Major San Diego Theatre Companies Join San Diego Black Artist Collective to Invest in San Diego Talent

 At the First-Ever Audition Lab on Sunday, October 8th beginning at 10 AM at MOXIE Theatre

• The San Diego Black Artist Collective wants to address the lack of diversity in the local performance artist community by providing a source of information for Black performers and other historically ignored and underrepresented artists to develop their craft.

• Participants can expect to learn the basics of the audition process, how best to prepare, self-tapes, resumes, headshots, and emergency materials, participate in a mock dance call

• Moderated panel discussion featuring representatives from The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Diversionary Theatre, MOXIE Theatre, and San Diego Musical Theatre  

Press Release The San Diego Black Artist Collective is proud to announce The Audition Lab, an event aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the local theater community. Hosted at MOXIE Theatre on October 8, 2023, this groundbreaking initiative seeks to address historical inequalities within American theater by investing in the San Diego area Talent of Color. The Audition Lab aims to attract Black performers of all experience levels to provide a fresh perspective on industry techniques and current practices, a space for feedback and questions to improve one's skills, and ultimately, a communal space for networking and connection.

The history of American theater is deeply intertwined with issues of class, race, colorism, and colonialism. From the painful legacy of minstrel shows in the 19th century to the continued lack of diversity on Broadway, theater has often mirrored and perpetuated the societal disparities that persist today. However, it also provides a unique platform to challenge these inequities, allowing artists and audiences to engage with the complex fabric of American society.

The Audition Lab represents a significant step toward addressing two recurring issues:

• From Predominantly White Theatre Companies: "We don't know of/have any Black actors."
• From Black and Brown Actors: "We don't know where to begin or how to start."

This event strives to bridge these gaps by providing mentorship and training opportunities for aspiring actors from underrepresented communities. By breaking down historical barriers, such as paywall-protected information and training usually gained from pursuing acting in higher education institutions or pricey individual classes, The Audition Lab aims to create a more inclusive and representative theatrical landscape in San Diego and beyond. 

The event will feature:

• Audition Workshops: Led by experienced professionals in the field, these workshops will provide invaluable insights and training for actors from underrepresented communities looking to refine their audition skills.

• Networking Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to connect with established theater professionals and gain access to invaluable industry insights and resources.

• Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations about the past, present, and future of diversity in American theater, led by experts in the field.

• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and collaboration within San Diego's vibrant theater community.

To conclude the momentous day, representatives from some of  San Diego’s leading major theatre companies including Jacole Kitchen (La Jolla Playhouse), Kian Kline-Chilton (Diversionary Theatre), Jill Townsend (San Diego Musical Theatre), Kim Heil (The Old Globe), Desireé Clarke (MOXIE Theatre) with more participants to be announced, will participate in a moderated panel discussion and Q&A about their vision for the future of San Diego Theatre, how they’re investing in diversity efforts on and off stage, as well as demystifying their casting processes. 

The Audition Lab is open to actors of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned performers, and aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all attendees. 

As an artist, it can be challenging to hone one's skills. Together, we can begin to address the root causes of underrepresentation in San Diego theatre, invest in the cultivation of local talent in our communities, and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for the performing arts as a whole.

For more information about The Audition Lab, please visit instagram.com/SD_BAC or contact SanDiegoBAC@gmail.com and DanielleK.Bunch@gmail.com.

THE AUDITION LAB is Sunday, October 8th beginning at 10 AM at MOXIE Theatre. 

No registration is required; participants can attend as few or as many workshops as they wish. 

This is a free event with a suggested donation of $20. 

Interested participants seeking to have their headshot taken should bring $50 to pay the photographer. 

The scheduled list of workshops includes:

10AM Audition Basics

11AM - Disney Live Presentation

12 Noon - Lunch Break

1PM Monologues

2:30 Singing/Musical Theatre

4 PM Dance Call

5:30 PM Moderated Panel

6:30 PM Optional closing mixer

ABOUT SAN DIEGO BLACK ARTIST COLLECTIVE

Our mission is to facilitate a foundation of support and resources that provides a sense of community, a safe haven, and a sanctuary for artist development. we are committed to supporting Black artists in San Diego in producing work that is unapologetic, authentic, and healing to the Black experience across the diaspora.