What will the virtual audition process look like?
The virtual audition is a new concept to everyone! It will be important to pay attention to dates and deadlines to ensure that you turn your content in on time. We have a good plan in place to replicate auditions in a similar manner that compares to previous years. However, some items may change during this process and it will be important to be a little flexible and fluid as we go through this together.
How can I best prepare for virtual auditions?
We will be hosting weekly virtual dance and/or fitness classes on our social channels leading up to auditions. In addition, we will be hosting a couple of Q&A sessions. There are also a lot of fitness gyms and dance studios hosting free virtual classes right now. We highly encourage you to engage in a class daily to prepare for auditions. You can also work on your dance skills (splits, turns, kicks and leaps) and your fitness skills (# of sit-ups in 1 minute, # of push-ups you can do without stopping and continue a cardio regimen at home). You can also study-up on your Colts football knowledge by engaging in the latest updates online.
There are a couple of items that the Top 50 finalists will be required to submit, once selected, that you can start to either think about or work on now. They are:
- Cover Letter, Resume, List of Three References (if you have not previously been on the squad)
- A 1-Minute Introduction Video that highlights your personality, speaking skills, audience engagement, confidence, preparedness and creativity. Tell us about yourself, highlight your career/aspirations and tell us why you are a valuable team member. Please submit your videos TWICE – one version horizontal and one version vertical. Slight variations in videos are ok. Please make sure the videos are high resolution and NO music is included in the video. If you are selected as a finalist we will provide some music options if you would like to include music (music is optional). Â
What if I have limited space at home to video my content for the virtual audition?
We understand that some applicants will have limited space and we will keep that in mind when sending out the instructional videos. Another option (weather dependent) would be to utilize yard space as most skills can be completed on this terrain, as it is similar to the field turf that the Colts Cheerleaders perform on.
How do we submit our videos?
If you are selected as a finalist, you will receive a tutorial on how to create a YouTube playlist for your audition. Here is a brief summary on how this process will work. You will create a YouTube account, upload each of your submission videos (make sure you select "unlisted") and upload each of these videos to a new playlist titled "YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME AUDITION". You will then email your unlisted playlist YouTube link to Kelly Tilley (Kelly.Tilley@colts.nfl.net) by the deadline. Videos can continuously be added to your playlist throughout the audition week.
When will the team be announced?
The plan will be to announce the 2020 Colts Cheer team during the week of by mid-May. All finalists will be notified whether they have been selected or not.
If I make the squad, what is the time commitment?
The cheerleaders practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm starting in May till the end of the football season with occasional weeks off. Cheerleaders perform at all home games and participate in appearances in the Indianapolis area.
Is this a full time job?
No, this is a part-time job. Cheerleaders are compensated for all games, practices and appearances. We do encourage all cheerleaders to have a full time job and/or be a full time student.
Questions about auditions? Contact Kelly Tilley at Kelly.Tilley@colts.nfl.net
