Auditions
Join the cast of an upcoming Aviary performance!
Please see Requirements to Participate below.
If you are familiar with the Aviary’s audition process,
you can jump to 2026 Aviary Performances
No auditions are required for LIFTOFF - more details HERE
Requirements to Participate
Performers
Please complete the appropriate show-specific form linked below to sign up for an audition.
In-person auditions are preferred for new artists.
In-person or video auditions are accepted for returning cast members and experienced performers.
Before applying, please review the show schedule below and come prepared with the following:
A choreographed performance that is at least 3 minutes long and fits the show theme
Music uploaded no later than one week before auditions
To submit your music:
Purchase the song as an MP3 (Amazon, iTunes, etc.)
Download it to your personal device
Rename the file with your name – song title – artist (example: Allen Smithee – Hot Dog – LMFAO)
Upload it to the show music folder using the link on the audition page
You must demonstrate choreography for the entire duration of your song. It does not need to be perfect, but it should be fully planned.
After acceptance:
Performance music may not be changed
Choreography changes must be minimal and communicated to the producer at least one week before Tech Rehearsal
No choreography changes are permitted after Tech Rehearsal
Technical Crew
Stagehands are welcomed and greatly appreciated, our tech team makes the magic happen!
To sign up, please complete a show-specific form linked below. Enter “N/A” for any fields that do not apply.
Duties may include:
Ticketing and ushering
Preparing the studio
Setting up and breaking down the portal aerial rig
Exchanging apparatuses and moving mats
Managing props
Operating music and stage lighting
Rehearsals (All Participants)
Attendance is mandatory. Please plan accordingly.
Tech Rehearsal:
Performers must have routines fully choreographed and performance-ready
No choreography changes are permitted after this point
Dress Rehearsal:
Performers must arrive in full costume and performance-ready
Stagehands must wear all-black attire (or pre-approved themed attire)
Day of the Event
All participants must:
Arrive one hour before the event begins
Be prepared to assist with setup (rigging, chairs, decorations, etc.)
Additional notes:
Stagehands should wear all black (or approved themed attire)
Please be respectful of shared spaces, including the building locker room
Plan to do only minor makeup and costume touch-ups at the studio
Kindly keep glitter, feathers, sequins, etc. contained
2026 Aviary Performances
Aviary After Dark 2026 - October 30th and 31st
We are casting up to 25 performers, with approximately 5 acts per apparatus: Trapeze · Silks · Lyra · Sling · Other.
Please check the current list of auditionees, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking fully realized acts that fit the show’s Halloween-inspired theme. Bring us characters, storytelling, and strong stage presence. We’re excited to see what you create!
Themes:
Classic Halloween costumes, monsters, horror icons, and horror-inspired aesthetics. Acts can be scary, spooky, silly, sexy, or campy. We want creativity and commitment!
Burlesque is welcome, and we strongly encourage dynamic, engaging performances.
Costuming
All acts must be fully costumed and thoroughly tested before dress rehearsal.
Streetwear and gym clothing are not allowed unless they are intentionally integrated into your character or concept.
Your costume should support the theme and elevate your act.
If finances prevent appropriate costuming, please note it in your audition form and producer will follow up via email.
Entrances & Staging
All acts must include a choreographed entrance. This means blocking, body language, intention. It does not have to be dancing!
No starting on the apparatus or in the air, your performance begins on the ground and builds from there.
Show Schedule
8/29 — Last day to submit audition form and music
09/06, 1:00pm — Auditions
10/11, 3:30-6:30pm — Tech Rehearsal
Music cues confirmed
Costumes/props tested — bring them
Tech needs confirmed (lifts, props, assistance)
Full show run-through
10/18, 3:30-6:30pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/27, 6-9pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/30, 6pm — Opening Night
10/31, 1pm — Matinee
3:30pm — Dinner provided at the studio for cast & crew
10/31, 6pm — Closing Night
8:30 — Wrap party! Friends & family welcome!
2027 Aviary Performances
Aviary Illuminated - April 3rd
We are casting up to 25 performers, with approximately 5 acts per apparatus: Trapeze · Silks · Lyra · Sling · Other.
Form and music submissions are due before 1/30
Please check the current list of auditionees, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
What We’re Looking For
This is a black light show: neon and UV-reactive costuming and/or props are required. We’re seeking fully realized acts that embrace the visual impact of black light reactive elements. Bring us bold visual concepts, strong characters, and engaging stage presence.
