AUDITION INFO
Survival Dance Production
Survival
An original dance production inspired by The Hunger Games
Survival is a full-length theatrical dance production created by Michelle Malone that uses the world of The Hunger Games as inspiration to tell a much deeper story about the human experience. While audiences will recognize key moments and characters from the first film, the heart of this production explores what it means to live in survival mode and the journey toward resilience, healing, and hope.
Through cinematic music, spoken narrative, and powerful choreography, dancers will bring to life themes of sacrifice, courage, connection, loss, perseverance, and ultimately, overcoming adversity. The production is designed to be emotionally impactful, encouraging audiences to see pieces of their own lives reflected on stage.
The cast will consist of approximately 15 to 20 dancers, with opportunities for lead, supporting, and ensemble roles. Dancers from a variety of styles are encouraged to audition, as choreography will blend contemporary, jazz, hip hop, heels, and theatrical movement to create a dynamic and engaging performance.
This is more than a dance showcase. It is an opportunity to be part of a meaningful story that reminds us that while many of us have experienced seasons of simply surviving, there is always hope on the other side.
Performance Details
Date: Sunday, January 17th, 2027 from 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Weber Center for the Performing Arts: 428 Front St S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Who can audition?
Auditions are open to anyone 18 years or older!
While the majority of roles and choreography will be geared toward intermediate to advanced dancers, everyone is encouraged to audition, even if it's simply for the experience. We believe auditions are a great opportunity to challenge yourself, grow as a dancer, and gain experience in a supportive environment.
What is the committment?
Being part of Survival is a commitment to both the production and your fellow cast members. Because this is a story-driven performance, every role is important, and consistent attendance is essential.
Rehearsal Schedule
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Sundays, 1:00 to 6:00 PM
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September 20, 2026 through January 10, 2027
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Rehearsal end times may occasionally be adjusted based on the needs of the production.
A detailed scene rehearsal schedule will be released after casting. Since rehearsals will be run scene by scene, you may not be called every Sunday and may have some Sundays off. However, please plan to be available for the majority of rehearsal dates throughout the production process.
Attendance Expectations
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We understand the holiday season falls during rehearsals and will do our best to work around major holidays.
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Dancers may miss 1 to 2 Sunday rehearsals maximum with advance communication.
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January 10th, 2027 is our full dress rehearsal at the studio and is mandatory for all cast members.
Performance Day
Sunday, January 17, 2027
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9:00 AM to 4:00 PM: Technical and dress rehearsal at Weber Center for the Performing Arts
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5:30 to 7:30 PM: Performance
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Performance Day is mandatory and cannot be missed.
We are looking for dancers who are excited to invest in the process, support one another, and help bring this powerful story to life. The commitment is significant, but so is the experience of creating something truly meaningful together.
How much is it?
Nothing! There is no cost to be a performer in Survival. My hope is to make this opportunity as accessible as possible so dancers can focus on creating, growing, and performing without a financial barrier.
In fact, my dream is that one day productions like this will generate enough support that I can pay dancers for their time, talent, and dedication. While we're not there yet, this is a step toward that vision, and I'm excited to offer this experience at no cost to those who are passionate about being part of it.
Audition Details
We have 2 dates to choose from so that as many who want to audition are able to. Only sign up for 1 audition date:
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Saturday, August 8th from 1-6pm
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Saturday, August 22nd from 1-6pm
How will auditions be ran?
Please sign up for and attend the audition time slot(s) for the role(s) you'd like to be considered for. We encourage dancers to audition for any role that speaks to them. Character casting is not limited by gender.
At the beginning of each session, you'll learn a short piece of choreography. You will have a short time to practice, dancers will be divided into smaller groups and perform the combination for the audition panel.
You're welcome to audition for multiple categories if you're interested!
Audition Schedule
1:00-2:00 PM: Ensemble based in the style of Hip Hop + Supporting Role: Haymitch Abernathy
2:15-3:15 PM: Ensemble based in the style of Heels + Supporting Role: Effie Trinket
3:30-4:30 PM: Ensemble based in the style of Contemporary Jazz + Supporting Roles: Prim Everdeen, Rue and Gale Hawthorne
4:45-5:45 PM: Main Character Roles: Contemporary Jazz (Katniss Everdeen + Peeta Mellark)
Main Character Roles
These roles require the strongest acting ability, stage presence, and technical dance skills. Main characters appear throughout the production and help tell the emotional story through movement.
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Katniss Everdeen: The courageous and selfless heroine whose journey explores sacrifice, resilience, and hope. This role requires a highly expressive contemporary dancer who can portray both strength and vulnerability.
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Peeta Mellark: Kind, compassionate, and unwaveringly loyal, Peeta brings heart and humanity to the story. This role requires strong partnering skills, emotional storytelling, and advanced contemporary technique.
Supporting Character Roles
Supporting characters play important roles in shaping the story and often appear throughout multiple scenes.
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Gale Hawthorne: Katniss' lifelong friend whose determination and protective nature influence many of her choices.
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Prim Everdeen: Katniss' younger sister whose innocence and compassion become the catalyst for the entire story.
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Haymitch Abernathy: A former Hunger Games victor and mentor who guides Katniss and Peeta through the Games with wisdom, humor, and hard-earned experience.
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Effie Trinket: A vibrant Capitol escort known for her colorful personality, elegance, and theatrical flair. This role offers opportunities for strong character acting and performance quality.
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Rue: Rue represents innocence, kindness, and the reminder that humanity can still exist even in the darkest moments.
Ensemble Roles
The ensemble is the heartbeat of the production. Ensemble dancers appear throughout the show in multiple scenes and help create the world of Survival through movement, formations, and storytelling.
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District 12 Workers & Reaping Children (Contemporary Jazz): These dancers help establish the world before the Games begin, portraying everyday life in District 12 and the emotional intensity of Reaping Day through expressive movement and storytelling.
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Capitol Citizens (Heels): Confident, glamorous, and theatrical performers who embody the extravagance of the Capitol. This group will perform in heels and showcase bold performance quality and character work.
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Tributes (Hip Hop + Contemporary): Represent the competitors from the various districts who enter the Games. These dancers will portray determination, fear, courage, and survival through athletic contemporary or hip hop movement.