Auditions
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Young Ambassadors, Brigham Young University’s elite song and dance ensemble, shares the magic of storytelling through contemporary music, dance, and theatre. Comprised of 20 student singers, dancers, actors, and stage technicians, the ensemble delivers a fast-paced showcase inspired by American Musical Theatre, Rock and Pop music. These talented performers offer a fresh view of America’s culture and ways of life.
It is my privilege and opportunity to direct this amazing ensemble of students. Together we collaborate on the vision and execution of our performances. We endeavor to have the Spirit present in our meetings, rehearsals, and performances. One of our most valued experiences is traveling off campus and engaging in workshops, devotionals and performances with a variety of peoples and communities around the world.
If you are interested in joining this group, know that we welcome all types of artists and personalities and encourage diversity in thought, attitude, practice and skill set. I welcome those individuals who are interested in learning, growing, and contributing to come and be part of our group.
-Nathan Balser
Auditions will be held April 4th-7th. Auditions will be held in person at the Richards Building on BYU campus. There will be a singing call and a dancing call held everyday. Please sign up for a time to sing, and then attend the dance call on the same day.
There will be an additional Dance Call held on Thursday (April 6th) from 3:00-4:30pm for those who are Advanced Dancers and wish to participate.
You can sign up for an audition time using this link.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACA72BA5FBC16-young
***if you have any questions/concerns, or cannot make one of these times work, please contact Johnathan Tanner at jttanner117@gmail.com
For the audition please prepare.
- Singing Details: Choose two contrasting songs such as a ballad and an up-tempo selection. Each song should be about 16 bars in length. Please bring sheet music. (or approx 30-45 sec). NOTE: We care less about the selection of song and more about your voice. Choose something you LOVE to sing!
- Dancing Details: Dance Calls will be held everyday following the singing auditions. You will be asked to learn a quick combination, and possible across the floor combinations during this time. These times are: Tuesday(4/4) Dance Call: 5:00-6:00pm
Wednesday(4/5) Dance Call: 7:30-8:30pm
Thursday(4/6) Dance Call: 6:00-7:00pm
Friday(4/7) Dance Call: 6:30-7:30pmAdvanced Dance Call: Thursday (4/6) from 3:00-4:30pm. If you choose to audition as a dancer, you do not have to come to a singing call, but if called back you will have to sing sides from the show.
FAQs:
- Does everyone in YAs have to sing? YES and NO. Although all members of the group will be expected to sing in ensemble pieces, there are some tracks in the production that do not have a vocal solo. These tracks are intended for strong dancers.
- Does everyone in YAs have to dance? YES and NO. Although all members of the group will be expected to move well in ensemble pieces, there are some tracks in the production that highlight their singing and acting skills.
- Is it true you are looking for people who play instruments and have musical direction skills? YES. The YAs are looking for performers who have a variety of skill sets including a vocal captain with a high level of musicianship that plays the piano extremely well.
- What should I wear? For the vocal audition please wear nice casual attire that exhibits your personality. For the dance audition please wear dance attire (comfortable but form fitting athletic wear) that fits the BYU Dept. of Dance dress guidelines which can be found at dance.byu.edu. Tennis shoes or jazz shoes are suggested.
- NOTE: Once you have completed the application process, you will receive a confirmation email of your application.
For questions regarding auditions, please contact:Nathan Balser n_balser@byu.edu (801) 422-8022.
Video Instructions:
Please submit video auditions at:
https://byudance.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/71060
There is a small fee for submitting a video audition. It can be paid at the submission website.
- Please make the video, upload it to YouTube, and set the view setting as unlisted (this will allow the video to be viewed by only those with the link). Then upload it into your SlideRoom account.
- Please include all files in one video, not multiple. The video should contain 20-30 seconds of self introduction, 16 bars of a ballad, 16 bars of an up-tempo selection and/or 30 seconds of dance.
Submissions must be received by April 7th to be considered. Please prepare and send it in as early as possible. Based on your taped audition, you may be asked to attend final callbacks.
For questions regarding auditions, please contact:Nathan Balser n_balser@byu.edu (801) 422-8022.
Final Callbacks will be held IN PERSON April 8, 2023.
Callbacks will be conducted on the morning of the 8th (10am-2pm). Please, if called back keep these times open.
Everyone invited to final callbacks may be asked to prepare certain material related to your skill sets. You may be asked to sing specific material as well as learn additional movement combinations.
An interview at an additional time and with the director may also be asked of you.
Interviews for the technical support staff are started by contacting Troy Streeter at your earliest convenience. Positions include:
- Sound engineers
- Master electrician
- Stage hands
- Stage manager
- Wardrobe manager
- Prop master
- Follow-spot operators
Interviews may be made with Troy Streeter, Technical Director.
Contact Troy by email at Troy_streeter@byu.edu
Applications for technical staff are available in the RB Music Office, 1128 RB.