SYTYCD Secrets Revealed: Application or Casting Process for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

The popular talent competition show “So You Think You Can Dance” on Fox captivates audiences with its competitors’ emotional, acrobatic, and high-energy performances as they compete to be named “America’s favorite dancer.” The 18th season of “American Idol” is now airing. The show was created in 2005 by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe. Are you curious about how to win over viewers’ hearts across the country through dancing?

We’ll cover all you need to know about the “So You Think You Can Dance” casting process in this guide, including tips from the show’s top contestants and insight into the audition process itself.

Audition Country	United States
So You Think You Can Dance Audition Date	March 13th and 14th! 2024
Audition City	Los Angeles
Age Requirement	Minimum 14+
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUDITION LOCATION	The Orpheum Theater 842 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014
Contact information	Fox
SYTYCD Social Media	Instagram, Twitter

The Competitive Cast of So You Think You Can Dance

Since the contestant cast changes every season, it’s not possible to create a single table with all the cast members. However, the table below outlines the different categories of people you might see credited as part of the SYTYCD cast:

The judges on “SYTYCD,” Nigel Lythgoe, Laurieann Gibson, and Cat Deeley, remained the same throughout the majority of the show. But before Season 17, actor Matthew Morrison, entertainer JoJo Siwa, and the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss took over as the three judges. With Season 18 quickly approaching, there has also been a reorganization of the judges panel, with former contestants Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy joining Siwa and Deeley in their former capacities.

Contestants	Aspiring dancers who compete on the show	– (Names change every season)
Judges	Renowned dancers and choreographers who critique performances	– Nigel Lythgoe – Mary Murphy – Paula Abdul
Host	Guides viewers, introduces cast, and announces results	– Cat Deeley (Long-time host) – Rotating hosts (Recent Seasons)
Choreographers	Create unique routines for contestants each week	– (Names change every season)

Who is the casting director of “So You Think You Can Dance”?

There isn’t just one main CD because “SYTYCD” finds its talent by searching around the nation, with auditions taking place at grand locations in several major American cities. Rather, groups of casting directors, coordinators, producers, and assistants do the casting for each season. For example, talent producer Steven Schillaci oversaw 14 episodes of Season 7 while Kat Erangey was the principal CD for 15 episodes of Season 14.

“So You Think You Can Dance” Auditions Process + Open Casting Calls

The casting for “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 18 is already closed, however, the show’s homepage will be your best bet for updates on upcoming auditions. To stay up to speed on casting announcements, we also recommend that you follow the show’s Instagram and Twitter feeds.

While our sections for New York City and Los Angeles explicitly address those cities, in the interim you can visit our main page for dance auditions, which includes a list of all pertinent casting calls.

“So You Think You Can Dance” Eligibility

Being able to dance in a variety of forms, such as ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, ballroom, modern, and more, is a prerequisite for the television program So You Think You Can Dance. The contestants who most pique the judges’ interest will advance to the judges’ shortlist following multiple venues for auditions.

So You Think You Can Dance Audition process

Think you have the moves to become America’s Favorite Dancer? So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) might be your launching pad! Here’s how to turn that fancy footwork into a shot at SYTYCD stardom:

Also Read: “Echoes of Evil” Casting Call: Here’s How to Apply!

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility:

• Age is a factor: Minimum age 14+.
• Light on your feet (and legal): You’ll need to be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
• Get your jab on: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is typically required.

Step 2: It’s Showtime – Online Application:

• Keep an eye on SYTYCD’s social media account for audition announcements.
• Once open, head to the SYTYCD application site and fill out the online form.
• Be prepared to showcase your personality: The application might ask for a fun fact or a brief dance background.
• Shine a light on your skills: Choose your strongest dance style (Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, etc.) and upload a video (under 90 seconds) showcasing your talent. YouTube and Vimeo links are usually preferred.

Step 3: Audition Day – Lights, Camera, Action!