Preference will be given to acts that are joyful, silly, whimsical, or uplifting.
Costuming
All acts must be fully costumed and thoroughly tested before dress rehearsal.
Neon and UV-reactive costuming and/or props are required.
Streetwear and gym clothing are not allowed.
Your costume should support the theme and elevate your act.
If finances prevent appropriate costuming, please note it in your audition form and producer will follow up via email.
Entrances & Staging
All acts must include a choreographed entrance., regardless of when music begins. This means blocking, body language, intention. It does not have to be dancing!
No starting on the apparatus or in the air, your performance begins on the ground and builds from there.
Show Schedule
1/30 — Last day to submit audition form and music
2/7, 3:15pm — Auditions
3/7, 3:15-6:15pm — Tech Rehearsal
Music cues confirmed
Costumes/props tested — bring them
Tech needs confirmed (lifts, props, assistance)
Full show run-through
3/21, 3:15-6:15pm — Dress Rehearsal
3/31, 6-9pm — Dress Rehearsal
4/3, 1pm — Matinee
3:30pm — Dinner provided at the studio for cast & crew
4/3, 6pm
8:30 — Wrap party! Friends & family welcome!
Summer Game Spectacular
July 2027, exact date TBD
This annual event is hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library with food trucks, face painting, yard games, and entertainment by US! It’s part their Summer Game, which is a city-wide, points-based scavenger hunt and reading challenge, and the event is an opportunity for participants to collect a ton of points in one family-friendly and fun filled day.
We are casting up to 25 performers, with approximately 5 acts per apparatus: Trapeze · Silks · Lyra · Sling · Other.
Financial compensation is available for up to three professional performers.
Please check the current list of auditionees, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
What We’re Looking For
We are specifically looking for polished and practiced acts that are performance ready at auditions, as the show timeline is yet to be announced and will be shorter than most Aviary productions. They must be family friendly, and kids media, immigrant/cultural pride, or queer pride themed.
Preference will be given to dynamic routines and fully realized characters.
Costuming
All acts must be fully costumed and thoroughly tested before dress rehearsal.
Flashy, highly visible costuming is required.
Sequins
Rhinstones/crystals
Neons
Holographic material
Traditional circus styles
Or all of the above
Absolutely no plain, unembellished streetwear, uni/leotards, or gym clothing.
Embellished charactor appropriate costuming is appropriate.
Your costume should support the theme and elevate your act.
If finances prevent appropriate costuming, please note it in your audition form and producer will follow up via email.
Entrances & Staging
All acts must include a choreographed entrance., regardless of when music begins. This means blocking, body language, intention. It does not have to be dancing!
No starting on the apparatus or in the air, your performance begins on the ground and builds from there.
Show Schedule - TBD!
Aviary After Dark 2027 - October 29th and 30th
We are casting up to 25 performers, with approximately 5 acts per apparatus: Trapeze · Silks · Lyra · Sling · Other.
Form and music submissions are due before 8/21/27
Please check the current list of auditionees, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
What We’re Looking For
Classic Halloween costumes, monsters, horror icons, and horror-inspired aesthetics. Acts can be scary, spooky, silly, sexy, or campy. Burlesque is welcome!
Preference will be given to dynamic routines and fully realized characters.
Costuming
All acts must be fully costumed and thoroughly tested before dress rehearsal.
Absolutely no plain, unembellished streetwear, uni/leotards, or gym clothing.
Embellished charactor appropriate costuming is appropriate.
Your costume should support the theme and elevate your act.
If finances prevent appropriate costuming, please note it in your audition form and producer will follow up via email.
Entrances & Staging
All acts must include a choreographed entrance., regardless of when music begins. This means blocking, body language, intention. It does not have to be dancing!
No starting on the apparatus or in the air, your performance begins on the ground and builds from there.
Show Schedule
8/21 — Last day to submit audition form and music
8/29, 3:00pm — Auditions
10/3, 3:15-6:15pm — Tech Rehearsal
Music cues confirmed
Costumes/props tested — bring them
Tech needs confirmed (lifts, props, assistance)
Full show run-through
10/17, 3:15-6:15pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/23 3:15-6:15pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/29, 6pm
If 10/30 sells out, this will be an additional full show
Dress rehearsal if not
10/30, 1pm — Matinee
3:30pm — Dinner provided at the studio for cast & crew
10/30, 6pm
8:30 — Wrap party! Friends & family welcome!