About CYT Classes

Learn a new skill. Develop your talents. Meet new friends. Enroll in a CYT class today and you will create memories for a lifetime! CYT offers classes in drama, music, dance, technical theater and so much more. Learn from experienced teachers, performers and technicians while having FUN.

Every session (fall, winter and spring) CYT offers 10-week theater arts classes to children & youth ages 6 – 18. These two hour after-school classes are held once a week in three areas throughout the Tucson metro area.

Classes may include but are not limited to:

• Intro to theater for ages 5 - 7


• Dance


• Drama


• Voice


• Musical Theater


• Auditions and Callbacks


• Comedy and Improv


• Technical Theater classes such as Make Up or Set Design

• Stunts and Combat


Enrolled students, ages 8 – 18, have the opportunity to audition for a CYT Broadway-style musical! Younger students may serve as helpers at CYT shows, and students ages 10 and up may work on a backstage crew.

Classes are held once a week for two hours, and run for ten consecutive weeks. During the tenth class week, a showcase is presented in which each class performs a brief prepared presentation, showcasing what they have learned over the session. Every CYT student participates in the showcase.

Audition Tips

· PREPARATION: Prepare the best audition that you can. For call backs, research the show and learn about the parts. You can even learn the music by checking out a show online or on youtube.com.

· BEHAVIOR: Directors want to work with people who behave well, and they will ask your Area Coordinator and others about you. Don’t harm your chances of being cast in a show by poor behavior in class, at rehearsals, at shows, and even at auditions and call backs (it happens!)

· VOCAL TRAINING: Take CYT classes and/or private voice instruction to improve your vocal range and performance. Remember how important enunciation and projection are for musical theater.

· DANCE TRAINING: Lack of dance ability often keeps good singers and actors from getting parts in musical theater. Keep practicing and learning. Move with energy!

· COLD READINGS: Show the director good character development and appropriate emotion at call backs.

Other audition tips
• Keep your song limited to one minute or less.
• In most cases an upbeat song is best. Show enthusiasm and energy.
• Make sure the song is in the right key for you.
• Do not sing a song from the show for which you are auditioning.
• If you can walk around your house singing the song, it will probably work for you.
• If possible, have a rehearsal tape made in order to practice.
• Introduce yourself with energy and confidence. Hi! My name is _____, I am ___ years old and I’ll be singing _____ from ____.
• Project, make eye contact with the directors and audience, and be well prepared.
• Sell yourself and your song. If you are not a singer, that’s ok; give the directors a show and you will win them over.
• Keep the use of props and costumes to a minimum.
• Smile, smile, smile and energy, energy, energy!
• There are some things you can do absolutely nothing about which may have a huge bearing on casting. These include your height, your coloring, your overall “look” and what part you sing (soprano, alto, etc.), as well as what specific parts are available in a particular production. There are also some factors that depend on other people. How tall are the other actors who have auditioned? What is the director’s “vision” of physical types for various parts? How is the “chemistry” between possible on-stage couples?

Do You Have Some Audition Song Suggestions for Younger Students?
Easy Songs:
• “The Bear Necessities” from Jungle Book
• “Do Re Mi” from The Sound of Music
• "I Won't Grow Up" from Peter Pan
Medium Songs:
• “Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from Annie
• “Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King
• “I Am 16 Going on 17” from The Sound of Music
Advanced Songs:
• “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio
• “Consider Yourself” from Oliver
• “Part of Your World” from Little Mermaid

It is recommended that you select a song from musical theater or a Disney movie.
Pop songs and worship songs are not good audition choices.

Where Do I Get CYT Audition Tracks?
Jonni Glaser, a CYT parent in the San Diego, provides services to CYT kids that helps them select and customize and audition song for you. For services provided and costs, please go to www.AChristianDonationProgram.com CYT Tucson will provide an accompanist for your audition. You can purchase sheet music at: www.musicnotes.com or at Beaver's Bandbox or Chicago Music here in Tucson.

Callbacks

What Happens At Call Backs And What Part Do They Play In The Casting Process?

Call backs are a way of taking another look at a student with a specific part(s) in mind. Students will dance and sing to show music and read from the show script. You do not have to prepare anything for call backs, although listening to the Broadway soundtrack from the musical and reading the script can make you more prepared.

Dress comfortably, relax and enjoy this step of the audition process!

Just because you are not called back does not mean that you are not being cast in the show. Also, just because you are called back does not mean you are automatically cast in the show.

How Will I Find Out If I’ve Been Called Back?
The director will tell you after you've auditioned in your group if you are called back. Our call backs are usually done on Saturday afternoons.

Closed Callbacks: What Does This Mean?
The term closed call backs means that only the artistic team can watch. If you are called back, you are simply dropped off and picked up at your assigned times.

What Do I Bring If I Get Called Back?
Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable, non-slip shoes (no flip flops or clogs please). You'll want to be sure to wear something that you can move or dance in, as well as your dance shoes. Bring a water bottle. If your call back happens to occur over lunch time, you may bring a sack lunch with you. Once call backs have begun, parents will not be able to drop off a sack lunch.

Cast lists are posted by the Wednesday after callbacks.