-equity?

[@missdesmd]

Equity is the actors’ union. If you’re not Equity in NYC you do not stand a chance.

[@sajadzarei5887]

Goodluck baby...

[@rosiep7412]

Is make-up a must for auditions? Or is it a matter of personal preference?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

I would say if you are a dancer going in for most mainstream musical theatre shows -- yes makeup is pretty necessary! More so so your facial expressions can stand out when dancing in groups :)

[@rosiep7412]

@@melcabeyvlogs Ah thank you! Would the same be said for acting and singing?

[@paulybarr]

I don't understand how you plan to audition for an EPA but then, referring to the one crossed out, say " I don't know if non- Equity will be seen." So, what is your Equity 'status' as it were? I think things are a little simpler in New Zealand, where I live and work- you're either a union member or ya' 'ain't. Just curious!

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Hi Paul! So I am currently Non-Equity. The only way (99% of the time) a Non-Equity member can be seen for ANY production that has equity contracts (Broadway, Tours, Regional) are to go to an EPA or an ECC and hope to be seen. Some regional theatres will have open calls but those are generally for their non-equity tracks, specifically. So if you ever want to break out of non-union you have to go to EPAs and ECCs and hope to get seen. The only other way is through appointments via your agent, but unless the casting directors know you or you have a top agent -- it's hard to get an appointment as well.

[@paulybarr]

@@melcabeyvlogs Thanks for the quick response and for your very clear explanation!

[@callabeth258]

MelCabeyVlogs so when you're talking about the "equity" people being seen and the "non-equity" maybe not being seen the equity people have an appointment and every else just has to hope they have time to see other people after the prebooked audition are finished?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

@@callabeth258 equity people don't have appointments, either, necessarily. They have recently made it possible that the equity members sign up online to hold their slot (I'm actually not entirely sure how it works since I am non equity). However -- it is the union's job to see all equity members that show up to the audition that day, no matter what. So it is only if they have time to see non-equity, they will. Sometimes at the beginning of the day or even online before theyll be like "we're not seeing non union" and other days its unknown and you end up waiting all day to be seen.

[@musicuma811]

What is the camera that she uses?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Canon G7x Mark ii :)

[@katie.e.g.]

Anyone ever told you that you resemble Sarah Paulson?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Yes!!! So many people tell me that and I still don't see it, hahaha!

[@handsomeX]

​@@melcabeyvlogsOmg you do! In this field, does it help if you resemble someone famous? Or it doesn't matter?

[@AMG-fl5bz]

When is audition season in NYC?

[@melcabeyvlogs]

Usually In the winter! Like Jan-March/April

[@AMG-fl5bz]

@@melcabeyvlogs thank you so much! very helpful :) and such a great video btw!

[@louisemazan4695]

I was more interested in the auditions, showing you dance and sing.

[@melcabeyvlogs]

It's illegal to film in auditions, per Actors Equity Association. The only auditions I can share are self tapes, which also isn't recommended by casting to share those materials on social media unfortunately.

[@gooner1ization]

Subscribed and liked the video but please, please, please stop whispering. I loved everything else.

[@stateofgrace03]

*this tastes like grass*