Auditions FAQ

Auditions

Students ages 8-18 who are enrolled in CYT classes are invited to audition for the current production. Auditions consist of a one-minute audition side, chosen from the list that will be posted here.  Each singing role generally has a specific range the student must be able to sing.  The Students will perform their vocal cut live for the Artistic Team, and then learn and perform a short dance routine. The audition process may also include a “callback” in which a student may be asked to read for a speaking role in the show.  Auditions are a wonderful way for students to gain self-confidence and to show the best of their talents! 

Read below for roles, audition details, and helpful tips!

Roles:

Santa Claus
Santa Claus has a lot on his plate during the Christmas season, and it is starting to show. He is annoyed with the Elves, tired of lying to Buddy and sad that people seem to be losing their Christmas spirit. He is still the same jolly old St. Nick underneath it all, but the job is getting to him.

Buddy
Buddy is the perfect elf! He’s good-natured, he means well, and he’s happy & all the time. There’s only one problem. He’s not an elf, he’s an adult human.

Elves
The Elves are Santa’s special helpers who love their job making toys to meet their Christmas Eve deadline.

Charlie
Charlie is in charge of monitoring the other Elves, making sure every present is wrapped and every bow is tied.

Shawanda
Shawanda is a dependable and caring elf. She will do whatever she can to help out others, including Buddy, even though she accidentally reveals that he is a human.

Sam
Sam is one of Walter’s Office Staff who is in a bind at the top of the show.

Walter Hobbs
Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s real father, is so focused on keeping his job that he is not making time for his family. He can be stern and unemotional at times, but ultimately, he learns to recommit to his family.

Deb
Deb, Walter’s secretary, has the big responsibility of keeping her boss and the whole office happy. She does this by sharing her positive attitude with everyone.

Emily Hobbs
Emily Hobbs is Walter’s devoted wife who would prefer her husband to spend a little more time at home. She is a problem solver and an excellent mother who is doing everything she can to provide a positive family dynamic.
 
Michael Hobbs
Michael Hobbs is the smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends his new adult brother, Buddy, and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family.

Security Guards
Security Guard #1 and Security Guard #2 are a stern duo from Walter’s office, making sure everyone who enters has permission.

Saleswoman
The Saleswoman is the first person to greet Buddy as he enters Macy’s. She’s the consummate salesperson: smiling, overfriendly, and always trying to sell something.

Manager
The manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he’s doing everything he can to make sure all the employees stay in line.

Jovie
Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but don’t be mistaken, she doesn’t quite exude the Christmas spirit. She’s kind of cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and now the target of Buddy’s complete adoration.

Santa's Helper
Santa's Helper works as a Macy’s Employee and announces when each kid gets to visit with Santa.

Fake Santa
Fake Santa is a poor replacement for the real Santa. He’s an employee of Macy’s who is a bit rough around the edges.

Policemen
Policeman #1 and Policeman #2 are a friendly pair of cops who return Buddy to the Hobbs household.

Sarah
Sarah is a staff member at Walter’s office.

Mr. Greenway
Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around.

Chadwick and Matthews
Chadwick and Matthews are staff members at Walter's office who are doing everything they can think of to save the day and make their boss happy.

Charlotte Dennon
Charlotte Dennon is a TV reporter with a big personality. She does her best to keep her professional persona in public and doesn’t like being shown up.

Finale Soloists

Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin
Darlene Lambert and Emma Van Brocklin are on the scene in Central Park and are convinced of Santa’s magic after Buddy reveals their past Christmas gifts.

Ensemble
The Ensemble, including New Yorkers, Comforting New Yorker, Macy’s Employees, Macy’s Employee #1, Members of the Rockefeller Crowd, Office Staff, Business Woman, Flyer Guys, Teenager, Jogger, Carolers, Passerby, Children and Parents are all important roles for creating the distinct worlds of the North Pole and New York City.



 

How do auditions work?

At CYT, auditions are an open casting call; nothing is precast.  Any student 8-18 enrolled in classes is eligible to audition.   All students must choose from the provided song/side cut options. Students should choose the song option that best highlights their voice and that they can act well through their performance. Please get to know the characters in the show in the event that you are asked to stay to read and sing for callbacks. 

If you plan to audition for our Fall production, you will need to complete and upload the Audition Forms prior to live auditions on Saturday, September 13th @ Hope Chapel.   Auditions & Callbacks will be held from 9am to 3pm.  There will be a 2nd callback for some students Monday, September 15th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, location coming soon.

