Open Call FAQ

Once you successfully registered for an audition city and time, you are confirmed.

You can also find all the information about your audition by signing into your Performer Profile

The next step - signing paperwork! The best way to do that is to follow this link, and complete and sign it right at home! If this does not work for you, can download these documents and bring them with you. No printer? We will have the paperwork on hand.

Please add our email, "auditions@agtauditions.com" to your address book to ensure that any emails from us do not end up in your spam or junk mail folders.

You may have selected an arrival time when you signed up, but we use those times to manage the flow of attendees. That time is NOT your audition time. You will be auditioned on a "first come - first seen" basis.

Yes.

Our auditions are open to anyone, any age and any talent as long as the person meets the eligibility requirements. Plus if you are under 18, there are additional requirements. Please note, we strongly recommend registering online for your audition.

By registering, you will be able to complete the paperwork/forms in advance and also receive the most up-to-date information on your audition city. You may also be eligible to sign the paperwork electronically.

We want to make sure your audition day goes as smoothly as possible!

If you have a conflict the entire day of auditions (including all hours we are auditioning - typically 8am to 7pm), and are unable to attend your audition - you can submit an online audition that will be reviewed by a producer or visit us in another city, Sign into your Performer Profile to upload a video or make changes to your Open Call audition.

If you registered with us online, and would like to change your audition city or arrival time, you can sign into your Performer Profile, and make any changes needed.

Please note, we only allow one email address to register for each city.

If you are part of a group, only ONE member of the group should register for the act online. This is because your group will have one Performer Profile in our system, and will only need one ticket for the entire act/group. We will keep in contact with that one member, via email and phone with information about the audition. If you have 5 or less people in your act, we urge you to sign the paperwork electronically. If you plan on coming to the audition with more than 15 people in your act, we can help make sure you have all the paperwork you need to make your audition day go as smooth as possible. Please fill out the Large Group Form and we will be in touch before your audition day to help you prepare.

After you complete an online registration, we will email you a ticket that has a QR code and venue information. The ticket helps us speed along the registration process, so while it's not mandatory, it is recommended. You can re-print the ticket by signing into your Performer Profile.

Please note, if you cannot print your ticket, you can always show us on a mobile device or tell us your Applicant ID number.

Yes. We have made some changes to the paperwork this year. If you are a contestant you MUST have the personal release completed. If you are coming as a supporter, you must sign our Friends & Family release.  Please note, BOTH performers and supporters must bring a photo ID to the venue. Contestants may also e-sign their additional paperwork through their Performer Profile. This will save time at the venue on audition day.

We are glad you asked!

We have an entire page dedicated to Eligibility Requirements - you can find that here.

ALL contestants must be a United States citizen, legal permanent resident of the United States, possess a current employment authorization card (EAD card) or be in the United States legally at the time of their initial audition. For more details please read the Eligibility Requirements.

Unless otherwise noted on the individual city's page, you may line up starting at 6 am on the day of auditions.

We typically open the doors by 8am and close them at 7pm. Sometimes hours can vary from city to city. Please check the city page for where you are auditioning, and plan accordingly.

Should you miss the arrival time you selected, you are still more than welcome to come audition, provided it is the 8am to 7pm time frame. Sometimes we'll keep the doors open a little later, in case anyone is running late. The time auditions start and/or finish is at the discretion of the Producers and according to the rules of the venue.

Auditions are "first come, first serve."

Our auditions are open to the public - for that reason, we never know how many people will attend. This may mean the lines are long, so please plan accordingly. When you arrive you will be handed a sticker that is printed with consecutive numbers, and you will be seen on a "first come - first seen" basis.

Your best bet is to expect to be with us the whole day. Please read this article to give you a better idea of your day with us.

You will be given UP to 90-seconds to audition. Please keep in mind that this is YOUR opportunity to show us your talent, so please come prepared. Practice your audition ahead of time so we see the best and most exciting parts of your performance. Producers reserve the right to modify allotted times for auditions at their sole discretion.

