HOW TO AUDITION:
1) If you would like to go over the audition music, or ask any questions of the directing team, you can attend a music learning session on Thursday, September 4th at 3:15pm in the chorus room!
2) Prior to auditioning, you must read the Fall Musical Welcome/Info Letter with your parents/guardians. In order to be considered for casting, you must sign the participation contract via Production Contract google form before choreography auditions.
3) Prepare and attend auditions!
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Prepare a one song of your choosing from the music packet, found on the Audition Materials page. We recommend you sing for the character you are most interested in playing. If you aren’t sure, or you don't see a piece for that character, then we encourage you to prepare the selection that best showcases your voice. Everyone will be considered for all characters at auditions. If you only want to be considered for the ensemble and not for a soloing role, please prepare the Ensemble selection: #1: Dancing Queen.
Some advice: Be prepared! Use the guided tracks to help you learn the music and attend the music-learning session if you can. Remember that you'll be performing with the karaoke (not guided) tracks, so be sure to practice with those once you have a good sense of the music. While memorization is not required, we want to see that you have put effort into your preparation. You will not be doing cold readings at your initial audition, so be sure to show your acting talent through your song performance!
For the choreography audition, we’ll have a fun afternoon learning and performing some show choreography. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that you can easily move in - don’t worry if dancing isn’t your thing, have fun with it and remember to keep creating character and acting through the movement! If dancing IS your thing - show off! Let us see what you can do :-)
WHAT TO EXPECT:
While auditions can be nerve wracking, we also try to make them super fun! When you arrive you'll fill out an audition form that asks a bit about your goals for the show and your past experiences.
Then, your group will come into the auditorium and each perform your song. You might be given some direction, and/or asked to sing part of your song again and then you'll be done for the day!
The callback list will go out via email on the evening before callbacks. The cast list will go out via email on Friday evening. First rehearsal will be Monday, September 15th.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Casting a production is incredibly difficult. As I've shared below, there are MANY factors to consider when deciding who will play each part in any given production. If you've audition for us before, you know we always ask that you "show us a strong choice." Let us see that you can make decisions about what your character is thinking, feeling, and wanting during their song.
We are looking for the best fit for each character, meaning we want to see actors fully embody the roles in a way where were believe you really are that character for that moment in time. Think about portraying that person physically, vocally, and emotionally with confidence!
We are also looking at balance between actors. When we get to callbacks, show us that you can listen and respond to your scene partners. Show us that you can share the stage and support each other by giving and receiving energy while you are up there.
To give you a little more insight, here are some of Mrs. Isaacs' guiding questions when casting a musical production:
Whose audition is reinforcing the vision of the piece?
Who is letting us see emotional depth within the character?
Are the actor's physical and vocal choices reinforcing the character?
Who is creating honest and believable moments?
Does the actor's voice and range establish the character being portrayed in the audition?
Are they able to project their voice, maintain correct pitch, and follow the rhythms in the song?
Do these particular actors blend well in their singing and acting choices? Are the believable in the particular relationship they are portraying?
Is the actor mature in their abilities and exhibiting compelling, effective, and clear choices on stage?
Has the actor adequately prepared for the audition? Are they prepared to do more than simply stand and sing or read off the page?
Does the actor show that they can work well with others, both on and off stage?
If given notes in the audition, is the actor flexible and coachable?
