Questions? Email me at nwood@wcpss.net!

Frequently Asked

Questions

For quick access to specific topics: Click on the links below OR scroll down to the corresponding section of the FAQ.

Auditions

Question: Do I have to stay the whole time on my individual audition day?

No. For your audition day, you should wait in Room 121 until your audition time. After your audition, you may be picked up.

Question: Do I have to stay the whole time on the Dance/Group Audition Days?

Yes! Plan to stay for the entire Dance/Group Audition days.

Question: Do I have to stay the whole time on Callback days?

It depends. For each Callback day, different actors will be called for different parts or sections of callbacks. Some folks will have to stay for the full time, but some may not be needed. Be sure to read the Callback email carefully to check for which days and times you are needed.

Question: If I don't get callbacks for the part I wanted, am I still able to get cast for other parts?

Yes! I am only able to call back around 4 actors per lead part. Double check the callback list, because you may have been called back for a different lead part/named part than you had originally wanted or are on the callback list for the Ensemble.

Question: Can I sing a song from the musical I'm auditioning for?

Yes! For Salem MS musicals, you may choose a song from the musical you are auditioning for. This is different from most other auditions. Typically, you are not supposed to choose a song from the musical you are auditioning for. Please choose whatever song you feel the most confident singing!

Question: Do I have to start at the beginning of my song?

No. For your audition, please pick the 30-45 second chunk of your song that shows off your voice the best or makes you feel the most confident.

Question: Can I play an instrumental track while I'm singing?

Yes! For your audition, you may play an instrumental track while singing. Please have the track pulled up on your device before you enter the auditorium for your audition. You may also choose to sing without a track. Either way is fine!

Question: Do I have to sing for my audition even if I want a non-singing part?

Yes. In most cases for middle schoolers, the only person telling you that you're bad at singing is yourself! For this reason, I like to hear everyone sing so I can find the best fit for you in our show. If you list that you would like a non-singing part on your Audition Information Form, I will check in with you individually before casting you in a singing part.

Conflicts/Attendance

Question: Can I be on a sports team AND be in the musical?

Yes! The coaches at Salem and I are flexible and can usually come to an agreement for students who would like to participate in both sports and the musical. In order to make this work, you must communicate with your coach and Ms. Wood as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements that work for everyone!

Question: What do I do if my family has a vacation planned during Musical Rehearsals?

If we have enough time to plan for it, a vacation does not mean you will not be cast, but it may impact what part I am able to give you. We need our cast to be at as many rehearsals as possible! Please list any planned absences on your conflict sheet so we know what will be the best fit for you. If your vacation is more than 1 week long, it will be very challenging for me to cast you in the show due to the amount of rehearsal you would miss while you were gone.

Question: I usually go to [guitar lessons, swimming, tutoring, etc.] on a specific day of the week. Am I able to leave rehearsal early in order to continue going to that commitment?

Please list any prior commitment on your Conflicts Sheet. Often times, we can work around prior commitments that would take you out of rehearsal early on one day each week. It is important to know that information now so that we know how to plan our rehearsal schedule/what we will be covering each day.
If possible, try to reschedule your commitment to a day where we do not have musical rehearsal.
You MAY NOT leave early from our Tech Rehearsals in the 1-2 weeks leading up to our performances. Communicate to the leaders of your other activity WAY ahead of time to make sure they understand the expectation that you CANNOT miss any part of our tech rehearsals.

Question: What happens if something comes up and I have to miss rehearsal?

As soon as you know you / your student needs to miss rehearsal for any reason, Email Ms. Wood immediately.
Please refer to the Commitment Form you signed at the beginning of the rehearsal process. Last minute absences (especially multiple) can cause you to be removed from certain scenes and/or songs, or be removed from the cast/crew entirely if you miss too many rehearsals.

Rehearsals

Question: What do I need to bring to rehearsals?

You should bring your script, a pencil, a water bottle.
You should wear clothes that you can comfortably move in, including close-toed shoes.
Wearing a watch is helpful so you know when to be back after breaks!
Snacks are recommended.

Question: Rehearsals are long, can I have a snack during rehearsal?

Please bring snacks to rehearsal, especially when you are called for the full 3 hours. It is important to keep your energy up, so snacks and water are essential!
You may not eat in the auditorium, but should step into the hallway during breaks in order to eat your snack.
Snacks will be provided during Dress Rehearsals and on Performance Days, but will not be provided during regular rehearsals. Please bring your own!

Question: I'm not needed during the first part of rehearsal, what should I do while I'm waiting?

The best option is to come early and work on homework or read quietly! You should not talk in the rehearsal rooms while other students are being worked with.
Be mindful of the time to make sure you are ready to go at the time stated on the rehearsal schedule. We should not have to go looking for you when your section of rehearsal starts.
Be sure to check in with the adult who is leading rehearsal to make sure you are marked "Present" on the Attendance sheet!

Cast Party

Any Questions about the Cast Party should be addressed to our Parent Booster Organization.

Mrs. Wood is not involved in the cast party and will politely direct you to email our booster parent(s). Please email the parent coordinator directly for any and all questions about the Cast Party.

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