At a non-Equity audition in NYC, you might arrive at the audition site at 6 am only to find that you’re the 75th person to sign up on an unofficial list. Not only will you have a long wait, but you’re also not guaranteed a specific number, since there are no rules to make sure that the production company auditions dancers in the order they sign up. And there’s always the possibility that someone arriving hours later could cross your name off in order to put his or her name in its place. Without rules for governing the process, auditions can become chaotic and frustrating. Equity has set rules to make auditions for Broadway productions run fairly and smoothly. Auditions sanctioned by Equity are divided into two categories: Equity Principal Auditions, or EPAs (used to cast featured and lead roles), and Chorus Calls (used to cast the ensemble). On the day of an EPA, performers line up in order of arrival to choose a specific time slot later in the day. This process is monitored to make sure everyone is lined up in an orderly fashion. The Chorus Call procedure works differently. One week prior to the audition, a monitored sign-up sheet is posted at the Equity building in Times Square (165 West 46th Street). Performers can sign up on that list any time during business hours in the following seven days. This is the only place the list is posted, so you must appear in person. On the audition day, singers and dancers will be seen according to the order of the list. Crossouts aren’t permitted.