At National Youth Theater, auditions are an open casting call; nothing is precast. Any student, 8-19 years old (by audition date), is eligible to audition. Students have “1 minute to shine” and should prepare a 1-minute song highlighting their vocals and acting through song. However, they may choose to do a monologue or dance if preferred.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT AUDITIONS?
Students who arrive having pre-registered, paid the show fee, and COMPLETELY filled out the 1 necessary form will follow the steps below.
Students who arrive as walk-ins to register on-site, will need to register, pay, and COMPLETELY fill out the 1 required form before following the steps below.
1) Receive an audition number to pin to your shirt. (Take a picture of, write down, or somehow remember this number as it will be the number used for callbacks).
2) Wait in numerical order with a group of about 10-13 fellow auditioners until the directors are ready, which could be a few minutes before or after your actual audition time slot.
3) Enter the audition room, which will include the directing team, up to 15 fellow auditioners, and their parents / family members.
4) Audition in numerical order. As each student’s number is called, the student will hand the music device to the music tech, come in front of the directing team, introduce themselves and their song, and perform the 1-minute audition. Students will then take their seat until the entire group is finished. Then they will be dismissed.
5) Get a headshot taken. After your audition group is finished, you will have a photo taken for the playbill. (This sometimes happens before your audition, depending when time allows.)
6) Proceed to dance auditions. These can take place Friday night as a next step or Saturday mornings before vocal/acting callbacks. This is up to each show directing team and will be communicated through the show Facebook group.
7) Be dismissed to await callback information, which might be after photos or the dance audition.
8) Turn in your audition number before exiting the building. Students who are called back will receive the same number when they arrive.
9) Go home and get some rest.
10) Check the show Facebook page or email used at registration for the callback notice.
WHAT ARE CALLBACKS?
Callback information will be emailed out and posted in the show Facebook group by 7 a.m. but usually much earlier. Students needed at callbacks will be listed by number. The purpose of callbacks is to let the directors see more from specific students. Not everyone called back is guaranteed a role. Kids who are not called back may still receive a role.
Callbacks involve singing for a specific role(s) and/or reading for specific character(s) and/or for more advanced dancing roles. Songs from the actual show are featured at callbacks. Be familiar with songs from the show for callbacks in advance, especially the ones you feel you could be called back for. Callback information may be shared in the show Facebook group but can be found online. As a performer you should try to prepare in advance for roles whenever possible.
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WILL ALL STUDENTS BE CAST IN THE SHOW?
In general, NYT’s goal is to cast all auditioners who do not have significant rehearsal conflicts. Students with more than 2 weekends’ worth of conflicts should not audition. All students are considered for casting whether or not they were called back for a specific role. When a significant number of students (more than 95) register for an individual show, it may mean that not all can be cast. Sizes of cast can vary because of rehearsal venue and ensemble groups needed.
Please be aware that one sibling may be cast, but another may not. That is part of the competitive process. If your child is not cast in the show, you will be refunded the full production fee.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO AUDITIONS?
1) Music on a phone/device (and any adapters needed). We recommend using a karaoke/backing track, which can be found at a variety of apps and places online. Screen recording your 1-minute song is a great idea so you don’t need to worry about losing WiFi connection at auditions or cuing your music to the correct spot.
2) Black shirt for the playbill headshot. You may wear this or bring it to put on before the picture.
3) Clothes you can dance in plus jazz shoes if you have them. Sneakers and socks work if not. (You may wear the same clothes for all of your audition or change before the dance audition.)
4) Water. You can expect to be at auditions for about 2 hours.
WHO CAN VIEW AUDITIONS? CAN I VIDEOTAPE/RECORD MY STUDENT’S AUDITION?
Audition groups are only open for viewing by the directing team and the families of those auditioning in that group. You may videotape your own student’s audition only.
WHAT IF I HAVE REHEARSAL CONFLICTS or POSSIBLE CONFLICTS?
Please make sure your rehearsal conflicts are included on your audition form, as rehearsal conflicts brought up after audition weekend are considered unexcused. Your audition form will allow you to select “Possible Conflict” if you aren’t sure of an exact date or event. You can also select only AM or PM for Saturday rehearsals.
Once casting is complete, a cast member may submit an additional conflict to the directing team for approval through the production manager. Cases of family emergencies, graded school conflicts, and illness may be considered excused.
We understand that sometimes dates for large events such as homecoming or prom may not be released until after auditions. We will excuse one event per season, with at least a month’s notice so that the directing team can prepare for that rehearsal. The event cannot be during tech week/shows, and preferably not the final weekend of rehearsals. The request for the event absence will need to be submitted in writing to the production manager at least one month before the event. This absence would be included in the total of 2 weekends’ worth of absences.
Any unexcused absence (which means, any absences not on conflict sheets or approved through the production manager/director) may result in missing out on certain scenes and having to sit out for those scenes in the show. Two unexcused absences may result in being completely cut from the show without a refund. And all unexcused absences will be recorded and could affect future casting.
WHAT TO WEAR TO AUDITIONS AND CALLBACKS?
