Auditions are an opportunity for students to show their skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Our goal is to get to know each performer and place them where they can grow and succeed.

What to expect:

Preparation: Audition requirements (songs, monologues, dance calls, etc.) will be shared in advance. Students should come prepared, but perfection is not expected.

Singing: Students may be asked to sing a short selection that shows their voice. Audition selections should be no more than 16 measures or approximately one minute. Students singing a prepared piece must bring their own sheet music.

Acting: Some auditions may include reading from the script or performing a short monologue.

Movement/Dance: If the show includes choreography, students may participate in a brief, age-appropriate movement or dance portion. Prior dance experience is not required unless noted.

Callbacks: Some students may be invited to callbacks to explore different roles and groupings. Not all students will receive a callback.

Casting: Casting decisions are based on many factors, including vocal range, acting ability, movement, age, and how performers work together as an ensemble.

Our goal is to ensure a positive experience where students feel encouraged and respected, regardless of the role they are cast in.

Auditions for plays focus primarily on acting and storytelling. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where students can show who they are as performers.

What to expect:

Preparation: Audition details will be shared in advance. Students should come prepared, but perfection is not expected.

Acting: Students typically prepare a short monologue, 30 seconds to 1 minute in length. Some auditions may also include reading from the script.

Movement: Some plays include light movement or stage direction, but no formal dance experience is required unless noted.

Callbacks: Some students may be invited to callbacks. Not all students will be called back.

Casting: Casting decisions are based on acting ability, age range, chemistry with other performers, and the overall needs of the production.

Auditions are intended to be a positive learning experience for all students.

Yes! We strongly encourage all students to complete the online audition form before auditions. Submitting the form in advance helps auditions run smoothly and reduces wait times.

Students who arrive without a completed form will still be allowed to audition; however, completing the form ahead of time ensures we have all necessary information.

Monologues can be found in play scripts, movies, television shows, and reputable theatre websites. Students are encouraged to select material that is age-appropriate and similar in character type to roles they are interested in.

While stage, film, and television monologues are all acceptable, students should avoid using a monologue from the show they are auditioning for, as this allows us to see them interpret new material.

Guidance and recommendations are available if needed.

Students should choose material that highlights their strengths and feels comfortable to perform.

When selecting material, we recommend: Choosing age-appropriate selections, Selecting pieces that fit the student’s vocal range or character type, Picking material the student enjoys and understands, Avoiding selections from the show being auditioned for, Staying within the recommended time limits, Simple, well-prepared material is more effective than overly difficult selections. Confidence and clarity matter most.

Sheet music is available through online music retailers, sheet music websites, local music stores, libraries, or existing personal collections.

Be sure the sheet music matches the key and arrangement the student plans to sing. If you have questions or need assistance, guidance is available.

The most helpful support is encouragement paired with preparation. Auditions are about growth, not perfection.

Families can help by:

Assisting with age-appropriate material selection

Encouraging short, consistent practice sessions

Reviewing audition requirements and time limits

Helping gather materials in advance (sheet music, forms, water, comfortable clothing)

Offering calm encouragement on audition day

Showing up prepared and trying their best is a success.

No. Prior dance experience is not required. Students of all experience levels are welcome.

Some productions include choreography, and auditions may include a brief movement portion to see how students follow direction. Certain roles may require more advanced movement skills, which are considered during casting.

All choreography is taught during rehearsals, with a focus on learning and growth.

To create a comfortable and focused environment, parents and guardians are not permitted to watch auditions.

This allows students to perform independently and feel at ease. Staff members are present throughout auditions to ensure students are supported and safe.

Productions require a consistent time commitment. Rehearsals typically follow this schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 5:30–7:30 PM

Friday: 5:30–8:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

The week before performances is tech week, during which rehearsals may be longer. Extended schedules will be communicated in advance.

Not all students are called to every rehearsal. Weekly rehearsal calls will be shared and should be reviewed carefully.

Attendance is essential. During tech week, only one absence is permitted, with prior approval from the director.

