AUDITION FOR A SHOW AT SHINE

LET YOUR LIGHT
SHINE ON STAGE

 
 
 

OPEN AUDITIONS

Shine is the largest tuition-free children’s theater in North Texas. All you pay is a $30 audition booking fee — and your child could perform in Sister Act Jr or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this fall!

By being a part of a show at Shine, students experience connection, joy, and growth. Check out our upcoming auditions with FAQ’s below.

 

SISTER ACT JR.

Shine is casting an ethnically diverse cast of musical theatre performers in our upcoming production of Sister Act Jr!

Auditions are July 30 and 31 and spots are filling fast — don’t miss your chance!

This has been the most positive experience we’ve ever had in youth theater — and it didn’t cost us a penny beyond the audition.
— Nicole
 

BOOK YOUR AUDITION

 

SISTER ACT JR.
FAQS

  • A disco diva witnesses a murder and is hidden in a convent for protection, where she struggles with the strict lifestyle. Using her musical talent, she revitalizes the choir, but her actions reveal her location. As danger approaches, she and her new sisterhood must unite to face it.

  • Prior to auditions, ask the reception team at info@shineplano.com

    During auditions, ask the box office staff

    After auditions, ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

  • July 30 and 31, 2025

  • Actors must be ages 13-18 on the day of auditions to be eligible.

  • Sister Act Jr. performs at The Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano September 26-October 5, 2025. Each weekend, there is one Friday performance at 7:30, one Saturday performance at 7:30, and one Sunday performance at 2:30.

  • Rehearsals will begin on August 11. Rehearsals will be held Monday and Thursday from 6:00-9:00 pm except for Labor Day. Additional rehearsals will also be held on August 16, 23, and 30 from 9:30 am -12:30 pm. Not every character will be called for every rehearsal, though central characters will attend almost every rehearsal. The number of rehearsals you attend depends on your role. 

    Actors will be called in for 30-60 minutes on a Saturday for a costume fitting.

    Technical rehearsals are September 22-25 from 5:00-10:00 pm and all cast members must be present. We permit NO absences or conflicts of any kind during tech week.

  • Actors must state all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule on their audition form, which will go out one week prior to auditions. Shine will be unable to accept rehearsal and performance conflicts after casting, except in the case of an emergency.

  • There is no tuition associated with the show other than the non-refundable and non-transferrable $30 audition registration fee.

  • Participate in our Audition Workshop taught by the Director. When you can be seen by the casting team prior to the audition, take advantage of it!

  • The director evaluates: 

    VOCAL QUALITIES — pitch, placement, articulation, and projection 

    DANCE SKILLS — do you have the dance technique and memory to execute choreography and learn quickly? 

    CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — do you embody the character or simply read the words on the page? 

    SENSE OF FOCUS — do you live in the world or are you too distracted by your thoughts or external factors? 

    IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY — your unique interpretation of language and character EXPRESSIVENESS — is it in your words? your face? your body? 

    HONESTY — are you reacting and speaking as your character would? 

    PRIOR EXPERIENCE - if the director hasn’t worked with you before, we are thrilled to have you audition! If we have prior experience working with you, we take it into consideration. Were you reliable? Prompt? Kind? Directable?

    THEN we look at things like age and height to think about what role you might fit into and which of the other people that auditioned might match up with you. The same criterion is true for callbacks.

  • The principal characters in Sister Act Jr. require strong vocalists and excellent acting skills. The Ensemble requires strong singing and dancing skills. Students do not need prior experience in any of these areas, but a bold audition and courage to take risks will help them to portray the characters coming to life on stage.

  • If you want to know what role is perfect for you, we recommend reading the PERUSAL SCRIPT available in the box office. But please keep in mind the role you think is perfect for you may not be the role the director chooses to challenge you with.

  • There is a place on the audition form to state this.  If the director chooses not to cast you in the “only” roles you’ve chosen, one of two things will happen: 

    1. You will not be cast in the show, or 

    2. You will receive a phone call from the producer or stage manager offering you another role in the show.  It is probable that if you do not receive the specific role(s) you listed, you will not be offered an alternate role.

  • Wear neat, comfortable clothes that let you move easily and show your personality. Your outfit should help directors see your energy and physicality, not hide it — avoid baggy or oversized clothes. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety.