We recommend wearing comfortable but nice clothing. Students may change between their vocal/acting audition and the dance audition, but many students wear the same thing all night. Dance shoes are also recommended but not required. Dressing up as a character is discouraged.
WHAT IF WE ARE OUT OF TOWN DURING AUDITIONS AND CALLBACKS?
We accept video auditions. Register and fill out the audition form for regular auditions. Then email the producer to communicate that you will be submitting a video audition and follow the instructions. Please pay attention to deadlines for video submissions. However, there are no video options for callbacks.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR DANCE AUDITIONS?
There is nothing to learn in advance for dance auditions. Students will be taught a sequence of choreography, review it, then dance in small groups in front of the choreographer/directing team. They may perform this sequence plus some across-the-floor moves for technique. Remember that your face is one of the most important things in a dance audition. Don’t watch what others are doing. They may get it wrong and throw you off. Keep your eyes up. And SMILE!
HOW CAN I HELP MY STUDENT WITH THE AUDITION PROCESS?
Help them find the correct music for their audition. It is good for them to practice in front of their family and friends as much as possible; it makes it easier at the actual audition. Encourage more than critique. Review the links on our audition page:
1) What to Expect at an Audition Video
2) Audition Tips
3) The FAQs on this page
4) Show signups
HOW DO I PICK THE RIGHT SONG/MATERIAL?
1) Pick a song that fits and shows off your vocal range. Girls pick a song by a girl; guys pick a song by a guy. Songs from Broadway, Disney, or kids’ movies are always good options. If you have to strain either high or low to hit notes, it’s not in your range. Keep looking for a song that feels comfortable for your vocal range.
2) If you are new to auditioning or have little preparation time, then choose a song you already know. Choose a song/piece that you are excited to perform and also fits into your vocal range or dance abilities.
3) Pick a song without any vocals. Look for a karaoke track.
4) In general, avoid songs from the show you are auditioning for.
5) Use your 1 minute to show your acting skills through your song.
SHOULD I BRING MY OWN MUSIC?
Yes. And in order to ensure auditions go smoothly, either download your music onto your phone or screen record your karaoke track before arriving at auditions. You will be asked to turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” and unlock the screen before entering the audition room. Parents, please give the musical device that your student auditioning before entering the audition room. While you are allowed to be in the room, you will be not be sitting with the student and will be unable to help them or the music tech.
CAN I SING WITHOUT MUSIC/ACAPELLA?
We would rather you audition without music than not audition at all. However, make every effort to bring music with you even if the song has voices on it. The ideal option, however, is a karaoke track.
HOW WILL WE KNOW WHAT ROLE MY CHILD RECEIVED?
After callbacks on Saturday, the directing team will meet late into the evening reviewing their audition notes. They put the list away overnight and pray over their decisions before anything is made public. Cast lists can be expected Sunday by or around 5 p.m. via the show Facebook group and producer email.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT THE ROLE I’M OFFERED?
At NYT, we encourage students to audition only if they are willing to accept any role given to them. It is normal to want to go after specific roles. But once the casting is announced, our expectation is that you will receive whatever role(s) you are assigned by the directing team. You can be disappointed, of course; that’s normal. But after a few days you are expected to handle your casting with grace and be part of the team as we practice and perform the show for the glory of God.
Students who drop out of the show will:
1) Forfeit their production fee.
2) Be considered for a role in ONLY the ensemble/chorus for your next show back.
3) Not be eligible to audition for any other shows that NYT is producing in the same season.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE A FAIR CASTING PROCESS?
We take pride in the integrity of our casting process. All of the directing team members are encouraged to give feedback on casting of all roles. However, if their own children or private lesson students are being discussed, that director must leave the room; and they are not eligible to give input on those students. We rely on godly wisdom from the council of many to make casting decisions. Final decisions are never one person’s opinion, and we bring in a variety of directing team members into each production to make sure our casting decisions are as fair and balanced as possible. We also do not have a policy against students receiving lead roles each show. This is a competitive program, and the roles are given to the students who are best suited, as determined by the whole directing team. The only way to earn a role is to prove yourself to be best during auditions and callbacks. The show producers are at auditions to help facilitate paperwork and to make sure all rehearsal conflicts are noted. They are also required to leave the room if their children are discussed.
ARE PRODUCTION FEES REFUNDABLE?
Fees are refundable up until the time of the audition, with the exception of a $45 processing fee. All participants are required to have production fees paid in full and 1 form filled out completely prior to their audition. Once the actor steps into the audition room, fees become non-refundable. The only exception would be for those times when the directors are not able to cast an actor; and then the full production fee will be returned.
MAY I AUDITION FOR MORE THAN 1 SHOW PER SEASON?
No, you may only audition for one show per season at NYT. Please decide on the show that you most want to do — and go for it!
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP DURING SHOWS? 
At least one parent must serve a minimum of 30 hours on a pre-show team and also show-week team, which includes M-F tech rehearsals and all but 1 show. Learn more about parent teams and what is required for pre-show teams and show-week teams. Parent volunteer hour requirement is per show that you have students involved in.