Students ages 8-18 that are enrolled in CYT Classes are invited to participate and audition for CYT productions. Auditions typically consist of a one-minute song of your choice performed for the Artistic Teams, with a character side to showcase your acting skills. The audition process may also include a “callback” in which a student may be asked to read for a speaking role in the play. Auditions are a wonderful way for students to gain self-confidence and to show the best of their talents!

• At the time of registration you will be asked if your student will participate in the current production. Please be sure to click on CAST  audition when prompted as you sign up for any class. If you miss this step you can go back into your family account and click on tools. Select “Edit Audition Appointment” and pick an audition time slot for your student.
• Fill out a CAST Audition Form Located on the Parent Hub
• A prepared 1-minute selection of a song from a Broadway or Stage Musical to perform for the Artistic Team. *NOTE: SONGS FROM MOVIE MUSICALS OR ANIMATED MOVIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  Do not select a song from the production you are auditioning for. If you select a song that does not fit these criteria, you will be required to sing “Happy Birthday” or “Jesus Loves Me.” If you have questions about your song choice, please contact the Production Coordinator.
• Your audition song accompaniment must be uploaded with your Cast Audition Form to the provided form in the Parent Hub by the designated date in order to secure your audition spot. For a tutorial on how to prepare your music to upload CYT Dallas has provided a video, audition music help on CYT University.
• Present a memorized  “side” from the prepared list of sides. See "PDFs" tab at the top of this page. A side is a monologue from the script that shows a key or interesting aspect of the character. The side should be memorized. This allows the Artistic Team to see what character you create and what you can do with practiced/memorized lines. Select a side that best resembles the character you hope to be cast as. This is your chance to show the Artistic Team what a great character you will be.

You’ll be performing a one minute selection of music for our Artistic Team as well as acting out a “side.” Your goal is to show the Artistic Team your level of skill. We want to see how well you can sing and whether you can create a character on stage.

Instructions

• All audition forms must be completed by the scheduled deadline prior to auditions. *NOTE: Students will not receive an audition number without all forms being completed and submitted.
• When you check in, you will be given an audition number, you will have your program headshot taken and will need to wait to enter the audition space until called.
• Audition group numbers will be called to a staging area, where you will be placed in audition order. 
• Students will be briefed on audition protocols, encouraged, and prayed over. 
• Once their group is called they will enter the audition room where they will be seated until called to the stage by the Artistic Team.  Have a device ready for music backup just in case.
• Take your place on stage to give your slate which includes introducing yourself loudly and clearly by name, age, the title of the song you are singing, the musical your song is from, and which side you will perform.
• When your selection ends, thank the Artistic Team and sit back down in your seat.

A great audition starts with the right song

• Your song must be from an appropriate Broadway or stage musical. *NOTE: songs from movie musicals and animated movies are no longer acceptable.
• You will be singing a 1-minute selection from your song, usually a verse and chorus. Your song can be a little less than a minute but no more. 
• Choose a song that fits you, where you can be yourself and be comfortable. Auditions are not the time to stretch your range and capabilities.  Show us what you’re good at. 
• Choose a song in your range, so you can sing all the notes with strength and energy. 
• Portray the character in the song with your energy, posture, expressions and gestures.
• Your music track should have NO vocals. Know exactly where the song needs to be cued for your 1-minute selection. Students often find karaoke versions on You Tube, and there are online sites where you can purchase tracks. 
• Upbeat songs are usually best. Select a song that you can have fun with. 

Choosing a “side?” 

• Review the sides available by clicking the PDFs dropdown at the top of the page. You can choose one that best fits the character you are interested in auditioning for.
• If you want a lead character or are hoping for a character with any lines, consider a longer side.
• If you are a bit nervous to go down that road, choose a small one that will allow you to stretch a bit and grow. Give it a  try! This is a safe environment. 
• Memorize your side (this is highly recommended) to better show the Artistic Team your expressions and character. Printouts of the sides will be available if requested. 

For Seasoned Students

• Do not fight against your natural strengths. Pick a song that showcases them.  
• Do not recycle the same song too many times. Pick a song that will help you get a part in this show. 
• Do not choose a song you just performed. The Artistic Team just saw you perform that character. Show them you can learn and do something different.
• Select a song that will help connect you to a character in the show you are auditioning for, with similar energy, tone, and emotions. Help us see you in the role. 
• Remember to “Dress Your Best” for auditions. Your first impression is important.

Preparation 

• Practice your song until you know it by heart. 
• Not only should you know the lyrics by heart, but any gestures need to be natural and mastered. 
• Practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions.
• Ask former directors, teachers, voice teachers, older students, and family members for feedback.
• Rehearse your breaths. Support your breathing from your diaphragm.
• Staging  should be planned. Don’t rely on yourself to just wing it.
• Do not wear a costume or bring props. 

Performing 

• Be confident. Show your personality.
• Sing out so that the Artistic Team can clearly hear you.
• Feel free to use the whole audition space if movement will strengthen the song and your character.
• Use your eyes. This means thinking about the words you are singing and reflecting those emotions. If you connect with your material, directors can see it in your eyes. 
• Become the character who is singing your song. 
• If you mess up or forget the words, keep going, shake it off, and persevere. Directors will respect your ability to pull yourself through. 
• Be respectful of those around you. Directors see your behavior on and off the stage, and everything counts.
• Auditions are open. Pay attention to other auditions and take note of the ones you enjoy. Who stands out? Why do they stand out? What can you learn?

