There are a lot of decisions to make during audition season—and many factors to consider about each potential job beyond whether the dance style is a good fit. Even if you’re sure a choreographer or company is perfect for you, it’s smart to do some additional research before the audition. Going in prepared can help you land on your feet.

These days, auditioning two, three, four, or more times isn’t an anomaly—it’s often the norm. “In this industry you get told ‘no’ all the time, so auditioning is your job,” says Houston-based musical theater dancer Courtney Chilton. Depending on what corner of the dance scene you’re in, “You might spend more time auditioning than on contracts.”

She had a varied, flourishing career that included dancing for Lar Lubovitch, touring with the Bad Boys of Dance, and performing at Radio City Musical Hall and in Broadway shows. But Kamille Upshaw really wanted to make Mean Girls happen. Not because she’d known Reginas or Plastics in high school—at Baltimore School for the Arts, […]

In the days and hours before an audition, your to-do list might include researching the company, conditioning your muscles, updating your resumé or taking a long walk to clear your head. But what you don’t do before pinning on your number can be just as critical to your success. 1. Don’t stray from your feel-good […]

Even if you make it through to the final round of an audition, that doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed a spot on the roster. Before handing out contracts, many companies also require prospective dancers to complete an interview with staff. How can you impress your potential employer with your words as much as your dancing? […]

Get ready: Audition season is starting, and whether you want to land a new job or your dream summer program, the pressure is on. In an ideal world, great dancing would speak for itself. But it’s not always that simple. Try these five tips to increase your odds of success: Take control of your nerves. […]