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
Initial Auditions will be held March 26-28, 2024, and Callbacks will be held the night of March 29, 2024 (6:30-10:00pm). 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 (March 28) from 5:00-6:00pm for those who are Advanced Dancers and wish to participate.
The link to sign up for March 2024 auditions is below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACA72BA5FBC16-48131189-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:
- SINGERS: Choose two contrasting songs such as Musical Theater, Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Hip Hop, etc. Each song should be about 16 bars in length (or approx 30-45 sec). Sheet music is preferred, but we can accommodate tracks.
- DANCERS: Choose one song that is 16 bars in length. (or approx 30-45 sec). Sheet music is preferred, but we can accommodate tracks.
- 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 (3/26) Dance Call: 8:30-9:30pm
Wednesday (3/27) Dance Call: 8:30-9:30pm
Thursday (3/28) Dance Call: 4:00-5:00pm- Advanced Dance Call: Thursday (3/28) from 5:00-6:00pm. If you choose to audition as a dancer, you may be asked to sing a 16 bar cut of a song, so please prepare a song of your choice. If you are called back on March 29, you will have to sing sides from the show.
- Instrumentalist Details:
- We are looking for instrumentalists to be part of our show! These can be singers/dancers that are already auditioning for the show, or they can also strictly be instrumentalists. We are looking for a:
- Guitarist
- Percussionist
- Pianist
- If you are auditioning to be an instrumentalist, please sign up for a time slot. Choose two contrasting songs such as Musical Theater, Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Hip Hop, etc. Each song should be approx 1-2 min in length.
- We are looking for instrumentalists to be part of our show! These can be singers/dancers that are already auditioning for the show, or they can also strictly be instrumentalists. We are looking for a:
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:
**Note: Slideroom becomes available for video submissions beginning MARCH 1, 2024.**
Please submit video auditions at:
https://byudance.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/77512
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 March 29, 2024 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.
Johnathan Tanner jttanner117@gmail.com
Final Callbacks will be held IN PERSON March 29, 2024.
Callbacks will be conducted on the evening of the 29th (most likely 6-10pm). 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.