Colloquial term used in reference to an audition for roles in theatrical performances (tv, movies or stage)that involve large numbers of applicants. Actors and actresses are told a specific time and place to appear before the casting director. They usually provide ahead of time their resume and headshot for the director to view during their audition. Though their names are used, oftentimes actors end up feeling like they're just a number, and there's often assistants to the director corralling the many applicants into one room or another in large groups. Sometimes food and drinks are provided, but not as often as they used to. Inevitably only one person gets the part, so a lot of people go away empty-handed.