Auditions: August 25, 2024
(and again on January 19, 2025)
Open to Akrosphere students Level 2 and above!
There is nothing to be nervous about, as everyone will be working at their own level.
We will ask the student auditioning to create a 30 seconds – 1 minute sequence on their apparatus of choice. Then we give direction, possibly some acting exercises, etc, and see how the student works with the new input. Super easy and non-stressful!
Please note that most (but not all) new members to company usually start in our Blue Company. All company members will perform in at least one of several shows; these could be our in-studio performance, as a soloist in the studio showcase, as an ensemble member at a local theatre.
Company auditions for AKmē Instant Circus take place twice per year in January and in August. We are looking for students for our Blue (Preparatory) Company, our Orange (Intermediate Prep) Company, and our Red (Advanced Prep) Company.
Requirements:
Students must be at a Level 2 or above on their apparatus of choice to audition. If accepted, Company Classes are on Sundays; 12:30-1:30 for Blue, 1:15-2:45 for Orange, and 2:30-4:00pm for Red. Then rehearsal for the ensemble production (not everyone is in this) is from 4:00-5:30pm.
Preparation:
We ask auditioning students to prepare roughly a 30 second – 1 minute combination on their favorite apparatus at the audition (short is good), so there is really nothing to “prepare”! We will be using this sequence as a “script” to color in with story, meaning, depth, etc during the audition process. Please note that we look for artistry over skill level at these auditions. We also look at work habits and self-direction, among other things.
company expectations
- As an AKmē Company member, you / your child will be representing our studio. You will also be a role model for other circus students and circus parents in our studio. It is very important that both you and your child maintain a positive attitude and be respectful toward teachers, choreographers, and other students.
- We expect every AKmē Instant Circus Company member to be at all AKmē shows, regardless if performing or not.Backstage duties, rigging, mats, etc are all important parts of a contemporary circus show; therefore, all company members, performing and not, will be assigned backstage duties. Students not performing will still have costumes and acts ready to go, in case of a scheduled act being unable to perform.
- We also expect every AKmē Instant Circus Company member to help at all studio events, such as Showcases, Picture Days, etc. The company is largely funded through our Akrosphere classes, and these studio events are crucial in keeping those classes in good financial standings.
classes & fees
- We expect every AKmē Company member to attend all their classes and company rehearsals on Sundays. We have a strict attendance policy for both classes and rehearsals for safety reasons.
- We require all Company members to take a minimum of 1 supporting technique class per week at Akrosphere. In addition, we require them to spend a minimum of 5 hours weekly training technique at Akrosphere, as a combination of classes and open gym time. Sunday rehearsals do not count toward the 5 hour minimum. Also, Company members have the privilege of coming in throughout the week when coaches are present to take Open Gym, provided the equipment they wish to use is not being used for a class at the time.
- Along with your regular monthly class tuition, there is a monthly company fee of $149 for all company members. This fee goes towards covering the coaching time for the weekly company class and additional open gym time, plus costuming, special equipment, etc.
- There will be opportunities for company members to occasionally attend conferences, competitions, shows, and the like. If we choose to go to these extra activities, you will have the option not to go. If you choose to attend, you will be responsible for all associated fees.
- Full list of all terms and responsibilities will be available to you prior to signing a company contract.
costumes
- For Company performances, we do our best to provide costumes for the performers. If the performer has something they wish to wear for a solo performance, we will allow them to wear that, provided it is of “conservative cut” and approved by the Directors of AKmē Instant Circus.
- You are responsible for providing appropriate “no-show” undergarments for all costumes. These include nude color (or occasionally black) dance bras, footless / convertible nude tights, liner leotards, dance belts, etc., depending on the nature of the costumes involved.