    Since a professional headshot will be taken during your audition, dress in a way that makes you feel confident on camera. Avoid busy patterns, hats, or anything that covers your face.

    If you’re called back, it’s helpful to wear the same outfit you wore to your initial audition unless otherwise instructed.

    • Your completed audition form (front and back)

    • Sheet music in a 3-ring binder for piano accompaniment for 32 bars of a song from a musical in the style of the show. Students are not permitted to sing acapella or with accompaniment recordings. 

    • Headshot

  • The front has fields for your contact information so we know how to get hold of you (and your parents), your availability for callbacks and rehearsals, a space for listing conflicts, and a place to list your theatre experiences, training, and special talents. Resumes are not necessary.

  • With the number of people coming through the door, it is important that we have a picture of you.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the front desk. You’ll turn in your audition form, have your measurements taken, and get a professional headshot. Before your audition, both the actor and their parent will be asked to watch a 10-minute welcome video from the producer to help you understand what to expect.

  • If needed, callbacks will be held on August 5. The actual times and dates will be determined once we know the number of actors who will attend. 

  • It’s a director’s opportunity to get more information before casting specific roles in the show. If you do not get a callback, it does not necessarily mean you will not be in the show. You may have been perfect for the role the director is using you for and consequently, they do not need a second look at you.

  • You will receive an email with a list of those who should attend callbacks. If you do not receive an email from us you should call Shine on August 5.

  • We cannot answer this question until after auditions and callbacks have concluded.

  • The target announcement date is August 8.

  • Everyone who auditions will either receive a phone call or email by August 8.

  • Actors are required to provide specific shoes, socks, tights, underwear, and all make-up supplies as determined by the costume designer. Stage make-up costs approximately $15 to $30. Shoes may run between $20 and $60 dollars. Undergarments such as leotards, camisoles, and undershirts may also be required.

  • There are four times that parents/guardians are required to be involved if your child is cast in the show. Cast members are also required to be at the following dates and times:

    1. Informational meeting on August 11 at 6:00 - 45-minute commitment

    2. Pick one time to volunteer at a set build or paint call - 4-hour commitment

    3. Load in on Sunday, September 21 - 3-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

    4. Strike on Sunday, October 5 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

  • Prior to auditions ask the producer at info@shineplano.com

  • During auditions ask the box office staff

  • After auditions ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Shine is casting an ethnically diverse cast of musical theatre performers in our upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Auditions are August 2 and 3 and spots are filling fast — don’t miss your chance!

This has been the most positive experience we’ve ever had in youth theater — and it didn’t cost us a penny beyond the audition.
— Nicole
 

BOOK YOUR AUDITION

 

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
FAQS

  • A group of lucky children wins a rare chance to visit a mysterious candy factory, where they encounter wonders beyond their imagination. As they explore, unexpected challenges test their character, and only one will discover a sweet reward beyond the sweets themselves.

  • Prior to auditions, ask the reception team at info@shineplano.com

    During auditions, ask the box office staff

    After auditions, ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

  • August 2-3, 2025

  • Actors must be ages 8-18 on the day of auditions to be eligible to audition.

  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory performs at The Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano from October 24 to November 2, 2025. Performances are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM.

    Please note: There will be a special Thursday evening performance on October 30 instead of a performance on Friday, October 31.

  • Rehearsals will begin on August 14. Rehearsals will be held Wednesday and Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm. Additional rehearsals will be held on October 6 and 13. Not every character will be called for every rehearsal, though central characters will attend almost every rehearsal. The number of rehearsals you attend depends on your role. 

    Actors will be called in for 30-60 minutes on a Saturday for a costume fitting.

    Technical rehearsals are October 20-23 from 5:00-10:00 pm and all cast members must be present. We permit NO absences or conflicts of any kind during tech week.

  • Actors must state all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule on their audition form, which will go out one week prior to auditions. Shine will be unable to accept rehearsal and performance conflicts after casting except in the case of an emergency.

  • There is no tuition associated with the show other than the non-refundable and non-transferrable $30 audition registration fee.

  • Participate in our Audition Workshop taught by the Director. When you can be seen by the casting team prior to the audition, take advantage of it!

