Audition FAQ

Students ages 8-18 who are enrolled in CYT classes are invited to audition for the current production. Auditions typically consist of a one-minute song performed for the Artistic Team, with the possibility of a monologue. The audition process will also include a Dance Call for all students auditioning. The audition may also include a “callback” in which a student may be asked to sing and/or read for specific roles in the show.  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!

How to sign up for an audition?

Not applicable for CCT or summer productions

First, you must be registered for a class! 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 did NOT sign up at the time of registration, click on the button says "Tools" next to your students name and click on the drop down menu option that says "Auditions".

Second, you need to complete the appropriate digital show forms for the production. These are sent via email AND are posted on the Callboard on your family account.

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 for your show. The contact information for each coordinator can be found in the show manual on the show page. 

Who can audition for a CYT show?

There are 3 conditions you have to meet to audition for one of our shows. 
1 - You must be between the ages of 8-18. 
2 - You must be registered for a CYT class during the session you want to audition.
3 - Parent's must attend a mandatory meeting prior to auditioning.  There are usually several times to pick from and meetings are typically held the first week of classes.
 
That’s it! Everyone who is the right age, registered and their parent has attended the mandatory meeting is welcome to try out. We want our cast involved in classes because even though they learn a ton during rehearsals, there are many things we simply cannot cover as we prepare for a big show. Being part of classes helps your child grow in all of their theater skills and gain confidence.

How do auditions work?

At CYT, auditions are an open casting call; nothing is precast.  Any student 8-18 enrolled in classes is eligible to audition. A karaoke/backing track is required for your song. iTunes sells many options, and many options exist on YouTube that can be downloaded. Your karaoke/backing track will need to be uploaded to your online audition form, and all forms are due 24 hours before your audition. 

Students will be lined up in groups and will be seated to the side of the audition room. Students will then come one at a time in front of the Artistic Team, introduce themselves and their song, and perform. After that, they will perform their monologue. Students will then take their seat until the entire group is finished. 

The following day will be the Dance Call for all students. This short time in the morning is the opportunity for the choreographer to teach a short combination and for the Artistic Team to see how students move.

When students arrive for the Dance Call and sign in, they will find out if they have been asked to stay for a Callback. This means they will need to stay in the afternoon to learn specific materials for specific roles. All other students will be released at lunch time. 

What do I have to do for my audition? What do I need for my audition?

We recommend preparing a 1-minute song highlighting your vocals and acting through song. Students will also memorize a short monologue (up to one minute) and perform it for the artistic team. Your student can pick their own monologue or they can use one of the provided monologues from the show  for which they are auditioning. These show monologues are posted on the show page for the specific production.

Dance call will happen at a later time, and you will be taught a dance combination at that time, so you do not need to prepare anything concerning movement unless the choreographer specifically asks for it. That information will be sent out via email if applicable.

How do absences play into casting?

The directing team needs to know what rehearsals you will be missing. It is imperative that they have this information on the audition form.  Absences that come up after casting will not be excused with the excpetion of family emergencies. There is no “magic number” of excused absences that will make or break getting cast, however, the more absences you have the more difficult chances of getting cast become. CYT San Antonio understands 15 hours absences during a rehearsal process.

CCT Productions do not have a limited number of absences, however, unexcused or unlisted absences may be cause for dismissal from the production.

What if I am unsure about conflicts?

List them anyway. Any information is helpful. If you are unsure about a conflict, list it as “negotiable”. If you list conflicts as “negotiable”, the artistic team may contact you during casting to ask if you are willing to remove the conflict all together. 

Rehearsal schedules may vary by show, but you can find the specifics on the show page for each production.

What if my child is out of town on audition weekend?

If you are unable to attend auditions, we do accept video audition submissions. Please work this out in advance with your Show Coordinator and/or Stage Manager. All video submissions must be submitted before the first night of auditions.

Can I play the piano accompaniment for my child?

Both CYT and CCT productions are currently only offering tracks for auditions at this time.
 

What should my student wear to an auditon?

Auditions are like job interviews! Students need to dress appropriately. Shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops are not appropriate attire, and the Artistic Team can ask the student to come back once they are dressed appropriately before they audition. We’re trying to teach our students life skills with this process!
 

My student prepared for such a long time and didn't get a callback, or received very little time in the Callback process to share their skills.

The Artistic Team has a vision for the production, and they are trying to bring that vision to life. They frequently have many students to see and often have very clear ideas based off of auditions as to what characters they need to see certain students read or sing for. By keeping focused in the callback process, the Artistic Team of the show is is trying to maximize the time of everyone by keeping focused in the process. While is may seem like your student didn't have as much time as another student, it doesn't mean your student isn't talented. It simply means that the Artistic Team has specific things they need to hear and see from your student so as to best cast the show according to the vision of the director. The callback process doesn't guarantee any one student a particular amount of material to work on.

Have You Ever Wanted to Understand the Casting Process?

To learn more about the the casting process, watch the video below where Dr. Heather LaForge, director, teacher, and previous CYT Inc. Staff member from California discusses the CYT casting process.