Things to avoid

• Do not put your hands in your pockets.
• Do not rock back and forth.
• Do not show if you think you did not do your best. Keep smiling and be confident. Moving through difficulties is an important skill that the Artistic Team is watching for.
• Do not be surprised when you are  “cut off''  if your song length exceeds 1 minute. Directors have a lot to hear! 
• Do not expect to be cast in a lead role if you have several scheduling conflicts. 
• Do not sing your song acapella. 
• Be careful of choosing songs that require you to sing through your “break.” 
• Generally, do not add ornamentation to the song because you think you sound good when you do it.  We want to hear your natural voice
• Be careful about belting out. If a song requires over-singing for you to hit your note, it’s not in your key.

Saturday Dancing/Singing Auditions & Callbacks

After Friday Open Auditions all students will receive an email by 11pm letting them know if they have been invited to the Saturday Callback. Students who receive a Saturday Callback email will be asked either to stay only for the morning Dance Audition from 8:50-11am or will be asked to continue on for the full day that includes Vocal and Drama Audition from 8:50am-2pm. Here are some reminders for a successful Callback.
 

• Get good sleep the night before, eat a healthy breakfast, and drink plenty of water.
• Arrive 10 mins early.
• Wear comfortable dance attire, jazz shoes, and hair pulled away from face, no hats.
• Bring plenty of water, if you are called back for the afternoon  bring a sack lunch.
• The directors are there to help you do your best, so feel free to ask questions and clarify directions. 
• Give your best at every role you are called back for, not just the one you want. 
• The number of times you read or sing is really no indication of the Artistic Team’s casting decisions. Sometimes directors need to see some people more than others. 
• Call backs are hard work. Don’t let yourself get discouraged.
• Do your best and have fun with the material.

There are a MILLION musical theater songs! These are just a few suggestions to get you thinking of songs and options. YOU DO NOT have to pick something from this list. BE CREATIVE! 

A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins 
A Bushel and a Peck from Guys and Dolls 
A Very Nice Prince from Into the Woods 
A Whole New World from Aladdin 
All Good Gifts from Godspell 
All I Need is the Girl from Gypsy 
All that Jazz from Chicago 
Alone in the Universe from Seussical 
Astonishing from Little Women 
Be Back Soon from Oliver 
Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast 
Beethoven Day from Charlie Brown 
Bless the Lord from Godspell 
Consider Yourself from Oliver 
C’est Moi from Camelot
Different from Honk 
Ease on Down the Road from The Wiz 
Edelweiss from Sound of Music 
Everything’s Comin’ Up Roses from Gypsy 
Feed the Bird from Mary Poppins 
Fine White Horse from Secret Garden
Forget about the Boy from Thoroughly Modern Millie 
Friend Like Me from Aladdin 
Gary, Indiana from The Music Man 
Getting to Know You from The King and I 
Giants in the Sky from Into the Woods 
Goin’ Courtin’ from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Hakuna Matata from Lion King 
Happiness from Charlie Brown 
He Lives in You from Lion King 
Hold On from Secret Garden 
Home from Beauty and the Beast 
I Can Do That from A Chorus Line 
I Can’t Say No from Oklahoma 
I Feel Pretty from West Side Story 
I Gotta Crow from Peter Pan 
I Have Confidence from Sound of Music 
I Know Things Now from Into the Woods 
I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here from Annie 
I Whistle a Happy Tune, The King and I
I Wonder What the King is Doing from Camelot 
I Won't Grow Up from Peter Pan 
I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan 
I've Got a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka 
I've Got Not Strings from Pinocchio 
I’d Do Anything from Oliver 
If I Can't Love Her from Beauty and the Beast 
If I Only Had a Brain from Wizard of Oz 
Impossible from Cinderella 
It Won't be Long Now from In the Heights 
It's Possible from Seussical 
Joy of Motherhood from Honk! 
Just You Wait from My Fair Lady 
Kids from Bye Birdie 
Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid 
Les Poissons from The Little Mermaid 
Let Me Entertain You from Gypsy 
Let's Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins 
Lily's Eyes from Secret Garden 
Little Girls from Annie  
Look at Him from Honk! 
Luck be a Lady from Guys and Dolls 
Make ‘em Laugh from Singing in the Rain
Maybe from Annie 
Miracle of Miracles from Fiddler on the Roof 
My Petersburg from Anastasia
No One is Alone from Into the Woods 
Not Getting Married from Company 
Nothing from A Chorus Line 
Notice Me Horton from Seussical 
Once Upon a December from Anastasia 
One Jump Ahead from Aladdin 
Popular from Wicked 
Positoovity from The Little Mermaid 
Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins 
Put on a Happy Face from Bye Bye Birdie 
Reviewing the Situation from Oliver 
Save the People from Godspell 
Seventy Six Trombones, The Music Man 
She's in Love from The Little Mermaid 
Silly Song from Snow White 
Some People from Gypsy 
Step in Time from Mary Poppins 
Stepsisters Lament from Cinderella 
Supercali... from Mary Poppins 
Suppertime from Charlie Brown 
The Bare Necessities from Jungle Book 
The Girl I Mean to Be from Secret Garden 
The Kite from Charlie Brown 
The Letter from Frog and Toad 
The Morning Report from Lion King 
The Simple Joys of Maidenhood from Camelot 
Tomorrow from Annie 
Tradition from Fiddler on the Roof 
Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid 
Warts and All from Honk!
Wick from Secret Garden 
With a Little Bit of Luck from My Fair Lady

Still have more questions about CYT Auditions? Check out our Audition FAQs.