Tryouts FAQ
How do I sign up to tryout?
A mandatory Candidate Application must be completed before the audition.
Be prepared to upload the following:
- UREC Facility Waiver
- Publicity Release
- Headshot (PNG or JPG format)
- Letter of Recommendation from former director or coach
- A Physical (up-to-date and completed by a physician)
- UTRGV Acceptance Letter (new students only)
- Academic Transcript (transfer students only)
What is the tryout process?
After submitting an online candidate application, you are invited to attend in-person tryouts at the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salon in the Student Union (BSTUN) on the Brownsville campus. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m.
Candidates will audition using an advanced audition routine, a high-kick sequence, and advanced technique in small groups in front of a panel of judges.
Workshops and Tryout Process
| Date(s) | Activity Description |
|---|---|
| March 18-May 3 | Submit your Online Candidate Application. |
| April 13 | Drill Team Tryout Workshop held at Studio 1.532 in the University Recreation Building (URek) on the Brownsville Campus. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. Attendance of at least 1 workshop is strongly encouraged. |
| April 27 | Drill Team Tryout Workshop held at Studio 1.532 in the University Recreation Building (URek) on the Brownsville Campus. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. Attendance of at least 1 workshop is strongly encouraged. |
| April 28 | Letter of Recommendation due from former director/coach. They will receive an email with instructions after you complete the online application. |
| May 3 | DUE: Online Candidate Application. |
| May 4 | In-person auditions will be held at the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salon in the Student Union (BSTUN) on the Brownsville campus. FINAL team results are posted on social media at the end of the day. |
Are there any tryout fees or costs associated with being a member of the drill team?
The Drill Team is a university-funded program. Currently, there are no fees to audition for or be a member of the team.
What do I wear?
This is a professional audition, and you want to look and feel your best. Think of this audition as a performance.
Females
- Wear black socks with black jazz shoes, black leggings, and a black form-fitting top (may be cropped).
- Hair should be worn down and styled.
- Performance makeup and lashes should be applied (*natural makeup is preferred with false lashes and a bold red lip).
- Tattoos must be covered with professional-grade makeup.
- No jewelry or piercings of any kind. Only stud earrings are acceptable.
- MANDATORY: All-black dancewear.
- Wear a fitted T-shirt or tank top, shorts or jazz pants, and jazz shoes.
- Clean-cut hairstyle and no facial hair.
- No warm-ups or baggy clothing.
- Tattoos must be covered with professional-grade makeup.
- No jewelry or piercings of any kind. Only stud earrings are acceptable.
- MANDATORY: All-black dancewear.
Are spectators allowed?
Auditions are closed to the public. Only candidates, coaches, and adjudicators are allowed in the facility.
When will I find out if I made the team?
Drill Team results will be posted on social media pages no later than the end of the audition day.
For more information on tryouts, email the Spirit Program at spirit@utrgv.edu.