Audition Information
Everything you need to know before auditioning for Summer Community Theatre
Whole families, CYT/CPT alumni, current CPT students, and, of course, new friends from the community have the opportunity to audition for a Broadway-style full production that is presented this summer.
Auditioners perform a one-minute segment of a musical theatre song of their choice before the Artistic Team and then perform a short dance (video instruction will be provided one week prior to audition) in a small group.
Details
Enroll in a Class or Enrollment Show
Remember that only those currently enrolled in a CPT class or enrollment show are eligible to audition for that session’s full production. CPT Theatre Classes offer instruction in various theatre skills, including voice, dance, and acting classes, as well as special performing arts electives. Enrollment Shows offer an opportunity to be in a junior show production.
Sign Up to Audition
The audition sign-up simply secures your time slot on audition day. All you need to do in this step is select the time and provide your email.
Summer 2026 Community Theatre auditions take place on Tuesday, June 2 between 5 pm-10 pm. Auditioners select a time slot and join an audition group of 10-12.
Auditioners are required to arrive 30 minutes before their group’s time. Summer Community Theatre auditions are closed auditions; this means that family and friends are not allowed to attend. For more information on the actual audition experience, see below.
Deciding at the last minute to audition? We accept walk-in auditioners on audition night. Walk-ins must complete the audition form and provide the accompaniment track or piano sheet music, and wait for an available time.
Facing an unavoidable audition schedule conflict? Contact our show coordinator to arrange for an alternate video audition. Please note that those unavailable to attend callbacks forgo the possibility of a lead role.
Select an Audition Song
Auditioners choose what song they would like to sing in the audition.
- Auditions are limited to a one-minute segment of your song selection.
- Choose a Broadway-style show tune to fully display your vocal and characterization talent.
- No a cappella singing. You will either provide an accompaniment track (uploaded with your audition form) or bring sheet music for our provided accompanist.
- Make sure your song is within your vocal range.
- Do not select a song from the show for which you are auditioning. This is considered poor etiquette.
- In your audition form, you will have an option to indicate the part that you would like to be considered for. Select a song that will showcase your ability to perform that part. (Remember, even if you ask to be considered for a particular part, that doesn’t limit the Artistic Team to consider you for other roles.)
Audition Song Accompaniment
Bring sheet music for our provided accompanist. You have the option to use our provided accompanist. Indicate on the audition form if you plan to use our accompanist.
Alternatively, provide a “backing track” for your audition. Although CPT can’t do this for you, we suggest the following approaches to provide this audio file:
- Record a piano accompanist.Â
- Purchase a backing track. There are a number of websites that sell backing tracks for a reasonable amount that you can download. You might explore options on places like pianotrax.com. (CPT doesn’t endorse or recommend a particular website.)
- Use a YouTube Karaoke Track. There are often karaoke tracks available on YouTube. Note: CPT will not play directly from YouTube during auditions. You must provide an audio file in your audition form. One simple way to do this is to play the track and record the playback with your phone.
Complete the Audition Form
Besides signing up for an audition slot, you also need to complete the Audition Form. This form collects important information for our Artistic Team as they consider you for a role. It also includes your audition song accompaniment track. On the audition form, you will need the following:
- Personal and family information (name, birthdate, parents’ names, emails, etc)
- A headshot photo
- Descriptive info (height, measurements for costume sizing–costumers will help with this if you need it, t-shirt size)
- Theatre, dance, and vocal experience (previous shows, classes, and/or lessons)
- Availability info (rehearsal conflicts are discouraged, three or more absences could impact casting decisions, and the times must be listed here). Auditioners are also asked about their availability for extra rehearsals, which may be needed for some roles or ensembles.
- Callback availability. Callbacks are held the Thursday after auditions (June 4). You must be available to attend callbacks.
- Role info (indicate what role you would like to be considered for if applicable)
- Audition song accompaniment audio file
- Cast member/family commitment information and preferences
- All participants age 18 or older are asked to provide references, submit to a background check, and must agree to abide by our Statement of Faith, our Policies of Conduct, and our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Production Design Involvement
CPT Community Theatre productions aren’t possible without the support and volunteer time of parents, cast members, and community volunteers! Although this might be daunting, we do all we can to make your entire family’s experience with CPT rewarding!
CPT Community Theatre Production is produced by our pre-show and show week committees. CPT productions have the following pre-show committees: Costumes, Hospitality, Hair and Makeup, Media and Marketing, Props, Rehearsal Parents, Sets, and Special Activities. CPT productions have the following show week committees: Backstage, Costumes, Greenroom, Hair and Makeup, Hospitality, House, Media and Historian, Props, and Special Activities.Â
Each auditioner must commit themselves and/or a family member to serve during pre-show. We will be looking for family members and community volunteers to be present during show week for load-in, rehearsals, shows, and strike. For more information about the different committees, visit our Show Parent Page.Â
Practice and Prepare!
Being prepared will make all the difference in your audition. You’ll be more confident, and you will perform better. Practice your song until you know it perfectly. Practice the dance until you can do it without mistakes.
