CYT Shows

Current Shows:

Disney's Finding Nemo, Jr

Jan 30 - Feb 2

Lake Charles
6 Performances
F.G. Bulber Auditorium
275 Lawton Dr
Lake Charles , LA 70605
 More Info   Purchase

Auditions

An audition is part of the process to arrive at casting a production. CYT has always felt that the audition process is an important aspect to theater arts training in that it is a primary way in which an actor learns how to present him or herself. As a result of this process, whether a child is cast or not, a number of character traits are developed: hard work, discipline, commitment, and accepting disappointment. CYT has chosen to use the audition process versus simply casting all children in the production in order to further develop these important characteristics. Safety, venue limitations, number of auditioners and show requirements are all reasons that an artistic team may not be able to cast all auditioners.

Auditions are a wonderful way for students to gain self-confidence and experience in performing in front of people. Currently enrolled CYT students ages 8-18 on the day of auditions are invited to audition for any one of the CYT productions each session.  They must be enrolled in at least one class during that same session.  Students do not need previous theater experience to audition. Students enrolled in CYT's current class session are invited to audition for our current production.  Auditions are a wonderful way for students to gain self-confidence and to show the best of their talents!

AUDITION CHECKLIST

 

1. SIGN UP: Once you register for class, you can sign up for an audition timeslot for whichever show you choose.
2.  COMPLETE THE ONLINE AUDITION FORM:  Our audition form is now online.  After signing up for an audition timeslot, you'll receive an email and this form. You do NOT need to print anything.  We access it online.  
2. PREPARE: You will need a 1 min. monologue and a 1 min. song
3. AUDITION DAY: Show up for your audition early. Sign in with your show coordinator and wait in holding area until your name is called to enter Audition Room.To find out specific information about auditions, click on the graphic above of the show that you are interested in. Then scroll down to view show notes. Email the Show Coordinator for any additional questions - Becca at becca.022008@gmail.com  

Click this link here to learn how to sign up for an audition --> How to sign up for an audition 
Check out the info under the "PDFs" tab which can be found on the top of this page. You can find show schedule, audition tips, show manual, etc

AUDITION DO'S AND DON'TS

DO NOT: Sing without accompaniment (acapella). 
DO NOT: Rock back and forth, or fidget.
DO NOT: Sing directly to the judges, pick a point beyond their heads.
DO NOT: Use an accent unless the artistic team specifically asks for one.
DO NOT: Bring props of any kind. Props take away from your delivery. 
DO: Put on your very best show with confidence and a smile. 
DO: Show confidence even if you don’t feel you sing well.
DO: Choose a song that fits your vocal range and ability.
DO: Have fun and share your personality!

How to submit an Audition Song.

1. Make sure that you have signed up for auditions in your CYT Account. 
2. Choose your song that is an instrumental or karaoke track you will sing along with.
3. Use the audition form to submit all of your information, including your music track or sheet music. Note that the audition form also requires you to be prepared with your rehearsal conflicts, current photo and program bio.
4. How to covert your files
  • Your track should not be longer than 1 minute. If you submit a full song, we will start it at the beginning and stop it at 60 seconds.
  • Your audio track should be in the format of MP3, MP4, AAC, M4A, WAV (compressed audio.) 
    • Your track WILL NOT WORK if it is any of the following:
      .aiff, .MOV, iTunes, YouTube, Google Drive link, or any kind of LINK, .jpg, .pdf, or any kind of screenshot of anything.
    • Another really helpful website is: https://audiotrimmer.com You can use it to convert .MOV to .mp3, to speed up/slow down, and to trim the length.
    • You can also download the Windows app called VLC Media Player and use it to convert movies and apple files to MP3 format.

Performer Commitment

  • 150% Effort and an A+ Attitude
  • Attendance at Auditions and Callbacks.
  • Attendance at all rehearsals, unless you are not called.
  • Attendance at all performances.
  • Memorizing all lines, songs and dances.
  • Being responsive to and respectful of our directors and staff.
  • Completing all responsibilities before leaving a rehearsal or performance.

CASTING PROCESS

Casting a show is a complex process. We want to help you understand some of the factors that go into casting decisions. There are some things you can do absolutely nothing about which may have a bearing on casting. These include your height, the height of others, your vocal range, what specific parts are available in a particular production, the sizes of previously constructed costumes as well as a myriad of other uncontrollable factors. 

