A: No, this is a part time job. Cheerleaders must also be a full time college student, career women or mother.
Q: If I am currently a high school senior, but will not graduate until June 2008, can I still audition?
A: Yes, if you meet the age requirements and will be attending college or working full time in the fall of 2008.
A: 3 times per week from 6:30 – 10 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday evenings. Extra practices are held for special performances or halftime shows, but advanced notice is given. Practices will begin immediately following the final auditions. The contract to be a MVC is for a one year commitment.
A: At Winter Park, at 9520 Viking Drive in Eden Prairie & at local athletic clubs/gyms.
A: Yes, we do work with the players at different charity events, appearances and some Viking’s Children Fund functions. We rarely cross paths, as our relationship is strictly professional and our rehearsal schedules are completely opposite. Any other socializing is strictly prohibited.
A: Yes, the MVC work out. A very important part of being a cheerleader is being strong and healthy. During our strenuous rehearsals and at the games, endurance and strength are needed. We lift weights for toning and participate in numerous cardiovascular activities in order to maintain endurance.
A: You must be 18 years of age by Open Auditions, March 31, 2008. Ages of cheerleaders have recently ranged from 18 – 33 most recently. There is no “maximum” age limit.
A: We become cheerleaders because we enjoy the camaraderie of the team and love to perform. Physical conditioning and being in shape is important to us. We also are committed to doing charity work and making personal appearances. And, of course, we love cheering for the best team in the NFL.
A: Performing at games is terrific! Additionally, we enjoy meeting people through volunteer and charitable work. As a team, we get to become close friends – like a family. There are also opportunities to travel on behalf of the team each year. AND SO MUCH MORE!
Q: Are you required to have any cheer or dance experience to audition?
A: No, it is not required, though most candidates in the past have had some performing experience.
Q: How can I best prepare to audition if I want to become a MVC?
A: Dance! Call your local dance studio and take class. Attend our optional Tryout Workshop, led by the MVC coaching staff and alumni MVC, to learn more about the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program. Work on your flexibility. Take aerobics classes or do workout videos. (These help build stamina and increase your speed when learning choreography.) Be confident!
A: You will arrive on time to registration, where you will turn in your performing resume, fill out an application, turn in your recent photo and application fee, sign a release/waiver agreement, have your photo ID checked and be assigned an audition number. You will have time to warm up/stretch. You will learn the first routine and then be assigned an audition group of approximately 4 or 5 people. You will have a short time to practice in your small group and then you will begin performing for the judges in your small groups. There will be a multi-step elimination process. This same format is basically repeated until the judges are able to narrow the candidates down to approximately 60 finalists. If you can tumble, you will be given an opportunity to demonstrate this during the second round of auditions, but is an optional skill only. Plan to stay ALL day! You will NOT need to prepare your own choreography for Open Auditions. Those selected to move onto the training camp will be announced at the end of the day. Open Auditions are closed to the public.
Training Camp candidates will rehearse and be interviewed, with a possible round of elimination taking place later in Training Camp. Final auditions will be at the Mall of America. There will be limited seating at the Mall of America for Final Auditions.
A: The number of team members varies from year to year, but is approximately 30. All returning veteran team members must still go through the audition process – except for the very first round at Open Auditions. Other then the 5 team captains, there are no spots that are guaranteed!!
Q: How many appearances each year do the MVC participate in?
A: The MVC are ambassadors for the Minnesota Vikings. The MVC average OVER 300 appearances a year at charity events, community events, Vikings Children’s Fund events, corporate events, media events, travel appearances, calendar sales promotions, etc. We require 2 charity appearances minimum each month, but most team members enjoy them so much they do many more! Travel in recent years has included locations such as Hawaii, Mexico, New Mexico, Washington, Texas, South Dakota, Canada, Arizona, Iowa, Wisconsin, Montana, Colorado, IRAQ and MORE! The MVC perform at all HOME Vikings games during the season.
A: You must be 18 years of age by the Open Audition date. You must be a high school graduate as of June 2008 for the year you are auditioning. You must be a full time college student, mother or employee. We understand that some students will not start their first semester of college until the fall of the upcoming season. Recent ages of team members have ranged from 18 – 33, with the average team members age being 24 year old.
A: No. We require that cheerleaders must be in good health, look well proportioned in dancewear and can meet the demands of the MVC uniform. There are not specific height or weight requirements.
A: Personal Appearance (physical fitness level, poise, confidence, orderly and polished
***The judges will be looking for potential, not necessarily perfection!!!!!
A: We are proud to be sponsored by Rocco Altobelli Salons and Day Spas. You might consider making an appointment for a consultation with one of their trained experts before auditions. They can make suggestions on how to wear your hair and/or make up. Their staff is who helps to make the MVC beautiful! Rocco’s has locations around the metro area to serve you. Search online for the one closest to you at www.roccoaltobelli.com
Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics are our choice for make up! These products stay on flawlessly, even when you start to sweat! The colors are beautiful and great for your skin. You can find these products at Rocco Altobelli Salons and Spas, at Golden Tan Tanning Salons and at other fine retailers. Visit www.janeiredale.com to find the closest retailer to you. The main thing is for you to wear your make up in a manner that is flattering to your natural features, makes you feel confident and will stay in place for the long day at Open Auditions. More suggestions will be offered at our Tryout Workshop.