• If your online application impresses, you’ll be invited to a live audition in a major U.S. city.
• Be prepared to perform a short solo piece in your chosen style.
• Showmanship is key! Let your passion and stage presence shine through.
• The judges might ask you questions about your dance background and aspirations.

Remember:

• Dress to impress, but for movement. Comfort and showcasing your skills are key.
• Warm-up properly. You want to avoid injuries and perform at your best.
• Stay positive and confident. Even if you don’t make it through this round, there’s always next season!

Bonus Tip:

• Check out past SYTYCD audition videos online. Seeing how others approached the process can be helpful.

So, are you ready to step onto the SYTYCD stage and ignite the competition? Good luck, and break a leg!

From hopefuls to showstoppers: Here’s how dancers slay the So You Think You Can Dance journey!

1. Nationwide Hustle: The hunt for talent begins with open auditions across the country. Dancers battle it out with their best moves, hoping to impress the judges and spark their interest. This is your chance to shine!
2. Boot Camp with the Best: If you make it past the initial round, congratulations! You’ll be working with the country’s top choreographers during “callback week.” Hone your skills, learn new styles, and prove you can adapt under pressure.
3. Lights, Camera, Action!: Welcome to the live shows! The competition heats up as the judges select a Top 20 to battle it out on national television. Each week, the dancers will put on show-stopping routines, pushing their boundaries and captivating audiences.
4. Survival of the Fittest: Over six weeks, the pressure mounts. The judges will choose the bottom 3 dancers based on their performance, but here’s the twist: viewers at home also get a say! They’ll vote to save their favorite dancer, adding another layer of excitement.
5. The Final Showdown: Only the Top 10 remain! From this point on, the power lies solely in the hands of the viewers. Every vote counts as the dancers fight for the ultimate title: America’s Favorite Dancer!

SYTYCD Audition locations and dates

The nationwide search for dance stars begins! SYTYCD auditions are underway in various locations across the United States.

Related: How to Get Cast in Vanderpump Rules Season 11: Auditions Online

How to Audition for “So You Think You Can Dance”

Potential competitors go through several rounds of callbacks, and preliminary auditions happen long before anything on TV, much like other talent competition shows.

Murphy stated, “They only have 30 seconds when we first see them, and you’re going to have to show us your stuff—it doesn’t matter what kind of dancer you are—Latin dancer, ballet, tap, it won’t matter.” “We’ll call you back to see how you perform to your own [selected] music if we like what we saw in those initial thirty seconds. As we bring 10 children up on stage at a time, the good news is that [we] don’t alter [our] song, so the first 75 kids brought into the room hear it. There are instances when viewers don’t even get beyond the first production line to reach us.

Related Article: The Love Is Blind Auditions Application Process: 2024

Angelina Granitz, a participant in Season 11, is aware of how nerve-wracking and thrilling the audition process can be. The caller had gone around the structure once.

Granitz wrote an article for the student publication The Current at Nova Southeastern University in 2016 saying, “I stood in line for three hours, in 35-degree weather, [in Georgia] until the staff finally let us in.” We then took our audition numbers and organized ourselves into groups according to the dancing forms we represented. I was included in the contemporary dance category. Following group formation, ten-person groups were called to the stage. We had to improvise to the provided music one by one at our first audition.

“I was sixth in line to perform when the music started in my group. I was dancing in a daze. As he made his way down the dancers’ line, executive producer Jeff Thacker distributed yellow slips to each auditioner indicating their passage to the next round of tryouts. Granitz then moved on to the following phase, which she described as “the pre-screening adventures of back shots, funny shots, dancing shots, and interviews.” It’s crucial to remember that although the focus is primarily on dancing, the producers and judges of the program are also looking for someone with skill and moving or inspirational life tales.

While addressing the Season 15 Los Angeles auditions, Thacker said, “I look at every single video, I mean I think I’ve looked at just under 3,000 videos,” in reference to both live and online preliminary audition submissions. We invite them here and grade them from there so they know it’s not a waste of time. I am going to see them. However, walk-ins—people who simply show up at the door—continue to occur. We’re not searching for someone from our past. We’re not trying to find…the winner from last year. We are seeking new, untested talent.