You can download the Audition Forms through the link in the confirmation email you will receive when you sign up for a fall class.  Students must be enrolled in a CYT class to audition for Elf Jr. Completed Audition Forms should be uploaded to the link that will be posted here soon.   Audition music should be one of the vocal side audition tracks that can be found HERE. No other music is allowed.  Students must bring a copy of their Audition form with their photo to the live auditions.

What do I have to do for my audition? What do I need for my audition?

All students must choose a side highlighting your vocals and acting, using one of the song options.    


The audition form is where you will upload all of your information. You will also need to upload a close-up photo and note all of your rehearsal conflicts on the conflict form. All of the information required is on the audition form, please look over in advance and do not submit until you have all of the information.  You can upload your forms Audition Forms here soon.

Come to auditions on Saturday, September 13th at 9:00 a.m. @ Hope Chapel. Auditions begin at 9:00 a.m.; please arrive early to have time to check in and get settled in your seat. You should bring:
  1. The printed forms in your audition packet that you have also uploaded to Dropbox.
  2. Dance shoes (or shoes you can move well in. (No boots/crocs/sandals/flip flops/Birkenstocks, etc.) Dance shoes can be changed into prior to the dance segment. 
  3. Wear easy to move in clothing that is in CYT dress code. (No tummies showing, spaghetti straps, etc.)
  4. A lunch and water bottle with your name on it. No peanuts or tree nuts allowed.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT AUDITIONS:

We have a lot of fun at CYT auditions - the environment is welcoming and supportive! Auditions are open; this means that everyone is free to stay and watch. After a brief introduction, auditions will begin. When it is your turn you will:
  1. Walk up to the front, hand the director your paperwork, go to the microphone and introduce yourself (slate your name and what song (side) you will be singing). You will then perform your chosen song side.
Callbacks will be the same day! After everyone has auditioned, students will go to a common area to have a supervised lunch. (No peanuts or tree nuts allowed) After lunch, those students being called back will go into the audition space for closed callbacks. Parents will need to be on stand-by to pick up their student between 12:30-3:00 p.m. Callbacks are closed, but parents are welcome to wait on campus in a designated space. 

Students are not allowed to have their cell phone out or in use at anytime during their time at CYT. There will be an adult that will call parents for pick-up if the parent is not staying on campus.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER AUDITIONS
  1. The cast list will be published after classes on September 18th.
  2. The first rehearsal is Saturday, September 20th, from 9:00-3:00 at Hope Chapel (6701 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757). All cast parents must attend a parent meeting from 9:00-10:30am that morning.
*Rehearsals for the Fall production are each Saturday from September 20th- November 22nd. There will also be several Friday night rehearsals required for dances and scene work/blocking.  

A list of each character's vocal ranges will be posted here soon.


 

 

Do I have to dance/sing for my audition?

All students will perform a vocal side chosen from the options and learn a dance for CYT auditions. 

How do absences play into casting?

The directing team needs to know what rehearsals you will be missing.  It is imperative that they have this information on the audition form.  Absences that come up after casting will not be excused.  There is no “magic number” of excused absences that will make or break getting cast, however, the more absences you have directly affects casting.  CYT understands 2 absences at the most during a rehearsal process. Students with multiple conflicts could result in being cut from the show. 

Can I watch/videotape auditions?

We encourage parents to attend Auditions and you may videotape your child's audition.   You may not record other children's auditions.

What if my child is out of town on audition weekend?

If you are unable to attend auditions, we do accept video audition submissions through a private Dropbox Link. Please work this out in advance with your Show Coordinator. All video submissions must be submitted before the first night of auditions.

How should I help my child with the audition process?

Be a support. Help them find the right song of the 7 selections for their voice. Let them practice in front of you. Obviously, the younger the child, the more you may want to help steer them towards a successful audition yourself. Help your student choose the song that best showcases their voice (which may not be the character side of the role they are desiring.) 

What if I am unsure about my rehearsal conflicts?

Any information is helpful. Please list any dates that are potentiall "conflicts" and then give us more information in any of the "notes" fields on the form. 

Rehearsal schedules may vary by show, but typically CYT AUSTIN rehearses on Saturdays from 9am-3pm.

What if my child is almost 8 or almost 19? Does it affect show eligibility?

Our shows are for ages 8-18. A child must be no older than 18 at the time of auditions in order to participate & audition for the show, but can turn 19 during the session. A student age 7, must turn 8 before the last performance of the show in order to participate in the production. 

How many students usually audition for the production?

It varies greatly by production and session, though most shows see numbers between 35 and 70.

Have You Ever Wanted to Understand the Casting Process?

The Casting Process where Dr. Heather LaForge discusses the CYT casting process.