Tips and Tricks for a Successful Production Company Audition - Q&A with Gabby Bruno

Looking to prepare for your DAU Production Company audition? We sat down with DAU’s Production Company Co-Director, Gabby Bruno, for a Q&A to learn tips and tricks for a successful audition day.

Question: What kind of dance training is required prior to attending a DAUPC audition?

Answer: We welcome talented, hard-working, dedicated, and enthusiastic dancers ages 4-17 of all backgrounds. Previous training in one or more of the following is highly recommended: Jazz, Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary (7+), Ballet, and Hip Hop (8+).

Question: What is the process this year for learning the audition routine?

Answer: Dancers must register for auditions by Wednesday, March 9. Registered auditioning dancers will be emailed a dropbox link to the audition combos on Monday, March 7th to learn ahead of time from home. Dancers will audition by dance style and age (as of 01/01/2023). Then they will come to the audition at their scheduled time on the weekend of March 12 and/or 13 to dance in front of a panel of judges/teachers.

Question: Do you have any tips on how to memorize choreography?

Answer: With dancers receiving audition videos in advance of the audition this year, they have the advantage of replaying it over and over again. They should pay attention to specific movement for each count in the choreography. Listening to the music for rhythm and lyrics so they can familiarize themselves with the song will also help. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Question: What should I wear to auditions?

Answer: Dancers should wear form-fitting dance attire they feel comfortable and confident in. The human eye is naturally attracted to bright colors so add a pop of color if you want. Dancers should avoid wearing any baggy attire or anything that hangs/flies when they are dancing. Hair should be pulled back in a neat pony tail and use hairspray/gel to keep any flyaways from distracting you and judges. Wear appropriate dance shoes according to the style of dance you are auditioning for.

Question: Can you describe how the auditions will run on March 12-13?

Answer: Dancers will audition by their age as of 01/01/2023. At this time, we can't predict how many dancers there will be at each audition. It will depend upon the number of applicants we receive. An exact schedule will be announced and emailed to dancers prior to auditions. Dancers should arrive 15 minutes prior to their audition time to check in outside the Studio D door at DAU. Studio F will be open to warm up and stretch on their own before their audition.

Question: What are the Production Company directors/teachers looking for in a potential team member on audition day?

Answer: Production Company directors/teachers are looking for dancers with good technique, confidence, showmanship and expressivity. They should know and have good command of the choreography, be hard workers and have excellent listening skills.

Question: What is the most important thing I can do to have a successful audition?

Answer: Dancers should come prepared having learned the routine, dressed appropriately and ready to go. We are looking for team members willing to work hard, help each other and have a positive attitude. How you act outside of the audition room is just as important as how you present yourself during the actual audition. Above all, show your best self with a smile and can-do attitude. Have a fun time and when you are done, know you did your best!