Yes.

You can submit a video, and attend an open call audition at one of our audition cities.

There are no rules about auditioning as the same "act" - as long as it is not in the same city/day. Each act can only audition once in each city in addition to an online submission.

Yes.

You can audition as a group and also as a solo act. You can also audition in two different groups. It's best that you register online if you're coming to see us. You'll need a different email address for each registration, if you are the one completing the Performer Profile for both groups. If for any reason you have issues doing so, please come see us in person at a venue in one of our cities. You can complete the paperwork there.

PLEASE NOTE: When arriving at the venue, and when you pick up your contestant sticker (whether you registered online or will register in person), please tell us that you are auditioning in a group, but also would like to do a solo audition. In this case you'll need two stickers, one for each "act."

We understand that not everyone can take time away from their day to join us for the open call auditions - but we do highly encourage that everyone is in attendance.

Please alert the producers that you are missing a member(s), and that should you move on to the next round, you will have additional members joining.

If you are missing key members of your act, we encourage you to bring a YouTube link of your whole group performing.

If you are under 18 and are planning on attending the auditions (either as a performer or a supporter) without your parent or legal guardian, there are very strict guidelines you must read carefully, or you or your group will not be allowed to audition. Everyone under 18 attending the audition will be required to present a photo ID. Minor contestants and supporters may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with a photo AND a birth certificate). If the minor is too young to have a photo ID, then the parent or guardian should present a photo ID, as well as, the child's birth certificate that includes the name of the parent along with name of the child. ALL minors, contestants or supports, MUST have permission from their parent or legal guardian to attend the open call auditions OR must be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian.

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FOR MINORS WHO ARE AUDITIONING: If the parent or legal guardian of the under 18 minor is unable to attend, and is allowing the minor to attend the audition under the supervision of a third-party (such as a coach), you MUST do three things:

1. Download and complete the Guardianship and Medical Authorization for Minors form and get it NOTARIZED by a notary public (typically at banks or mailing stores, or search your local directory) and bring it with you on the day of your audition.
2. Designate the third-party acting as guardian on our Personal Release Form.
3. Both documents must be signed by the parent and/or legal guardian and the third-party acting as guardian

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FOR MINORS WHO ARE COMING TO THE AUDITION BUT NOT AUDITIONING: If the parent or legal guardian of the under 18 minor is unable to attend, and is allowing the minor to attend the audition under the supervision of a third-party (such as a coach), you MUST do two things:

1. Download and complete the Guardianship and Medical Authorization for Minors form and get it NOTARIZED by a notary public (typically at banks or mailing stores, or search your local directory) and bring it with you on the day of your audition.
2. Designate the third-party specifically on our Friends and Family Release Form, with a special signature by the parent or legal guardian and the third-party acting as guardian.

Contestants under 18 must have permission from their parents or legal guardian to audition and must be accompanied by one of their parents or their legal guardian. All minors attending the audition will be required to present a photo ID. Minor contestants may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with a photo AND a birth certificate). If the contestant is too young to have a photo ID, the parent or guardian should present a photo ID, as well as, the child’s birth certificate that includes the parents name with the child’s name on the certificate.

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Contestants under 18:

1. Photo ID
2. Completed Personal Release Form (with parent signature)
3. If the minor contestant's parent or guardian will not be at the audition: Notarized and completed Guardianship and Medical Authorization for Minors form . If the parent or guardian will be there, you do not need to get this notarized.
4. If the minor contestant's parent or guardian will not be at the audition: Make sure Personal Release Form is signed by parent AND third-party.

