Showcase Auditions

Auditioning a piece for a Dance Showcase has three steps over the course of a semester-- the Intent-to-Choreograph Form, the Emerging Works performance, and the Audition. Details regarding each of these steps can be found below.

For information on audition eligibility, please see the Showcase Participation page.

Dates and Deadlines:

September 19 Submit Intent-to-Choreograph Form for fall 2025 showcase
October 30 Fall Emerging Works
November 13 Fall showcase auditions

February 6 Submit Intent-to-Choreograph Form for spring 2026 showcase
March 12 Spring Emerging Works
April 9 Spring showcase auditions

Piece Selection Criteria:

Following Showcase auditions each semester, a maximum of 16-18 pieces (including non-auditioned class pieces) will be selected by the UMaine Dance Faculty for inclusion in the Dance Showcase. The exact number of pieces may vary based on the length of the individual pieces that are auditioned. The faculty must consider a wide range of factors in choosing a final selection of pieces. The factors include, but are not limited to:

• Artistic integrity of dance

• Complexity of choreography

• Quality of execution

• Originality

• Overall Showcase Composition Factors

  • • Diversity of work presented

    • Length of pieces

    • Technical requirements

    • Number of dancers
      
      

Intent-to-Choreograph Form:

Within the first few weeks of each semester, any club or individual that would like to audition a piece for that semester’s Dance Showcase must submit an Intent-to-Choreograph Form. The exact due dates for these forms are set on a semester-by-semester basis. Please see above and/or the specific Showcase page on for specific dates.

For clubs and eligible personal piece choreographers, the Intent-to-Choreograph Form serves to inform Theatre/Dance faculty and staff of the intent to audition for Showcase planning purposes.

For those who would like to be considered as Guest Choreographers, the Intent-to Choreograph Form is  used as an application for audition eligibility.

Emerging Works:

Approximately four weeks prior to Showcase auditions each semester, all choreographers planning to audition (with the exception of class pieces) will be required to perform a two-minute excerpt of their work-in-progress as part of an informal performance called Emerging Works. The exact date for the performance is set on a semester-by-semester basis. Please see above and/or the specific Showcase page on for specific dates.

These performances take place in Hauck Auditorium. Marley flooring will be laid on stage but there will be no curtains, production lighting, or sound support. Dance piece excerpts will be performed under the stage work light and each choreographer will need to bring a computer, phone, or other device with their audio, which can be connected to a boom box on stage. Dancers and choreographers may sit in the house of the auditorium before and after the performance of the pieces they are participating in. 

It is not required that every dancer in a given piece must perform at Emerging Works. Enough dancers must be present to demonstrate an overall sense of the intent for the final performance. At least one choreographer must be present for each piece.

1-2 days prior to Emerging Works, a sign-up sheet for performance order will be posted in the Dance Studio. There will not be a time associated with the sign-up slots-- dance pieces will performance immediately following each other. The sign-up sheet only determines the performance order.

Public attendance is welcome at Emerging Works but there will be no tickets for sale or reservation in advance.

Showcase Auditions:

Showcase auditions occur approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the opening performance of each semester’s Dance Showcase. The exact date for auditions is set on a semester-by-semester basis. Please see above and/or the specific Showcase page on for specific dates.

To the fullest extent possible, choreographers should be prepared to present their entire piece at Showcase auditions. It is not required that every dancer in a given piece must perform at Showcase auditions, but enough dancers must be present to demonstrate an overall sense of the intent for the final performance.

Whenever costume, prop, or scenery elements are integral to the choreography, they should be worn (or otherwise included) as part of the audition. However, given that students are frequently in multiple pieces, it may not be practical or possible to audition each piece in full costume. If performance costumes are not worn for the audition, please use the following guidelines for audition attire:

• Please wear all black garments

• Please wear comfortable, fitted clothing. No baggy garments..

• If you have long hair, please pull back away from the face with headband or hair ties

• Do not wear jewelry, unless it is part of a costume associated with the audition

A sign-up form will be posted in the Dance Studio or electronically 1-2 days prior to auditions. Each piece will sign up for a 10-minute audition slot. Before the audition, the choreographer(s) will be expected to introduce themselves and the piece, sharing information about the music, style of dance, themes/motifs, and “story” behind the piece. Following the audition, Dance Faculty may ask the choreographer(s) questions or clarifications about the piece.

Program Information Form:

The Program Information Form must be completed for all pieces that are selected for Showcase performance following auditions. The form can be found at the link above, but will also be distributed to selected choreographers via email prior to the submission deadline. The due date for the Program Information Form is set on a semester-by-semester basis. Please see the specific Showcase page for specific dates.