Register
Register
Everything you need to know before you arrive at the AC Hotel Reston — from check-in to callbacks, what to wear, what to pack, where to wait, and what happens at every moment of the four-day experience.
The first few hours set the tone for your week. We've designed the arrival experience to be calm, organized, and welcoming — so you can focus on the work, not the logistics.
Arrive at 1975 Opportunity Way. Use the parking garage at AC Hotel Reston or any of the nearby paid garages in Reston Town Center — all within a 5-minute walk.
Find the DC Unifieds Registration Desk in the main lobby. We'll have your name, your packet, your audition assignments, and your schedule ready.
You'll receive a badge, audition schedule, college map, and welcome materials. Wear your badge at all times — it's your access to everything.
Browse the college fair, grab a coffee, find your warm-up spot, and meet other students. The kick-off keynote begins at 7:00 PM in the main ballroom.
Pack like you'd pack for a four-day audition trip — because that's exactly what it is. Anything you don't bring, you can't use in the room.
Auditions, dance calls, and workshops all have different expectations. Here's how to think about each.
A look that flatters your body and shows your personality — solid colors, clean lines, no distracting patterns or logos. Comfortable enough to move in, sharp enough to feel powerful. Character shoes for women, dress shoes for men.
Tip Avoid all-black if you can — it can disappear under stage lights. Jewel tones photograph beautifully.
Fitted dance attire so faculty can see your lines and movement clearly. Jazz shoes or character shoes, hair pulled back and secure, and a layer you can shed once you warm up. Bring sneakers in case combo styles vary.
Tip Layer over a leotard or fitted top. Easy to remove between dance and standard auditions.
You'll be sitting, standing, taking notes, and possibly moving. Clean jeans or smart pants with a nice top works well. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable — you'll be on your feet a lot between sessions.
Tip The dinner and karaoke nights are festive — bring one outfit you feel great in for the social events.
Parents are welcomed and supported throughout DC Unifieds. You're not just a chaperone — you're part of this moment. We've designed the event so you have your own space to relax, watch select sessions, and meet other parents going through the same thing.
You won't be in the audition rooms themselves (school faculty work directly with students). But you'll have plenty of access — workshops, keynotes, the cabaret performance, and a dedicated parent event on Saturday night while students are at Broadway Karaoke.
Most importantly, you'll be there for the moments between — the nerves before the room, the relief after, and the celebrations as acceptances start to roll in.
Audition days are long. Here's where to fuel up — on-site, walking distance, or grab-and-go.
Coffee, espresso, pastries, light breakfast options. Open early — perfect for a morning warm-up.
Full menu, table service, and casual seating — great for lunch between sessions or a relaxed dinner.
Italian, sushi, Mexican, burgers, salads, smoothie bars — every cuisine you'd want, all within walking distance.
CVS, convenience stores, and quick-service spots in Town Center for snacks, water, energy bars, and emergency supplies.
Several restaurants stay open late for post-cabaret dinner or a quick bite after the evening events wrap.
Almost every nearby restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Let us know in advance if you have specific needs at the College Dinner.
Whether it's a scheduling question, a last-minute swap, an illness, or just a moment of panic — our on-site team is reachable all four days. No question is too small.
Registration opens at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15. Aim to arrive between 3:00 and 5:00 PM so you have time to check in, find your room (if staying on-site), get settled, and enjoy dinner before the 7:00 PM keynote.
If you're flying in that day, build in cushion time — IAD traffic can vary.
Parents aren't in the audition rooms themselves — school faculty work directly with students to mirror the real college audition experience. However, you'll have access to the keynote, workshops, the College Fair, the cabaret performance, and a dedicated parent event on Saturday night.
The venue has designated warm-up areas for vocal and physical preparation. You'll find them mapped in your welcome packet. Hallways and lounges are not for warming up — keep voices down outside designated spaces out of respect for active auditions.
Call or text our day-of hotline immediately: 571-571-2120. We'll work to reschedule you into the next available slot. Don't just skip it — let us know and we'll handle it.
Tell our team right away. We can help you rest, reschedule auditions, and connect you with medical care if needed. The AC Hotel has 24-hour front desk support, and there are urgent care clinics within 10 minutes.
Yes — there's a bag-check area near registration. If you're staying at the AC Hotel, your room is the easiest option since everything is on-site.
Family members (parents, siblings) are welcome to accompany you and access the parent-facing parts of the event. Friends not registered as attendees can't access the audition floor, but they're welcome to meet you for meals or evening events in Reston Town Center.
You'll receive your personalized schedule at check-in on Wednesday in your welcome packet. It will list every audition, dance call, workshop, and recommended event tailored to your registration type.
Light refreshments are available throughout the day. Meals are not included in standard registration — you'll grab breakfast/lunch on your own at the hotel café or in Reston Town Center, both within easy walking distance. Specific evening events like the College Dinner are separately catered.
If a school wants to see more of you, you'll be invited to a callback — usually a smaller, more intimate session where you'll perform additional material or discuss the program. Callbacks happen on Day 3 (Saturday) and continue Sunday morning. You'll be notified directly by the school or through our team.
You've got the plan, the playlist, the packet. All that's left is the room — and we've got that part covered. See you in Reston, October 15.
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