Spotlight Orchestra
About the program
Students with instrumental interest or experience in musical theater are invited to audition for the Spotlight Orchestra with a submission of required materials including: resume and video audition (piece of your choosing and posted excerpts). This experience will include mentorship/rehearsals alongside industry professionals and playing Spotlight Showcase at the historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.
Spotlight Orchestra Calendar 2023*
Auditions
- March 13 – April 3: Audition Submission Window
- April 28: Spotlight Orchestra 2023 announced
Rehearsals
- June 8, 4 – 8 p.m.: Rehearsal
- June 9, 6 – 9 p.m.: Rehearsal
Dress Rehearsal / Showcase Performances / After Party
- June 12: Showcase #1
- 1:30 p.m.: Call Time
- 2 p.m.: Dress Rehearsal
- 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Dinner
- 7 p.m.: Half-hour Call
- 7:30 p.m.: Showcase #1
- Immediately following: After Party
- June 13: Showcase #2
- 1:30 p.m.: Call Time
- 2 p.m.: Dress Rehearsal
- 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Dinner
- 7 p.m.: Half-hour Call
- 7:30 p.m.: Showcase #2
- Immediately following: After Party
*All events take place in-person in Downtown Minneapolis unless otherwise stated. Attendance Policy: Students must have no conflicts with the dates listed above. Only mandatory school-related conflicts (including graduation or graduation required-events) will be excused.
Submission Requirements
Auditions for Spotlight Orchestra 2023 have closed. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Students will submit the following materials to be reviewed by the Spotlight Orchestra Audition Panel. All students will receive written feedback from the audition panelists on their initial submission to further their educational and artistic growth. Round 1 submission materials include:
- Headshot (or portrait photo)
- Music-related resume
- Audition Videos:
- Video of musician playing one (1) piece of their choosing (not to exceed 3 minutes)
- Video of musician playing the provided excerpt to “Spread the Love Around” from Sister Act, see quick links below for detailed instructions.
Quick Links for Orchestra Audition Provided Excerpt:
- Detailed Audition Instructions
- Sheet Music Excerpts for “Spread Your Love Around”
- Orchestra Audition Practice Backing Track
The Spotlight Orchestra musicians (numbers pending submissions) will be announced at the specified date each season.
What does Spotlight Education look for in a Spotlight Orchestra musician?
- Musical skill and willingness to grow
- Preparedness
- Communication
- Timeliness
- Emotional preparedness
- Leadership in high school theater or music programming
- Diverse experience