Yes. SYAA is a community theatre, and each family is required to complete 8 volunteer hours per show per family.

Volunteers support all aspects of production, including sets, costumes, props, lobby support, and more. Volunteer sign-ups will be posted online and include a variety of roles, including simple options such as lobby parent duties.

Students may indicate roles they are interested in, but casting decisions are made by the directing team.

Roles are assigned based on age, experience, vocal range (for musicals), acting ability, movement skills, and ensemble needs. Every role is important to the success of the production.

Tech week is the final rehearsal week before performances, when lighting, sound, costumes, sets, props, and scene changes are added.

Rehearsals are longer and more detailed as students practice full run-throughs and technical elements. Attendance is critical.

Only one absence is permitted during tech week, with prior approval from the director. Families will be notified of extended schedules in advance.

Costs vary slightly by production, but families can expect:

Musical Production Fee: $225
Standard Production Fee: $200 Required for all cast members. A $25 discount is available if paid during the first week of rehearsals. Sibling discounts may apply.

Volunteer Requirement: 8 volunteer hours per family, per show
Families unable to volunteer may opt to pay a personnel fee instead.

Required Costume Items:
Items may include stage makeup, jazz shoes or character heels, and leotards/tights for some performers.

Optional Items:
Show t-shirts, professional show video, and cast photos.

Payment plans are available. All costs are reviewed at the parent meeting at the start of rehearsals.

After-school classes are weekly theatre classes that vary each semester, offering students opportunities to build skills in acting, movement, and performance in a fun, supportive environment.

Classes meet after school from 4:15–5:15 PM and are open to students ages 5–18.

These classes are separate from full productions and do not require auditions or the same time commitment as being cast in a show.

Cost: $60 per month or $220 for the full semester

Includes: Instruction throughout the semester and a final showcase for families

Enrollment: Limited spots available

After-school classes are a great way for students to explore theatre, gain confidence, grow in their performance skills, and prepare for future productions.

Pop-up workshops are short, skill-based theatre workshops that take place over one or two days. These workshops focus on a specific topic or technique and are typically led by a guest artist.

Pop-up workshops are designed to give students the opportunity to learn new skills, try something different, or work with professionals who bring fresh perspectives and expertise.

Length: One or two days

Focus: Specific theatre skills (acting, singing, dance, audition prep, etc.)

Instructor: Guest artist

Commitment: Short-term, no ongoing rehearsal requirement

Pop-up workshops are separate from full productions and are a great option for students looking to supplement their theatre experience without a long-term commitment.

Summer intensives are full theatrical productions that are rehearsed and performed within a one-month timeframe. These programs move at a faster pace than a traditional production and require a higher level of commitment.

Students audition, rehearse, and perform a complete show in a condensed schedule, making summer intensives a more immersive experience.

How are summer intensives different from classes or workshops?

After-School Classes:
Skill-based classes that vary each semester. No auditions. Short weekly commitment. End with a showcase, not a full production.

Summer Workshops:
Short-term, themed programs focused on specific skills. Separate from full productions and lower time commitment.

Summer Intensives:
Full productions with auditions, rehearsals, and performances completed in one month. Faster pace and higher expectations.

Because of the condensed schedule, attendance is extremely important for summer intensives. Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances.

Absences can significantly impact the cast and production due to the limited rehearsal time. Any known conflicts should be communicated in advance, and excessive or unapproved absences may affect casting or continued participation.

Summer intensives are best suited for students who are ready to commit fully to a fast-paced rehearsal process.

Summer workshops are short-term, themed theatre programs offered during the summer months. Workshops vary by session and may focus on acting, musical theatre, movement, or other performance skills.

Workshops are separate from full productions and are designed to be fun, engaging, and skill-building, with a shorter time commitment than a show.

Length: Varies by workshop

Ages: Varies by session

Includes: Instruction and a final sharing or showcase (when applicable)

Enrollment: Limited spots available

Summer workshops are a great way for students to stay creative, try new skills, and explore theatre in a relaxed summer setting.