Students ages 8-18 who are enrolled in a CYT class are invited to audition for our current production. The audition process consists of two parts: a vocal audition and a dance audition. The first part of auditions typically consist of a one-minute song and choreography learned ahead of time, then performed for the Artistic Team.  This is open to friends and family. Next, some auditioners return for callbacks in which they may be asked to dance, read or sing for a specific role in the show.  Callbacks are closed to only invited auditioners and the Artistic Team.   Auditions are a wonderful way for students to gain self-confidence and to show the best of their talents!

Read below for audition details and helpful tips!

First, you must register for a CYT class! Enrollment in CYT classes provides students (ages 8-18) the opportunity to audition for a current production.

As you are registering, you will be asked if you would like to sign up for an audition time. At that point, you may request an audition appointment.

If you do not make an audition appointment when registering for a class, you can later make an appointment by: 1. Sign in to your CYT family account, 2. Click "Tools" next to the student who would like to audition, 3. Click "Auditions," 4. Click the blue "Edit Audition Appointment" button under the student's profile picture. 

Second, you will complete a digital audition form and submit your audition music. Currently all audition music must be electronically submitted before the audition. Audition accompaniment music must be no longer than 1 minute. 

Both of these steps must be completed in order to audition for a show!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Show Coordinator. 
 

Preparation

• Your audition song should be no more than 1 minute in length. 
• Use a music track without vocals such as a karaoke or accompaniment track. You can find these on YouTube. Search "karaoke" plus the song title. Not all karaoke versions are easy to sing with so listen to several. You can use a YouTube link or upload a music file. We cannot access files on Spotify or other premium music links.
• A show tune from a musical other than the one you are auditioning for or a musical-like song  is recommended. 
• Choose an appropriate song that fits you and your range so you sing all the notes comfortably with strength and energy.
• Remember, when preparing your audition piece, that the vocal audition is not only for demonstrating your vocal abilities but also to demonstrate your ability to act the character while singing. 
• Don't fight against your natural strengths. Pick a song that showcases them. 
• Select a song that will help you connect to a character in the show you are auditioning for, with similar energy, tone, and emotions. Help the Artistic Team see you in the role. 
• Practice your song until you know it like second nature.
• Practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions. 
• Learn the choreography that you will receive about 1 week before auditions and learn it well.  Practice several times daily in front of a mirror so that you can do it with confidence, not looking down or at others for clues.  Make sure that you are learning the dance in the direction the choreographer intends.  If you're not sure, contact the Show Coordinator.
• Read a synopsis of the show and get to know the music before you audition. 
• Be flexible with your role expectations.
• Be polite, respectful, and courteous. Your audition is as much about who you are off the stage as how you perform on the stage. 

Audition Performing 

• Breathe. 
• Wear clothes that you can dance in and are modest
• If you have jazz or ballet shoes feel free to wear them, but they are not necessary. 
• Bring water and drink it. 
• Introduce yourself (name, age, and song you will sing) with energy and confidence. 
• Sing out towards the audience, focusing just beyond them.  
• Connect with your material. Think about the words you are singing and reflect those emotions. Become the character who is singing your song. 
• If you mess up or forget the words, keep going. Directors will respect your ability to persevere.
• Avoid putting your hands in your pockets or rocking/swaying. 
• When you switch to the dance audition, you may be performing in a duo or foursome.  Smile;  do you best with energy! 
• Don't give up! Don't let yourself get discouraged by how you feel you are performing or how others are doing. 
• Pay attention to other auditions and take notes of the ones you enjoy. What makes them great? Learn from others. 

Callbacks

• Bring water and a nut free snack.
• Bring jazz or ballet shoes if you are called back as a Featured Dancer
• Don't complain.   Remember, your audition is as much about who you are off the stage as how you perform on the stage. 
• Some auditioners will be asked to read for roles on this day. If you are not asked to read for a role it does NOT mean you have been cut from the show. 
• Give your best at every role you are called back for, not just the one you want. Important!
• Be willing to try new things!
• The number of times you are asked to read or sing is really no indication of casting thoughts. Casting is a huge puzzle the Artistic Team is trying to piece together.

See the video below for an idea of the casting process. 
 

1. What is the commitment? 

Financially 

• In order to participate in a production each student must be enrolled in a CYT class. Classes are generally $230. Siblings receive a $20 discount. Payment plans are available. Regardless of casting, students who audition are NOT eligible for a class tuition refund.
• Each student cast is charged a Production Fee of $210.  There is no sibling discount. This is due before the first rehearsal and can be paid in payments. 
• Families are responsible for each student's personal show items. These include, but are not limited to, hair and make up supplies, costume shoes, under-the-costume clothes, etc. 
• A cast party is held at the end of the production run. The entire family is invited to this party and usually requires a ticket purchase. The cost of this ticket varies per production. 
• The week leading to the first performance (called Tech Week) is a busy one. Tech Dinners (prepaid dinners during Tech Week) are available for purchase to alleviate the "What's for Dinner?" question during Tech Week. 
• Each volunteering family member must complete a limited background check every two years.

Time

• Rehearsals - This commitment varies depending on the production and the actor's role. Rehearsals are generally on Saturdays but it depends on the show. Visit the show information page for specific rehearsal dates. The Artistic Team creates a tentative rehearsal schedule of which actors are called and what times but changes may occur depending on what was accomplished at the previous rehearsal. 
• Volunteering - Each family is required to volunteer a minimum 20 hours on a production team. Without our families volunteering, there would be no show! 
• Planning/Informational Meeting - One adult from each family is required to attend an informational/planning meetings scheduled during rehearsals.  We also ask new families to attend a New Parent Orientation which is helpfu lin the onboarding process!
• Selling Tickets - Families are requested to sell a minimum of 10 tickets. 
• Selling Program Ads - Business advertisers are one way we help pay for the shows. We ask families to ask around their community for businesses interested in advertising in the show programs. 
• Advertising the Show - We ask families to advertise the show by posting the information on social media and inviting their friends and family. The cast hangs show posters at local businesses after one Saturday rehearsal.
• Set up & Tear Down - Families are requested to help set up for the show and tear down (know as "Strike") the show after the last performance. 
• Tech Week & Super Saturday - These are intensive rehearsals the week leading up to the first performance. 
• Practicing at home - Rehearsals are for teaching the material to the students but it is imperative for students to practice at home their choreography, line memorization, and vocals. 

3. When are rehearsals? 
Generally rehearsals are on Saturdays, but it depends on the show. Visit the show info page for rehearsal dates. 

4. How will I know if I am cast and what role I have? 
Casts are announced either by email or live on Zoom.  The Show Coordinator will let families of all auditioning students know when and how to expect cast announcments.  The roles are also visible online to families cast in the show after casting is announced.

If cuts are made, students cut from the show will be notified by the Show Coordinator via email before the general cast annoucement is made by email or online live. 

5. If I am not called to Callbacks does that mean I am cut from the show? 
No, it does not mean you are cut from the show. The Artistic Team "calls back" those they would like to hear read/sing in particular roles so it is possible you might not have a speaking role or a singing solo. Alternately, those called back are not guaranteed a role in the show or to be cast in a speaking role or singing solo.