Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts

Audition Information

In 2010, The Academy will be returning to the floor as a World Class competing unit. The Academy is looking for highly motivated individuals, ages 16-22, who are interested in becoming a part of the ever-evolving winter guard activity in Arizona.  Members of The Academy are selected based on work ethic, character and ability.  Click here to apply online.

2010 Season Auditions

Apply online by clicking here.
DATE: September 12^th & 13^th 2009
LOCATION: Arizona State University (see schedule below)- see map of the campus here
CONTACT: Brandy DuBose
EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
PHONE: 480-284-3400
COST: $40.00 *online application form here

Auditions will be held on:      Sept 12th 9am till 8pm, Sept 13th 9am till 6pm

Call Backs will be held on:   Sept 26th 9am till 8pm

Sept 27th 9am till 6pm

Schedule & Locations:

Saturday, September 12^th
8:30am Registration PE East Lobby
9 – 12                    Dance Class        Student Recreation Center - small gym C (upstairs)
12 – 1                    Lunch
1 – 4                       PE East large gym
4 -5                         Dinner
5 – 8                       Dance Class        Student Recreation Center - small gym C (upstairs)

Sunday, September 13^th
9am – 5pm          PE East

Rehearsals
Your school activities take priority over our rehearsals. However, the staff asks that each prospective member review the on-line calendar and predict any scheduling conflicts before making a commitment. Attendance at rehearsals is paramount in attempting to achieve the highest level of excellence – which is what The Academy is striving for. Every member of the guard must sign an attendance contract at the beginning of the season. This form will be available on or before the audition dates.

Cost
The unique opportunity of performing with an independent winter guard is not cheap! Several fundraising events have been scheduled in order to help members earn money to pay for the cost of equipment, costume, travel, etc. The membership fee for the upcoming winter guard season is typically around $1,900. Information regarding financial obligation and fundraising opportunities will also be available at auditions.

Registration
There is a non-refundable $40 audition fee that must be paid online before you are allowed to participate in the audition process.  Walk up's are allowed and the fee can be paid by cash, check, or money order.  Checks need to be made out to AAPA, (Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts).  Apply online now by clicking here.

What do I bring to Auditions?
Flags will be provided.  You will need to bring a rifle and/or Sabre if you plan on auditioning for a weapon spot.  Make sure you submitted your application online, if not bring a hard copy to the audition.  You will need to bring a guard resume' as well as a recent photo (which will not be returned).

What do I wear?
You will want to wear comfortable, form fitting clothing.  We will begin each day with movement sessions.  You will need something that allows you to have maximum flexibility and your feet and ankles must be able to be seen.  You will want comfortable shoes for the rest of the day.

What will we do?
The two-day process will give you a true Academy experience.  You will be exposed to our movement and equipment technique principles and you will meet the entire staff.  You will learn an audition routine and will perform in small groups.  You will have fun and meet new people from across Arizona and other states as well.

What do I work on for auditions?
As part of your audition, you may be asked to choreograph a phrase.  Be prepared to finish any dance or equipment phrases as part of your audition. It will be fun!  Also on the audition will be:

Dance: - Plie in all positions, both sides - tendu, rond de jambe, arabesque, single, double and try triple pirouettes, leaps.

Flag: - Spins on both hands, carves, tossing singles, 1 ½ and doubles on both hands, if you are familiar with 27 points in space without the hand change in the middle, please revisit that exercise.
Sabre: - Spins on both hands, flourishes, hilt tosses 3, 4, 5, 6 and try 7 - blade tosses 3, 4, 5, and try 6.

Rifle: - Spins on both hands, flourishes, tosses 3, 4, 5, 6 and try 7

Will we know that day who is in the guard?
Most prospective members will learn their status on Sunday night.  Several people may be "called back" for the following weekend.

Travel / Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions or will be attending auditions and need assistance with directions, housing during the audition weekend, or need to be picked up from the airport, bus or train station, please contact Brandy DuBose at the following email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What kind of opportunities are out there to help advance my skills and get scholarship opportunities?
Arizona State University is a proud sponsor of The Academy Winterguard and Drum Corps Colorguard programs.  Involvement in the ASU Fall Colorguard does offer opportunity to march in the fall for scholarship money for the winter and the summer programs.  You have to be involved this coming fall in order to be eligible for this winter and summer.  But keep in mind ways for you to help reduce your cost by being involved in the ASU Marching Band Colorguard.  This year we are fielding nearly 40 guard members and have moved in a different direction from what you have seen in the past.  ASU Fall is a great way to train on weapon and advance your skills through the Academy/ASU technique program.

What's in it for me?
The Academy Independent Winter Guard provides…

• friendships – the chance to meet people who love this performing art as much as you do!
• advanced training – the opportunity to work with some of the most talented artists in the activity!
• belonging – a safe, friendly, comfortable environment in which to develop & improve yourself!
• exposure – opportunities to travel & perform for large audiences!
• excellence – only the highest of standards, discipline and integrity!
• leadership – build leadership skills that will help you to be successful in your life, now, and beyond!