In an email to members of Actors’ Equity Association on Jan. 9, the union highlighted the start of a pilot program for Equity Principal Auditions (EPAs) and Equity Principal Interviews (EPIs) that will include in-person auditions as well as pre-recorded and live video submissions. Sign-ups for video submissions open on Jan. 10 for the first production — “Room,” which is expected to arrive on Broadway this spring — taking part in the program via Casting Call in the Equity member portal.
This pilot program is a consequence of a new provision introduced in the recently ratified contract for Broadway and sit-down productions. As explained in the email, “This program marks an important step in keeping auditions accessible to members who cannot access in-person auditions, whether that’s due to health, distance or other obligations.”
Shows participating in the program will have no fewer than two days of in-person auditions, which include 126 in-room slots. This will pair with the equivalent of no fewer than two days of 126 available slots for pre-recorded or live video submissions. For taped auditions, actors will receive a confirmation as to which casting professional viewed their work.
Producers can choose to accept additional video submissions beyond the required minimum.
The union and the Broadway League intend to follow the pilot program closely and, according to Equity, will be able to modify the process through Sept. 29, 2024.
Correction: An earlier version of this article mentioned the two productions involved in the pilot program by name. Only one is known. This is corrected in the article.
