Performance Auditions & Schedule

Please browse below for details about performance auditions
in the Department of Performing Arts.

Dancers onstage

Degree Program Auditions

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Dance

Dance opportunites are open to all current AU students.

Auditions for the 2024 Fall Dance Concert will be held on Friday, August 23rd from 3-5 p.m. All are welcome to audition! You do not need to be a dance major or minor, or enrolled in a dance course to participate. Some prior dance experience is recommended. Register now! 

Please sign up for updates on auditions and opportunities or contact the dance program.

Into the Woods cast members in rehearsal

Theatre/Musical Theatre

Theatre opportunities are open to all AU students. Auditions take place one semester in advance of all theatre/musical theatre program productions.

Auditions

Auditions are complete for fall 2024 productions. Auditions for spring 2025 productions will be held in the fall.

For those new to AU, the program offers a special new student production, Overture, each fall. Featuring student generated dialogue, music, and movement, Overture explores the passions, fears, triumphs, trials, and wonder of this stage of life. This year’s performance will take place in Katzen’s Studio Theatre on September 27 and 28 following rehearsals through September. No audition is required. Attend the DPA's Welcome Back Night on August 28 if you are interested in being part of this year's Overture production and to hear more about this season's productions, audition dates, student theatre organizations, and special classes being offered by the program. Participants in Overture are encouraged to register for PERF 165-001 and PERF 166-001 (1 credit each, or PERF 065-001/066-001 for 0 credit). 

Onstage, members of a symphonic band play flute, oboe, and saxophone

Music

Music Ensembles are open to current American University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Ensembles perform throughout the academic year in Katzen’s Abramson Family Recital Hall.

Attend the Music Ensemble Open House on Thursday, August 22, 6 p.m. in the Katzen Arts Center Rotunda for more information. Sign up for updates on auditions and opportunities.

Vocal Ensembles

See details about all Vocal Ensembles

Chorus

Casey Cook, Conductor of AU Chorus. Contact us for more information.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30-10:15 p.m./occasional Mondays 8-10:15 p.m.
PERF-042-001, PERF-142-001
Register for auditions, August 26-30.

Chamber Singers

Daniel Abraham, Director of Choral Activities & Conductor of AU Chamber Singers. Contact us for more information.
Rehearsals: Mondays & Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m.
PERF-043-001, PERF-143-001.
Register for auditions, August 26-30.

Gospel Choir

Sylstea Sledge, Gospel Director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 8:10-10:40 p.m., Kay Spiritual Life Center.
No audition: attend first class meeting, PERF-161-001, PERF-561-001.

Instrumental Ensembles

See details about all Instrumental Ensembles

AU Symphony Orchestra 

Matthew Brown, Director of Orchestral Activities.  Contact us for more information.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:30-7:45 p.m. 
PERF-044-001, PERF-144-001.
Audition required. Contact Matthew Brown for sign up details.

AU Symphonic Band

Matthew Brown, Symphonic Band Director.
Rehearsal: Monday evenings, 5:30-7:45 p.m. 
PERF-047-001, PERF-147-001 
Audition required. Contact Matthew Brown for sign up details.

AU Jazz Orchestra

Joshua Bayer, Director of Jazz Studies
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:30-8 p.m. 
PERF-046,001, PERF-146-001. 
Audition required: attend the first class meeting

AU Jazz Combo

Joshua Bayer, Director of Jazz Studies 
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. 
Audition required: attend AU Jazz Orchestra first meeting to be considered for the AU Jazz Combo.
 

Chamber Music

Ann Kang, Music Program Director 
Meets Tuesdays or Fridays, 2:30–3:45pm.
Contact akang@american.edu  
Audition for AU Symphony Orchestra or AU Symphonic Band to be considered for the Chamber Music Ensemble. 

West African Drumming 

Amadou Kouyate, West African Drumming Director  
Meets Tuesdays 5:30–7:30 p.m.  
PERF-145-003, PERF-045-004
No audition required
Course not scheduled for fall 2024

Songwriters' Hub

Matthew Brown, Director.
Meets Thursdays 8:20–10:20 p.m.  
PERF-145-003, PERF-045-004
No audition required

Pep Band

Aidan Dixon, Director.
Meets Mondays 8:20–10:50 p.m.  
PERF-050, PERF-150
No audition required