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 HERE.  Each singing role has a specific range the students 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! 

“The Little Mermaid” Character Breakdown

Ariel
Ariel, the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Prince Eric
Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Sebastian
Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting
to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! .
Gender: any
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Flounder
Flounder is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky
fish also has a show-stopping solo in She's in Love.  
Gender: any
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: G3

King Triton
KING TRITON rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. 
Mersisters.
Gender: male

Mersisters
The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel's siblings and
full of personality and sass. 
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Ursula
Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning
and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. 
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Tentacles & Electric Eels
The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are
now trapped in her lair. 
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Flotsam & Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and
sneaky.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Scuttle
Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. He is funny
and off-beat. 
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Gulls
The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany back-up singers who help explain human stuff to
Ariel. 
Gender: any
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Grimsby
Grimsby is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly
trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. 
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E4

Chef Louis
Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Chefs
The Chefs are Chef Louis's assistants. 
Gender: any

Carlotta
Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally. 
Gender: female

Princesses
The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of
them possesses the voice Prince Eric is searching for, cast actresses who can create
an exaggerated and comedic personality through song. 
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: E4

Pilot
The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. 
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Sailors
The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric's ship. They are eager for adventure and ready
to tackle a storm. 
Gender: any

Seahorse
The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton. 
Gender: any

Sea Chorus
The Sea Chorus is responsible for creating each world within the show. 

Sea Creatures
The Sea Creatures are the ensemble under water animals in King Triton's court. 
Gender: any

Merfolk
The Merfolk of King Triton's Court.
Gender: any

Lagoon Animals
The Lagoon Animals try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. 
Gender: any


Read below for audition details and helpful tips!
 

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 Spring production of "The Little Mermaid Jr." (Production week: June 15th-21st & June 26th- 28th) you will need to complete and upload the Audition Forms prior to live auditions on Saturday, April 5th @ Hope Chapel.   Auditions & Callbacks will be held from 9am to 3pm.  There weill be a 2nd callback for some students Monday, April 7th 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 class.  Students must be enrolled in a CYT class to audition for The Little Mermaid Jr. Completed Audition Forms should be uploaded to the link posted HERE.   Audition music should be one of the  vocal side audition tracks. 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, April 5th 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 April 10th.
  2. The first rehearsal is Saturday, April 12th, 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 Little Mermaid Jr. are each Saturday from April 12th- June 14th. 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.