cattle call

noun, Slang.
1.
a theatrical audition that is open to everyone, especially to those who do not belong to a theatrical union.
Origin
1950-55
Examples from the web for cattle call
  • It's a cattle call when they herd half a dozen of you into a hotel room and interview you all at once.
Slang definitions & phrases for cattle call

cattle call

modifier

: Nonprofessionals may vie for spaces in ''cattle-call'' auditions

noun phrase

An audition announcement, esp for a number of extras; also the crowd resulting from such an announcement: Mr Allen is having what is known in show business as a cattle call/I can't speak for the other agencies, but we've just about done away with the cattle call (1950s+ Show business)