IN-PERSON PRE-SCREEN

(Audition Requirements)

Step 1. Apply

Apply to the A1 Conference by filling out an application online! Select a university or regional live-audition in the application or choose a self-tape prescreen option. Make sure to read all instructions fully and carefully. Headshots and resumes can now be submitted within your application. All applicants (virtual and in-person) must submit a non-refundable application fee of $35 via TicketLeap. Applications will not be reviewed until we have received this fee.

PLEASE NOTE: All prescreen locations are subject to change at any time. We do our best to accommodate visits to all schools listed, however, due to the challenging logistical nature of these visits, dates may be changed or, in rare cases, cancelled. All on-campus prescreen auditions listed online without a date are currently unconfirmed and are listed only based on visits from prior years. We are unable to offer refunds due to a cancelled school or regional visits, even for a last minute cancellation. Students slated to pre-screen on a cancelled on-campus date will be invited to submit a video pre-screen unless given further instructions. By selecting a school in your application, you are acknowledging and accepting this policy. If your school does not appear on our application, but feel there would be 25 or more students interested in our conference, please speak to the head of your department and have them email sydney@thea1s.com.

Step 2. The Set-Up

Woohoo! You’ve completed your application! Now it’s time to get ready for your pre-screen audition. Prior to your audition day, you’ll receive an appointment time and exact location of your audition. We suggest arriving at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. You may also receive a time for the dance call.

You should plan to attend the dance call if you’d like to be considered as a Singer/Dancer. We do not recommend that movers attend the dance call unless interested in being considered for the Singer/Dancer track.

If attending the dance call, male-presenting artists should wear Jazz shoes or sneakers. Female-presenting artists should wear Heels or sneakers.

Step 3. Prescreen Live In Person

There are TWO audition groups: Musical Theatre Singer/Actors (Movers) and Musical Theatre Singer/Dancers (Dancers).  Choose the best track for you by reviewing our pre-screen requirements below.

Musical Theatre Singer/Actors

Please do not slate your name or what you are performing unless asked. We like to keep it conversational and get to know you! We’d like to see two contrasting song cuts: 16 Bars for a ballad and 32 bars for an uptempo. You will not be penalized for being a couple of measures under or over. You may or may not be asked for your second cut. We suggest you bring your rep book to the pre-screen audition.

Musical Theater Singer/Dancers

Please do not slate your name or what you are performing unless asked. We like to keep it conversational and get to know you! We’d like to see a cut of either contemporary MT or pop/rock: 16 bars for a ballad and 32 bars for an uptempo. You will not be penalized for being a couple of measures under or over. You may or may not be asked for a second cut. We suggest you bring your rep book to the pre-screen audition.

Step 4. The Waiting Game

The A1 team will make every effort to have a decision to you within the week following your audition. Please be patient with our team during this time and refrain from reaching out for an update within a month of your application. Applications for A1s 2027 are due November 15, 2026.