Q: What kind of head shot do I need to submit with my resume?
A: Our team photographer is Steve Lucas of Eden Prairie, MN. Contact them if you are in need of a professional headshot or model contact sheet at www.lucasphoto.com All that is needed for auditions is a recent photo of yourself. Color or black and white is fine. Size is optional. Your photo doesn’t have to be taken by a professional.
A: Golden Tan Tanning Salons, another one of our proud sponsors, offers Mystic Tanning if you are looking for a “healthy” option to the regular tanning bed option. A tan will help you to have that natural “glow” for auditions! We have found this makes your physic appear more toned and can help you to feel more confident. A tan is not required! Visit www.goldentansalons.com to find the nearest location to you.
A: Don’t worry so much about your attire – as just showing up! But, if you want to plan ahead, you should know that if you were to be selected for training camp you will be required to wear a crop top and hot pants or trunks to all rehearsals. You could consider wearing this same option at Open Auditions. The Line Up offers form fitting specialized dance attire in Vikings colors and in many one of a kind unique options at their Eden Prairie showroom. Make an appointment today to check out their options if you are stuck on how to find the right look. The Line Up makes the MVC uniforms and is an excellent option for those who want a custom design. Visit them at www.thelineup.net Dance shoes and skin tone tights (non-shimmer) are suggested, but not required. Wear what makes you feel confident! It just needs to be form fitting. Any color attire is fine for Open Auditions. Come dressed to perform as there are no changing rooms available for use. Bring a warm up jacket/pants to wear in between audition segments to keep warm.
*** Note: We will have sample items available from The Line Up on Saturday, March 29th at our workshop for purchase. Save yourself the trip and do your tryout apparel shopping at the Tryout Workshop! Also, The Line Up will be extending their showroom hours until 6:30 PM on April 8, 9 and 10 – just for you!
A: Bring a water bottle and a snack for the long day. You will also need a non-returnable recent photograph of yourself to be used for identification, a performing resume, the non-refundable application processing fee of $20 (cash or check made payable to Minnesota Vikings) and a photo ID. You may wish to bring some personal items such as make up and extra nylons – just in case they are needed. It could be, and hopefully will be, a long day for you!
Q: If I do not advance to the final auditions or training camp will my application be kept on file?
A: No. Each person must reapply and audition from year to year. Also, no photos will be returned, so don’t use a photo you cannot “part” with!!!!
Q: If I am not selected as a training camp finalist, or if I am not selected for the team, may I call the MVC offices to receive the judge’s comments/scores?
A: No. The judge’s sheets are not kept on file and comments about your audition are not available. The judge’s decision is final.
A: Each MVC is given 3 absences which can be used for anything and at any time, except the week prior to any home game. Otherwise, ALL practices are mandatory, including extra rehearsals for travel and halftime shows.
A: 9520 Viking Dr. Eden Prairie, MN 55344 – try mapquest for other options.
From the South: Take 494 to 169, go North on 169 to the next exit, which is Valley View Rd., exit and go Left. Take your first Left at the stop light on Washington Ave. Take Washington Ave. all the way down and Winter Park will be on your right hand side.
From the North: Get to 169 and head South. If you get to 494 – you have gone too far! Take the Valley View Rd. exit (just before 494) and go right, take your first left onto Washington Ave. Take Washington Ave. all the way down and Winter Park will be on your right hand side.
A: No. The workshop is optional, but if you are available and can make it we suggest you attend. They provide excellent preparation details for the upcoming audition. Evaluations from past participants reveal they feel much more confident when they attend. Material is taught by the MVC Coaches, staff, alumni and sponsors.
A: Immediately after Final Auditions. A schedule of rehearsal dates will be handed out at our first team meeting in May.
A: This will be our third Training Program. We offer to candidates who are candidates that have stood out to the judges as candidates that either could’ve made the team, but we could only take the top 35 or they would’ve been “the next” one. They have potential to become a future MVC and rather then them letting the opportunity to make it there slip away they are invited to practice with veteran alumni MVC (both former team captains) for two hours, once a week. They train and get the “inside” know how on the team’s style, workouts and more. This program does NOT guarantee any further placement in the next year’s audition process. It is an optional program. This option just offers solid criteria to focus on during a year of training to audition. It is an INVITE only program and has limited space.
Q: If I am not selected to the Training Camp/Final Auditions, can I still be considered for the Training Program?
A: Yes! Anyone, at any time during tryouts, can be considered for the training program. Nobody is guaranteed a spot in this program. For example, one candidate could be invited from the final cut at Open Auditions and another candidate who made it all the way to Finals might not be invited. It is a subjective process where the judges select the most qualified candidates with potential to greatly improve.
Q: I have a question that was not answered here. Who can help me?
A: We have a full staff on hand at our Tryout Workshop wanting to help YOU be your best for Open Auditions. Come with your list of questions!