Audition and Casting FAQs

Do I have to be a professional child actor to audition for a VYT show?

NO! VYT auditions are open to all young people of all skill levels. Young performers in our shows aren’t required to have any previous theatrical experience or formal training. We just strive to recognize each child’s potential and to match their talent and skill level with the needs of each role. That means, our open casting gives every child in the Valley an opportunity to participate in our shows!

How much money does it cost to be in a VYT show?

Zero. Nothing. Nada. You do not pay upfront to audition. VYT performers don’t have to rent or purchase costumes or scripts. There are no ticket or program ad sales requirements. We believe that money should not be a barrier to a transformative performing arts experience. 

How old should I be to audition for a VYT show?

Typically, because they need to read and memorize lines, main stage performers are at least 7 and not more than 19 years old. Younger people aspiring to the stage are encouraged to consider our performing arts camps and classes. Sometimes, however, due to the nature of a production, there are age restrictions and those will be noted in the show's audition notice.

Do I have to audition? I've done a ton of shows.

Yes. You have to audition. You can audition online or in person, but the number of shows you have done does not matter. Everyone has to audition!

How do I audition for VYT?

Well, it all starts with the website, so you are in the right place. Check out our auditions page to see which show VYT will be auditioning for. It will say how we are doing auditions -- online or in person. Pay attention to the roles listed and the ages suggestions if any. If you think you fit who we are looking for great! Come and audition!

This show says I can audition online or in person! Which should I do? Which one is better?

Well, let's start off by saying that neither one is better or worse. They are just better for you. Some people have specific conflicts that they can't get out of on the in person audition days, so auditioning online is better. Also, there is a lot of time savings by auditioning online in that you don't have to be at a specific place for an unknown amount of time. With that said, you may feel more comfortable or give a better performance in person than online. It's really up to you. BUT, you have to choose one or the other. Do NOT audition online and also come in person. That isn't helpful for anyone! Make a decision and go with it! You've got this!

What do I need to prepare for an audition?

Here's what we suggest you have in order to make your audition run as smoothly as possible:

1. A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! you can take it with a camera phone if you'd like. Make sure it is relatively close up and you have good lighting so we can see your face.
2. An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have a fancy one (although you certainly can). We just want to know what you have done performance-wise and in a theatre. If you worked on the stage crew, put that in there too!
3. (If you are auditioning for a musical or a play) A short monologue that is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for.
4. (If you are auditioning for a musical) A song that will show off your voice and is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. If you are auditioning in person, you can bring sheet music with you as we will have an accompanist. You can also bring a background track you can play from your phone.
5. A list of conflicts you will have with the rehearsal schedule. This is super important to be honest with us and yourself if you can not make it to a rehearsal. We need to know. Theatre is collaborative and we can not move forward together if people are missing. Please let us know your conflicts when you audition.

How long should the monologue and song be?

Good question. The answer is: as long as it needs to be for you to feel that you have shown us how amazing you are! Chances are that's around 2 or so minutes, but it may be longer or shorter.

How do I audition online?

First gather all the materials you will need before you start your online application (refer to the question above "What do I need to prepare?"). That means having a headshot or photo ready to upload, a resume ready to upload (or a list that you can type in), a list of your conflicts, a monologue already recorded and either ready to upload or hosted on vimeo or youtube and, if you are auditioning for a musical, a video of you singing already recorded and also either ready to upload or hosted. Look to the next question if you would like tips on videoing an audition.

Once you have all of those things together, THEN start the audition form. This will save you time and will avoid you having to fill out the form more than once.

How do I video an audition?

You do not need any fancy camera equipment to video your audition. A camera phone or a video on a computer will work just fine.

1. Make sure you are in a well lit area so we can see your face. 
2. Make sure you are in a quiet area so we can hear you. 
3. Make sure your camera lens is clean
4. You do not need to shoot very high resolution video. We will be having callbacks where you will be in person (which is the highest resolution you can get). 
5. Instead of having someone hold the camera, prop the camera on a stable surface. This prevents the image from moving so we won't get seasick when we are focused on your audition! 
6. Have a parent or friend watch the camera to make sure you are in the frame and we can see you.
7. Say your name at the beginning of the audition so we know who you are!
8. You do not need any editing software. We want to see you!

How do I get you my video audition:

We have 2 ways you can get us your audition:

1. You can upload it directly on the audition form. In order to do so, your file must be 10 MB or less. 
2. You can upload it yourself to an unlisted youtube video or a password protected vimeo link. We will ask you for those links in the audition form.
   1. Why an unlisted youtube or password protected vimeo? This is your content and it should stay that way. An unlisted youtube upload or (even better) a password protected vimeo link will ensure that you have control of your content.

How do I audition in person?

VYT will announce audition dates and times. Be sure you come prepared. That means having a photo, preferably filling out the online casting form and coming prepared to move. That means wearing appropriate attire to dance.  Do not wear sandals or skirts.  If you choose to bring a change of clothes, changing areas will be provided to do so.  Also, we recommend you bring a bottle of water to remain hydrated and energized. 

We hold auditions at our theatre:
Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street
On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore, in Downtown Phoenix

Please note: The VYT parking lot is permit parking only. Public paid parking is available in the lot on the north west corner of 1st St and Fillmore and at meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.

What are your COVID safety protocols?

We are currently encouraging but not requiring masks to be worn at our theatre. However, we do reserve the right to change our protocols as the situation changes.

What happens after auditions?

The next step is  called "Callbacks". Callbacks are when a certain number of performers are asked to come to the theatre in-person to continue the audition process. The list of callbacks will be listed on the Callboard page of the website. Look for your name and the day and time you will need to come to the theatre. Again, it is important to be prepared! So come dressed to move -- no sandals or skirts -- and bring water to remain hydrated and energized!

Usually during callbacks, you will be put into small groups, you will be asked to read scenes, sing and possibly learn a dance. You may be asked to read for a couple of different parts. Each callback experience is different!

Why didn't I get cast or called back? Was I that bad?

No! This is part of being an actor. Sometimes you get the part and sometimes you don't. Auditioning is a matching process and sometimes your talents aren't a match for what is needed for that specific production. That doesn't mean your talents aren't needed in the future! Rejection isn't great, but it's a big part of being an actor. Not getting cast in a VYT performance doesn't mean "no", it just means "not for this specific show". So don't give up! Remember: Auditioning takes practice, too!  The more you audition, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will learn.

Besides, there are a ton of ways to be involved other than just being on stage. We also need young people for our tech crew, our orchestra and other behind-the-scenes positions. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, contact the stage manager at stagemanager@vyt.com

What are the expectations if I am cast in a VYT show?

We have to be honest, being in a VYT show is a time commitment. That's what makes our shows so great. When you are cast in the show, we expect you to have fun and try your best. We also expect you to treat the show as the professional show it will be. That means attending all scheduled rehearsals, memorizing lines and blocking and being attentive when the Director, Stage Manager, Musical Director, Choreographer or any other person is talking. We expect honesty and responsibility and will show that respect right back to you.

Rehearsals are generally Monday through Thursday evenings and most of the day on Saturdays, beginning as early as the week of callbacks. The weekend before the show opens is the beginning of tech week and Saturday and Sunday are 8- to 14-hour days, so it can be a lot. But it is also the most fun you will have!

Because Valley Youth Theatre does not charge a fee for young people to participate in our mainstage productions, parents are required to volunteer by helping with set and costume construction, and front of house during the run of the show.

QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED HERE? Contact our Production Stage Manager, Morgan McCall, at stagemanager@vyt.com or 602-253-8188 ext 308