The Audition Process
Auditions for Turlock Youth Performing Arts are designed to be a fun, encouraging, and exciting experience! Whether this is your first audition or you're a seasoned young performer, our goal is to make the process as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
How Auditions Work
Auditions are held on a first-come, first-served basis, with performers auditioning in pairs. You're welcome to bring a friend to audition with you, or we'll happily pair you with another performer when you arrive. Those who arrive first will audition first, so please plan accordingly, as wait times may vary. Individual auditions typically take no more than five minutes per person.
What to Expect at Your Audition
Check-In & Photo: You will fill out an audition application and take a quick photo to help our audition team match names with faces throughout the casting process.
Acting Audition: You and your audition partner will perform a provided script excerpt for our audition panel.
Junior Company: Script excerpts are provided in advance on our website so performers can practice before audition day.
Senior Company: Script excerpts are provided the evening of auditions.
Vocal Audition: Each performer will sing individually for the audition panel.
Junior Company: Vocal selections, practice tracks, and script excerpts are available on the website prior to auditions. A backing track (without vocals) will be played during your audition.
Senior Company: Performers should prepare a one-minute excerpt from a song of their choice to sing a cappella (without musical accompaniment).
Vocal Range Exercises: Performers will also participate in a few brief vocal exercises to help determine their vocal range.
Unable to Attend In Person?
We understand that occasional circumstances may prevent a performer from attending auditions in person. If you are unable to make it, please contact us at typaprogram@gmail.com to discuss the possibility of submitting a video audition.
Callbacks & Casting
Once auditions are complete, our team carefully reviews each audition and works to prepare a callback list, which is posted as soon as possible.
Performers invited to callbacks will attend an additional session later in the week. Callback night includes a variety of dance and vocal exercises that allow our creative team to learn more about each performer and make final casting decisions.
A Few Important Things to Remember
Auditioning does not guarantee placement in the final cast, but every audition is an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain valuable experience.
Casting decisions involve many factors, including character fit, vocal range, acting ability, and the needs of the overall production. Sometimes these decisions have less to do with talent and more to do with finding the right fit for each role.
Don't compare your audition to someone else's! Every performer brings something unique to the stage, and there is room for all kinds of talents and personalities in theater.
Be brave, be yourself, and give it your best! Auditions can feel intimidating, but stepping out of your comfort zone is something to be proud of, regardless of the outcome. We encourage every performer to come prepared, do their best, and most importantly, have fun!