Wednesday, May 22, 2013

AUDITIONING

Students must prepare two short, contrasting monologues one from the following:Modern, post-war literature: examples of post-war dramatists are Miller, Williams, Albee, Inge and Shepard. One classical literature: examples of classical pieces include Shakespeare’s comedies and histories or Moliere A 3-minute time limit for the total acting portion of the audition will be strictly enforced. New students this semester must prepare at least 1 monolouge time limit for this is 1 1/2 minutes.

 

 Vocal Auditions for Once on this Island JANUARY 22-23 5:30-8:00 MR B'S ROOM OR AUDITORIUM IF AVAILABLE. 

STUDENTS NEED:
vocal  audition

VOCAL

Students using music must bring pre-recorded accompaniment on CD or mp3 player and should prepare songs  from a broadway musical students should not sing popm music songs or simple tunes like Happy Birthday

(NOT This Play)

All  students admitted to the class at the start of the 2nd semester must audition with two brief, contrasting songs from the Broadway repertoire: one ballad and one upbeat selection. Students should: Select songs that demonstrate vocal quality, phrasing, rhythmic skills, and lyric interpretation; Select songs that express a character’s feelings more than songs that tell a story (avoid narrative songs); Avoid long intros leading into songs; Limit each song to 2 minutes, preferably 32 bars (a verse and a chorus).  Students wanting music must bring pre-recorded accompaniment on CD or mp3 player for auditions.Again, a 4-minute time limit for the total singing portion of the audition will be strictly enforced.

Acting

In class Jan 15,16 returning students must prepare two short, contrasting monologues from the following:Modern, post-war literature: examples of post-war dramatists are Miller, Williams, Albee, Inge and Shepard.Classical literature: examples of classical pieces include Shakespeare’s comedies and histories or Moliere A 3-minute time limit for the total acting portion of the audition will be strictly enforced.  New students this semester must prepare at least 1 monolouge time limit for this is 1 1/2 minutes.

SOME TIPS

If you ever watch older American Idol you will notice that Simon often chastises the singers’ on their song choice.  The wrong song can ruin a performance even if a singer has a great voice.  Monologues are no different.  You might be a great actor, but if you choose the wrong monologue, the casting agents will still send you home packing.  Conversely, if you are a mediocre actor but choose a great monologue, your talents will shine more brightly.

When choosing a monologue, keep these goals in mind:

Pick a monologue and perform it in a way that shows your acting strengths.  Go for a character that shows you can act.  If in real life you happen to be a perky, young blonde don’t choose a monologue performed by a perky, young blonde character.

Select a character who is the kind of role you enjoy playing.  Never portray a character you think the audition audience wants to see.  Directors rarely know exactly what they are looking for. They just know that they want to be wowed.  You have a greater chance of impressing your audience by playing a role that interests you.

Choose a monologue that shows your character trying to manage a vital conflict in his or her life.  Your goal is to have your audience rooting for your character as if they were watching a full-length performance. 
Find a monologue that contains an unforeseen that changes your character’s initial goal so he has more to react to.

How to Perform a Monologue

  • Monologues should always be spoken to another person. 
  • Never use a member of your audition audience as your  partner.  Make yor partner imaginary
  • Look at the spot your imaginary person is placed at the start of your monologue, when you want to emphasize a point and when you are awaiting a response.  However, do not constantly look at that spot.
  • You must truly believe in the life you create on stage and stay in character your entire monologue.
  • Use imaginary physical objects to react to in order to make the imaginary world you are creating come to life.
  • Be unpredictable.  Surprise the audience with how your character goes about obtaining his goal.  Unpredictability helps make a character more interesting to the audience.
  • Start your monologue strong.  Don’t expect to use the beginning to warm up.
  • End your monologue before your character resolves his conflict.  Leave the audience wanting more. 

 

 


Opening Your Monologue:

1)   Walk in slowly with a sense of purpose. Do not rush or shuffle in nervously.

2)   Find the center of the stage and remain silent for a moment.


3)   Speak to the artistic staff as yourself.  Say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself.  Have a brief prepared joke or other statement.  Remember – the artistic staff is not just casting a character.  They are also deciding on the person whom they want to spend hundreds of hours working with.


