Audition
JOIN US ON STAGE
Take the stage with CMT’s productions performed at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose. CMT’s production workshop rehearse for 8 weeks before mounting a full scale production. CMT continues a 50+ year tradition of casting all who audition regardless of physical or financial limitations. Scholarships available.
Production Auditions
CMT Junior Talents
Pinocchio
Ages: 7 – 10*
Auditions: May 5 – 6
Performances: June 24 – 28, 2026
Audition registration opens April 21 at 10am.
Relaxed auditions available
*10 and entering 5th grade
CMT Rising Stars
Disney’s Newsies
Ages: 10* – 14
Auditions: May 12 – 13
Performances: July 10 – 19, 2026
Audition registration opens April 21 at 10am.
Relaxed auditions available
*10 and entering 6th grade
CMT Mainstage
Legally Blonde
Ages: 14* – 20
Auditions: May 21
Performances: July 24 – August 2, 2026
Audition registration opens April 21 at 10am.
*14 and Entering 10th Grade
Audition Information
CMT continues its tradition of casting all who audition regardless of experience, physical or financial limitations.
• Scholarships are available for more information– CLICK HERE.
• Welcome new families! Below you will find additional tools to help answer questions about the audition process and production. New Family Packet
How to prepare for Auditions:
- Vocals: Come prepared to sing any song of your choosing. Selection should be 32 bars or up to 1 min in length. You may bring a phone or mp3 device with background track, or sing without music.
- Dance: Each audition group will learn a dance during the audition process. Please be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. Resume: Resumes can be attached to registration forms. If you don’t have a resume, simply list any previous performance or training experience on the registration forms. If this is your first show ever, welcome to CMT!
- Calendar: The rehearsal calendar will be reviewed as part of the audition registration process. Please download your show calendar in advance and mark off any dates in which your performer is unavailable to attend rehearsals. See FAQ’s below.
- Completed Registration: Complete your registration online before auditions. Online registration will close the morning of auditions, but we will accept walk-in day of registration on-site. Print and complete your Audition Form and rehearsal calendar and bring them day of audition.
CMT Production Age Guidelines (Season 58)
- Rising Stars – Ages 8-14
- Mainstage – Ages 14*-20
*14 and in High School
More Questions? If you have any additional questions regarding CMT auditions, please call 408-288-5437 or email registration@CMTSJ.org.
Audition FAQ's
What is a Rehearsal Calendar?
When you are cast in a CMT production it is expected that you will attend all rehearsals for which you are scheduled. Before auditions you will be asked to fill out a conflict/rehearsal calendar and submit it so we are aware of any prior commitments that you may have during the rehearsal period. Please include all commitments that might prevent you from attending rehearsal, especially during the crucial two weeks immediately prior to the opening of a show. This includes anything from birthday parties to athletic practices or events to vacations—you get the idea! It is better to inform us of everything that might present a problem rather than run into difficulties during the rehearsal process. Please be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns that you have about your schedule. If you have 3 or more conflicts in your schedule, we encourage you to contact the CMT office before auditioning and we will be happy to review your calendar in advance.
How long is the audition process?
The audition process is broken down to provide our aspiring performers and their families the best possible introduction to performing with Children’s Musical Theater San Jose. Please be aware that the entire audition process takes about two hours.
What are callbacks?
Once your audition is complete, you are considered cast in the show. Callbacks allow our artistic staff to get to know performers better and place them in various roles. Immediately following the audition, performers will receive a callback request. Requested callback times will vary per performer. Some may be asked to prepare new material for specific roles and others may be asked to return to dance. If you have a conflict with the callback times, please inform the stage manager at the time of your audition.
Production age qualifications
Performers must be the qualifying age by the day of auditions. Mainstage performers are a minimum of 14 years old and in high school. 14 year old performers who are in 8th grade are considered Rising Stars. During the summer, Rising Stars are divided between Rising Stars (ages 10 -14) and Junior Talents (ages 7 – 10). 10 year olds who are completing 5th grade and going into middle school are considered for the Rising Star production. 10 year olds who are completing 4th grade and will be rising 5th graders in the Fall are considered Junior Talents.
What if performer tests positive for Covid during rehearsals?
If performers test positive during the rehearsal process, they are expected to attend rehearsals via zoom. If a performer tests positive during mandatory and/or technical rehearsals, or during the run of the show, CMT will determine if based on timing, the performer may return to complete performances. This may vary show by show and according to county guidelines.
What are Relaxed Auditions?
A limited number of audition slots have been set aside as a relaxed audition option. This time is designed for performers who may benefit from a slower pace, additional support, or a gentler introduction to the audition process—whether they are neurodiverse performers or younger artists auditioning for the first time. All audition requirements remain the same as our general auditions; we’ve simply built in extra time and care to ensure these performers can show their best work in a comfortable environment. After you register to audition you may sign up for an audition time slot. A new relaxed audition experience is now available on our first day of auditions, followed by general auditions that start on the half hour.
What are CMT’s current Covid health and safety precautions?
CMT will continue to monitor new information from the state of California and Santa Clara County and update our guidelines accordingly. Click the link or a detailed breakdown of CMT’s most recent health and safety plan.
Registration & Cancellation Policy
Tuition
Junior Talents/Rising Stars: $495*
Mainstage: $450
Production workshop tuition includes all costume fees. Performer may be asked to provide their own shoes. A video archive of the production is included when made available by the licensing company.
*Junior Talent and Rising Star Tuitions include 2 tickets to a “production talk back” during the quarter in which they perform.
Registration
Please bring all forms completed when you check in on audition day, forms will be reviewed before moving on through the audition process.
- Register Online. (closes morning of auditions) pay the registration fee (if applicable) and sign up for an audition time. Print out the audition packet and a rehearsal calendar below and bring them with you to the audition.
- Walk-in Auditions. Arrive 15 min before auditions begin for the next available spot. Print out the audition packet and a rehearsal calendar and bring them with you to the audition.
Cancellation and Refund policy
Should CMT need to cancel an in-person production due to Covid and County guidelines, performers will continue to receive an online production experience. Should this occur, no refunds will be granted.
Before Audition- If a performer withdraws their registration before they audition, they will receive a full refund
After Audition / Before Callbacks- Performers who drop from the show prior to their callbacks forfeit their full tuition, but may still audition for the next show.
After Cast List- Once a performer completes their callback if they decide to withdraw from the show, they will forfeit their full tuition AND are ineligible to audition for the next show!
Cancellation due to Covid 19- If a performer must drop the show or is unable to perform due to Covid 19, no refunds will be given, however they will not be penalized for auditioning for the next production.