How to Audition For the Radio City Rockettes

The Radio City Rockettes are America's longest-running precision dance company and one of the most recognizable dance groups in the world. Founded in 1925 and based at Radio City Music Hall in New York since 1932, the Rockettes have become synonymous with elite technique, discipline, and perfectly synchronized productions. Radio City Rockettes, best known for the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, are watched by over one million people each year and continue to set the standard for ensemble dancing on the professional stage.

For candidates dreaming of appearing on the iconic stage, the audition signifies both a career milestone and a major professional challenge. The talent review procedure is highly competitive and designed to evaluate a strong technical foundation, adaptability, and the ability to showcase choreography in the same class and at the same pace as a large group.

The Rockettes are known for their signature high kicks, often showcasing more than 160 kicks per show and up to 200 kicks in a single production. Each dancer must maintain consistency while dancing in unison with fellow artists, a skill that sets the Rockettes apart from many other dance companies.

Auditions typically take place once a year and are open-call events, meaning candidates do not need prior invitations to attend. During the process, potential artists are taught choreography, evaluated in large groups, and gradually narrowed down through multiple rounds. Those selected may be offered contracts to appear in the Christmas Spectacular, which begins after summer, runs from November through the first week in January, and includes appearances during significant events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and nationally televised performances.

This guide dives into how to audition for the Radio City Rockettes, including audition requirements, what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens after auditions conclude.

When Are Auditions For The Rockettes?

Auditions for the Radio City Rockettes are typically held once a year in the spring, giving talents enough time to prepare for rehearsals and the demanding holiday production schedule. The most recent public call auditions took place on April 3, 2025, for the 2025 season of the Christmas Spectacular. As of February 1, 2026, auditions for the upcoming Christmas Spectacular are expected to follow a similar annual timeline, with general dates usually announced several weeks in advance through official Radio City and MSG channels.

Because the Rockettes are world-renowned for their precision, with a limited number of available roles, calls draw performers from across New York City and beyond. Performers should plan for auditions to occur in early spring, with contracts and casting decisions finalized well before rehearsals begin in September. While exact dates for the 2026 auditions may vary slightly year to year, performers interested in the talent review procedures are encouraged to monitor official announcements closely and prepare well in advance.

Auditions are held in person at Radio City Music Hall, and video submissions are generally not accepted unless specifically approved in advance. Requests for specific times cannot be guaranteed due to the volume of performers.

On the main day, performers are welcome up to 1 hour before their scheduled call time. Early arrival beyond that window is discouraged, as holding areas are carefully managed. Late arrivals more than 30 minutes before a planned slot are generally not permitted to participate in the talent review procedure. From the moment performers enter the building, all exits are final, and auditions can last anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the number of rounds and cuts made throughout the process.

For candidates planning to audition in 2026, familiarity with the schedule is critical. The Rockettes' season runs from September through January, with performances during the peak holiday season, including Thanksgiving week and major televised events. Staying informed about audition announcements ensures performers are not only eligible but also fully prepared for the physical and professional commitment required.

What It Means to Be a Rockette or Ensemble Dancer

Becoming a Rockette means joining one of the most prestigious dance companies in the entertainment industry. The Rockettes serve as the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes. Each holiday season, the company performs for more than one million audience members in New York City, delivering tightly synchronized choreography.

Rockettes are known worldwide for their signature Precision Dance Technique™, which demands exceptional control, stamina, and musicality. Performers demonstrate complex choreography in perfect unison, often executing more than 160 high kicks per show and hundreds across multiple performances in a single week. The company also includes performers, who support the production while learning detailed choreography quickly during auditions.

Beyond the stage, the Rockettes appear annually in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas in Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. They have also been featured in major television specials and entertainment events, including holiday performances with Mariah Carey and Jimmy Fallon. In addition to live performances, the company participates in commercial campaigns for global brands. It maintains a strong social media presence, connecting with millions of followers through dance content and behind-the-scenes moments.

Performers selected for the Christmas Spectacular are contracted under an American Guild of Variety Artists contract. Employment typically runs from September through January, depending on the role. Rockettes receive competitive weekly base pay, with additional compensation for extra performances, holiday shows, and ancillary appearances. Performers are also eligible for year-round health insurance, company-funded retirement contributions, tuition assistance, and reimbursement for fitness classes, dance training, and gym memberships.

Joining the Rockettes is not simply a seasonal job. It is a professional commitment that blends athleticism, artistry, and teamwork. Members must be legally authorized to work in the United States, meet strict age and technical requirements, and be prepared to deliver at the highest level throughout an intense rehearsal and performance schedule.

