Audition

Auditions for the 2026-2027 Season

Auditions for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC’s 2-26-2027 Season are now open!

We welcome singers of all gender identities, sexual orientations, backgrounds, and musical experience levels who are comfortable singing in the tenor, baritone, or bass voice parts (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass). To audition, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and no longer enrolled in high school at the time of their audition.

Audition Dates

Auditions will be held from 6:00pm – 9:00pm on the following dates: August 24, August 25, and September 2, 2026.

Schedule Your Audition

To begin the audition process, please complete the audition registration form HERE. Once your form has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to select and reserve your time. If you have any questions about the audition process or membership in GMCW, please contact our audition coordinators Marcus and Shawn at auditions@gmcw.org.

What to Expect

At GMCW, we are committed to artistic excellence while fostering a welcoming and supportive community. Because membership as a singing member is determined through an audition, we understand that the process can feel a little intimidating. Our goal is to make your audition experience as relaxed, friendly, and encouraging as possible.

Your audition will take place in a private room with only you, members of GMCW’s Artistic Team (typically 1-3 people), and an accompanist present.

Please prepare a song that best showcases your voice. If you plan to sing with accompaniment, please bring a printed copy of your sheet music (double sided if applicable) in the key in which you intend to perform. You are also welcome to use a tablet for your music or perform your selection a cappella.

In addition to your prepared piece, you will also be asked to sing a few vocal exercises to help determine your vocal range. You may also be asked to do a brief sight-reading exercise. Don’t worry if sight-reading isn’t your strength — it is not a requirement for membership and is only one part of the audition process.

TIME COMMITMENT

We believe it’s important for prospective members to understand the commitment involved in being a part of GMCW.

The Chorus rehearses every Sunday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm throughout the season. In addition, there may be several optional rehearsals during each concert cycle to help singers learn music and build confidence in their parts.

GMCW presents three mainstage productions each season: The Holiday Show (December), Spring Show (March), and Pride Show (June). 

In addition to these signature performances, members may have opportunities to participate in community outreach events, special appearances, and other performances throughout the year.

We understand that our members have busy lives and varying schedules. There is no minimum requirement for the number of performances you participate in each season. To maintain active membership status, singers are simply required to perform in at least one GMCW mainstage show every two years.

Whether you’re looking to perform in every show or participate as your schedule allows, GMCW offers flexibility while fostering a strong sense of community, commitment, and artistic excellence.

That’s it!

No resume. No headshot. No pressure.

Just bring your voice, your enthusiasm, and your authentic self.

We can’t wait to meet you and hear you sing!

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

Dues: The annual dues for new GMCW membership is $150.00 at the beginning of each new season. There are prorated dues for new members who join later in the season. As a volunteer membership organization, we raise all of our own funds from membership dues, advertising, ticket sales, donations, etc. to pay for music, rehearsal rental space, costumes, performance space, and all operational expenses. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Performance Attire: Members are responsible for procuring their own black long-sleeved top, black pants/long skirt, and black dress shoes. Chorus “baubles” are also worn for many shows and will be explained during orientation. There are sometimes other incidental expenses for minor costume items. For most outreach gigs we wear a standard t-shirt that is provided to members at no cost.

Concert Travel: Chorus members are financially responsible for the cost of our optional concert tours. Efforts are made to provide low cost options, including community housing when available.

Retreat and Other Incidentals: Our annual retreat in the fall (late September-October) costs about $195 per person for weekend room and board in western MD or western PA.