Want to try out for our shows? Here's what you'll need to know:

We hold open auditions  for all Children's Theatre of Elgin (CTE) and Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC)  productions. All parts are performed by children or young adults from the age groups appropriate to their corresponding troupe.

Eligibility

CTE is for children in 2nd grade through 9th grade (but not yet age 16). 

FVTC is for young people in 9th grade through age 20 years (but not yet completed 21st birthday).

Registration

Parent/Guardian or students age 18 or older complete the registration forms. Online registration is available for all CTE and FVTC productions and workshops, with the link opening up about a month before auditions. Click to see a sample audition packet to find out what kinds of information you will need in order to register for auditions.

Since parent volunteers are the backbone of all of our productions, parents and/or guardians are required to sign up for two or more committees with the expectation that they provide a minimum of 20-30 hours of volunteer time for the show. If more than one child in a family is cast, parents should increase their volunteer efforts accordingly.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ADULTS AND CAST MEMBERS

Please make a special note of the Cast Member Code of Conduct (minors) or Cast Member Code of Conduct (age 18+).  Both student and parents/guardians need to read this and agree to it and will be held accountable for the the information contained. Violation of this code may lead to cast member's immediate removal from the show.

Adult Code of Conduct and Terms should be read by parents/guardians and agreed to as well before moving on the to next screen in the registration process. Violation of this code may lead to your child's immediate removal from the show.

Time commitment

Students who are cast in a show should be available for rehearsals Monday-Thursday from approximately 6:00-9:30 p.m. for about 6-8 weeks prior to the first performance. We try to schedule younger students for the earlier part of the evening whenever possible. School show performances occur during the day, so all or part of 1-2 school days will be missed for most shows.

Most cast members will rehearse about twice a week depending on the show until a couple of weeks before the show when we start full run-throughs.

A maximum of 3 excused absences is allowed and should be noted when completing audition registration forms. Any additional absences must be approved by the producer and may jeopardize student's participation. Attendance is required at all tech week/dress rehearsals during the week leading up to opening night as well as all performances.  

Once again, parent volunteer work on two or more committees is required, so please consider this as you set up your schedule. It takes about 2,000 man-hours to make a show happen! Click here for a list of volunteer committees and more information.

What you can expect at auditions

The entire audition takes place in one evening. Students are put in groups of 6-10 students for the audition process. There are usually three parts to auditions: Reading, Music, and Dance.

Individual shows may have other or additional information than what is described below, so always read the information found on the Upcoming Auditions page for that.

READING: Participants may be asked to read a portion of a script or our choice. They should not only demonstrate good reading skills but read with expression. Students may also be asked to demonstrate an emotion or pantomine an action.

DANCE: Participant groups will be taught a brief dance sequence by a choreographer and then evaluated on enthusiasm, learning skills, and ability. 

MUSIC: Participants must be prepared to sing a song of their choice. Please bring easily readable sheet music for the accompanist and an additional copy for the singer if needed. If students are unable to bring sheet music, they should be prepared to sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee." 

The music should be 1) clearly marked for the accompanist, 2) selected to show the strength of the vocalist, and 3) must not exceed 1 minute in length. The directors will be looking for enthusiasm, vocal quality, tone, pitch, volume and range.

Hints for success: The song you sing at your auditions is the one thing you have complete control over – so choose wisely, choose early, and prepare completely.  A song you love and are familiar with is best.  

If you are looking for sheet music for your audition, the following resources might have what you need:

·         http://www.musicnotes.com

·         http://www.sheetmusicplus.com

·         Weaver's Music: 847-741-8418 ~ 865 Summit Street, Elgin 60120

·         Schaumburg Music: 847-891-1260 ~ 1429 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg 60194

There is no audition fee. However, all participation fees are due in full at the parent meeting (usually the first day of rehearsal). BE SURE TO REFER TO THE SPECIFIC SHOW PAGE TO FIND OUT WHEN FEES FOR THAT SHOW ARE DUE.

Fees vary depending on performance venue and are generally as follows:

HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER SHOWS: Approximately $100 per participant

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER SHOWS: Approximately $210 per participant (CTE fees + ECC tuition)

All fees are due in full at the mandatory parent meeting, usually the night of the first rehearsal. If student is cast but drops out of the show, our staff must be notified by 12:00 noon on the Monday following the first scheduled rehearsal.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Most shows also require purchase of a t-shirt, specific shoes, leotard, or other supplies. Students will need to provide a basket for their own costume, make-up, and hair supplies. Here is a link to a directory of costume stores if needed.

Limited scholarship assistance is available based strictly on financial need. Scholarship applications are due prior to auditions. Specific deadlines for each show along with scholarship applications are posted on our Upcoming Auditions link. Here is a sample scholarship application. Please note that additional volunteer service is expected of parents and/or cast members over age 18 years when scholarship support is provided.

All CTE and FVTC programs are open to all individuals of the appropriate ages regardless of gender, race, creed, or economic status.

So go for it! We have new cast members in every show. See you there.