Auditions are held in February of each year and are held in multiple locations. 2012 audition location are listed below.Details of locations, dates and time of audition will be sent to applicants in mid-to-late January.

KIDS FROM WISCONSIN MUSIC PROJECT

The KIDS FROM WISCONSIN show troupe has been entertaining audiences all over Wisconsin, the Midwest and the nation since our inaugural summer of 1969, performing contemporary pop songs, the music of Broadway, country hits, rock, swing, jazz and many other styles. Following a 17 day training camp, this talented group of vocalists, dancers and instrumentalists performs up to 70 shows each summer and is featured annually at the State Fair as well as many other venues across the state. Kids from Wisconsin is a non profit 501(c)(3) made possible by funds from the State Fair, grants, sponsorships and donations.
A summer with the KIDS is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences an aspiring young performer can have. Many KIDS alumni have gone on to successful careers in performance, music education and many other fields of endeavor.

LOCATION

The KIDS FROM WISCONSIN organization is headquartered at State Fair Park, West Allis.

SUPERVISORY STAFF

A highly professional and experienced staff of instructors provides the training necessary to prepare members of the KIDS for a summer of performing. Our choreographer, choral director, band conductor, musical arrangers and technical director all help train performers in highly specialized routines, professional arrangements and exciting stage presentation. Overall supervision, training and direction are provided by producer Mark S. Dorn, conductor, professional musician, jazz clinician and university music professor.

PERFORMING PERSONNEL

The troupe is composed of 33 student performers (20 dancer/vocalists with a 13 piece show band). Qualified males and females, between the ages of 15 and 20, regardless of race, color, handicap or national origin are eligible to apply.
Candidates will be required to demonstrate artistic talent, stage personality and choreography (singer/dancers) at the time of their live audition.

MANNER OF SELECTION AND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Selection for the limited number of positions will be on a competitive basis. Applicants must submit official application form (available beginning in October, email and photocopy acceptable) available from school music departments, the KIDS website (www.kidsfromwisconsin.org) or the KIDS organization. Recommendations are strongly encouraged but not required. All applicants must submit a photo for identification purposes. There is a $20 audition fee that will be collected at the time of your audition.

Vocalists/Dancers Openings exist for all voice parts—soprano, alto, tenor and bass/baritone. All auditioning vocalists/dancers should be prepared to sing one contemporary song (4 minutes or less) - pop, Broadway, vocal jazz, etc. Sheet music for accompanists must be provided at time of the audition. Singer/dancers should also be prepared for a dance audition (time to change into dance shoes and clothes will be allotted.)

Instrumentalists Openings exist for the following instrumental chairs:

• trombone (tenor and bass)
• trumpet
• woodwind (tenor and alto sax with clarinet and flute doubles)
• keyboard/piano (with synthesizer knowledge important)
• electric bass
• guitar
• trap set
• auxiliary percussion

Audition candidates should be prepared to play scales, a solo (jazz, popular or classical), and/or an excerpt from a jazz band arrangement, and sight reading. Guitar and keyboard should demonstrate chord knowledge. All instrumentalists, including rhythm section players, will need to provide their own instruments and equipment for live auditions.

PERIOD OF COMMITMENT

Members of the KIDS will report to the rehearsal training camp on date advised in letter of acceptance, approximately June 7. Immediately following the training period the group will be available for performances throughout the summer terminating the last weekend in August. Members may or may not be provided housing on off days or during breaks in tour schedule.

CAMP AND TOURING

Accepted troupe members will be charged a $150 camp fee and a $100 refundable costume deposit. While at the training camp, members will receive room and board free of charge. Group travel will be by chartered bus beginning and terminating at State Fair Park unless otherwise permitted or directed by KIDS staff. Schedules and details on housing will be furnished as early as possible following booking confirmations.
During tour, members will receive a weekly expense allowance (per diem). Transportation will be furnished to and from performance sites with all trips originating at State Fair Park. Housing is also furnished on tour, as are occasional meals. Members will be required to pay for other meals.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

Members will be provided necessary wardrobe to be worn during performances or for other purposes as directed, as well as heavy-duty clothing bags for transporting costumes. All players will be expected to furnish their own instruments and to keep them in proper playing condition at all times.

EXPECTATIONS AND POLICIES

Rules and policies will be made in the best interest of the member and the organization. Each member is an official goodwill ambassador of the State of Wisconsin, and because of this unique distinction a great measure of self-discipline must be exercised at all times on and off stage. Infraction of any rules, regulations, policies or standards set forth by the KIDS organization will result in consequences, including but not limited to loss of privileges, reprimand and possible dismissal.

MEDICAL-HEALTH CERTIFICATE

Members will be required to furnish a Medical/Health certificate signed by a licensed physician that he or she is able to take part in strenuous stage and dance routines and rigorous and frequent bus travel. Certificates must be submitted to the KIDS office prior to reporting date.