What does a EPA or Equity Principal Audition mean?

What does a EPA or Equity Principal Audition mean?

EPA's are basically union open calls. The difference between EPA's and non-unions open calls, is that Equity theatre's are actually required by the union to hold them, so a play may in fact already be cast when an EPA is held - the theatre is doing it because they have to.

Contrary to how it sounds, non-union actors CAN go to the auditions. You just may not be seen. It's up to the director and how many union people they have to see (Equity actors will be able to make appointments, whereas non-union actors will just have to show up and wait).

Same thing for Broadway. Technically all the auditions are Equity, but anyone can go and wait in line and try to be seen. For the big ones, like Les Mis,Lion King , Kinky Boots and so on  it's just a crapshoot if you actually will be or not.