AUDITION FAQs
Where are auditions held?
Unless otherwise noted for a specific production, auditions are held at:
Joseph P. Spencer Studio for the Arts
120 Jessie Street
Manhattan, IL 60442
Always check the individual production’s audition announcement for dates, times, age requirements, and any location changes.
How do I sign up for an audition?
Productions use scheduled audition times or group audition slots. A sign-up link and complete audition information will be provided with each production announcement.
What should I prepare?
Audition requirements vary by production. Depending on the show, you may be asked to prepare:
A short vocal selection
A dance combination
A reading from the script
Materials provided in advance by the production team
The audition announcement for each show will include specific instructions, music selections, rehearsal materials, or other resources when applicable.
What is the audition process like?
The exact format varies by production, but auditions may include:
Introduction – A brief opportunity to introduce yourself to the production team.
Music – You may be asked to perform a prepared vocal selection. Some productions will provide specific music or accompaniment tracks in advance.
Dance/Movement – A choreographer may teach a short combination at the audition, or a practice video may be provided ahead of time.
Acting – You may be asked to read a scene or selected lines from the script. Readings are generally provided and do not need to be memorized.
Auditions are typically held in front of members of the production team, which may include the director, music director, choreographer, producers, and Spotlight Arts Collective volunteers.
Do I need to complete an audition form?
Yes. Auditioners will generally be asked to complete an audition form that includes contact information, role interests, experience, and scheduling conflicts.
If an online audition form is provided, please complete it before arriving. Some productions may also offer a printable form that can be brought to the audition.
What should I bring?
Please bring any materials requested in the production’s audition instructions. These may include:
A completed audition form, if you have not submitted one online
Sheet music or an accompaniment track
Audition music or script materials
Appropriate shoes and clothing for movement or dance
A list of known rehearsal or performance conflicts
Do I need to memorize my audition material?
Usually, no. Unless the audition notice specifically says otherwise, readings and other materials do not need to be memorized.
Being familiar with your material can help you perform more comfortably and confidently, but memorization itself is not the focus of the audition.
Do I need to sing a song from the show?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by production.
Some musicals may encourage or require selections from the show and provide music cuts or accompaniment tracks. Other productions may ask you to prepare a short selection of your choice.
Follow the instructions listed for the specific production.
Will there be a dance audition?
For many musicals, yes. You may learn a short dance combination during the audition or receive a video in advance to practice.
You do not need to be an experienced dancer unless a particular role requires it. The creative team wants to see your movement ability, willingness to learn, and how you approach the material.
Will I have to read from the script?
You may be asked to read for one or more characters. Auditioners can sometimes indicate whether they are interested in a particular role, multiple roles, or any available role.
You may also be asked to read for a character other than the one you originally selected.
What if this is my first audition?
That is absolutely fine. Spotlight Arts Collective welcomes both experienced performers and people auditioning for the first time.
Review the materials provided, prepare as much as you can, and come ready to participate. The production team understands that audition experience varies widely.
What are callbacks?
Callbacks give the production team an opportunity to see certain performers again before final casting decisions are made.
If callbacks are needed, you may be asked to sing additional music, read additional scenes, dance again, or work with other performers. Callback procedures and timing will be communicated by the production team.
Not being called back does not necessarily mean you have not been cast.
How will I find out if I have been cast?
The production team will contact performers after casting decisions have been made. Depending on the production, principal roles may be contacted first, followed by the remainder of the cast.
Performers may be asked to formally accept or decline their role before the complete cast list is publicly announced.
What about rehearsal conflicts?
Please list all known conflicts honestly on your audition form. Rehearsal and performance availability can be an important part of casting decisions.
Each production will provide its anticipated rehearsal schedule and required performance dates as part of the audition information.
Are audition requirements the same for every Spotlight production?
No. Every production is different.
Age requirements, vocal selections, dance expectations, audition materials, callbacks, rehearsal schedules, and other details may change depending on the show and creative team.
Always review the audition information for the specific production before attending.