  • The director evaluates: 

    VOCAL QUALITIES — pitch, placement, articulation, and projection 

    DANCE SKILLS — do you have the dance technique and memory to execute choreography and learn quickly? 

    CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — do you embody the character or simply read the words on the page? 

    SENSE OF FOCUS — do you live in the world or are you too distracted by your thoughts or external factors? 

    IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY — your unique interpretation of language and character EXPRESSIVENESS — is it in your words? your face? your body? 

    HONESTY — are you reacting and speaking as your character would? 

    PRIOR EXPERIENCE - if the director hasn’t worked with you before, we are thrilled to have you audition! If we have prior experience working with you, we take it into consideration. Were you reliable? Prompt? Kind? Directable?

    THEN we look at things like age and height to think about what role you might fit into and which of the other people that auditioned might match up with you. The same criterion is true for callbacks.

  • The principal characters in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory require strong vocalists and excellent acting skills. The Ensemble requires strong singing and dancing skills. Students do not need past experience in any of these areas, but a bold audition and courage to take risks will help them to portray the characters coming to life on stage.

  • If you want to know what role is perfect for you, we recommend reading the PERUSAL SCRIPT available in the box office. But please keep in mind the role you think is perfect for you may not be the role the director chooses to challenge you with.

  • There is a place on the audition form to state this.  If the director chooses not to cast you in the “only” roles you’ve chosen, one of two things will happen: 

    1. You will not be cast in the show, or 

    2. You will receive a phone call from the producer or stage manager offering you another role in the show.  It is probable that if you do not receive the specific role(s) you listed, you will not be offered an alternate role.

  • Wear neat, comfortable clothes that let you move easily and show your personality. Your outfit should help directors see your energy and physicality, not hide it — avoid baggy or oversized clothes. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety.

    Since a professional headshot will be taken during your audition, dress in a way that makes you feel confident on camera. Avoid busy patterns, hats, or anything that covers your face.

    If you’re called back, it’s helpful to wear the same outfit you wore to your initial audition unless otherwise instructed.

    • Your completed audition form (front and back)

    • Sheet music in a 3-ring binder for piano accompaniment for 32 bars of a song from a musical in the style of the show. No contemporary or pop material. No singing acapella. No singing to accompaniment recordings. 

    • Headshot

  • The front has fields for your contact information so we know how to get hold of you (and your parents), your availability for callbacks and rehearsals, a space for listing conflicts, and a place to list your theatre experiences, training, and special talents. Resumes are not necessary.

  • With the number of people coming through the door, it is important that we have a picture of you.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the front desk. You’ll turn in your audition form, have your measurements taken, and get a professional headshot. Before your audition, both the actor and their parent will be asked to watch a 10-minute welcome video from the producer to help you understand what to expect.

  • If needed, callbacks will be held on August 7. The actual times and dates will be determined once we know the number of actors who will attend.

  • It’s a director’s opportunity to get more information before casting specific roles in the show. If you do not get a callback, it does not necessarily mean you will not be in the show. You may have been perfect for the role the director is using you for and consequently, they do not need a second look at you.

  • You will receive an email with a list of those who should attend callbacks. If you do not receive an email from us you should call Shine on August 6.

  • We cannot answer this question until after auditions and callbacks have concluded.

  • The target announcement date is August 14.

  • Everyone who auditions will either receive a phone call or email by August 14.

  • Actors are required to provide specific shoes, socks, tights, underwear, and all make-up supplies as determined by the costume designer. Stage make-up costs approximately $15 to $30. Shoes may run between $20 and $60 dollars. Undergarments such as leotards, camisoles, and undershirts may also be required.

  • There are four times that parents/guardians are required to be involved if your child is cast in the show. Cast members are also required to be at the following dates and times:

    1. Informational meeting on August 13 at 6:00 - 45-minute commitment

    2. Pick one time to volunteer at a set build or paint call - 4-hour commitment

    3. Load in on Sunday, October 19 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

    4. Strike on Sunday, November 2 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

  • Prior to auditions ask the producer at info@shineplano.com

  • During auditions ask the box office staff

  • After auditions ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

NEED A CONFIDENCE BOOST?
CHECK OUT OUR NEXT AUDITION WORKSHOP.