Audition Etiquette
Aim to make a good impression with the Artistic Team. Be sure that you understand what is proper etiquette for auditions.
- No a cappella singing
- Dress to impress! Your audition is like a job interview; how you dress communicates to the Artistic Team that you want to be in the show. Honor the CPT dress code, and choose something professional and flattering to you.
- No costumes or props are allowed.
- Do not sing a song from the show for which you are auditioning.
- Bring a water bottle.
Audition Tips
- Confidence is key! If you are not a singer, that’s okay! Give the directors a show and win them over.
- In most cases an upbeat song is best. Show energy and enthusiasm! Directors want actors who will look comfortable on stage. Be sure to smile.
Perform at the Audition
Arrive for your audition time slot 30 minutes early and check in. CPT staff will welcome you, provide you with your audition number, and take you to the audition greenroom to wait with your audition group.
Auditioners waiting for their group’s audition will have an opportunity to practice their audition dance with other auditioners.
Audition groups of approximately 10-12 auditioners will be escorted into the audition room and given a seat. One by one the auditioners will take a turn singing their song before the Artistic Team. CPT Community Theatre auditions are closed auditions; this means that no one other than the directors, show staff, and a group of 10-12 auditioners is allowed to attend.
Auditioners take their turns in order by number. When you are the next auditioner, you stand in the “on deck” spot. When your turn comes, stand before the Artistic Team and wait until you are told to begin.
- Introduce yourself as follows, “Hello! My name is ________. Â I’ll be singing ____________ from the show _________________.”
- Wait for your music to begin and start singing on cue.
- At the end of your song, return to your seat.
After your audition group is finished with everyone’s song, the group will be taken back to the greenroom. Auditioners have the option to change into different clothes for the dance (be sure that your dance outfit also abides by our CPT Dress Code).
Your audition group will be taken back into the audition room for the dance portion. Auditioners will perform the dance in groups of 3-5.
Wait to Hear if You Have a Callback
 You did it! The hard part is over!Â
Our Artistic Team will deliberate and determine if they would like to see you for a “Callback.” Callbacks are an opportunity for the Artistic Team to hear potential cast members read lines, sing, and/or dance for a particular role.Â
Although it is tempting to make guesses about casting based on callbacks, it’s not helpful to speculate! Directors use callbacks to help them make casting decisions. Being called back, and what you are asked to do at callbacks, doesn’t necessarily indicate what you are being considered for. If you receive a callback, that does not mean you are cast. If you do NOT receive a callback, that does not mean you are NOT cast.
Callbacks are communicated to auditioners by email. Plan to check at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 3, to see if you have been called back.
Callbacks take place on Thursday, June 4 from 5 pm-9 pm.
Attend Callbacks (if Called)
 If you are called back, this is an opportunity for you to show directors more of your abilities. Remember that your demeanor, your respectful behavior, your patience, and demonstrating your ability to follow instructions are just as important to casting as reading lines!
You can prepare for a callback! Research the show and learn about the parts. You may even wish to practice lines from various parts at home to help you think about characterization.
Callback Etiquette
- It’s bad form to tell other auditioners about your callback. Do not post online or text your friends with your callback news.
- You will not be allowed to use your phone during callbacks. Bring a book or quiet activity to fill the downtime.Â
- Callbacks are closed. Parents, siblings, and friends are not allowed into the callback room.
Relax and Wait for the Cast List
Casting a show is a complex process. It can include things that are completely unrelated to your audition performance. These factors include your height, the height of others, your vocal range, what specific parts are available in a particular production, as well as a myriad of other uncontrollable factors.
If you weren’t called back, don’t be discouraged. Callbacks give the Artistic Team more information if they need it; it’s not required in casting.
It’s possible that not all auditioners will be cast into the show. As disappointing as this may be, we encourage you with this verse:
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
We believe that the Lord has His hand on casting. The outcome of casting may not be what you hoped for, but know that whether or not you are part of this cast, or whatever role you may receive, it is not a measure of your worth and value. The Lord is at work in your life. His purposes are higher than yours, and ours.Â
Trust the Lord
He has your best in mind! Graciously receiving the results of a cast list will prepare you for many, many more situations in your life where others may or may not select you (colleges, jobs, etc.).Â
If you are disappointed with the cast list, it’s natural to feel emotions of sadness. We encourage you to grieve your disappointment, but then determine to move forward. Be gracious to others. Congratulate them on their roles. Be thoughtful and kind to your friends who are disappointed. Celebrate with your friends who are elated.
Casting Etiquette
We know you may be excited about your role, but we ask that you wait a week after the cast list comes out to post or share publicly about your role.Â
Casting Considerations
There are many factors that are taken into consideration when directors cast a show. The talent and potential displayed in the audition performance is only one part of the bigger picture. Directors also consider:Â
- Attendance at auditions/callbacks and completion of song and dance portion
- Potential for growth
- Availability as expressed on the Audition FormÂ