Everyone who wants to enter the auditions needs a photo ID. You should have received an email with a ticket that has a QR code. It is very helpful to bring that ticket with you - if you've lost it you can always download and print a new one from your Performer Profile. If you cannot print, you can show us on your mobile device.  You will also need your completed paperwork - either by signing it electronically (no printing needed) or printing it at home. We will have a extra copies at the venue, should you run into any problems, and need to complete it on site. Please note, the paperwork, if not completed or e-signed ahead of time, will add extra time to your audition day.  Please read our paperwork page, to make sure you have everything completed! Also be sure to complete and print the supporter Friends & Family Release. Should any of your supporters be a minor - you must read our minor guidelines, here.  Lastly, audition days can be long, so feel free to bring snack and drinks - as long as the venue allows. Please refer to the city page of your audition city to see if the venue prohibits outside food.

The list of prohibited items below is not exhaustive. If an item is not listed below, the producers and security team reserves the right to ask you to remove any such item from the venue.  People in possession of these prohibited items will be denied admission into the line and the venue, and may be subject to immediate disqualification: 

• Coolers of any kind, unless for medical reasons. 
• Fireworks
• Props that must be used with fire or pyro 
• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, army knives, or Swiss Army-knives, and all swords)
• Sharp tools 
• Mace, pepper spray, or similar items 
• Illicit drugs or alcohol 

During this first round of auditions we cannot have fire, swords, or other sharp objects at the venue. If you have a prop or dull swords, knives, or other props that appear dangerous - but are not, or if you need sharp tools (i.e. scissors, screwdrivers, etc) to do your act, please notify our security team and we will try to accommodate you. Please bring a YouTube link of your act if your act includes these elements. If you are chosen to go through to the second round, you will be able to use your props and/or pyrotechnics if approved in advance by Producers. 

Family and friends are encouraged to attend the open call auditions with the Performer - however, they are not allowed in the audition room unless the Performer is a minor. Any supporter, 18 years or older, will not be allowed in the audition room unless they are part of your act, or are helping with equipment. All of your supporters will remain in the holding area, and you will be able to meet up with them when your audition is over. Whether you are a contestant, friend or family member, EVERYONE  will be required to present a photo ID in order to enter the audition venue. Supporters also must fill out our Friends & Family Release. For MINORS, whether a Performer or a supporter, please CLICK HERE to view our MANDATORY guidelines for attending the open call auditions.  

Because you may appear on TV, please follow these important Do's and Don'ts  for your audition wardrobe: 

1. DO NOT wear logos of any kind, including sports teams, designer names, or company logos. Performers, friends and family members wearing logos will be asked to cover those logos or remove that article of clothing. 
2. DO dress to impress for your NBC primetime debut. 
3. DO wear something that will make you stand out in a crowd - if appropriate to your act. 
4. DO wear bright colors, and ask your family and friends to do the same. This is your chance to stand out! 
5. DO arrive to the open call venue in your audition wardrobe. 

If you have a big set-up for your act, please fill out this form to tell us more about what you require. If we can accommodate you, we will contact you. At the very least, please come to the audition dressed in your normal performance wardrobe and bring a DVD or YouTube link of your act. That way, we can meet you and still see 90 seconds of your act, and that will be submitted as your audition.

During these open call auditions we cannot have fire at the venue. If your prop has swords, knives, or other props that seem dangerous but are not, please alert the security team, and we will try to accommodate you.  Also, in this round, there will not be any rigging for aerial acts. Should you move on to the next round, you will be able to use your props or fire elements, and you will also have the option of rigging if approved in advance by the Producers. Please bring a DVD or YouTube link of your act if your act includes any of these elements.   You can also submit your audition online here. 

Yes. If you have an animal act, please fill out this Animal Information Form.  You must indicate the type of animal(s) in your act that way we can make appropriate accommodations for your open call audition. Also, in order to perform with your animal(s), you must bring their vaccination records, so we can see that they are all up-to-date.  Each state has different rules and regulations for performing with animal as does each audition venue. so it is imperative that you fill the Animal Information Form as soon as possible. 

If your act uses music (singer, dancer, band, group, musician, variety, performer, etc.), we advise you to pick music that is very well known. Generally the judges and audience respond better to music they know.