Audition Structure, Casting, and Professional Commitments

The audition process for the Rockettes is designed to evaluate technical strength, adaptability, and the ability to deliver confidently within a large group. All performers must be at least 18 years old by the first day of rehearsals to be considered for casting. Potential performers under 18 at the time of the audition must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or tender a notarized release form upon arrival at the talent review procedure venue.

Auditions are conducted in person and begin with learning choreography taught by company instructors. Candidates are evaluated in large groups and may be reassigned to different classes or combinations throughout the audition. Pointe work is considered a plus for some roles, but is not required. What matters most is the ability to pick up detailed choreography quickly, maintain precision on stage, and deliver consistently alongside fellow performers.

Callbacks are typically held in the days immediately after open-call auditions. Candidates invited back are notified directly after their initial audition and asked to return for additional rounds of choreography and evaluation. Casting decisions are finalized shortly after callbacks conclude, allowing selected performers time to prepare for rehearsals beginning in the fall.

Rehearsals are intensive and require full availability. Once the Christmas Spectacular opens, performers may appear in multiple shows per day, especially during peak holiday weeks. Weekly base pay covers rehearsals and a set number of performances, with additional compensation available for extra shows and select holidays. No travel or housing is provided, so performers must arrange accommodations in or near New York City for the duration of their contract.

For those considering auditioning in 2026, understanding the structure of auditions and the professional expectations that follow is essential. The Rockettes seek performers who are not only technically strong but also reliable, prepared, and able to thrive in a fast-paced ensemble environment. Auditioning is as much about readiness and professionalism as it is about talent, and those who approach the opportunity are likely to get accepted into the company.

Where Are Auditions For The Rockettes?

Auditions for the Rockettes are held in person each year at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The historic venue, located at 1260 Sixth Avenue, serves as both the audition site and the performance home of the Rockettes during the Christmas Spectacular. For many people, stepping into this audition is the first experience of performing on the same stage where they hope to work eventually.

General auditions typically take place in the spring, most often in April. For the 2025 Christmas Spectacular season, auditions were held on April 22, 2025, continuing the long-standing tradition of springtime casting. As of early 2026, auditions for upcoming seasons are still expected to follow this same general timeline, with official registration details posted in advance on the Rockettes' and MSG's casting platforms.

Because all auditions are held in New York, candidates travel from across the country and internationally to attend. There are no regional auditions, and video submissions are generally not accepted unless explicitly approved, so performers must plan to be physically available on their scheduled date and time. This allows casting teams to evaluate candidates in the exact performance environment where precision, spacing, and stage awareness matter most.

Auditions operate as general calls, meaning no special invitation is required to attend. However, attendees must register in advance and will receive a scheduled audition time approximately seventy-two hours before the general date. Due to the volume of performers, requests for specific time slots cannot be guaranteed, and everyone must adhere to arrival and check-in guidelines to ensure the procedure runs smoothly.

For those who have always dreamed of performing on the iconic stage, auditions offer a rare opportunity to be evaluated directly in the space that defines the Rockettes' legacy. While the setting is inspiring, the expectations are professional and demanding, reflecting the level of discipline required to deliver flawlessly in one of the most recognized dance companies in the world.

What Are the Requirements to Audition to Be a Radio City Rockette?

Auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes does not require a special invitation, but it does require significant training, preparation, and professional readiness. A parent or guardian must accompany performers who are under eighteen at the time of the audition at their scheduled time or tender the required notarized documentation.

The Rockettes are known for a particular method rooted in jazz, tap, and ballet, and performers are expected to demonstrate proficiency in all three. Strong ballet technique provides the foundation for balance, alignment, and control, while jazz and tap skills are essential for musicality and rhythmic precision. Pointe work is considered a plus for some roles but is not required for Rockettes or ensemble dancer auditions.

Height requirements are strictly enforced to maintain the uniform visual line the company is known for. Rockettes must fall within the established height range, and measurements are taken during auditions. In addition to technical skill, performers are evaluated on their ability to pick up choreography quickly, execute it precisely as taught, and deliver consistently in a group setting rather than as soloists.

There are no male Rockettes, but male performers are eligible to audition for ensemble dancer roles. Performers support the production and appear alongside the Rockettes throughout the show. While the approach is similar, ensemble roles may offer more flexibility in background, making them a strong option for performers with slightly different training histories.

Preparation goes beyond physical technique. Former and current creative leaders have emphasized the importance of training the mind as much as the body. In an interview with Backstage, longtime creative director Karen Keeler encouraged performers to take classes consistently, study with different teachers, and avoid becoming comfortable in a single training environment. The ability to adapt quickly and execute choreography precisely as instructed is central to the Rockettes' method and professional standard.

