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 2027 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
You must demonstrate choreography for the entire duration of your song. It does not need to be show ready, but it should be fully planned.
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
Please do not rip music from YouTube. The sound quality is too poor for performance.
After acceptance:
Performance music may not be changed
No large choreography changes are permitted after acceptance and must be communicated to the producer
Only very minimak 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 close to performance-ready
Only very minimal choreography changes are permitted after this point
Dress Rehearsal:
Performers must arrive in full costume
Full makeup is not required unless it is part of your routine (horns, masks, etc.)
Routines must be performance-ready
Stagehands must wear all-black attire (or pre-approved themed attire)
Day of the Event
All participants must:
Arrive no later than 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
2027 Aviary Performances
Aviary Illuminated - April 3rd at 1pm and 6pm
We are casting up to 20 performers, with approximately 4 acts per apparatus. Non-aerial acts welcome!
Before submitting your form:
Please check the current list of auditionees, apparatuses, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
Form and music submissions are due before 1/30
Review the show schedule below —rehearsal attendance is required
What We’re Looking For
This is a black light show: neon and UV-reactive costuming and/or props are required. We’re seeking 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!
Your performance does not start on the apparatus or in the air, it begins the moment you are visible to the audience and and builds from there.
Show Schedule
1/30 — Last day to submit audition form and music
2/7, 3:15pm — Auditions
2/28 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!
Performance Images From Spilt Sugar Photography
Spilt Sugar Photography will be offering professional, edited photos for Illuminated performers with flexible pricing options. Three package choices are available based on the strongest images from the performance. Sneak peek images will be sent out after the performance, so performers will be able to review the quality, style, and editing of the images before deciding which package best fits their needs.
Every performance is unique, and the number of images that are ideal for editing and posting varies from act to act. Each package includes a selection of the strongest overall images from the performance. If there is a favorite pose or specific moment that should be included, requests are welcome, and availability can be confirmed if a strong image of that moment was captured.
Who is Spilt Sugar?
Cheryl Willard is an artist and photographer with over 20 years of experience behind the lens. As an aerial performer and instructor herself, she brings a deep understanding of movement, timing, and technique to every performance she photographs. This unique perspective enables her to anticipate and capture striking aerial poses, dynamic choreography, and those fleeting moments that performers value most.
Examples of her work can be found on Instagram and Facebook.
Packages
Package A
Top 5 Edited Images
Sized for web use and small prints
$45
Package B
Top 10 Edited Images
Sized for web use and small prints
$80
Package C
Full-Resolution Images with Promotional Rights
Individual images: $18 each
Bundle of 5 images: $75
Every performance is unique, and the number of images that are ideal for editing and posting varies from act to act.
Each package includes a selection of the strongest overall images from the performance. If there is a favorite pose or specific moment that should be included, requests are welcome, and availability can be confirmed if a strong image of that moment was captured.
Proof Albums
Proof albums are available for an additional $50 and include roughly 30-50+ of the best images from the performance.
Turnaround time is typically 3–4 weeks, as each image receives basic post-processing so previews can be viewed with color and exposure adjustments rather than as flat RAW files.
Proof images are watermarked and intended for image selection purposes only.
After reviewing the proof album, additional images may be purchased at a rate of $8-10 per image, depending on the quantity ordered.
Ordering Information
Ordering will open after the show once sneak peek images have been released.
Orders should be placed by email at spiltxosugar@gmail.com.
Please include:
Performer's name
Show name
Desired package and/or image selections
Any specific image requests or favorite moments you would like included, if available
Video clips welcome!
Summer Game Spectacular — Early July ‘27, 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 18 performers and need a variety of performance and apparatus types. Non-aerial circus acts welcome!
Please check the current list of auditionees, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
Financial compensation is available for up to three professional performers.
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
Combination of any 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. We can help!
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!
Your performance does not start on the apparatus or in the air, it begins the moment you are visible to the audience and and builds from there.
Show Schedule - TBD!
Aviary After Dark 2027 - October 29th and 30th
We are casting up to 20 performers, with approximately 4 acts per performance or apparatus type.
Before submitting your form:
Please check the current list of auditionees, apparatuses, music selections, and act concepts to avoid duplicates.
Form and music submissions are due before 8/21/27
Review the show schedule below —rehearsal attendance is required
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. We can help!
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!
Your performance does not start on the apparatus or in the air, it begins the moment you are visible to the audience and and builds from there.
Show Schedule
8/21 — Last day to submit audition form and music
8/29, 3:00pm — Auditions
9/26, 3:15-6:15pm — Tech Rehearsal
Music cues confirmed
Costumes/props tested — bring them
Tech needs confirmed (lifts, props, assistance)
Full show run-through
10/10, 3:15-6:15pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/26 3:15-6:15pm — Dress Rehearsal
10/29, 6pm — Opening Night
10/30, 1pm — Matinee
3:30pm — Dinner provided at the studio for cast & crew
10/30, 6pm — Closing night
8:30 — Wrap party! Friends & family welcome!