Revised: October 2022
Q: How will the auditions work?
A: Each applicant will participate in both dance and flag technique classes. A portion of the audition will also include technique for rifle and saber. All classes will include choreography. You’ll have several opportunities to demonstrate your abilities, experience, training, and attitude.
Q: I perform with an independent winter guard and can’t attend the audition for the whole time. Can I still audition?
A: Yes. If you are marching with an independent group and would like to audition, please schedule an audition appointment for a 2-3 hour time period during the audition weekend. Email the Guard Caption Head at guard@pacific-crest.org. Be sure to provide your full name, and identify yourself as a new or returning member when making an appointment.
Q: What will the staff look for during the audition process?
A: The audition sessions will focus on introducing our style of movement and equipment techniques. Participants will formally audition in small groups using dance and flag choreography taught in the sessions. The staff will also conduct personal interviews in order to learn more about the participants. Audition criteria include technical excellence, expression, attitude, performer potential, and commitment.
Q: I can only spin flag and not rifle or saber. Can I still audition?
A: Yes. Throughout the audition process, you will have the chance to showcase your proficiency on flag and dance technique as well as choreography.
Q: What about weapon auditions?
A: The December audition weekend will focus on all elements, which include dance, flag, and rifle, which are the foundation of our color guard. Weapon auditions will be performed throughout the pre-season to select a rifle and saber line
Q: What am I getting myself into if I make it?
A: We hold weekend camps once per month starting in January. In May we start rehearsing every weekend, except Mother’s Day. Beginning the second weekend of June, we begin our All-Days. Our tour begins after mid-June and ends the second Sunday of August. Basically, you’ll be with Pacific Crest every day from the second weekend of June through the second weekend of August. This will be the most intense yet most rewarding performing experience of your life!
Q: What am I getting myself into if I make it?
A: After the audition weekend, the color guard’s first rehearsal is the last weekend of April (after WGI Championships). In May we rehearse every weekend except Mother’s Day. The first week of June is All-Days. We move into Spring Training in the second week of June. We depart for the tour in mid-to-late June. Basically, you’ll be with Pacific Crest every day from the first weekend of June through the second weekend of August. This will be the most intense yet most rewarding performing experience of your life!
Q: What if I can’t make a camp because of school performance?
A: During the academic year, your school events take priority over Pacific Crest. You may miss up to four full camp days due to school conflicts. These may be taken as two full camps, four full days, eight partial days, or a combination that sum to four days. If you must miss more than four full days, please contact the corps manager. Communication is key to finding a solution.
Q: What if my school year ends after All-Days start?
A: If you are still in school during All-Days, we urge you to request the chance to take final exams early and/or miss the last days of school. You may request a letter from the Executive Director that confirms participation in Pacific Crest.
Please note that if your school year ends after the All-Days — and you must miss most or all of the early June rehearsals — you will be considered an Understudy. Understudies can earn their way into a performance spot later in the summer, but cannot be guaranteed a spot if missing that much rehearsal the first half of June.
Q: What if I can’t make the December auditions?
A: While your best option is an in-person audition, we will accept a video audition in place of the audition weekend. Click the link below to learn more about submitting a video audition:
NOTE: We do not accept applicants based upon their video auditions. Once evaluated we will let you know if we want to see you in person at a future camp to complete your audition.