Matilda Audition Information

Audition Information

Students in grades 6-8 may audition for an onstage role. Cast selection is based on audition only.

Parents and students need to carefully read the information packet. If you have any questions please contact:

Tami Benanav: tbenanav@me.com or Sarah Webster: swebster@westportps.org.

Audition Information

All students MUST participate in a singing, dancing, and acting audition. Some students will also receive a call-back.

The call-back list will be posted on Wednesday after the auditions and will indicate who we need to see on Thursday.

Not being called back does not mean the student is not cast in the production.

Wednesday November 6th - 5:00 - 6:00 MANDATORY Parent / Student Meeting

*** CONTRACTS MUST BE TURNED IN BY 5:00 PM ON MONDAY NOVEMEBR 11TH (they may be turned in earlier)

Monday 11/25 2:45 - 4:30, Optional Audition Workshop

Students spend a few hours with our staff learning how to audition, hints to help, and asking whatever questions they have to put them at ease.

Students will also learn a song to use at the audition in case they don't have one.

This is both a vocal and a dance workshop so students should come dressed to move (sweats are fine). Bring jazz shoes if you have them and if not, bring sneakers. Do NOT buy dance shoes for the workshop or audition.

Tuesday 12/3 & Wednesday 12/4 2:45 Dance Auditions 2:45 - 6:00 / Vocal Auditions 2:45 until last singer has finished

1) Prior to auditions students will be notified with what day they dance and what day they sing.

2) Immediately after school, singers should report to the auditorium dancers should report to the cafeteria.

SINGERS: While waiting to audition students should work on homework

- Children will sing privately (one at a time) for the audition committee

- It is highly recommended that students prepare a song from a musical

- students will learn a song at the audition workshop they can use or they can sing a song of their shoice

- Students will sing 16-24 bars with the pianist

- Those auditioning with a song (other than the one from the workshop) must provide sheet music for the accompanist in the correct key ***if you need sheet music for yourself, bring a 2nd copy but being memorized is a better choice

- It is very difficult to fully judge a voice without a prepared song

***Once a singer is finished auditioning, they should call or text you to be picked up.

DANCERS:

- All students will learn a dance combination

- Students should come dressed to move (dance clothing or sweats)

- Students must have dance shoes or sneakers

- All dancers will be released at 5:30 and parents should arrive at 5:25 for pickup.

***There is generally a dance callback held at the end of this day. All dancers will stay until 5:30 pm

***After this audition, a callback list will go online for students who are needed to be seen on Thursday for callbacks***

Thursday December 5th 2:45 - 5:30, Audition Part 3 (callbacks)

Students who have been called back will be asked to read, sing, and/or dance. As students are done for the day they will be dismissed. It is our intention to post the cast list Friday afternoon.

Audition Hints

Be fully rested for your audition. Energy is that intangible force that can elevate you to the level of a star performer.

When you audition, take a deep breath, focus your thoughts and energy, and GO FOR IT!

Remember to be yourself, project your voice, smile, and have fun! Break a leg!!

Vocal Audition Day

Bring a dressy casual outfit to change into for the singing part of the audition.

Remember: this is a competition, and you'll want to look your best.

Come with a prepared song. When choosing a musical piece to sing, pick one that reflects your full personality and vocal range.

Try something you can "play" with, one that's fun for you to sing. Most importantly, choose a number you'll feel confident performing.

Lyrics to your vocal selection should be memorized. No acapella singing will be allowed. An accompanist will be provided.

Bring one copy of your sheet music for the accompanist (and another for you if you need it). If you don't have a song ready,

you may sing Happy Birthday and may be asked to sing a scale.

Dance Audition Day

Come dressed to move! For the movement/dancing part of the audition, you will learn a short dance routine,

so wear something that you can be energetic in—flexible soled shoes and comfortable clothing.