Advice on Surviving Callbacks (with Sanity Intact)
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
There’s a special kind of limbo that lives between the initial audition and the cast list—and it’s called callbacks. That awkward, nerve-wracking, overanalyze-every-second space where you wonder if that redirect meant “we like you” or “we have no idea what to do with you.”
As someone who’s been through more callbacks than I can count (and heard plenty of stories from the other side of the table), I’ve learned that the best way to survive them—and maybe even enjoy them—is to approach callbacks for plays and musicals differently. Because they are different. The expectations. The skillsets. The pacing. All of it.
So if your inbox just dinged with that coveted callback email, here’s how to go in smart, grounded, and ready—without losing your mind.
For Plays: Be Present, Be Flexible, and Know the Text
Callbacks for plays are rarely about “winning the room.” They’re about connection. Directors are watching for relationships, not just performance.
What to expect—and how to handle it:
You’ll probably be reading scenes with multiple people, sometimes more than once. Don’t just focus on your lines—listen. Respond. Show how you play in the sandbox.
If they give you an adjustment, take it and go big with the change. It’s not about being “right,” it’s about showing you’re directable.
Don’t panic if you’re reading with different scene partners. That’s not a bad sign. They’re testing chemistry. Just make each pairing feel fresh.
And don’t read into how many scenes you get. Sometimes the person who reads once gets the part. Sometimes the person who reads five times doesn’t. It’s not personal. It’s puzzle pieces.
For Musicals: Show Range, Show Stamina, and Stay Grounded
Musical callbacks are a whole other ballgame. You’re expected to sing, act, maybe dance—all while keeping your energy up and your nerves in check.
Here’s how to tackle it:
If they ask you to sing something from the show—good. That means they want to see how your voice fits their vision. Do your homework. Know the context. Make bold choices.
Be ready to dance, even if you’re not “a dancer.” What they’re usually looking for is storytelling, commitment, and how fast you pick things up. Don’t psych yourself out because someone next to you did a triple pirouette.
And if they make you sing after dancing? Or act after singing? That’s intentional. They’re seeing how well you recover. Keep breathing. Don’t let exhaustion hijack your performance.
Bonus tip: if you don’t know how to do something (a note, a turn, a beat), fake it confidently. Or ask a smart question. Either way, they’ll respect your professionalism.
For Both: Don’t Obsess, Don’t Spiral, Don’t Over-Interpret
Yes, it’s okay to be nervous. But don’t turn a callback into a referendum on your entire talent. You are not less of an actor if you don’t get a second read. You are not doomed if they don’t laugh at your joke.
Control what you can: be on time, stay hydrated, and treat every moment as a chance to collaborate, not prove yourself. That mindset shift can make all the difference—not just in your performance, but in your peace of mind.
At the end of the day, a callback is not a test. It’s an invitation. An opportunity to play. So walk in with your prep done, your heart open, and your ego in check.
And then—walk out, go get some ice cream, and don’t check your phone every five seconds.
You did your job.