Auditions
Each year SPARC produces a season of plays and musicals designed exclusively for youth and teens to take center stage. Auditions are required to participate in these productions. Find information about upcoming auditions below!
Touring Ensemble
2025 – 2026 Season
Tuesday, May 20th from 5pm-7pm
Open to rising 8th to 12th graders
This dedicated company of performers showcases their talents year-round at a variety of events held in the Richmond Community. Ensemble members participate in weekly rehearsals consisting of training in theatre, music, and dance. The SPARC Touring Ensemble gains experience performing in dynamic settings, building the adaptability and composure necessary for live, public performance. Touring Ensemble is often seen at venues like the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade, Virginia Pridefest, Maymont Family Easter, the Diamond, and more!
New Voices for the Theater
Actors for the 2025 Festival of New Works
Tuesday, May 20 from 5pm-7pm
Open to rising 8th to 12th graders
SPARC is seeking student actors to help bring the New Voices Festival of New Works to life! Earn the unique opportunity to perform in the world premiere of an original one-act play written by a fellow student and directed by a professional in the Richmond community. The featured one-acts in the Festival will be announced soon, along with a cast list for each show. Stay tuned for more information!
Audition Dates:
Tuesday, May 20
5PM to 7PM at SPARC
If you are unavailable to audition on May 20, please submit a virtual audition. To submit a virtual audition, contact New Voices Program Manager, Heather Falks, at [email protected] and/or Touring Ensemble Director, Allison Beckett at [email protected].
To Audition:
Students may audition for Touring Ensemble and New Voices at the same time.
For Touring Ensemble: Students will audition by preparing 32 bars (about 1 min) of any style of song that best shows off their vocal range. Songs can be performed a capella, or you can bring in a backing track. Please dress to move.
- Students will have the chance to meet other Touring Ensemble members, chat with the
directors, and discuss the upcoming schedule. We will kick off auditions with a group activity.
For New Voices Acting Company: Students will audition by preparing a 1-minute contemporary monologue. SPARC staff will film the monologues for the New Voices directors to consider.
Audition-Based Programing FAQs
What kind of audition-based programming does SPARC offer?
SPARC produces four to six plays or musicals each year! Age ranges differ for shows depending on the content, but auditions are typically open to 6th through 12th graders.
SPARC also holds auditions in the spring for Touring Ensemble, comprised of 8th through 12th graders. These students do musical theatre revue-style performances at many private and public events around Richmond throughout the course of the year!
Does my student need to be enrolled in one of SPARC’s training classes in order to audition for a show?
No, SPARC does not require students to be enrolled in any additional SPARC class (or have taken one in the past!) in order to be eligible to audition for a show. Students with all backgrounds and levels of experience in the performing arts are welcome to audition. We always love to see new faces!
What does SPARC require at auditions?
Though specific requirements may vary, students should plan to prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song or a one-minute monologue. Exact details on how to prepare for auditions will be posted to the auditions page with each new round of auditions.
What does it cost to be involved in a production at SPARC?
SPARC does not have an audition fee. However, there is a cost associated with participating in a show after a student is cast, as the rehearsal process is an enriched educational experience. That fee varies by program, and it covers all costs. There is no additional cost or fee for costumes. Families are also welcome to apply for a scholarship or create a payment plan to help with the cost of participation in one of SPARC’s productions.
How are families involved in the production process at SPARC?
SPARC doesn’t require families to contribute to the production process for any of our shows! We hire professional technical artists and designers to create the magic that brings our shows to life. If family members would like to volunteer somehow, they’re welcome to serve as ushers at a performance of their choice.
Have questions about auditions? Please reach out!
We are always accepting new students for upcoming classes, camps, and programs!
If you have any questions about SPARC or any of our offerings, please reach out to us by filling out our contact form on this page or by giving us a call at our office at (804) 353-3393.
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SPARC is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
