cattle call

noun

, Slang.

1. a theatrical audition that is open to everyone, especially to those who do not belong to a theatrical union.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattle call¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Others were more whimsical: Jennifer Hudson choosing to subjugate her ego and attend an open cattle call for Dreamgirls.

From The Daily Beast

One day I noted a musical cattle-call sung by an old man as he led his cows home to be milked.

From Project Gutenberg