The Cincinnati Ben-Gals have played a major role in the Bengals organization year after year since 1968. On the field, these ladies perform in front of more than 64,000 fans at Paul Brown Stadium. When they are not cheering on the team, they are spending countless hours practicing, exercising and volunteering for community and charity events throughout the tri-state.
The Ben-Gals have appeared at charity functions, conventions, grand openings, trade shows, and other charitable and civic causes each year. These ladies are young professionals who not only are involved in their own careers, but they are involved in many hours per week working for the Bengals organization within the community.
The Ben-Gals can add excitement to any occasion. Whether it be signing autographs, mingling with guests or performing their many dance routines, they are sure to add a special element to any event. The Cincinnati Ben-Gals participated in over 100 community events throughout the tri-state last year.
***Read below for FAQs on becoming a Ben-Gal Cheerleader***
There is a $25 registration fee for all applicants.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF A BEN-GAL CHEERLEADER? "Cincinnati Ben-Gals cheerleaders…"
» Represent the Cincinnati Bengals organization by actively supporting the team, values and goals of the Club.
» Serve by attending and actively participating in all Ben-Gals events, community involvement and volunteer activities of the Club.
» Allow individuals the opportunity for personal growth and development, increased community involvement as well as development of dance skills.
» Allow the opportunity for exposure through various media, corporate, community and charity events.
» Allow the opportunity for compensation generation through promotions and personal appearance.
HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE?
Get ready for auditions by attending one or all of the audition workshops.
» Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
» Dates: April 2, 9, 16 and 23
» Cost: $30.00 per class (or save $20.00 when you sign up for all four workshops at once by March 30).
» Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202
» Classes will include: stretching/warmup, kicks, jazz technique, dance combinations, glamour suggestions, and fitness. We will include what it takes to be an NFL Cheerleader.
REQUIREMENTS
» Must be 21 years of age by Sept 1, 2011; driver's license must be turned in for copy.
» Must exhibit reasonable dance skills and a strong willingness to learn.
» Must have good attitude and ability to work in group atmosphere.
CINCINNATI BEN-GAL CHEERLEADERS POSSESS THE FOLLOWING:
» Maturity and responsibility
» A strong desire to support the team and the squad
» A positive attitude and high energy level
» A flexible schedule and patience
» Personal leadership abilities on and off the field
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Cincinnati Ben-Gal cheerleaders conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as is consistent with the highest moral and ethical standards.
| Interested in training prior to workshops or tryouts? Please contact former Ben-Gal and Pro Bowl Cheerleader Nikki Lanzetta at 513-706-4833 or current cheerleader and 2011 Pro Bowl Cheerleader Sunny Parr at 859-746-8009. Both ladies have classes for those interested in trying out, prior to clinics starting. |
1. What are the dates/times for the 2011 auditions?
- The first day of auditions will be Tuesday, May 3. Cuts will be made that evening, and those remaining will join the vets on Wednesday, May 4, Thursday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 10. Thursday, May 12 will be the semifinals and cuts prior to finals. The doors will open at 6 p.m. for registration. Warmups will start at 7 p.m. If you make it through the preliminary round on May 3, you will be asked to participate in the remaining mandatory workshops. The workshops again are: Wednesday, May 4, Thursday, May 5, Tuesday, May 10, Thursday, May 12.
- Interview process will take place at the semifinals and your score will follow you to the finals.
- Summary of tryouts: OPTIONAL CLINICS: APRIL 2, 9, 16 AND 23. MANDATORY WORKSHOPS AND TRYOUTS: MAY 3, 4, 5, 10 and 12. FINALS, MAY 15 AT THE SYNDICATE IN NEWPORT.
- ALL WORKSHOPS AND CLINICS AT THE STADIUM ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. DO NOT BRING FRIENDS OR FAMILY TO WATCH ANY TRYOUTS AT STADIUM. MAY 15 IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND TICKETS WILL BE SOLD IN ADVANCE THROUGH FINAL CONTESTANTS AND CINCYTICKET.COM.
» Rookie Preliminary: Tuesday, May 3, to include cuts at end
» Mandatory Workshops Vets, and remaining Rookies: Wednesday, May 4, Thursday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 10.
» Semifinals: skill set, interview tryout: May 12
» Finals: May 15 at Syndicate in Newport
2. Will there be workshops or prep classes before auditions?
We will be holding four audition prep classes at Paul Brown Stadium located at One Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH. The dates are April 2, 9, 16 and 23. Classes are $30 each or $100 for the series. Time for classes: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 10 a.m.
During these workshops, we will be teaching choreography, working on kicks and offering advice and tips on how best to prepare for auditions. Everyone trying out for the 2011 Ben-Gals cheerleading squad is strongly encouraged to attend these workshops; however, not mandatory.
3. If I make the squad, what is the commitment?
Ben-Gal cheerleaders appear at every home game. Tentatively, we will practice every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7-9:30 p.m. and select Saturdays for rookies. You will also be required to do a minimum of 10 community service appearances. During the months of July/August you are mandated to attend an additional Wednesday practice along with the Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
4. What are the age requirements?
You must turn 21 by Sept 1, 2011. There is no maximum age requirement.
5. Are there any height and weight requirements?
No, but fitness is very important. You must be in good physical condition and proportioned for your height. We recommend that you maintain a regular exercise program and a healthy diet.
6. What should I wear/bring to auditions?
You should wear dance spandex shorts and a cropped spandex bra type top. No loose shirts or baggy clothing. You will also need dance shoes such as dance sneakers or tennis shoes. You may also bring water and a light snack, if needed. TRYOUTS ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. NO EXCEPTIONS.
7. How should I wear my hair and makeup for auditions?
You should wear your hair and makeup in a way that flatters you best. Long hair should be worn down but not in your face. Think glamorous rather than sporty. Perfections Salon is the official hair and makeup provider of the Cincinnati Ben-Gals cheerleaders. We recommend you call them at 513-984-2555 for a hair consultation.
8. What will the judges be looking for during scoring?
The judges will be looking at appearance, dance skills, showmanship and personality.
9. Is being a Ben-Gal cheerleader a full-time job?
No. Ben-Gal cheerleaders either work a full-time job or are students.
10. Do current squad members have to re-audition?
Yes. Everyone must go through the audition process each season and no one is guaranteed a place on the squad. Veterans are exempt from the preliminary processes on May 3.
» Dance routine to be learned at semifinal selections on May 12 and performed before approximately 15 judges for the final on May 15.
» Bathing suit modeling
» Interview, and skill set scores from semifinals on May 5 or 10 will move forward and be added to your final score.
» Print and fill out application, include $25 registration fee, and mail application for prep classes (clinics) along with payment. If you are doing prep classes you may add your fees into one money order.
» Make sure application has a 5 x 7 non-returnable picture of yourself alone with no one in it (a head shot).
» REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 30, 2011 IF ATTENDING PREP CLASSES/CLINICS.
Address for mailing: Charlotte Jacobs
One Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, OH 45202
