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 (age 12+) or Junior Company (ages 9-11). 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 off 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 October 24. Rehearsals begin November 8.
Click for more Season 9 details |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.
* Age eligibility varies by production. For age requirements for the 2026-2027 season, click here.
What is the Junior Company?
Lights Up!’s Junior Company is designed for younger performers who are not old enough to join the Performance Company but are ready to be part of a production. It provides a supportive introduction to musical theater, allowing students to develop their performance skills, build confidence, and become part of our community.
Junior Company members perform in select ensemble scenes in the production and enjoy a reduced rehearsal schedule*, making it an excellent fit for younger performers and families.
Each Junior Company member is paired with a mentor from our Advanced Company Mentor Program and works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, providing additional guidance and support throughout the rehearsal process.
Junior Company auditions are open to performers ages 9–11 (must turn 9 on or before 12/31/26). Admitted Junior Company members will perform in The Lightning Thief December 10-13, 2026.
* Families should note that while Junior Company schedules are modified for younger actors through most of the rehearsal process, tech week and performance week will involve longer rehearsals and later evenings.
How old do you have to be to join Lights Up!?
The shortest answer: 12!
The longer answer: read on…
Actors in the 2026-2027 Performance Company must turn 12 on or before December 31, 2026. Individual shows have their own age eligibility specifics, including opportunities for under-12 performers to participate in our Junior Company.
When 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.
Our classes and summer programs vary in age requirements but often begin as young as nine years old.
>> Read about age requirements for the 2026-2027 season here.
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.
>> Read about age requirements for the 2026-2027 season here.
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.
