What is an audition and who can audition for a BLOC show? 

Auditions serve as the basis for casting a show and aim to make the best use of the individuals who audition. Auditions are open to all BLOC members, and to non-members on the condition that they join BLOC as a member if successful. 

The specific audition process for a show will be presented at its public introduction evening, after which the audition process will be formally launched. If you wish to audition, you will have to complete and submit the relevant form which you will find on this website together with information on the time and location of the auditions, once the process is launched.

Auditions will be held for all solo, speaking, chorus and dancing parts (if applicable). The required audition pieces (songs and/or dialogue) and schedule will be communicated to people who have submitted the form.

BLOC operates an open audition policy. All auditionees are allowed to be present and are informed about all audition dates. All auditions will take place in front of the entire audition committee. Non-auditionees are only allowed in the room at the discretion of the audition committee.

How do I prepare myself for my audition and what should I expect?

Everyone who wants to be on stage needs to audition for the chorus. In the chorus audition, we will assess the quality and range of your singing voice, your ability to hold a specific voice part when singing in harmony, as well as taking into account your acting skills and stage presence.

You will be required to sing the prepared chorus piece in groups of 4 (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). You may also be asked to sing a solo line or sing in a smaller group. Your ability to move/dance on stage will also be evaluated if required by the production team. There may be voice and dance warm-ups to begin with. Please note that a photo of you may also be requested/taken to aid the audition committee’s decision making.

BLOC wants you to pass the audition! So in order for you to be well prepared we will normally offer practice sessions for singing the audition pieces, and teaching you the dance routine for the audition if there is one. These are provided between the introductory evening and the audition itself.

What can I expect if I want to audition for a principal rôle?

In addition to the above, principal rôles require a solo singing audition, and may require duet/trio singing and solo/group dialogue auditions with other characters of the show. These are typically held after the chorus audition.

The music and dialogue will be provided for you to prepare and normally there will be the chance to practice singing your audition piece(s) with the musical director as part of the preparation process.

Typically the audition committee will request you for a call-back if they have several candidates for the rôle and/or need to see more from you. Note however that if you are called back, it does not mean that you have got the rôle.

What happens if I cannot make the dates?

We reserve the right to audition those people who give notice in writing (by e-mail) of not being able to attend auditions on any of the scheduled dates so that they may be heard with and by other auditionees. Specifically, the audition committee may allow chorus and/or principal auditions to be held after the introduction evening, the principal auditions, call-backs and early show rehearsals for chorus parts if spaces become available. Note however that this is exceptional and must be agreed in advance with the audition committee.

When do I know if I have been given a part?

You can only consider that a rôle has been definitively given to you when you receive an official confirmation of this in writing from the audition committee, after they have received approval from the BLOC Committee. The result of the auditions will be notified by email to the address that you provided on the audition form. No other form of communication should be taken as the official result of an audition.

Who is in the audition committee and what do they do?

All casting for a BLOC show is undertaken by the audition committee. This is composed of the Stage Director, Musical Director, Choreographer (if there is one) and a member of the BLOC Committee. This means that the audition committee consists of 3 or 4 people.

The audition committee decides the casting on behalf of BLOC and will present its cast list to the BLOC Committee for approval.

I feel that I have been treated unfairly. What can I do?

If you have the feeling that you have been discriminated against, or that the main principles of BLOC’s audition policy have not been respected by the audition committee, please write to the Chairman of BLOC at blocchairman@gmail.com. The Chairman will then consult the audition committee and will follow-up together with the BLOC Committee officers.

Brussels Light Opera Company, updated March 2025.