Frequently Asked Question regarding MWB audition.
Why do we have to complete online Pre-Registration?
Online Pre-Registration is required and the online Pre-Registration form must be complete and successfully submitted before the deadline. This electronic form replaces the paper work that dancers or parents of minor dancers must complete. When the Online Pre-registration form is completed and successfully submitted, you will be directed back to the website with more instructions. You should also receive an email confirmation. If you don't receive this email, please check the Spam or Junk mail folder first. Please be sure to contact MWB if the confirmation email is not received.
Why do dancers have to attend Dancers Registration in order to audition?
Dancers Registration is required and dancers must be present. During registration, dancers are assigned an audition time based on age and experience. For Nutcracker auditions, heights measurements taken during Dancers Registration is used to determine audition time. The Dancers Registration gives us the ability to place dancers with similar experience and abilities in the same audition group.
Why do we need to complete the online Parent/Dancers Orientation?
The online Parent/Dancers Orientation replaces the Parent/Cast member in person meeting. The goal is to save everyone time from attending a meeting and avoid scheduling conflicts. This is a new approach and we will evaluate the effectiveness of the online form and make changes if necessary. When you successfully complete and submit the Online Parent/Dancers Orientation Google form, you will receive an email with a copy of your responses. If you do not receive an automatically generated email, check the Spam or Junk email folder first. Please be sure to contact MWB if the confirmation is not received.
Where is the audition and when should the dancers plan to be there?
Audition usually is held at a middle school auditorium. The exact location will be on the dancer's calendar and be given out during in-person registration. Dancers should plan to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled audition time. Dancers should be warmed up before arriving.
Can parents stay and wait during auditions for their dancers?
Due to limited space at the audition locations and the number of dancers auditioning, we can not accommodate parents waiting inside the building. Please plan accordingly.
How should the dancers dress for the audition and what should they bring with them?
Girls/Ladies: black leotard, pink tights, and pink technique shoes or pink pointe shoes if auditioning en pointe. Hair must be pulled back away from the face, in a neat bun. Bangs are ok, but no hair ornament (scrunchies, flowers, bow, etc) will be allowed.
Boys/men: white t-shirt, black shorts, pants, or tights and black technique shoes.
Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during audition. Please come dressed. Do not plan on changing at the audition location. MWB does not have extra shoes, tights, or leotards. Please come prepared.
What is the audition process on the day of audition?
Each dancer is assigned an audition number for judging and scoring purposes. Combinations are taught by a qualified and experienced professional from the ballet community who is not associated with Mountain West Ballet or any of the studios where any of the artistic staff reside. Dancers perform the combinations for the panel of judges and scores are given to each dancer for each combination.
Who are the judges?
Dancers are judged by a panel of Judges. The panel consist of five to seven judges brought in from the community who are not associated with Mountain West Ballet and who do not have a working relationship with members of the artistic staff.
What is the scoring system?
The judges use a points based scoring system. Scores between 0 for the lowest and 5 for the highest are given. Each dancer has scores from each judge on the panel and for each combination. The scores are entered by an individual with data entry expertise and experience; he/she is not on the artistic staff, general board, or executive board, to avoid bias. For each audition group, all the scores are entered to compile a list that ranks dancers average cumulative scores from the highest to lowest.
How is the casting done?
Casting is done based on score ranking. Before the audition, a list is made in the order of roles from high to low for each audition group. The dancers with the highest scores are cast into the first section of the list and so forth until every dancer is placed. Dancers who have not auditioned en pointe will not be cast in a pointe part, however, a dancer who auditions en pointe may be selected for a non-pointe part.
How many dancers are cut from the audition?
Every dancer who auditions will be cast.
How do dancers find out the audition results?
Audition results will be posted on MWB website.
What happens after knowing the audition results?
Remember to respond by email your participation status if you plan to participate in the MWB production. Check the Cast Member Calendars to make sure the dancer can commit to the required costume fittings, rehearsals (studio and theater), and performances.
You may want to read "Participate a MWB production FAQ"
