CALIFORNIA CHEERLEADING

Audition Information

AUDITION APPLICATION
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GENERAL INFORMATION

Cal Cheerleading is a team of spirited individuals who support Cal Athletics through traditional collegiate cheerleading. Those performances span through Cal Athletics, campus, alumni and community events.  

Cal Cheerleading currently functions under the direction of an advisor and coach. Physical and medical support is available through the Cal athletic department. 

All current squad members must audition for each successive year in which they wish to participate. A squad of no more than 20 members will be selected for each season. 

You will need to provide your own make-up, hair products, and under garments. 

Each member of the squad will receive 2 home football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball  tickets. Tickets to other contests, i.e., bowl games, NCAA tournament and conference tournaments will be  issued at the discretion of the Athletic Department. This is subject to change.

In order to audition, you must be a current registered Cal student with at least a 2.0 GPA or have received a letter of acceptance and have committed for Fall 2024 by the audition date (April 28). 

Fill out and complete all documents listed under Required Forms in the application. This includes a personal photo, resume, unofficial transcripts, Letter of Acceptance (if applicable), and physical or doctor clearance.

You will be required to carefully read and sign the Cal Cheer Team Agreement, Code of Conduct and Travel Policies plus the Strike System which states guidelines for all members of the team should you be selected as a member. These forms will be provided once the team is announced. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to all practices (summer, winter & school semesters) and conditioning  during the year, Friday noon rallies, football, volleyball, men’s & women’s basketball games, alumni and  community events, Cal Spirit events and fundraising. Some events occur after the basketball season ends, which you  will be required to attend. 

All members will need to report back to Berkeley, July 25-30, for summer practice and home camp. Please note that the schedules shown are estimates based upon previous year’s schedules. The schedule may vary from year to year.

SeasonDays of the WeekTimeNotes
SummerJuly 25-30, 2024TBASummer camp
    
Fall & Spring*Tuesday & Thursday7pm - 10pmLocated in the HPC, but subject to change based on university practice space availability
 
*If needed, extra practices can and will be added.
Note: Times and days vary depending on the facility and competition schedule.
Friday Rallies & Practice Games
  • Friday's at noon for a half-hour on upper Sproul for all home football games. Call time: 11:30am.
  • On Friday evening, attend Band/field rehearsals
  • Homecoming Rally – Friday evening prior to the Homecoming game
  • Bonfire Rally – Friday evening prior to the Big Game
  • Perform halftime routines (of various styles) to pre-recorded music during football games
  • Perform a more traditional song leading style of dance in conjunction with band music
  • Perform short game action cheers or chants led by the Mic Men but the squad itself does not lead cheers
  • 3-4 hour call time prior to game, “gameday ready”
 
Gamedays
  • Saturdays arrive 3 hours prior to the start of the game
  • Perform at March to Victory and pre-game rally on upper Sproul
  • March up with the Band to Memorial Stadium stopping at Maxwell Field to perform at Tailgate Town
 
Travel
  • For away football games, you will leave Friday morning and return Saturday evening after the game or the morning after
 
Big Game
  • Perform at several community and alumni events beginning on the previous Sunday through the following Sunday or Monday, if the Bears win
 
Bowl Games
  • Bowl games are usually held between December 23rd and January 1st. All Dance Team members are required to be available. (NOTE: This is during the winter holiday, so you must be available to travel during that time. Do not make holiday plans until you know your travel and game schedule)

 

 

Gameday
  • Non-conference games are played on various days of the week.
  • Conference games are played on any day depending on the TV schedule.
  • Perform routines choreographed to band music during time-outs of basketball games.
  • Perform halftime routines (of various styles) to pre-recorded music during basketball games.
  • Perform short game action cheers or chants led by the Mic Men but the squad itself does not lead cheers. The squad does not stunt; however, we welcome those who can tumble.
  • 30 minute call time prior to game, “gameday ready”.
 
Travel & Postseason
  • The ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled for the first week in March and is located in Greensboro, NC.
  • The Men’s ACC Tournament is scheduled for the second week in March and is located in Charlotte, NC. (NOTE: This may be during Spring Break, so you must be available to travel during that time. Do not make plans until you know your travel schedule)
Cal Cheer members must be available during Winter Break and Spring Break for basketball games. Do not make plans until the schedule has been confirmed. Please let your family know that you must be available during these times. If they purchase tickets for you as a gift you are not excused and will still be responsible for the games, you are assigned. Be proactive! You MUST consult with your coach before any commitments are made during this time. 
Cal Cheerleaders must be available for numerous sports, alumni, community, campus, and fundraising events that occur sporadically throughout the year. Also, other public appearances are sometimes requested and each member is required to attend. Events and appearance requests may go past the basketball season, which you will be required to attend. 
 
Should you leave the program at any point in the year, you must wait one full season to try out for the team again. For example, should you leave this Fall, you cannot audition until the 2026-2027 season.  

AUDITION INFORMATION

Candidates must be able to meet the following requirements:

  • Female Candidates: Strong performance skills, high energy, and standing back handspring is strongly recommended.
  • Male Candidates: Strong performance skills, prior experience on Co-Ed cheerleading teams, and a standing backhandspring is strongly recommended.

 

Cal Cheer applications are due Tuesday, April 23, 2024 by 5:00 PM PT

Female Candidates
Day 1 Attire:
  • White sports bra/athletic top/tank top
  • Black athletic shorts
  • White socks and athletic shoes
  • White ribbon/bow
  • Come looking Game Day ready!
 
Hair and Makeup
  • Game Day makeup- Performance makeup with a natural color scheme with a bold natural lipstick color. No bright red lipstick!
  • Hair should half up-half down or in a ponytail with hair out of the face. Please wear a white bow/ribbon.
 
Male Candidates
Day 1 Attire: 
  • White athletic top
  • Black athletic shorts
  • White socks and athletic shoes
 
You must be clean shaven and have trimmed hair. No earrings or jewelry!
 
All Candidates: Do not wear watches, rings or jewelry other than stud/post earrings. Nude nail polish or French Manicure only.
Sunday, April 28 | 10 AM - 6 PM 
9:30 AMDoors Open  
    
10:00 AMIntroductions and warm-up begins  
    
10:15 AMRound 1 tryout material instruction begins  
    
11:15 AMRound 1 group performances begin  
    
12:30 PMLunch break  
    
First cuts will be made. Semifinalist numbers will be posted on the door outside of Haas Pavilion. Semifinalist will return for the afternoon round of tryouts.
    
2:00 PMRound 2 tryout material instruction begins  
    
2:45 PMRound 2 group performances begin  
    
4:00 PMInterviews begin  
    
5:30 PMFinal Remarks  
    
Following final remarks, the judges will deliberate, make the final selections, and announce the 2024 Cal Cheer Team. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2024-25 Cheerleading Team will be announced at the conclusion of auditions. 

For more information, contact head coach Chelsea Toler at crsmtoler@berkeley.edu.