Learn from the BACCG

Your pathway to scoring a spot

Get a behind the scenes look at the BACCG through the color guard Backstage. Join Backstage to interact with veterans of the Boston Crusaders while learning from instructors including Michael Townsend, Heather Graham, and Kylee Hubbard. No matter if you are flag or weapon, beginner or expert, Backstage is your place to learn, refine, and perfect your skills. Join Backstage to jumpstart your career and earn a position in a drum corps, winter guard, or marching band.
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What You'll Find Backstage

Receive exclusive access to...

  • Dance and Equipment

    All members will receive access to technique guides and lessons in movement, flag, rifle, and sabre. Learn body warmups, across the floors, dance technique, equipment basics, advanced tricks, and choreography from our most popular shows!

  • Instructional Videos

    Grow your skills with video-guided lessons from the BACCG staff. Refine your technique and break it down with step-by-step videos and live classes. Put it all together and practice with exclusive recordings of the back-to-back Zingali Award-winning Boston Crusaders Color Guard!

  • Evaluation and Assessment

    Keep track of your growth with regular feedback and evaluations. Collaborate with staff and members through assignments, masterclasses, and live seminars. Prepare for your future in the marching arts and take your first step to becoming a member of the Boston Crusaders.

How Do I Audition?

Auditioning this season is quick, easy, and virtual! Once "Backstage" you will learn, film, and upload series of video assignments! We'll teach you everything you need to audition from warmups to choreography for flag, weapon, and movement.

  • Sign up for Backstage

  • Make a payment

  • Begin your video assignments posted in your Backstage portal

Instructors

Lead Designer & Choreographer; Guard Director

Michael Townsend

Michael began his performance career in North Carolina and his performance experience includes, The Cavaliers color guard 1996 – 2000, The Company 1998 and 1999, Crown guard 2000, and Pride of Cincinnati in 2001. Michael then spent a year as an original member of the first U.S. National tour of Blast! Michael currently resides in Indianapolis with his wife and two children, where he is the program coordinator for the Carmel High School Marching Band and a color guard designer for Avon, Carmel, Center Grove, and Northview High School Marching Bands and Winter Guards. He has been choreographing and designing for these programs since 2004, which has resulted in 16 WGI scholastic world-class medals and five BOA grand national championships. Michael recently directed the Boston Crusaders' indoor program "Inspire" and served as designer for the Pride of Cincinnati. Michael has been the driving force behind the Boston Crusaders Color Guard since 2017, leading the team to earn two consecutive George Zingali Best Color Guard Awards in 2018 and 2019. Previously, Michael led the color guard at Carolina Crown Color Guard from 2003-2016, earning both a championship ring and a Zingali Award during his 13 years.

Designer

Heather Graham

Originally from New Berlin, WI, Heather Graham currently resides in Miamisburg, Ohio. Heather has been involved in the marching arts since the age of three, beginning with a successful career in baton twirling. Heather was then recruited by her high school guard at the age of 12 and has since been performing in the color guard activity. While continuing to be a consistent member in the activity, she graduated from the University of Milwaukee with a degree in Communications and a minor in biology. Heather is a proud alumni of the drum corps activity, performing in 2010 with Phantom Regiment, and in 2011 and 2012 with Carolina Crown. She marched five years with New Berlin Eisenhower, six seasons with Velocity Winter Guard, and five with the Pride of Cincinnati. Heather is the Director for Miamisburg High School the University of Cincinnati Color Guard program. She has instructed various marching programs across the Midwest, including Eisenhower HS, Whitnall HS, Franklin HS, West DePere HS., Sycamore HS, Northmont HS, Beechwood HS, Shadow DBC, as well as the 2016 Carolina Crown. Heather has instructed the BACCG since 2017 where she currently serves as a designer.

Designer & Choreographer

Brady Sanders

Brady’s previous DCI experience includes performing with The Cavaliers color guard from 2003 to 2007 and serving as a choreographer there from 2008 to 2015. During his time at The Cavaliers, the corps was the 2004 and 2006 DCI World Champion as well as the 2004 and 2007 George Zingali High Color Guard award recipient. Since 2010 Brady has served the Pride Youth Development Foundation as a designer and choreographer for the Pride of Cincinnati Winterguard. During his time there the Pride of Cincinnati was the 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2019 WGI World Champion. As founder and Artistic Director of the Pride of Cincinnati Dance Ensemble, Brady is passionate about offering students professional level performance experiences.
Watch Intro Video

Meet Michael!

Your Backstage Guard Instructor

FAQ

  • What is the deadline? Is it too late to audition?

    No, it is not too late! Contracts are being awarded on a rolling basis until April 1st. However, we suggest signing up as soon as possible for the best chance at receiving a contract. There is no deadline for those interested in learning but are not auditioning for a contract.

  • Do I have to spin weapon to participate?

    All members will have access to body, rifle, sabre, and flag lessons. Prior experience on weapon is not necessary.

  • Do I need my own equipment?

    You will need a flag, rifle, or sabre when submitting assessments but equipment is not required for participation. If it is not possible to obtain equipment for assessments, please contact info@bostoncrusaders.org.

  • Can I sign up for more than one section?

    Yes! Check out our multi-section bundles by clicking "registration" at the top of the page!

  • Is this how I audition for the Boston Crusaders?

    Yes, membership candidacy will be based off Backstage assessments and evaluations. We have positions available in all sections.

  • Do I need to sign-up for Backstage to audition? Do I have to audition?

    Yes, you must sign up for Backstage if you wish to audition for the Boston Crusaders. Audition requirements will be made available within the Backstage program. No, signing up for Backstage does not mean you have to audition. Backstage is a valuable tool to help you refine your skills, whether or not you are pursing a position with the Boston Crusaders.

  • Is there an age limit?

    No! Backstage is open to all regardless of age. If you are an educator, please stay tuned for future programs tailored to assist your classroom and students.

  • Is my purchase refundable?

    No, all sales are final. Please contact us at info@bostoncrusaders.org if you experience difficulty at checkout.

Days Left To Audition

Auditions open until April 1st!

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