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 performed for the Artistic Team and are open to friends and family. Next, auditioners return for an open dance audition (usually the following Saturday). The audition process also includes a “callback” in which some students may be asked to read or sing from the show for a specific role, and this portion of auditions is closed. 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 music must be between 30-60 seconds long. 

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, iTunes, Amazon Music, etc. Search "karaoke" plus the song title. Not all karaoke versions are easy to sing with so listen to several. You will need to submit the digital file or link (if it is YouTube) on your audition form. 
• 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. 
• 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 are comfortable, presentable, and not distracting to yourself or others. 
• 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. 
• Pay attention to other auditions and take notes of the ones you enjoy. What makes them great? Learn from others. 

Dance Auditions & Callbacks

• This is often a separate day than auditions. 
• Usually all auditioners are asked to come to this day for a dance audition, whether or not you are an experienced dancer. 
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in that are not distracting to yourself or others. 
• If you have jazz or ballet shoes feel free to wear them, but they are not necessary. 
• Bring water and drink it. 
• Don't complain, and try your best even if you are not an experienced dancer. Remember, your audition is as much about who you are off the stage as how you perform on the stage. 
• Don't give up! Don't let yourself get discouraged by how you feel you are performing or how others are doing. 
• 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. Do I have to attend the Dance Audition if I am not a dancer? 
Yes, everyone auditioning must attend the Dance Audition. This is normally held on a different day than the Vocal Auditions so plan for 2 days of auditioning. You do not have to come with anything prepared for the Dance Audition. 

2. What is the commitment? 

Financially 

• In order to participate in a production each student must be enrolled in a CYT class. Classes are generally $210. 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 $230.  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 once a year for a small fee. 

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 Meetings (2) - One adult from each family is required to attend 2 informational/planning meetings scheduled during rehearsals.  
• 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, inviting their friends and family, and hanging show posters around their community. 
• 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 live online the Sunday after auditions. The link and time will be shared with all that auditioned. The roles are also visible online to families cast in the show after casting is announced.

Students cut from the show will be notified by the show's coordinator via email before the online live cast announcement. 

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.