audition process - what can I expect?

First of all, you can expect to have fun. We believe in a very relaxed audition environment.

All candidates of Le Rêve are required to pass a swim test, so please always remember to bring a swim suit, towel and goggles (if needed) to an audition. The swim test consist of a controlled jump (feet first) from a 15 foot platform into the water, an endurance swim of 200 meters (non-stop), tread water for 10 minutes and a 65 foot underwater swim without coming up for air.

If you are a gymnast, acrobat, martial arts specialist, diver, cheerleader, aerial artist or circus arts specialist, we refer to you as a "Generalist." The audition process is broken down into four parts: strength tests, specialty-skill swim test, dance and improvisation. You can view a video of the strength tests for the above mentioned skills below. Synchronized swimmers, dancers and comedic actors do not have to pass the same strength tests as a candidate for a Generalist position.

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GENERALISTS | SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS | DANCERS | COMEDIC ACTORS

Generalists:

The audition process for the Generalist (gymnasts, acrobats, trapeze and circus artist, divers, cheerleaders and martial artists) begin with a strength test. (Please do not bring apparatus or rigging as we do not watch any specific "act" during the audition process. Please feel free to submit your demo for review.) Our strength tests include:

Rope Climb - Climb to 10 feet using your arms only (legs in pike position as you climb up and down the rope, in a controlled arm over arm climb and ascend). Squat Thrusts - In a continuous movement for 45 seconds, you must go through a full squat position every time. Four-way Physioball - With your shins holding the ball, you must hold a pushup position for one minute; then with your calves balancing on the ball, you must hold yourself in a flat position for one minute. With your legs crossed and ankles holding the ball, you must hold your body in a supported position from one elbow/forearm for 30 seconds and repeat on other side. Pushups - With your chest within four inches from the ground, men should complete 18 pushups and women 14 pushups. Weighted Squats - Holding 20 percent of your body weight, complete 20 squats in 30 seconds (knees at 90 degrees while keeping chest up). Skin the Cat - Must keep legs straight and feet cannot touch bar going through to the extended hanging position (only selected candidates will be asked to complete this exercise). Hanging Abdominal Crunch - Hanging from a bar, your hands must remain locked behind head and you must sit up and touch your elbows to the bar (your legs will be held for you). Hamstring Stretch - Hands must reach past your feet while standing on an elevated surface. Standing Long Jump - Men must jump eight feet and women six feet.

The dance choreography will be taught after the strength test, and some candidates will be asked to demonstrate a standing back tuck in the choreography. You will also be asked to improvise to a few musical selections and to demonstrate any additional special skills you would like to share with the casting department. (We are not looking for a "floor routine." We would like to see your interpretation of the music, emotionally and theatrically.) Lastly you will be asked to complete a swim test described below. This is a good time to showcase any special acrobatic or flexibility skills that you have, while focusing on the direction given for the performance.

All candidates of Le Rêve are required to pass a swim test, so please always remember to bring a swim suit, towel and goggles (if needed) to an audition. The swim test consist of a controlled jump (feet first) from a 15 foot platform into the water, an endurance swim of 200 meters (non-stop), tread water for 10 minutes and a 65 foot underwater swim without coming up for air.

Synchronized Swimmers:

The audition process for a synchronized swimmer begins with a short routine taught by our aquatic choreographer. After that, you will be asked to improvise to two different kinds of musical selections. The first musical selection will be soft and melodic, and the next will be percussive or aggressive. On this improvisation, it is very important that you are not doing a synchro routine. We do not want to see movement that looks like stereotypical synchro; we want to see an emotional performance that is interesting to watch and captivating. Think about acting with your face and eyes, not impressing by executing technical synchro movements.

After some time in the pool, you will then be asked to complete the strength and endurance tests. Included in these tests is a specific test for "vertical skills." We look for a high and stable vertical position. You will be required to hold the vertical position for 10 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. We will ask for five continuous repetitions of this exercise. These tests are designed to give us an idea of your capabilities.

After the strength tests for synchro swimmers, we move on to the dance portion of the audition. You will be taught a dance routine and then again, you will be asked to improvise to two different musical selections. We understand that this is not a comfort zone for synchronized swimmers, but it is important for us to see how a candidate interprets the music and takes theatrical direction.

Dancers:

The audition process for a dancer begins with the performance of a dance routine taught by our resident choreographer audition team. After that, you will be given some direction for improvised movement and asked to improvise to two different kinds of musical selections. The first musical selection will be soft and melodic and the next will be percussive or aggressive. This is a good time to showcase any special acrobatic or flexibility skills that you have, while focusing on the direction given for the performance.

Dancers will then be asked to complete a short series of strength tests designed to give us an idea of your capabilities.

Finally, you will be asked to complete a short series of swim tests designed to give us an idea of your capabilities. All candidates for Le Rêve are required to pass a swim test, so please always remember to bring a swim suit, towel and goggles (if needed) to an audition. The swim test consists of a controlled jump (feet first) from a 15 foot platform into the water, an endurance swim of 200 meters (non-stop), tread water for 10 minutes and a 65 foot underwater swim without coming up for air.

Comedic Actors:

We ask that all comedic actors come to the audition with a prepared comedic monologue that is no more than one minute in length and a physical, non-verbal comedic sketch. We usually will also do varied acting improvisational exercises.

Also, you will be asked to complete a short series of physical fitness and strength tests. You will be asked to demonstrate five regulation pull-ups (hanging from the bar, arms straight pulling up to a position with your chin over the bar and hands gripping the bar level with arm pits). You may grasp the bar in either direction as long as your hands are shoulder width apart.

All candidates of Le Rêve are required to pass a swim test, so please always remember to bring a swim suit, towel and goggles (if needed) to an audition. The swim test consist of a controlled jump (feet first) from a 15 foot platform into the water, an endurance swim of 200 meters (non-stop), tread water for 10 minutes and a 65 foot underwater swim without coming up for air.