I called over the weekend and got a machine (didn't leave a message), then I tried again today at lunch around 11 a.m. Pacific, and someone answered!
Talked to a guy named Todd, and he was really friendly and informative. I didn't try to do any voices or anything, just kept it professional (remember that this guy isn't casting you, just passing information). He took down my name and number, plus the city where I was interested in auditioning, L.A. Then he said that he'd have dates most likely within the next week or week & a half and he'd call with the info. I told him that it's been years since I performed in front of an audience, and that I didn't remember all the details to put on a Performance Resume (like they ask for). He said that was alright, that they were looking for voice impersonation abilities and improvisational skills overall, and that puppetry experience would just make it sweeter. Then I asked him a couple questions.
Are we supposed to bring our own puppets to the audition? He wasn't sure, said he'd put it on a list of questions to ask the Casting Director. He thought that it wouldn't be necessary, but I'm gonna book on my puppet to have it done in time anyway, just in case!
The flyer said that relocation was not required, was that assuming that you already lived in the area? He said that while living in the target cities' would make things easier, that it wasn't necessary.
I also wanted to ask him:
should we have some material ready to audition with? I blanked and forgot that question until after I hung up. Will someone else who calls please remember to ask that? I think they'd have some generic stuff ready for us to audition and improvise with (so they could really see differences in performances), but you never know.
Another great question (for all you builders out there) would be:
are they looking for Muppet builders too? Just thought of that for you all who only do original voices, but probably build awesome puppets! And who knows where this gig will lead you, maybe to performing new characters or to the Muppet Workshop or something!
Good luck to all who audition!