Each year, thousands of candidates audition for a limited number of roles in the Christmas Spectacular, which runs after summer, specifically November through January and features high-profile appearances. While the Rockettes' performance may look effortless on stage, earning a spot in the company reflects years of disciplined training, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure ensemble environment.

How to Audition For The Rockettes

The audition process begins well before performers ever step into the building. Once registration closes, scheduled time slots are emailed approximately seventy-two hours before the general date. Because of the volume of performers attending, performers are assigned specific windows and cannot choose exact times. This structure helps manage the crowd and ensures the audition room stays organized throughout the day.

On audition day, performers may arrive up to 1 hour before their scheduled time. Arriving earlier than that is discouraged, and late arrivals more than 30 minutes before a call time are typically not admitted. After check-in, performers should be prepared to remain inside for the entire audition. Once inside the building, all exits are final, and the procedures can last 1 to 3 hours, depending on how they unfold.

Performers move through the space together, learn choreography in the same room, and are evaluated on how quickly they adapt. There is often a short wait period as groups are rotated, followed by walking onto the stage to showcase combinations in front of the creative staff. Throughout the process, candidates are assessed not only on technical execution but also on awareness, spacing, and consistency within a group setting.

There is no requirement to bring a file, a physical headshot, or a printed resume. All necessary materials are submitted digitally in advance and made available to the casting staff during the audition. Warm-up areas are available, and performers should come fully prepared to move, focus, and respond to instruction and, most importantly, have fun.

From Auditions Through Rehearsals and Performances

For those who advance beyond the first stage, the next stage may include callbacks held in the days immediately following auditions. These sessions allow the creative unit to observe how performers retain choreography, respond to adjustments, and function as part of a cast.

Rehearsals for the Christmas Spectacular typically begin in September, with choreography building steadily through October as performers prepare for opening night. The rehearsal period is demanding, requiring consistent practice, refined performance quality, and precision across long days in the studio. Attention to detail, adaptability, and endurance become increasingly important as the show approaches its run.

Once the holiday spectacular opens, performances run through early January, with multiple shows scheduled each week. During this time, performers are fully immersed in the production, moving between rehearsal notes, backstage preparation, and live performances. Each show requires the same level of focus and energy, whether it is an early-afternoon or a late-evening performance.

Outside the performance season, many performers pursue additional work in different ways, balancing other professional roles while continuing to deliver and stay connected to the company. While the holiday run is the most visible part of a Rockette's career, the discipline and preparation that support it extend throughout the year. For those who earn a role, the experience is not just about mastering choreography, but about sustaining performance quality, professionalism, and joy across an entire season.

How Long Do Auditions Last?

Once a dancer enters Radio City on audition day, the procedures become immersive and time-bound, with all exits final until the procedure concludes. From the scheduled call time, performers should expect to remain in the building for 1 to 3 hours. This window allows the casting unit to move performers through the selection stages efficiently while observing how they respond under pressure, manage fatigue, and stay focused in a professional environment.

Rockettes auditions often extend beyond that first session for candidates who advance. The overall selection stages can unfold across multiple days, particularly for those invited back for callbacks. During this stage, performers return to the room to learn more demanding choreography, often presented in a different way than the first round, testing how quickly performers adapt, retain information, and apply feedback. These callback sessions are designed to simulate the pace and expectations of rehearsal life.

The structure of auditions intentionally mirrors the demands of the performance season. Performers move between waiting areas, walk onto the stage in groups, and deliver combinations repeatedly while surrounded by a large crowd of fellow performers. This environment allows evaluators to see how individuals maintain clean lines, timing, and consistency while sharing space with others. Attention is paid not only to technical execution, but also to how they stand, reset, and remain present throughout long stretches of observation.

Advancing candidates may also spend extended time in the building across consecutive days, as the cast is gradually narrowed—learning speed, stamina, and the ability to deliver with accuracy after repeated run-throughs become increasingly important. The selection stage is deliberately intense, reflecting the physical and mental endurance required during rehearsals and the performance schedule that follows.

For those ultimately hired, auditions offer a preview of professional life with the company. Performers who receive offers sign a contract governed by union standards, with rehearsals beginning later in the year and performances running through early January. While the time commitment during auditions may feel demanding, it prepares candidates for the discipline, focus, and resilience needed to succeed on the stage throughout the holiday season.

What are the Requirements to Be a Rockette?

To become a Radio City Rockette, performers must meet a particular set of professional and physical standards that reflect the demands of performing in one of the most precise dance companies in the world. One of the most clearly defined requirements is height. Rockettes must measure between 5'5" and 5'10½" tall, with measurements taken in stocking feet to ensure uniformity in the kick line. This range allows the cast to maintain the clean visual line that has become a defining feature of the company's performances.

