Audition FAQs

Getting ready for your first audition, or returning for another show? Find answers about preparation, signup, callbacks, and participation below. Always check your production’s current materials for show-specific instructions.

How Do Auditions Work?
CYT auditions are an open casting call; nothing is precast. Students ages 8–18 enrolled in classes are eligible to audition, with birthday details explained below. Students have “2 minutes to shine”: a one-minute song with a karaoke/backing track and a monologue from the provided list. Upload your music before your audition using the supplied link. The stage manager can assist with cueing your music.

What Happens in the Room?
Students perform their song and monologue one at a time within their audition group, supporting and encouraging each other. Students then attend a closed choreography session, learn a dance selection, and have an opportunity to demonstrate specialty skills.

How Will We Hear About Callbacks?
If the directing team wishes to see a student for a specific role, the student may be called back during the designated callback times. Check your CYT family account for callbacks and follow updates from the production coordinator.
Audition Questions

Prepare for Your Audition

Your Song
Prepare a one-minute song that highlights your voice and acting through song. Choose a song outside the production you are auditioning for that suits your vocals. Younger students are encouraged to choose a high-energy song.
Your Monologue
Memorize a monologue from the materials on the show’s page and prepare to perform it for the artistic team.
Your Backing Track
Use a track without lead vocals. Check your audition confirmation email for the music-upload link and upload your track before your audition.
Your Paperwork
Complete the forms with a parent or guardian, attach the requested photo, and include known rehearsal conflicts. Bring the completed paperwork to auditions.
Your Family’s Commitment
Read the CYT Production Manual before auditioning so your family understands the show process.
Production Manual

On Audition Day

Do I Have to Sing, Act, and Dance?
Yes. All students act, sing, and dance for CYT auditions. Bring a change of clothes suitable for movement for the dance portion.

Recording an Audition

May I Record My Child’s Audition?
You may record your own child’s audition. You may not record other children in the audition group.

Scheduling and Conflicts

Do Scheduling Conflicts Affect 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. 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. 

The rehearsal schedule is a big game of Tetris to get all scenes covered in the 9 week process. CYT is a commitment. If you can not commit to being at rehearsals, it is best to wait until a session when you can. CYT is like a team sport, your cast mates, crew, and artistic team are counting on you. You matter!

Please read ALL audition dates carefully and CHECK YOUR CALENDAR before submitting your paperwork at auditions.

Unable to Attend in Person?

Can I Submit a Video Audition?
CYT accepts video audition submissions by advance arrangement with Production Coordinator Jenny Adler. Contact shows@cytfred.org before making plans.
All video submissions must be submitted before the first night of auditions.
Contact Show Team

Sign Up for an Audition

The audition signup link becomes available in your CYT family account after class registration.

Signing Up Later?
Open your family account and select your student. Choose Auditions, then New Audition Appointment, and follow the available prompts for the production and time slot.
Explore Classes

Forms and Materials

Where Are the Audition Forms?
Audition forms are located under the PDFs tab on the CYT Shows page. Check the specific show’s page for its monologue list and preparation materials.
Use your audition confirmation email for the correct music-upload link.
View Shows & Forms

Age and Eligibility

What If a Birthday Falls During the Session?
A student must be no older than 18 on audition night, but may turn 19 during the session. A student who is 7 must turn 8 by the show’s opening night to participate.
Students must also be enrolled in a CYT class. Review the production’s current requirements and ask the show team if you have an eligibility question.

Your Audition Checklist

  1. Confirm age eligibility, including the birthday guidance above.
  2. Register for a class and upload a headshot for each student auditioning.
  3. Reserve an audition appointment through your family account.
  4. Prepare and memorize a monologue from the provided list.
  5. Prepare a one-minute song with an accompaniment track without vocals.
  6. Upload your audition music using the supplied link.
  7. Print and complete the audition forms, including the requested photo and known conflicts.
  8. Bring a change of clothes suitable for the dance audition.
  9. Take a deep breath—you’re ready to share what you’ve prepared!
Still Have a Question?
Contact the production team for help with your show’s specific requirements.
Contact Show Team
Review the audition process and current show information.
Back to Auditions