However, there are some things you can do that may affect the outcome of your audition.
  • PREPARATION: Prepare the best audition that you can. For callbacks, research the show and learn about the parts. If sides are provided, work with them until your callback.
  • BEHAVIOR: Directors want to work with people who behave well, and they may ask your Chapter Coordinator and others about you. Don’t harm your chances of being cast in a show by exhibiting poor behavior in class, at rehearsals, at shows, and even at auditions and callbacks.
  • PARENTS: This is also good advice for parents.  Don’t harm your student’s chances by exhibiting poor character or behavior.   Your behavior is also factored into difficult casting decisions.
  • VOCAL TRAINING: Take CYT classes and/or private voice instruction to improve your vocal range and performance.
  • DANCE TRAINING: Lack of dance ability often keeps good singers and actors from getting parts in musical theater. Take CYT classes and/or private dance instruction to improve your skills.    
  • READINGS: Show the director good character development and appropriate emotion at callbacks.
Good advice:  do what you can do, don’t worry about what you can’t do, and leave the final decision to the Lord!

For more perspective on this, watch the informative video below!

IF YOU ARE CAST IN THE SHOW.....
  • You must be at all rehearsals for which you are scheduled. If an absence is necessary, permission must be received from the Show Coordinator or Stage Manager. Conflicts (other than illness) after casting are not allowed.
  • All conflicts must be listed at the time of auditions and will be taken under consideration during casting. 
  • You may not leave rehearsal early.
  • You must be at all performances. This may include missing one day of school.
  • Your parents must agree to attend two parent meetings and to serve on a Parent Production Team in addition to working shows. Each volunteer will get at least one show off of their committee so they may watch.  

Cast Size

Unfortunately, we are not always able to cast every student who auditions for a show.  Some of the factors that go into a cast size are how many cast members fit the stage, fit the script, fit the number of available costumes, or fit the aesthetic of a particular show. It is painful for an artistic team when they are unable to cast all auditioners, but it’s especially difficult for the student who doesn’t see their name on a cast list. We do our best to help every student and their family navigate the highs and lows of casting.   At this time. We do NOT offer other opportunities such as working on an age appropriate committee, building sets, painting sets, backstage crew, tech but we hope to in the future! That would be a great alternative to a student that does not get cast in the show.  

How to handle disappointment

Several times every year anticipation, excitement, nervousness, and sometimes, disappointment comes to many of those auditioning for CYT productions. The fact of the matter is auditions will never seem fair to everyone.  With so many students auditioning and a limited number of roles, decisions are always extremely difficult for those casting the show. How one reacts to disappointment is a tremendous test of character. Although disappointment is painful, it can bring about a new understanding of goals and what the Lord has in store for you. When disappointment comes your way, whether it is in auditioning or in another area of your life, take a deep breath, open your eyes, and then see what wonderful doors the Lord will open for you.
Parents are the backbone of CYT! Without them, CYT would not be the family-oriented organization that it is and could not produce the high-quality community shows that it does.

At least one parent of each student cast in the production must serve on a CYT Production Team. Options include, but are not limited to: costumes, props, greenroom, backstage, sets, make-up, programs, ushers, concessions and so much more!

Family Expectations 

Accepting a role in a CYT production is a significant commitment for the student and the family. Through this process, students and families learn the value of collaboration, responsibility, and hard work, while making friends and having fun. Parent commitment is a vital part of the CYT process. With fully committed students, parents, and the CYT Artistic Team working together, we will stage an amazing production.

Before your student auditions, review the production expectations. This is what you and your family are
committing to. Understanding this ahead of time will prepare you and your student to have the best possible CYT experience. More details on each of these elements can be found in the Info Hub. 
 
Info Hub

School Days

CYT brings the best in children’s theater to students throughout the county. Literature from the classroom comes to life on stage in quality productions with colorful costumes, professional staging, energetic choreography and singing. All performers and crew members are students ages 8 –18. Docents are often available for classroom presentations to help prepare your students for the performance, discussing the story and explaining theater etiquette. The docent may also display props and costumes, demonstrate stage techniques or bring along a cast member.

CYT School Day performances are designed specifically for elementary and middle school classes.