The Rep is Magnet Theater’s method of bringing together the talents of past and present Magnet students with the artistic visions of the larger theater and comedy communities. The Rep aims to develop and support original comedy shows with strong, distinct concepts and wide appeal. Selected shows will be given six weeks for rehearsals followed by an initial run of six performance slots. Magnet Theater is dedicated to assisting in the casting process if casts are not already attached to the proposals.

If you are interested in proposing, please fill out our preliminary application form. Due to the high volume of submissions, we ask that you please be patient while waiting for a response. We will do our best to respond to applicants in a timely fashion. For all questions, please email scott@magnettheater.com. Please do not call the theater regarding submissions.

CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT:

Spotlight with Sean Taylor
Taking a cue from Andy Warhol, this talk show explores the cultural oddity that is fleeting fame. Hosted by the uncannily likable Sean Taylor, Spotlight features interviews with ordinary people who - through the magic of television - gain about nanosecond of notoriety. For more information or to become a guest on the show, visit www.thespotlightwithseantaylor.com.

Intersection
Give any street corner in New York City a few seconds and comedy is bound to ensue. A spawn of Magnet Theater's Slow Comedy class, Intersection is an improvised production that revels in the diverse array of scenes that take place around some of our city's finest concrete crossroads.

The Official Version
Through a series of written monologues spoken by some of the most atypical characters imaginable, The Official Version delves into oppositional themes like optimism and pessimism, success and failure, and sex and dry spells, all in an attempt to get at the truth - the official version - of whatever the hell is going on in this world. Written by Joe Randazzo and directed by JJ Shebesta.

Fess Up & Mull It Over!
Unburden your soul with internet-ordained minister Alan Fessenden and amateur psychologist Eileen Mullane! In this bizarro self-help revival, audience members confess their sins to the good Brother Fessenden and the motivational Ms. Mullane, and then, with the help of an ensemble of improvisers, the consequences of the sins are seen through a series of scenes. Improv be praised!

Sally
Sally has some jokes she'd like to tell you. She thinks they are very funny and she really really hopes you like them! Actually, "Sally" is the talented Erin Search-Wells' alter ego - a struggling comedienne who might not know how to tell a joke, but darn-it-all she's going to plow through regardless. This Kaufman-esque performance will have audiences laughing with, at, towards, and all around Sally.

The Rep FAQ

SHOW PROPOSALS

Do I have to use Magnet students in my cast?
Yes. The Rep was designed to provide current and former Magnet students with diverse performance opportunities, and expose producers and directors to our talent pool. We believe our students are some of the best-trained and most professional performers in the city. We might consider requests for some outside performers to be a part of casts, but that consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis. Those proposing shows will be invited to attend a Rep General Audition, as detailed below, and any other invited auditions they feel are necessary. You are also invited to attend shows which feature our students and performers.

What kinds of shows are you looking for?
Simply put, shows that we’ve never seen before and shows that can attract audiences from all walks of life. Theater lovers should want to see the shows as much as comedy aficionados. The shows can be sketch, improv, plays, multimedia, talk shows, musical comedies, performance pieces, or any combination you can imagine. The Magnet isn't tied down by established comedy forms, so you shouldn’t be either. We just want to see strong concepts and great comedy.

So let’s say the Magnet totally loves my show and wants to put it up. Then what?
Then the fun begins. The Magnet will work closely with the show’s staff to produce the best result possible. Discussions on finances, rights, booking, casting, and show extensions are different for each show and take place well after preliminary consideration, so whadda’ya say we cross those bridges when we come to them?

I have a tape/CD/script/DVD/flipbook of my show. Can I submit that as well?
No. We ask that you only submit our application. It provides us all the information we need for the first stage of consideration.

How often do you consider new proposals?
We strive to have a new slate of shows every 6-8 weeks and we ask that shows rehearse for at least six weeks prior to their performance run. We consider proposals according to that schedule and we post deadlines periodically, but in general the process is ongoing.

Any tips that will improve my show’s chances of being picked?
Originality, dedicated artistic or comic vision, feasibility.

AUDITIONS

How will the auditions work?
Different shows will have different requirements, but we plan to host regular open Rep General Auditions in which any Magnet student will have a chance to be seen by several different producers and directors at the same time. Those auditioning will be considered for various shows that are either being cast immediately, or down the line. Audition times will be posted on this page and show descriptions and specifications will be available at the audition. You may state your preferences at the audition of which shows interest you. If you have other questions you may ask when you register for your audition spot.

Who is eligible to audition?
Any Magnet student or performer is eligible to audition. (This is for the audition only. Anyone can submit a development proposal to the Rep.)

How do I sign up for an audition spot?
When our next general audition is announced, you will be asked to email scott@magnettheater.com to reserve an audition slot.

How should I prepare for the audition?
Arrive early. Please wear clothing and shoes in which you can easily move around, and bring a headshot or snapshot, and resume if available. You do not need to prepare anything; the audition will be improv games and scenes, and other exercises as chosen by the various directors and producers. At the audition you will also be asked to fill out an info sheet. Be honest when you note your availability. While it is a great experience simply to audition, and we encourage you to do it, it will help to know how much time you can commit to the rehearsal and show schedules required for certain projects.

How many slots are being filled during each audition cycle?
That is difficult to determine in advance. A written show may have specific casting requirements, while others are much more flexible- needing only one or two, or a full cast of indeterminate number. It is also possible that shows will add more performers during the process, as need arises. The short answer is, plenty. The Rep is the vehicle for casting all shows in development at the Magnet Theater.

Why aren't you announcing in advance which shows are being cast?
These shows are in development. There is always a chance the concept may change in the development process, or the show may be a bit down the pipeline and thus it is premature to announce it, or the show may not happen at all. Until a show is ready for an offical announcement, incomplete information easily morphs into misinformation. If you are really conflicted about a time conflict or other sacrifice, feel free to write or call Scott Sherman and he can give you a general idea of the show breakdowns under consideration.

I heard the shows were all pre-cast. Is that true?
No, it is not. Some shows may come into the process with some cast members in mind, others will be fully cast through this process. Please come to this page and to producer Scott Sherman for any questions. No one else has all the information about the various shows in development.

Will there be callbacks?
Some shows may require callbacks. Some will happen now, some later. Some people may be contacted for immediate casting for a certain show, which has no bearing on the process of the other shows. A callback might be requested of a larger group under consideration, or it might be that some casting decisions have already been made and the callback is to see certain people for another reason. In all cases, try to refrain from speculating on what any step in the process means to your status. Official announcements regarding cast will be made when the time is appropriate.

How will we find out if we are cast, or asked to a callback?
You will receive emails or phone calls, initially facilitated by Scott Sherman, and eventually you may be coordinating directly with the producer or director of the show. If you are not contacted right away, that doesn't mean you aren't still being considered for another project that is not casting immediately. Please don't inquire about your individual status, unless there is some compelling schedule or time conflict. The Rep casting is an ongoing process, and the Rep General Audition is a great chance for you to showcase your talents for current and long-term projects in an open and supportive setting.

If I have other questions, who can I ask?
Scott Sherman at scott@magnettheater.com, or call him at 212-244-8824. Please do not expect answers about the specifics of the Rep process from directors and producers of various shows (or even other Magnet staff). They may have information about a specific show, but do not have all of the answers for the entire Rep process and the other shows in development.