Technical ability is central to the process. Rockettes are expected to demonstrate advanced proficiency in ballet and jazz, with strong alignment, control, and musicality across all three styles. Ballet provides the foundation for balance and posture, jazz supports sharpness, and tap plays a key role in specific numbers within the holiday spectacular. During auditions, candidates are evaluated on how quickly they learn choreography, how accurately they execute it, and how well they maintain consistency while performing in a group.

Beyond technique, physical stamina and adaptability are closely observed. The selection stage is intentionally demanding, often unfolding across multiple rounds and requiring candidates to repeat combinations several times. Performers must be able to learn quickly, recover quickly, and remain available throughout long audition sessions. Casting staff pay attention to how candidates deliver under pressure, respond to corrections, and maintain energy as the process progresses.

Versatility is also essential. While precision is the hallmark of the Rockettes, directors look for performers who can adjust their style, timing, and performance quality depending on the choreography being taught. Taking classes consistently, working with different teachers, and challenging oneself to learn combinations in new ways all help prepare candidates for the expectations of auditions. The most successful candidates arrive ready not only with strong technique but with the mindset required to emerge victorious in a highly competitive screening schedule that draws hundreds of performers for a limited number of roles in the Christmas Spectacular.

How Old Do you have to be to Audition For The Rockettes?

To be considered for casting, all performers must be at least eighteen years old by the first day of rehearsals. Age is a non-negotiable requirement. All applicants must be at least eighteen years old by the first day of rehearsals to be considered for casting. While there have been rare historical exceptions in the early decades of the company, current standards are strictly enforced, and anyone under eighteen must wait until they meet the age requirement before auditioning. This ensures performers are prepared for the physical intensity and professional responsibilities that come with the programs.

This age requirement applies to all roles and reflects the physical demands, professional expectations, and contractual obligations associated with performing in the Christmas Spectacular. candidates who meet the age requirement are eligible to audition regardless of prior professional credits, provided they also meet the technical and physical standards expected of Rockettes.

Candidates who are under eighteen at the time of the audition may still attend if they will turn eighteen by the start of rehearsals. In these cases, a parent or guardian is required to accompany the dancer to Radio City Music Hall at the scheduled audition time. This ensures proper supervision and compliance with regulations governing professional auditions involving minors in a high-pressure performance environment.

If a parent or guardian is unavailable on audition day, candidates must request a formal release in advance. This involves contacting RCProductions@msg.com to obtain the appropriate form, having it signed by a parent or guardian, notarized by a notary public, and then bringing it to the audition. Without either an accompanying adult or the completed documentation, underage performers will not be permitted to proceed through the audition process.

More Information About Auditions For The Rockettes:

Beyond learning choreography, auditions also reflect the level of personal responsibility expected of performers once hired. Rockettes are responsible for their own hair and makeup for every performance. While the iconic red lip and eyelashes are required, performers have the flexibility to choose products that work best for them. This expectation highlights the professionalism and preparedness needed both during auditions and throughout the performance season.

Presentation standards extend to hair styling as well. All performers wear their hair in a French twist, which must remain consistent so hats and headpieces fit properly. Backstage areas are set up to allow candidates to make quick adjustments between numbers, reinforcing the value of precision and efficiency offstage as much as on the Radio City stage.

The fast pace of performances is mirrored in the structure of auditions. Costume changes during the show are rapid and highly coordinated, reflecting the same discipline and awareness expected during open call auditions.

Performers must arrive warmed up and ready, maintaining their conditioning through ongoing fitness classes. For those auditioning, this provides a clear picture of the expectations that extend beyond being contracted and into daily professional life with the company. To learn more and stay up to date on future audition opportunities, visit www.radiocityauditions.com.

About the Radio City Rockettes

The Radio City Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance and performance company in America, recognized worldwide for their exact synchronization, athleticism, and disciplined performance style. Founded in 1925, the company has become a symbol of technical excellence, where unity and consistency matter as much as individual talent. Every performer contributes equally to the signature kick line, creating the seamless visual effect that defines the Rockettes' identity.

What sets the Rockettes apart is their emphasis on collective precision. Each dancer must execute choreography with absolute accuracy while matching the group's timing, spacing, and alignment. This focus on uniformity does not diminish individuality but instead requires a high level of technical control, stamina, and awareness. The result is choreography that appears effortless yet demands intense physical and mental discipline from every performer.

The Rockettes have captivated audiences through their annual Christmas Spectacular. First staged in 1933, the production has been seen by more than 69 million people and remains a cornerstone of the holiday season. Through decades of performances, the Rockettes have maintained their legacy as one of the most iconic and enduring dance companies in the world

Photo Credit: MSG