We have openings in all sections of the color guard including flag, rifle, sabre, and dance!

Each audition day begins with dance and basic movement technique. This will set you up to get comfortable and have a good understanding of the style that we are looking for. We will teach the choreography piece (that will be performed for the audition) and continue to refine throughout the day. You’ll then move on to flag where we will start with basic technique. We will teach the choreography after that. Weapon technique and choreography will be taught later in the day. You will perform them in groups for your final audition. These one-day camps are fast moving with lots of learning. You will come in, learn the pieces, and perform them at the end of the camp. We will break in between blocks for meals.

**PLEASE REMEMBER** The entire process is an audition–from the moment you walk in the door until you leave at the end of the camp.

During in-person auditions, we will be doing relaxed interviews with each auditionee. This interview is simply a way for us to make sure we have all of your information correct, to get to know you a little better, and for you to ask us any questions you may have.

1. An introduction of yourself (name, age, where you're from, where you have marched, and past experience)
2. Movement choreography: Please prepared a choreographed piece that displays a dynamic range in performance and skill while demonstrating an understanding for the music.
3. Flag and weapon choreography: For equipment, you should demonstrate tossing abilities as well as any tricks or special skills that you have.
4. Please include any special tricks or skills that you have in movement (tumbling, aerials, flexibility, equipment tricks, etc)

There is no time limit for the video audition, but make it a video that stands out and highlights your highest abilities. We want you to highlight your best skills.

This is a casting. We select our members based on what the production demands and what roles are needed. Exactly what we are looking for differs from year to year based on the casting needs for that year’s production. From a skill perspective, we are always looking for the highest level of excellence–from technical standards to performance. Other variables that will be taken into consideration are work ethic, cooperation with others, financial standing with the drum corps, level of retention (of quality and details), and, very importantly, your willingness to learn.

It is not required to spin a weapon to audition. First and foremost, everyone must be able to spin a flag and dance well to make the color guard. We decide the number of people that will spin weapon in the show based on the talent at auditions and show design needs. Casting needs may be different year to year.

Please bring equipment if you can. We will provide weapons and flags but have a limited amount. We will be spinning 39″ sabres and 38″ rifles. If you do not have a 38″ rifle and would like to bring a 39″ instead, that is okay. Please no 36″ equipment. Flags will be provided.

You need to wear something comfortable and form fitting–dance attire. Please remember that this is an audition and you want to look your best. Wear clothing that allows you to move about freely. Keep hair out of the face. We advise against wearing jewelry (minor jewelry like stud earrings are okay). Please bring sneakers, you’ll wear them while we spin equipment. This also applies to video auditionees.

Attendees are responsible for providing their own transportation, meals, and housing (if applicable) during one-day audition events.

Yes! We encourage anyone who's interested in marching drum corps at some point to attend a camp, submit a video, learn choreography, and join the Facebook groups. The best way to get a feel for the audition process is to start now, even if you aren't formally auditioning.

Our membership ages range from 16-21. Members who turn 22 on our after June 1st are eligible to march that summer. For members under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be involved in the process from auditions through contracting and membership.

The 2026 season can be broken up into three main parts: camps, spring training, and tour.

Audition/Camps:

• Step one audition - Houston one day audition or video audition
• April Production Camp/Guard Callbacks - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
• May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX

Spring Training/Move-Ins:

June

The 2026 Boston Crusaders’ spring training will take place in the Northeast throughout the month of June. While at spring training, members reside in dorms and eat in the campus dining hall, with an end of day snack provided from the corps’ food truck. Our facilities provide ample rehearsal space including indoor space, multiple outdoor fields, and a turf stadium. We enjoy very comfortable spring temperatures and the members have one night off per week for rest and relaxation.

Tour

Concludes August 8th

After spring training, the Boston Crusaders will embark on a tour that is approximately seven weeks long. The corps will travel the country via coach bus and house in high schools and college campuses. The corps will perform on the 2026 Drum Corps International summer tour and several special performances including parades and concerts. Between rehearsals and shows, members will enjoy free days to explore cities along the way. The season will culminate at the 2026 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, IN. View a sample of a typical tour schedule here.