The Sea Gals will hold open auditions for their 2016 squad on April 16 at Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC) in Renton the team announced today.

Auditions will be comprised of three competition rounds and a $20 audition fee.

The first round of competition includes a one-minute freestyle dance to music provided by the Seahawks. Contestants will be judged in three categories: dance ability, pizzazz and appearance. The semifinals will begin on April 17, with the final competition and live webcast scheduled for 5 p.m. April 24.

The 2016 squad will be revealed at the conclusion of the webcast.

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age and have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent by April 1, 2016. The 2016 squad will consist of 24 – 32 members.

Three more open workshops will be held to help prepare applicants for the competition. The workshops will consist of dance step instruction and sample dance routines followed by an informational session on the audition process. The open workshops will be held at Gold’s Gym in Issaquah. The cost is $30 per session, no reservations are needed. Sea Gals Director Sherri Thompson and Sea Gals Choreographer Courtney Moore will teach the classes. It is advisable, but not necessary, to attend any of the workshops in order to audition.

“The workshops are designed to prepare applicants in all three areas of judging, including dance ability, pizzazz and appearance,” said Sea Gals director Sherri Thompson. “Applicants can attend one or more sessions to prepare and build their confidence for the competition.”

The team will also host two intensive workshops for a fee of $100. Space is limited and registration is required via SeaGals.com.

The Sea Gals balance a busy schedule of practicing, performing and making over 300 public appearances in the community throughout the year. The squad performed on the field at all three Super Bowls the Seahawks played and have appeared on numerous national TV shows including: ESPN, Fox & Friends, Fox Sports, Good Morning America, TODAY Show, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition and NFL Network. The Sea Gals have also traveled extensively to perform in Japan, China, Mexico, and Europe.

For more information on the workshops and auditions, visit www.SeaGals.com.

The open workshops are scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Gold’s Gym, 1025 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah on March 27, April 3 and April 10.

Intensive workshops are scheduled for 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. April 2 at the VMAC in Renton.

The audition schedule is as follows:

Open Call – noon, April 16, VMAC

Semifinals – noon, April 17, VMAC

Finals – 5 p.m. April 24, CenturyLink Field