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The Stampede Troupe holds auditions separately for each production rather than auditioning for the entire season at one time. When auditions are announced, we update our Auditions page, post the information on Facebook and send it to our email newsletter subscribers.

For musicals, we typically ask you to prepare 16 measures of a song in the style of the production. Some auditions may ask for both an upbeat song and a ballad, a monologue or other prepared material. We may occasionally provide music or material from the show to prepare. Bring sheet music for the accompanist in the key you plan to sing.

Callbacks may include readings from the script, additional singing and a movement or dance audition. If we would like you to prepare something specific for callbacks, we will let you know.

For straight plays, auditions are usually cold readings from the script. We provide the readings when you arrive.

For musicals, singing auditions and callbacks are held on separate days. You will sign up for an audition time and come prepared with the material requested for that production. This is usually a song and, for some productions, a prepared monologue.

After the initial auditions, we email those we would like to see at callbacks. Callbacks are held on a different date and may include cold and or prepared readings from the script, additional singing and a movement or dance audition. If we would like you to prepare a specific song or scene for callbacks, we will include that information in your email.

For straight plays, auditions are usually cold readings from the script. We provide the scenes when you arrive and may ask you to read different roles or read with different people.

Choosing a song

Choose a song that fits the style of the production and shows your voice well. Pick something that is comfortable for your vocal range and gives you an opportunity to show character as well as your singing ability. The most difficult song isn't necessarily the best audition song. Choose something you sing confidently and well.

Preparing your music

Know the section of the song you plan to sing and practice starting at that point. Bring sheet music in the correct key with your beginning and ending clearly marked so the accompanist can easily follow it. If the audition asks for 16 measures, prepare the strongest 16 measures for your voice and the character you want to show.

Preparing a monologue

When a monologue is requested, become familiar enough with the material that you can concentrate on telling the story and creating the character. Think about who you're speaking to, what your character wants and what is happening in the scene.

At the audition

Come ready to share what you can do and to take direction. A director may ask you to try something differently, sing a section again or read with another performer. Being willing to make an adjustment gives the director another opportunity to see what you can bring to the production.

Start with someone who knows music

If you have a voice teacher, school music teacher, choir director or another experienced musician you work with, they are a great place to start. They can help you choose music that works well for your voice, understand your vocal range, find a comfortable key and make sure your song fits the style of the production.

Need help finding song ideas?

AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini can also be helpful for finding songs to consider. The more information you provide, the better the suggestions are likely to be.

Include:

• The title of the show you are auditioning for

• Your age or age range

• Whether you are male or female

• Whether you would like to be considered for any role or are auditioning for a specific role. If it is a specific role, include the name of the role.

• Exactly what the audition notice asks you to prepare, such as 16 measures of an upbeat song, a ballad or both

For example, someone open to any role might ask:

I'm an adult female auditioning for (insert musical title) and would like to be considered for any role. I need to prepare 16 measures of a song in the style of the show. Suggest five appropriate musical theatre songs and explain why each fits the musical style of (insert musical title).

Someone auditioning for a specific role might ask:

I'm auditioning for the role of (insert role name) in (insert musical title). I need to prepare 16 measures of an upbeat song and a ballad in the style of the show. Suggest five appropriate musical theatre songs for each and explain why each would be a good choice for this role and production.

A parent helping a young performer might ask:

My 11-year-old daughter is auditioning for the role of (insert role name) in (insert musical title). She needs to prepare 16 measures of an upbeat song in the style of the show. Suggest five age-appropriate musical theatre songs for a young voice that would be appropriate for this role and explain why each is a good choice.

If the audition asks for both an upbeat song and a ballad, ask for suggestions for each.

AI can be a helpful tool, but it can make mistakes. Use the suggestions as a starting point. Listen to the songs, ask follow-up questions and ask for different choices if something doesn't seem to fit.

From the recording to the sheet music

Once you've chosen a song, find a recording that works well for your voice. Different recordings of the same song may be in different keys, so the sheet music you bring to the audition should match the key you've been practicing.

If you aren't sure what key your recording is in, share the recording with a voice teacher, school music teacher, choir director or another experienced musician. They can help you identify the key.

Once you know the key, you can purchase your sheet music. Many digital sheet-music titles allow you to select from different keys before purchasing.

Still need help?

If you don't have someone who can help, don't want to use AI or are still unsure about what you need, please reach out to The Stampede Troupe. We're happy to help point you in the right direction.

Most productions rehearse 3–4 times a week for 8–10 weeks. Regular rehearsals are usually 2–3 hours.

Some weekends may include a longer Saturday or Sunday rehearsal. For example, a musical may have a vocal rehearsal, take a break and then continue with a dance rehearsal.

Tech week begins the Sunday before opening and requires a larger time commitment. Shows generally open on Friday and perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After several days off, performances resume the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The rehearsal schedule and performance dates for each production will be included on the audition form so you can review the commitment before auditioning.

Most rehearsals are held at The Stampede Troupe rehearsal space in Greeley. As we get closer to performances, rehearsals move to the theatre where the production will be performed, unless the production is being performed in our space.

2015 2nd Ave., Unit G, Greeley, CO

Not usually. While we have offered a theatre camp in the past, much of our theatre education happens through the production experience itself.

Young performers learn throughout the entire process, from auditioning and casting to rehearsals and performances. They work alongside directors, music directors, choreographers and experienced performers, learning as they go.

We may offer classes or camps from time to time, but our primary focus is giving young performers the opportunity to learn theatre by doing theatre.

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