Step 1: Company Auditions
Submit two short assessment videos and a brief application. This is only completed once, when you are new to Lights Up! Detailed instructions below.
Step 2: Show Enrollment
Upon acceptance, you’ll choose your shows and register.
Step 3: Show Auditions
Sign up for an in-person audition for the production(s) you’ve chosen. Once you’re accepted into the company, you are guaranteed casting in the shows you’re age-eligible for.
Step 4: Casting
Yay! On with the shows!
Your assessment videos will help us evaluate your readiness to join our Performance Company. They do not need to have high production value. Just make sure that we can see and hear you clearly, and don’t stress!
You’ll record two separate videos, each between 30 and 60 seconds long: one performing a monologue, the other singing a song you feel shows of your voice. Please use a backing track or other musical accompaniment for the song. For both videos, make sure you’re well-lit (so we can see your face!) and project your voice as you would on stage.
“Slate” each of your videos – introduce yourself by saying “Hi, my name is…..,” followed by the name of the song or monologue you’ll be performing. Feel free to tell us something about yourself, such as the name of your bearded dragon or your favorite brand of ice cream!
If you have any questions or trouble uploading your videos, email [email protected]. That’s it! Nice job!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEASON 9 (2026-2027)
New company members must submit self-tape audition by August 15 to be considered for The Lightning Thief, or by October 1 to be considered for Les Misérables.
Auditions for The Lightning Thief begin the week of August 17. Rehearsals begin September 11.
Auditions for Les Misérables begin in October. Rehearsals begin November 8.
Questions? Email [email protected]
We are an audition-based performance company for actors ages 12-19 with an emphasis on “company.” We look not only for ability but also for the willingness to be a part of something larger than oneself and the desire to be supportive of fellow actors in a professional environment.
At Lights Up!, once you’re in, you’re in! Once you’re admitted through our video assessment, you’re invited to audition for productions, take acting and improv classes through our conservatory, and learn behind-the-scenes skills like set-building and costuming for as many seasons as you wish.
Each season, company members determine the level of involvement that works for their schedule. Many return season after season throughout their junior high and high school years.
How old do you have to be to join Lights Up!?
Actors in the 2026-2027 performance company must turn 12 on or before December 31, 2026. Individual productions may have age flexibility.
Younger students are encouraged to participate in our classes and summer programs, which vary in age requirements but often begin as young as nine years old.
If a specific production allows for the inclusion of younger performers, we will announce auditions through our email newsletter, social channels, and in our conservatory classes.
How does tuition work?
Lights Up! collects tuition on a per-performance basis. Performance fees cover all instructional time, rehearsals, and costumes. We also offer non-performance acting and improv classes and summer programs throughout the year; tuition for classes is collected at the start of the session for that class. Admission to the company is need-blind. We offer scholarships and payment plans.
Will every actor who auditions be given a role?
Yes. Once admitted to the company via our assessment video, every actor is assured a role in the show(s) for which they are age-eligible to audition.
Our All-Company musical welcomes company members ages 12 and up, while our Advanced Company musical is limited to performers in 9th grade and above.
(Note: Occasionally we open auditions to actors outside the established age ranges for each show. Season 9’s Les Miserables will guarantee casting to company members in 9th grade and up, but will also allow younger company members to audition for select roles and chorus parts.)
Do company members have to be in every show?
No. We understand that school, sports, and other commitments are part of teens’ busy lives. Company members may choose to do one show per season, two or three, or even take a season off entirely. For those who aren’t able to perform, we offer low-commitment volunteer opportunities in our costume shop and set building studio, allowing company members to stay connected even when they’re not performing in a show.