It’s already April, and you know what that means… It's time for springtime company and program auditions at Turning Pointe Dance! Auditions can be an exciting opportunity, and a great experience for students of all ages and abilities, regardless of outcome. Ready to put yourself out there? Here’s what’s coming up this month at Turning Pointe, along with our top five tips to prepare for a successful audition!
Turning Pointe Training Division
April Audition Date: Monday, April 10, 2023
April Audition Time: 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Additional Audition Dates: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 (5:30-7 p.m.)
About the Training Division: Students accepted into the Training Division for the 2023-24 season will receive high quality, technically focused, faith-centered instruction, specifically for students who are passionate about Classical Ballet. Acceptance is required prior to enrolling in Training Division classes for the upcoming school year session.
More Information: TurningPointeSchoolOfDance.com/Training-Division
Questions: training.turningpointe@gmail.com (Ms. Sara)
Fidèle Youth Dance Company
April Audition Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023
April Audition Time: 10 a.m. - Noon (age 10-13); 12:30-2:30 p.m. (students age 14+)
Additional Audition Dates: Saturday, June 3 (same times)
About Fidèle Youth Dance Company: Students accepted into FYDC’s 10th season will be cast in their 2023 production of “Bring Her Home,” an original stage adaptation of the novel by the same name (and a royal re-telling of The Prodigal Son). Cast members aged 14 and up can also be considered for the inaugural FYDC Missions Team, which will travel to El Salvador over Spring Break 2024.
More Information: FideleYouthDanceCompany.com/Auditions
Questions: FideleYouthDanceCompany@gmail.com (Ms. Mimi)
STARZ Theater Company
April Audition Dates: Friday-Saturday, April 21-22, 2023
April Audition Times: Turning Pointe Dance students ages 9-18: April 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and April 22, 12:30-5 p.m.; Students from the COS community: April 22, 6-8 p.m.
Additional Audition Dates: Sunday, April 23 (Callbacks for select auditionees)
About STARZ Theater Company: April’s auditioning students will be considered for a role in STC’s summer production of Frozen Jr. This fast-paced summer session will kick off June 12 and rehearse through July 20 before turning the ENT Center stage to Arendelle July 20-22.
More Information: StarzTheater.org/FrozenJrAuditionDetails
Questions: http://www.starztheater.org/contact
Turning Pointe’s Top 5 Tips for a Successful Audition:
1. Read everything carefully
When auditioning for anything, it’s important to know exactly what to expect. Nerves will be at an all-time high, and curveballs can only make potential performers (and their families) even more anxious! Everything you need to know should be publicly available, so do your best to know everything you’ll need to know ahead of time. Bonus Tip: Research the company or production you’re trying out for while you’re at it! Read the book. Watch the movie. Check out last year’s Handbook. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be!
2. Present yourself well
You know what they say… if you look great, you’ll do great! Know what you need to wear ahead of time, plan your dancewear accordingly, and make sure your equipment is ready to support you—whether that’s your pointe shoes, muscles or vocal chords! Do your hair and makeup (if applicable) prior to your arrival so you enter the audition space ready to shine. Bonus tip: Don’t leave it all to your look. Presenting yourself well also means good posture, well-spoken answers and respect for instructors!
3. Be extra prepared
Being prepared for an audition goes without saying, but how can you go the extra mile? Directors love students who take the process seriously, so show your commitment by arriving with all of the applicable forms, resumes, headshots and fees completed, clean, and ready to turn in. Bonus tip: Make sure your headshots and resumes are current and up-to-date well in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute!
4. Ask questions
If something isn’t clear, ask for clarification! Confidence is key when it comes to any audition, so be sure you know exactly what’s expected of you or what’s being asked. Trust us… directors would rather take the time to answer your questions than see an easily avoidable misunderstanding, and so would you! Bonus tip: This goes for preparing for the audition and during the audition itself. Didn’t catch a step in the combo? Missed which count you’re starting on? Ask the instructor to repeat the instructions. Directors want to see you at your best, and ensuring you understand the assignment shows both personal responsibility and a commitment to excellence.
5. Have FUN!
Regardless of the outcome, all auditions should be fun. The process allows students of all ages to challenge themselves, experience themselves under pressure, and practice rising to the occasion as they figure out their own definition of success. Besides… if you’re not enjoying yourself, it will definitely show. Bonus tip: Let His light shine through you! As you’re heading to the studio, warming up and preparing to enter the audition room, spend some time in prayer with your favorite worship songs. While putting yourself out there can be scary, remember that He’ll be right beside you every step of the way, delighting in the work of His children. Give thanks for the opportunity and give Him all the glory no matter what happens!