How to Join the Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago

Dancers ages 7 and up are invited to submit a video audition for YDTGC’s original spring production of What the River Remembers.

Three things are required to complete the audition:

1. Complete this audition registration form - it explains the production details, and includes a list of the roles you are wish to audition for. Both new and returning cast members need to complete this form. 

2. New cast members: Submit your video audition reel. Video auditions are due by November 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. See these instructions for submitting a video audition.   Your video does not need to be broadcast quality or involve advanced editing. A clear video recorded on a phone is enough—our goal is to see your dancer’s movement, musicality, and personality.

3. New cast members: Pay the $25 audition fee. Use button below. Returning cast members need not audition again or pay another audition fee. 

No prior YDTGC membership is required. Dancers of all experience levels are welcome, and every dancer who auditions will be accepted into the company and placed in an age- and skill-appropriate role.  Not every dancer needs the same role—but every dancer deserves a place in the story.

A parent information meeting will be held Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm on zoom. 

JOIN MEETING: HERE 

Thanks to a $12,000 grant from the Illinois Arts Council, we are able to offer participation in What the River Remembers at a substantially reduced production fee of $100 per dancer.

The fee is the same for new and returning cast members and helps cover a portion of the costs of choreography, rehearsals, theater rental, costumes, props, a cast T-shirt, and access to the production video. Families must pay the production fee in full upon acceptance of the casting assignment.

Given the extensive rehearsal and creative work involved, this opportunity offers significant value—often exceeding the equivalent cost of weekly dance classes.

Rehearsals are held Sundays between 12-5 p.m. Not every dancer will need to be there every Sunday for all five hours. We publish a weekly rolling schedule and dancers will be expected to attend during their scheduled rehearsal time block. 

All production fees include:

🎭 Participation in a professionally produced theatrical dance performance

👕 Official YDTGC Cast T-Shirt

📖 Keepsake Printed Program

📸 Cast and Production Photos and video

🎟️ Priority Access to Ticket Sales

🌟 Performance and Rehearsal Opportunities with Guest and Local Choreographers

🤝 Opportunities to build friendships and collaborate with dancers from throughout the Chicagoland area

🎬 Professional theater experience including stage lighting, costumes, technical elements, and production support

🏅 Recognition at cast celebrations and special company events

📚 Access to exclusive cast events, Q&As with VIPs and people you'd want to meet. 

✨ The opportunity to create, perform, and grow as part of one of Chicagoland's unique youth dance theater programs!

The Youth Dance Theater of Greater Chicago, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. As a nonprofit performing arts company, your donation will help us continue our mission to positively impact the lives of young dancers and is tax deductible.