Auditions
The Rose Theater encourages actors of all races, ages and skill sets to audition for our main stage shows. Auditions are held on a regular basis throughout the season.
Being a part of a main stage show is a big commitment, not only for the performer but for their family. Rehearsals are as frequent as six days per week and often run late into the evening. The result is a high-quality performance and memories that will last long after the spotlight has dimmed.
Interested in knowing when The Rose Theater is holding auditions? Click the button below to sign up for our audition announcement email list and have opportunities sent directly to your inbox.
For more information on main stage auditions, please email auditions@rosetheater.org.
The Rose gives students the opportunity to explore how to perform, use their voice and their imaginations. We appreciate their staff taking the time to educate our young learners.
Audition Announcements
Rose Brigade
Rose Brigade is an elite group of musical theater performers who perform pre-shows before select main stage productions and participate in local and regional competitions.
Auditions for Rose Brigade are open to youth singers and dancers ages eight and up. All students accepted to the Rose Brigade must enroll in required classes and attend all rehearsals. All members are responsible for student fees and travel fees.
For more information about Rose Brigade, email us at classes@rosetheater.org or call 402.502.4617.
Rose Dance Project
Rose Dance Project (RDP) dancers are selected by audition to represent The Rose Theater in local and regional dance competitions and perform in the community. Auditions are open to dancers between the ages of five and 18. Please note that all members are financially responsible for costumes, competition fees and travel fees. In addition to weekly RDP rehearsals, members are required to take a number of designated ballet, jazz and tap classes each week.
For more information, email Biannah Peji-Palm at biannahp@rosetheater.org.
Preparing for an Audition
Every audition is different. Please read the audition announcement for specific information regarding:
- Show title, director, available roles and contact information
- The age range of actors we are looking for
- Audition requirements
- Audition, rehearsal and performance dates
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. If applicable, we will indicate the need for specific dance wear in the audition announcement. If you have known rehearsal conflicts, please bring conflicting dates and times with you to auditions. Offers may be withdrawn for students who have more conflicts than those listed at the time of audition.
Actors under age 18 must have an adult wait with them during the audition process. The Rose Theater is unable to provide supervision.
Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the audition to complete paperwork. Auditions may last several hours, so be prepared to wait. Auditions are designed to closely approximate rehearsal conditions, therefore, parents are not allowed to view their student artist’s auditions. Bring a headshot and resume, if available. If the audition is for a musical:
- Come prepared to sing 16-24 measures from a song that highlights your voice. The song does not need to be from the musical you are auditioning for.
- A pianist will be available. Bring sheet music.
- You may sing a cappella (without accompaniment) but this highly discouraged, as it does not allow us to make an accurate judgment on how well you follow live accompaniment.
Download Youth Audition Tips Here
A note about younger children: The minimum age to audition for a show at The Rose is eight. We are sometimes asked about children under eight years old who want to audition. We are thrilled that your child has shown an interest in performing, but due to rigorous rehearsal and performance schedules, we ask that young children wait until they are older to audition for our main stage shows. We encourage younger children to participate in one of our production camps, which have more opportunities for budding young artists and child-friendly rehearsal and performance times.
The Audition
Depending on what the audition announcement asks you to prepare, we will likely ask for one or more of the following:
- Read directly from the show’s script
- Perform a monologue
- Perform a song
- Be taught a dance combination as part of a group
In the audition room, actors will perform for the show’s director and, if applicable, an accompanist and music director. Some actors will be released without being asked to stay and dance (if the show is a musical). This does not mean they will not be cast.
Nerves are a natural part of performing. We encourage student actors to accept that. We want young artists to learn from every experience at The Rose, including auditions. We always give students the chance to try again if they “mess up,” easing the pressure and stress.
After Auditioning
Callbacks are follow-up auditions that help directors make final casting decisions. If you or your child is called back, a member of the production team will call or email with an invitation prior to the scheduled callback date, which is listed on the audition announcement.
Getting a callback does not mean that you have been cast in the show. Not everyone will be called back. You will usually know within a few days if you have been called back for a particular show. If a student actor is not called back, it is appropriate to discuss with your student the fact that they will likely not be asked to participate in the show.
We do not always call or write to let you know that actors have not been cast. It generally takes us two weeks to complete casting decisions but may take longer. If you are not cast in a production, you may still have had a very successful audition — we may have been looking for a different kind of performer for a particular role. Often, great actors are not cast because they are just not what a director envisioned for a specific role. We encourage you to keep trying!