USA Staff

The tryout process begins with submitting an on-line staff application. We will review and consider each application for a possible invitation to attend regional auditions/interviews. Dates and locations for the regional auditions/interviews will take place after the first of the year. The number of instructors hired every year is dependent on a variety of different criteria, such as the number of veteran instructors retiring, and specific program/curriculum needs. More information will be provided upon submission of your staff application.

The application for the 2024 summer camp season is OPEN!  If you have any questions please reach out to the appropriate Program Director listed below.

Cheer & Mascot

Jesa Herman (jherman@varsity.com)

Conner Huber (chuber@varsity.com)

Dance

Autumn Hooks (ahooks@varsity.com)

Drum Major

Acey Blanco (ablanco@varsity.com)

All applicants must be 18 years of age (or older) by May 25, 2024, and must have graduated from high school by Summer 2024 in order to apply. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to audition/interview in your region where you will be judged on everything from your skills and athleticism to your professionalism, character, and teaching abilities.

If you have any further questions regarding the USA Instructional staff or the application process, contact the appropriate Program Director.

• Cheerleading/Mascot – Jesa Herman at jherman@varsity.com or Conner Huber at chuber@varsity.com
• Dance, Song/Pom & Pep Flag – Autumn Hooks at ahooks@varsity.com
• Drum Major/Band Leadership – Acey Blanco at ablanco@varsity.com

What should you do while you are waiting to find out about auditions/interviews? Keep cheering, dancing or doing whatever skills your activity requires! Give it your all! Practice teaching by helping new team members and continue to sharpen your own skills at every practice, game, and competition. Identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Focus on becoming more versatile as a performer. The more versatile you are, the better chances of being selected to be a USA instructor.

During the auditions you should expect to go through the below:

Please be prepared to learn a short dance and a USA sideline cheer as a group.  Applicants must be prepared to show jumps, stunts (group stunts, coed stunts, baskets & pyramid skills), tumbling and any other cheerleading specialties you may have. In addition, you will be asked to showcase your teaching ability during the stunt portion where you will be asked to teach a stunt by explaining each position (top, back, base).

During the auditions you should expect to go through the below:

• Learn and perform a dance routine
• Choreograph and showcase two original choreography combinations across two different styles.
• Teaching skills
• Interview

*Complete audition information will be provided to applicants that are invited to attend an audition.

During the auditions you should expect to go through the below:

• Learn and perform a pep/short flag routine
• Choreograph and showcase one original choreography combination
• Teaching skills
• Interview

*Complete audition information is provided to applicants that are invited to attend an audition.

During the auditions you should expect to go through the below:

Please prepare one original pantomime or skit demonstrating your mascot skills.  Make sure to use and develop your mascot character.  In addition, bring an original novelty routine with music, incorporating mascot motions, character and comedy (routine should be approximately 4-6 eight counts). Please make the routine no longer than one minute in length and music must be on a smart phone.

Applicants are evaluated based on the following areas during the audition process:

1. I-Pattern Performance
2. Conducting performance (less than 1:30 minutes)
3. 1:1 Interview

Please note that applicants are strongly encouraged to perform both an I-pattern and conducting performance; however, applicants may choose to do one or the other if they’re not versed in both areas. Due to limited in-person venues for interviews, video auditions may be extended to prospects who are unable to make in-person auditions. For further information regarding virtual additions, reach out to USA Drum Major & Band Leadership Program Director, Acey Blanco at Ablanco@Varsity.com

Varsity Event Administration (VEA)

The Varsity Event Administration staff is comprised of Camp Managers and First Aiders who work towards Elevating the Student Experience by providing a safe and secure environment for all participants and coaches in attendance, as well as to help ensure that all events run smoothly.  Some of the responsibilities of the VEA staff include but are not limited to:

 

• General safety and security of all participant and coaches
• Working with host site personnel to effectively use the resources provided at each camp location while complying with applicable policies and procedures
• Completing an Emergency Action Plan based upon location and available resources
• Confirming that the necessary registration information is completed by all coaches and athletes to safely participate in camps
• Remaining on site and available 24 hours a day for the entire duration of assigned camps
• Conducting nightly checks of all teams at summer camps
• Assisting in the prevention of injuries by inspecting facilities and weather conditions to avoid potential hazards
• Providing basic first aid assistance as needed when injuries do occur

Some of the perks of working as a member of the VEA family include:

• Great opportunities to travel the country (with all costs covered)
• Valuable hands on experience in first aid, event management, and athletic administration
• Extensive network growth which can lead to full time job opportunities
• Fun and exciting experiences working with young, talented staffs

Jesa Herman, Cheer & Mascot Program Director – Staffing
jherman@varsity.com
714.389.8684

Conner Huber, Cheer Program Director – Curriculum
chuber@varsity.com
209.482.0343

Autumn Hooks, Dance, Song/Pom & Pep Flag Program Director
ahooks@varsity.com
714.797.8659

Acey Blanco, Drum Major Program Manager
ablanco@varsity.com
831.540.8353