FAQ

What do I need to prepare?

You’ll need to write and perform an original piece (less than two minutes in length) that reflects who you are, how you express yourself, and/or how you experience the world around you. This piece should also convey a firm grasp of how we as Neo-Futurists create our work.

We also ask that you email us 2-3 writing samples - one PDF document combining all three samples, if possible, but we will also accept whatever best represents you (video/audio is also acceptable- 1GB max file size). If your samples aren't ready now, please e-mail them to auditions@nynf.org no later than Wednesday, February 15th. 

As of 2023: We will no longer be asking auditionees to bring physical printouts of their materials. After your preliminary audition, we ask that you please e-mail the script of your audition piece to auditions@nynf.org.

Prior to auditioning, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the kind of work that we make. Come to The Infinite Wrench, listen to our podcast Hit Play, or watch some recordings of our past plays (many of which are available on our YouTube channel).

Should I audition in-person or remotely for prelims?

Completely up to you! Check out this document for more information. A reminder that callbacks will be in-person only.

Who are you looking to cast?

We cast ensemble members to join our company. This means being in conversation with other company members, creating art collectively, and playing together. We are looking for artistic partners to be a part of the New York Neo-Futurists for the foreseeable future.

What are you looking for in an artist?

We are looking for artists originating from a range of personal and professional backgrounds and life experiences. No theatre degree? No problem. We’ve had Neo-Futurists join our company with professional experiences ranging from music to law. We’re looking for anyone who can center openness and honesty, and likes to play with chaos, constant change, planned obsolescence, time, and risk. If you can work in the Neo-Futurist aesthetic and believe that it has the capacity to change how people see theater, art in general, and even the world around them, we’d love to have you. 

What exactly is Neo-Futurism?

While there are many components to Neo-Futurism, the one rule that we hold ourselves to is that every aspect of a Neo-Futurist performance must be REAL:  

• Neo-Futurists do not play characters. We tell true stories and express honest feelings in our work.

• Neo-Futurists do not pretend to do anything; all tasks are real. Failure is an option.

• The only "time’ and ‘place’ in a Neo-Futurist play is ‘here’ and ‘now.’ 

• There is no fourth wall in a Neo-Futurist performance. The audience is acknowledged, addressed, and involved.

Check out our Statement of Purpose for more information about what we do.

What sort of commitment is required in being a Neo-Futurist?

As a Neo-Futurist you are expected to:  

• Take part in the writing, production, performance, and direction of The Infinite Wrench approximately 22 weeks per year (broken into “runs” of 3-7 weeks at a time). During those weeks you will be in rehearsal or performance Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights and can expect to spend approximately 15 hours/week on in-person rehearsals and performances, plus any additional hours you need to do on your own time for show-related work (writing new plays, memorizing lines, sourcing/making props, etc.). Our scheduling process is collaborative, allowing ensemble members to schedule their runs in the show around other commitments.

• Work with the rest of the company on artistic and organizational planning.

• Prepare for and attend monthly business meetings.

• Prepare for and attend scheduled company functions (e.g. benefits, conferences, workshops, retreats, etc.)

• Serve as an active producer and promoter of the company.

So does the schedule mean that I can’t perform in other productions?

Not at all! Many ensemble members engage in projects outside of the company, as well as Neo-Futurist projects beyond The Infinite Wrench. 

What will the audition space be like?

Your audition will take place in a rehearsal space. One thing to note: you will be auditioning for the entire artistic ensemble of the company, so there will be quite a few people watching you.

NB: You will, of course, retain all of your rights in both your original audition piece and the writing samples you submit. At the same time, you acknowledge that we may also explore ideas, themes, and theatrical devices, whether developed by us or used by other theater artists, that may be similar to those that you employ in your own piece and submission.

I have a monologue that I wrote in which I reveal to my sister…

Whoa – your sister’s coming to your audition?

Well, no.

You’re going to call your sister during your audition?

No.

Don’t do that monologue. What you’re proposing to do is probably not in the Neo-Futurist aesthetic; performing anything like this will make it difficult to assess your work

What sort of writing samples should I bring?

If you have writing that falls within the confines of the Neo-Futurist aesthetic, great! The actual audition piece that you present should be Neo-Futurist, but if you don’t have any other Neo-Futurist writing beyond your audition, that’s okay. Your writing samples should above all, showcase your patently unique voice as a writer.

NB: The review committee will only be reading the first three (3) pages of each sample or watching only the first minute of each video, so please edit mindfully toward what you want us to see.

How will my audition be evaluated?

Several members of the ensemble (in fact, most!) participate in auditions and bring a range of creative backgrounds and perspectives to the evaluative process. We’ll be looking at:

• Writing: Is the writing of your piece vivid and captivating? Does it have a unique voice (i.e., something only you could write) and a clear beginning/middle/end?

• Directing: Is there a clear vision around the staging of your piece? If you use technical elements, do those elements serve and support the play well? (If your play has no technical elements because it doesn’t need any, that is also a strong directorial choice.)

• Performing: Are you fully present, audible, magnetic, and well acquainted with the beats of the play? (Usually this means “memorized.” If your play calls for parts or all of it to be un-memorized, this should be clear in the performance). 

• Grasp of the Neo-Futurist aesthetic: Does your piece sit firmly within the 90-120 second time limit? Does it convey a firm grasp of how we as Neo-Futurists create our work (as described above under “What exactly is Neo-Futurism?”)

When will you hold auditions again?

TBA. We hold auditions most every year, often in the late winter/early spring.

Do I need to quit my day job if I am cast?

Please don’t! While we strive to pay artists a fair wage while they perform in the show, all ensemble members still hold other jobs and pursue other interests while being Neo-Futurists. 

How do Neo-Futurists get paid?

The Infinite Wrench pays $225 per week for writing, rehearsing and performing.  In addition, we pay $15/hr for administrative work such as committee and business meetings, and marketing projects. There are also opportunities for paid performances outside the Infinite Wrench rotation, including primetime Neo-Futurist shows, teaching workshops, and various gigs.

I auditioned before and I wasn’t cast. Can I audition again? 

You absolutely can, and we encourage you to do so. Many Neo-Futurists have auditioned more than once before being cast. Give us another chance, and we’ll gladly give you one too. Feel free to solicit advice or feedback in advance of your audition if you need guidance on your piece.

How do I request an audition appointment? 

We will ask you to fill out this Inquiry Form once we are accepting submissions again.

I don’t know if I’m ready for this, but I really want to be involved. How else can I get involved in Neo-Futurism?

You’re not alone. We have a wonderful network of volunteers who graciously help us do what we do – house managers, committee members, the board of directors, and more.  If you’re interested in getting involved, we’ll try to figure out something with you. If you’re a student, we are often looking for new candidates for our paid internship program, which you can also receive school credit for. Or consider taking a class with us to see what making Neo-Futuristic work is like, and what we’re like as a group.