Join NWRS

2026-2027 Northwest Repertory Singers Auditions

NWRS mission: To lift voices in song: creating art and fostering community through choral music.

Before scheduling your audition, please read the information on this page…

We know it’s a lot of info, but it gives you a good picture of our upcoming season and what to expect at your audition. Near the end of the page you’ll find a calendar tool to schedule your audition slot.

About NWRS

Founded in 2001, NWRS is an independent concert choir that presents repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day—from art songs to sea shanties, from sacred to secular. Every few years, we collaborate with outside groups and/or feature a larger work with orchestra, such as the Vivaldi Gloria (December 2019) and the Fauré Requiem (May 2022).

We work hard, and we have fun (and plenty of laughs) along the way. Our 26th season will build upon the stirring success of our 25th Anniversary.

December’s concert, SEASON OF LIGHT, includes a unique pairing of two monumental cantatas, the Hanukkah Cantata of David Ludwig and John Rutter’s Gloria (plus additional works).

Our May concert, AMERICAN SOUNDSCAPES, concludes our nation’s semiquincentennial year with choral and song traditions from a variety of American cultures, composers, and sources.

For more information about Northwest Repertory Singers, use the “About” navigation.

NWRS 2026-2027 Season Auditions: General Info

Auditions for new singers for 2026-2028 will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Sixth Avenue near Union Avenue. This venue is for auditions only.

We are delighted that our principal rehearsal and performance venue again this season is Christ Episcopal Church near Tacoma’s Stadium District. Our December concert venue is the University of Puget Sound’s Kilworth Memorial Chapelin Tacoma’s North End.

All singers accepted into NWRS are expected to participate for the duration of the season (September through May) unless prior arrangements have been made with the Artistic Director at or near the time of the audition (exceptions: illness or medical condition; family emergency, or similar unforeseen circumstances).

Member Dues

Membership is based on the audition, not payment of dues.

For 2026-2027, NWRS member dues are $250.

Payment plans and scholarships may be available upon request. Again, membership is based on the audition, not payment of dues. However, eligibility to participate during the season may be affected by unpaid balances unless prior arrangements have been made.

Dues provide only a fraction of our funding to cover music purchases, rehearsal and performance venue rentals, artistic staff compensation, etc. The remainder of our budget is funded through ticket sales, grants, and, especially, through generous donors.

Concert Attire

We’ve valued a professional and uniform appearance since our founding. NWRS members provide their own concert attire that conforms to NWRS policies. As of 2022-2023, attire options include criteria for a dress/skirt/palazzo pants and top option and criteria for a tuxedo option. Both options are available to all singers.

Singers must choose an option and conform to all applicable guidelines. If you have financial concerns about procuring performance attire, please reach out to the Artistic Director or the Board.

Attendance

Rehearsals are fast-paced and content-rich. We work hard and enjoy the rehearsal process—and we have fun (and plenty of laughs) along the way.

To maintain our shared commitment to high artistic standards, members of NWRS commit to missing no more than three (3) rehearsals in each concert preparation sequence. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Attendance is mandatory for the following: a) the rehearsal the afternoon of the Saturday concert; and b) the Saturday concert and Sunday concert.

Exceptions to the attendance and performance participation policy may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Artistic Director (primarily for illness or other unforeseen circumstances). All decisions about participation made by the Artistic Director are final.

Dates and Commitments

Fall 2026

Fall Kickoff Retreat

Food, music distribution, rehearsal, Board info and choir business

Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Location: TBA (likely North or West Tacoma)

‍Monday Rehearsals

‍September 14 to December 14, 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

No rehearsal: Monday, November 23 (week of Thanksgiving)

Location: Christ Episcopal Church

December Concert Weekend

Saturday, Dec. 19 rehearsal: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 call time: 6:45 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. concert (concludes by 9:15 p.m.)

Sunday, Dec. 20 call time: 2:15 p.m. for 3 p.m. concert (concludes by 4:45 p.m.)

Location: University of Puget Sound Kilworth Memorial Chapel

Spring 2027

Spring Kickoff Retreat

Food, music distribution, rehearsal, Board info and choir business

Saturday, January 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Location: TBA, likely North or West Tacoma

Spring Monday Rehearsals

‍January 25 to May 17, 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

No rehearsal: Monday, February 15 (President’s Day)

No rehearsal: Monday, March 28 (day after Easter)

Location: Christ Episcopal Church

‍ ‍May Concert Weekend

Saturday, May 22 rehearsal: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 22 call time: 6:45 p.m. for 7:30 p.m. concert (concludes by 9:15 p.m.)

Sunday, May 23 call time: 2:15 p.m. for 3 p.m. concert (concludes by 4:45 p.m.)

Location: Christ Episcopal Church

Other events

Optional events/programming in past years and under consideration for 2026-2027 include:

• Caroling at Proctor Street tree lighting: likely Sunday, November 29, to be confirmed (6:15 p.m. to approx. 7:30 p.m.)

• Caroling at Franke Tobey Jones (retirement and assisted living): Date TBA

• Fundraising gatherings (2025 included a successful silent movie night near Halloween)

Audition Registration

Please carefully review the information below. Use the calendar at the end of this page to schedule your appointment. 

Questions? Please contact Kyle Haugen, Artistic Director, at conductor@nwrs.org. Please also reach out if you can’t make the available appointments to learn if other arrangements may be possible.

Audition Requirements

For your meeting with the Artistic Director, please be prepared for the following:

1. Brief solo. The solo may be an aria, art song, hymn, or simple patriotic song such as “America, the Beautiful” or “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Artistic Director will provide basic accompaniment; if you wish to sing a piece with demanding accompaniment, please bring a pianist to your audition.

2. Simple vocal exercises to determine range and voice placement.

3. Tonal memory check: Sing back a series of notes given from the piano.

4. Sight reading exercises.

5. Q&A with the Artistic Director.

You must complete the online audition registration below to reserve your appointment.

Your Audition

In odd-numbered years the entire choir re-auditions after the conclusion of the season (typically in August; sometimes June dates are offered as well). Please note that singers who audition and join NWRS in even-numbered years also re-audition the following odd-numbered year.

The total duration of the audition is approximately 25 minutes, including:

• 5 minutes before your scheduled slot: Arrival and intake form

• 15 minute scheduled slot: Meeting with the Artistic Director

• 5 minutes after your scheduled slot: Informal Q&A with member(s) of the Board of Directors (optional)

Audition appointments are available:

• Monday, August 17 from 6:45p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church

• Monday, August 24 from 6:45p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church