cattle call

plural cattle calls

1. idiomaticperforming artsAn audition which is open to the public and thus draws a large number of applicants, many of whom are inexperienced.

   The other extreme is a cattle call audition, when dozens or even hundreds of performers are auditioned in groups, only getting a chance to speak a few lines, sing a few bars, or dance a few steps.

   2016, Thomas S. Hischak, Theatre as Human Action, Rowman & Littlefield, →ISBN, page 108

   1 more example

   And to what extent is there a world beyond it? Is there going to be a moment where populism needs a new leader and you’re back to that cattle call in New Hampshire looking at different opportunities?

   2025 January 31, Ross Douthat, “Steve Bannon on ‘Broligarchs’ vs. Populism”, in The New York Times, →ISSN