Even the Rolling Stones open their shows with an old classic and not their new material. However, each act on our show is unique and different and the final decision is up to you.

Generally, singers are asked to sing their one song a capella (without a backing track). We have found that backing tracks overpower vocals and hinder your audition, instead of helping it. You should prepare a verse and a chorus for your audition. You do not need to start your song at the beginning.

Please pick a song that best shows off your voice. It is always a good idea to have a few songs ready as a back-up in case the Producer asks to hear them.

Please note, there will not be microphones for singers. 

You may use a backing track if you sing and dance at the same time. In addition, rappers can use their own beats. Otherwise, it is at the Producer's discretion if and when a track is permitted. Playing an instrument (i.e. piano, guitar, etc.) while singing is always allowed. 

No.  There will not be a microphone for singers. We ask singers to be prepared to sing a capella (without a backing track). You can bring a backing track, but there is no guarantee you will be able to use it.  There will be a microphone available in some audition rooms for beatboxers and singers who are also playing the piano. The wait for these rooms could be longer. 

We have two different types of flooring available in the auditions rooms:

1. Carpet 
2. Parquet 

The dance floor size depends on the venue. They are typically between 15ft x 15ft to 21ft x 21ft. If you want a room with a dance floor, you should let us know when you get called to the audition rooms.   

In this round of auditions we only allow for acoustic set ups. This means you must hand-carry your instruments into the audition room, and should not rely on plugging into amplifiers. If your band does not typically play acoustically, we ask you to come to your audition dressed in your performance wardrobe, and bring a YouTube link of your band in a full set up. We will watch up to 90 seconds of that material.  You can also submit a video online. 

If you are playing an instrument, we expect you to bring it with you to the auditions. For those needing a keyboard, please alert our staff at registration, we will make reasonable efforts to provide one for you in the audition room (usually a Roland Fantom G8). You will not be allowed to program sequences into the keyboard, but you can bring a supporting track on your smart phone or tablet. 

For this round of auditions, there is a very limited set up time. There are no Drum Kit and/or full band set ups allowed. We prefer acoustic instruments, for this round of auditions. Please plan a 90 second acoustic audition and/or bring in a DVD or YouTube link to show the Producers. 

Should you have a big set up that does not include drums or a full band set up, please fill out this form to tell us more about what you require. If we can accommodate you, we will contact you. 

Yes! You will be allowed to perform at your audition with your musical instrument, provided you can play it acoustically, and do not need to plug it in to our amplifier. If it is portable, you can bring your own amplifier, if it's required. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS. It is at the Producer's discretion whether or not a personal (and portable) amplifier is able to be used in an audition. 

For this round of auditions, there is a very limited set up time. There are no Drum Kit and/or full band set ups allowed. We prefer acoustic instruments, for this round of auditions. Please plan a 90 second acoustic audition and/or bring in a DVD or YouTube link to show the Producers. 

Should you have a big set up that does not include drums or a full band set up, please fill out this form to tell us more about what you require. If we can accommodate you, we will contact you. 

No.

Due to the amount of time it takes to set up a drum kit, we have found that a DVD or YouTube link of your drumming or band's performance works much better for you and us. A DVD or link will allow you the time at home to tune and adjust your levels and will give us a more accurate representation of your talent. The DVD or YouTube link does not have to be a professional quality. It can be as simple as your friend taping you at home or a prior show at which you have performed. 

If you would still like to play something "live" in the audition room, you may bring a portion of the drum kit (i.e. snare or hi-hat) so that you are able to literally "walk and play". Due to the amount of auditions we need to conduct, NO SET UP TIME WILL BE ALLOWED! We have had some acts bring in a drum kit on a 4x4 dolly, but again you need to be able to roll it into the audition room in one trip. 

Should you move on to the next round, you will be able to use a drum kit provided by the show. 

No. 

You will not find out if you make it to the next round the day you audition. Those acts moving forward in the competition will be notified by the end of March.