Audition Information
Everything you need to know before auditioning for a show.
CPT students ages 8-18 currently enrolled in a class or enrollment show have the opportunity to audition for a Broadway-style full production that is presented at the end of the fall and spring session.
Students perform a one-minute segment of a musical theatre song of their choice before the Artistic Team and then perform a one-minute dance (which is provided) in a small group.
Steps to Auditioning with CPT
- Enroll in a class or enrollment show
- Sign up for an audition slot
- Select an audition song
- Complete the audition form
- Practice!
- Perform your audition song and dance at the audition
- Wait to hear if you have a Callback
- Attend Callbacks (if called)
- Relax and wait for the cast list!
More information about each step in the process is found below.
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
Your link for the audition sign-up will be provided with your class enrollment confirmation. 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.
CPT auditions take place on a Friday evening. 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. CPT auditions are open auditions; this means that family and friends are invited 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 register for a CPT class upon arrival (if not already registered), complete the audition form and provide the accompaniment track, and wait for an available time.
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 an 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 Audio File
There are a number of ways to obtain 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. Your piano teacher, voice teacher, parent, or friend could play an accompaniment for your song, which you could record using a phone.
- 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.
- Bring an accompanist. You have the option to bring your accompanist. A piano will be available. Indicate on the audition form if you plan to have a live accompanist. CPT does not provide accompanists.
Complete the Audition Form
After signing up for an audition slot, you will receive a link to an 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, t-shirt size)
- Theatre, dance, and vocal experience (previous shows, classes, and/or lessons)
- Availability info (rehearsal conflicts are discouraged, only three are allowed, and the times must be listed here)
- Callback availability. Callbacks are held the Saturday after auditions. 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
- Parent commitment information and preferences
Parent Commitment Information
CPT full productions aren’t possible without the support and volunteer time of parents! Although this might be daunting, we do all we can to make your entire family’s experience with CPT rewarding!
Every CPT Production is produced by our pre-show and show week parent committees. CPT productions have the following pre-show committees: Costumes, Hospitality, Hair and Make-up, Media and Markeitng, Props, Rehearsal Parents, Sets, and Special Activities. CPT productions have the following show week committees: Backstage, Costumes, Greenroom, Hair and Make-up, Hospitality, House, Media and Historian, Props, and Special Activities.
Each auditioner must have a parent commit to serve at least 25 hours pre-show and a parent commit to serve and be present during show week for load-in, rehearsals, shows, and strike. For more information about the parent experience and commitment, visit our Show Parent Page.
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 and others observing. CPT auditions are open auditions; this means that family and friends are invited 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 ________, and I’ll be singing ____________ from the show _________________.”
- Wait for your music to begin and start singing on cue.
- At the end of your song, stand quietly while the Artistic Team takes notes; wait until they dismiss you.
- 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!
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.
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 through the CPT Callboard and by email. Plan to check early on Saturday morning to see if you have been called back.
Callbacks take place the Saturday following auditions.
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.
- 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.
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.).
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 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:
- Attendance at auditions/callbacks and completion of song and dance portion
- Past CPT performance, behavior and attitude in shows, camps and classes
- Potential for growth
- Past parent participation, cooperation, and behavior
- Availability as expressed on the Audition Form (refer to our show attendance policy)
- Previous attendance and participation in CPT classes and shows (history of tardiness or unexcused absences)
Becoming a Better Performer
If you are interested in growing as a performer, consider taking steps to improve your abilities for future shows. Here are some suggestions:
- Vocal Training. Take CPT classes and/or private voice instruction to improve your vocal range and performance.
- Dance Training. Lack of dance ability often keeps good singers and actors from getting parts in musical theater. Take CPT classes or workshops and/or other dance instruction to improve your skills.
- Readings. Show the director good character development and appropriate emotion at callbacks. Improve your acting skills through CPT drama classes.
