Main Character Auditions for 2026 Recital

Auditions – Saturday, September 13th, 9-11am (Open to Everyone)

Callbacks – Sunday, September 14th, 9-10:30am (Invitation Only)

West Valley Dance Company Studio 7

1226 S. Bascom Ave.

San Jose, CA 95128

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for West Valley Dance Company’s production of Despicable Me! Once we receive your registration, we will contact you with your audition time slot. Thank you!

REHEARSAL/CLASS FEE:  There will be a $250.00 participation fee (This is not covered by the unlimited plan) and it will be billed on 10/1/2025.

REQUIREMENTS: All participants must be between the ages of 8-18yrs. Performers must be enrolled in two or more WVDC dance classes. 

Important Dates and Information

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

There are a limited number of roles and not every child who auditions will be cast. Please prepare your performer in advance of this possibility.

CASTING: We are casting for one cast with the possibility of a second. We are looking for young performers to bring to life the characters of Gru, Vector, Margo, Edith, Agnes and many more. The cast list will be emailed on: Monday, September 15th.

REHEARSALS: If selected to be part of the acting cast of Despicable Me, your child will be required to attend rehearsals on a regular basis from October 2025-June 2026. A rehearsal schedule will be sent to you with dates and times your child will need to attend rehearsal (your child will not be required to attend every rehearsal).

DRESS REHEARSALS: All cast will be required to attend all dress rehearsals. (June 9-12, 2026)

PERFORMANCES: All cast will be required to attend June performances. (June 11-13, 2026)

COSTUME INFORMATION: Costume fees will range from $100.00-$175.00 and will be billed on 2/1/2026.

Main characters will remain in their main character costume for the entire show. The exception to this will be for performers on competition and performance teams. Those cast members will change from their main character to their competition or performance team costumes, if time permits. 

We do understand that this adjustment could impact picture day as your dancer will not have a routine costume for a recreational dance. If you wish to purchase the costume to participate in picture day, please reach out to Emma directly.

To confirm, you will NOT be charged for a recreational recital dance routine costume. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR AUDITION

Actors will be brought in with their audition group (6-8 performers). They will then introduce themselves and read a set of lines of their choosing from the character sheet. Each audition group will last 10-15 minutes.  Actors will then be excused and emailed if they are chosen for callbacks. Callbacks will be emailed by 8pm on September 13th.