Audition FAQ

Frequently Asked Audition Questions

Audition FAQ

So you want to know more about auditions?! You’re in luck! All the info you need is below!

Please Note* Show specific information is updated for each new show on/before Audition Registration opens!

When are Auditions?

Normally we hold auditions on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings/afternoons. Kids can sign up for a specific block of time, and a specific group, and will sing in front of just the directing team—and if there are dance auditions, learn a short combination with all of the other kids in their group.

How can I sign up to audition?

Online registration for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has concluded!

Normally, that above clickable link will take you to an audition form—and it will turn active once again when we announce our next production, Tall Tales!

What are the auditions like?

While most auditions are stress-inducing vomitoriums, auditions at The Studio aren’t…or at least we do our best not to make them be! The vocal auditions are about 3 minutes long, and private. That simply means each auditioner will be singing for just the Directing Team, no audience, other kids, or mom-arazzi. 🙂

After singing, there will be a dance audition with about 10-14 other kids to learn a simple dance steps or combination. Auditioners should plan to stay approximately two hours.

A few notes about your audition form:

Bring your audition form to your audition! That, along with the production fee of $195. (Financial assistance is available in certain instances. Payment plans are also available. Please email admin@thestudiorockford if you need more information.)
Please be honest about your conflicts! Conflicts don’t automatically mean you won’t be considered for a part, and we will do our best to schedule around your conflicts, however, there ARE mandatory rehearsal dates on the rehearsal schedule, which will be posted when registration opens. Tech week rehearsals are mandatory as is the first day of move-in to the theatre. This is a spacing rehearsal and it’s imperative we have everyone there. Not everyone is called to every rehearsal. The number of rehearsals required will depend on role. During tech week, rehearsals are 4:30-9 every day, and these rehearsals are mandatory.
Conflicts added after casting will not be accepted and may affect your role in the show. We know life gets in the way sometimes, but in order to put up the best show possible, we might have to move parts around if cast members choose not to come to rehearsals.

When will rehearsals be?

The tentative rehearsal schedule is listed on the audition form you will receive after signing up for an online slot. For this particular production, rehearsals will be Friday evenings and Saturday mornings/afternoons. There might be added rehearsals throughout, but we will let cast members know well ahead of time.

The tentative rehearsal schedule for our Fall/Winter 2025 show is below. Please note that it’s subject to change. . .but we’ll do our best to keep it as is!

October
3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31

November
1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

December
5, 6

8th – Move-In (we’re not moving into the theater until the Monday of Tech Week)

8-12 Tech Week One

13-14 Performances (Saturday and Sunday Only)

17-18 Tech Week Two

19-21 Performances

We may have an added rehearsal here or there, but you will get plenty of lead time if we’re planning something in addition to the dates above.

Who can audition?

For our Fall/Winter 2025 musical, anyone between the ages of 8-19 can audition!

On the younger side, you must be 8 at the time of auditions. On the older side, you must be 19 at the time of auditions. If you’re 7 at auditions and turning 8 somewhere during the rehearsal process, unfortunately you’re not old enough this time around. If you’re 19 at the time of auditions but turning 20 during the rehearsal process, that’s totally fine—and we’ll sing to you, embarrassing you only slightly 🙂

Also, no experience is necessary! Anyone and everyone is welcome!

Additional FAQs

How much is the production fee? And what does that include?

The production cost for our productions is $195. That includes everything. There won’t be added costs down the line. We may ask you to provide a small costume item like tights, shoes or a T-shirt, but everything else will be covered. This is a one-time fee that covers costume rental, helps with royalties, theatre rental, etc. Additional items (show T-shirt, congrats ads for the program etc.) will also be available, but they are optional.

When is the production fee due?

The non-refundable production fee is due in full at the time of the audition. If your child is not cast in the show, the production fee will be refunded. If your child is cast in the show and chooses to drop, we are unable to return the fee. If you are auditioning with a video, your audition form and fee must be turned in prior to audition weekend.

Does my child have to be enrolled in classes or private lessons at The Studio in order to participate in the show?

Nope! Your student does not have to be enrolled in classes at The Studio in order to be a part of any of our full-scale musical productions. However, we do offer a number of Studio Sessions, private and group voice and piano lessons as well as private instruction in instrumental brass. We highly recommend all students are constantly working on their craft and encourage you to enroll your child(ren) as it will strengthen their skills.

But will they have a better shot at getting a part if they are enrolled in a class or private lesson at The Studio?

No. No parts have been cast prior to auditions and all students are given the same consideration, whether they are currently or have previously been private or group students at The Studio.

What about rehearsals? What’s the schedule? What if I can’t make it? Where are rehearsals held?

emailed Once you sign up, a rehearsal schedule will be located on the Audition Form—as well as listed above. Rehearsals are very important to the overall success of the show, and it’s important to be honest about your conflicts on your audition form. Unexcused absences can have consequences, so please be sure to go over your calendar carefully. Of course, we understand that there are always unforeseen conflicts that may arise and will handle those on a case by case basis. Conflicts don’t automatically mean a child won’t get a part or be cast in the show, we simply need to know ahead of time what their availability is.

What is your policy regarding conflicts?

We want so badly for you all to succeed and have the most amazing Studio experience—and after our first full season of shows we’re tightening a few areas up when it comes to a Studio production! In order to put on the best show possible (and to ensure that the experience is phenomenal for you and everyone involved) we are updating our casting procedures. For this show, conflicts will play a large part in casting.

What is the expectation of parents whose kids who are cast in the show?

We try to make as little “mandatory” as we can, but we welcome and appreciate all parental involvement. Parents are invited to serve on one of our Production Teams, if possible. We will do our best to place you on the team of your choice. Teams include: House, Props, Sets, Costumes, Marketing, Refreshments, Souvenirs, and Tech, just to name a few. Our Administrator will help create teams based on your experience, skills and preferences.

My child has never auditioned for anything before…help?

We understand! One of the most frequently asked questions comes from parents who really want to set their child up to succeed, but aren’t sure where to begin. We do have a limited number of spaces available for individual audition prep lessons. Email us at info@thestudiorockford.com for more information.