They are constantly searching for dancers who provide something “unique” to the dance floor, as Lythgoe stated. He clarified, “That could be the way they talk to me, the way they dance, or the way they look.” Particularly on a program like ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ charisma almost always counts for more than necessary technique. Instead of the dancer, the public falls in love with the person. Thus, we’re always trying to strike a balance between the two.

Audition tips for landing a role on “So You Think You Can Dance”

Dancing is a great way to express oneself. Season 12 judge Jason Derulo once remarked, “You have to bring it every single time, whether a million people are watching you or 50 people are watching you.” “Handle it just like any other audition.”

“Nobody is the same, so you really have to bring yourself,” Lythgoe echoed the idea. I think the inner light that each of us possesses—you just need to locate and activate it.

Derulo advised, “You have to go in knowing your material,” so be sure to go ready. Knowing your subject matter better will make you feel more at ease and less anxious.

Don’t bury the lede: Murphy stated, “The most important advice I can give is to just go for it if you have any amazing signature moves. Don’t waste time.” “Dancers far too frequently pad routines with very little movement until the very end, when they suddenly execute this amazing move. We frequently cut you off before we even get to witness the maneuver. Usually, we decide whether or not we want to see you return in less than 30 seconds.

Appearances matter: Murphy pointed out that when dancers appear disheveled or ill-groomed, it can reveal something about their true emotions.They have to have complete confidence in themselves when they step on stage, or else I won’t have much faith in them either.

Be patient and strong: “The audition procedure is undoubtedly demanding and drawn out. Season 10 competitor Evan DeBenedetto stated, “It’s a big waiting game, [and] you’re constantly proving yourself and show[ing] that you deserve to be on the show, which is stressful, but at the same time, hopefully, it’s all worth it.”

Persevere no matter what: Cole Mills, a competitor from Season 10, said, “For dancers that give up when they hear a no, the commercial industry for dancers is 90% noes.” Thus, I believe that this program offers a small dose of realism. Even though it’s a reality TV show, you won’t always be said “yes.”

You can’t be afraid to get vulnerable: “I’ve watched my audition for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ a couple of times, and it’s so difficult to watch!” exclaimed Melanie Moore, the show’s Season 8 winner who is now a Broadway star. They gave you a couple of screenings and spoke with me extensively about my father. I was almost weeping already because I’m a crier. Before you appear before those judges, they genuinely cause you the greatest amount of discomfort. It’s amazing I didn’t have a nervous collapse! I was frightened.

FAQ’s

• Am I eligible to audition?
  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is usually required (check for updates).
• How do I apply?
  • Keep an eye on SYTYCD’s social media account and official website.
  • Once open, fill out the online application and upload a dazzling video (under 90 seconds) showcasing your skills in your chosen style.
• What can I expect at the audition?
  • Be prepared to perform a short solo piece in your chosen style. Remember, showmanship is key!
  • The judges might ask questions about your dance background and aspirations.
  • Dress comfortably for movement and warm-up properly to avoid injuries.
• Is there anything else I can do to prepare?
  • Practice, practice, practice! Refine your chosen routine and be confident.
  • Research past SYTYCD auditions. Seeing how others approached the process can be helpful.
  • Pack your dance spirit! Positive energy and passion will shine through.
• What if I don’t make it this time?
  • Don’t get discouraged! Keep training, hone your skills, and try again next season. Remember, many SYTYCD all-stars auditioned multiple times.
• Are there any hidden audition tips?
  • Stand out from the crowd! Incorporate unique elements or a captivating story into your routine.
  • Show your versatility. Briefly mention other dance styles you’re comfortable with if the opportunity arises.

Bonus Tip: Stay hydrated and fueled on audition day! Your body (and your moves) will thank you.