4)   Introduce your character and communicate the problem confronting your character.


5)   Concentrate and take a moment to get into character.  Briefly close your eyes, bow your head or turn your back before starting your monologue.

Ending Your Monologue:

1)   Take a three second freeze after the end of your monologue

2)   Do not expect much of a reaction from artistic staff.  Part of their job is to not tip their hand one way or another as to how they feel about your performance until after they have conferred with each other.

3)   Do not show any sign of dissatisfaction if you are not happy with your performance.  Make no disappointed facial gestures or verbal apology.

4)   Always assume your monologue has been a hit with your audience.  Smile enthusiastically when you say ‘thank you’.
5) State your name again.
6)   Exit the same way that you entered and walk slowly and proudly.

Tips on Choosing Songs for Auditions

 
You should always prepare two different songs: a ballad/emotional tune to show your emotional range and lyric phrasing as well as your sensitivity to words and thoughts. Your second choice should be an up-tempo song to show your sense of rhythm and how thrilling you are as a performer.  The best kind of audition number in either category is a humorous one.  Make sure you entertain!

Another thing to consider while selecting a song to sing at an audition is what type of show you are auditioning for.  If you trying out for Les Misèrables  you would probably not want to sing “I feel Pretty” from West Side Story  However, if you are trying out for The Music Man a happy, fun song would be perfect.  Knowing the musical you are auditioning for is essential to your choice of song. 

The song you pick should show the broadest range of your abilities.  Songs in drama and literature are used as emotional shorthand - the ability to put an incredible amount of content into as few words as possible.  Be in character when singing.  Act!

Finally, sing a song that is appropriate for your age. There are hundreds of great songs that fit many ages, vocal ranges, and personalities. Find the ones that are best for you.

Do not:

•   Change the lyrics of a well-known song  
•   Sing original songs
•   Sing songs written by the composer or authors you are auditioning for

 

Performing your Audition Song

Your audition begins the moment you are first seen by the audition audience.  Walk slowly with good posture over to the accompanist and present him with your music.  Calmly explain any special instructions to the accompanist.  Ask him not to start until you nod to him. 

Introduce yourself to the audience with your name and a well-planned thought such as “Hello, my name is Julie.  I am very happy to have the chance to perform for you this evening”. Your introduction is your chance to show off your speaking voice.

Announce the song you will perform and state the name of the show it comes from.  Close your eyes, block out members of the audience and concentrate.  Imagine both the situation confronting your character and the first note your are about to sing.  When you are ready, nod to the accompanist and begin.

A song is always addressed to someone.  Establish the location of the imaginary person but do not use a member of the audience as your imaginary person.  Do not ‘stage’ your audition song.  Remain in position and let the lyrics express your goal.  If the director stops you during your song, treat it as the planned ending of your performance. Use it as an opportunity to show the casting director your adaptability.  At the end of your song go into a freeze and remain in character for three seconds.  Bow and thank your audience and state your name again.
 

INTRO AUDITION INFORMATION SHEET

 

NAME __________________________________________________Grade______________ AGE ______

 

PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S NAME____________________________________________

 

HOME PHONE #_____________________ Student’s CELLPHONE #_____________________ Parent CELLPHONE #_____________________

 

EMAIL ADDRESS Student__________________________________________ Parent’s________________________________________

 

HAVE YOU EVER performed for Intro before? YES NO

LIMITED TO THE SPACE BELOW, PLEASE LIST SIGNIFICANT ROLES THAT YOU HAVE PLAYED IN THE PAST

YEAR: THEATRE: PLAY TITLE: ROLE:

 

 

 

 

 

LIST THE ROLES FOR WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BY PREFERENCE:

1st ___________________________________________ 3rd ____________________________________

2nd ___________________________________________ 4th ____________________________________

 

If you accept a named leading role do you agree to additional solo rehearsal times as requested by the Musical Director? YES NO

 

PLEASE LIST ALL SCHEDULING CONFLICTS DURING THE REHEARSAL PERIOD THAT COULD PREVENT YOU FROM BEING PRESENT!

______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

 

IF YOU DO, OR HAVE, TAKEN VOICE LESSONS, PLEASE LIST FROM WHOM AND FOR HOW LONG:

___________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT IS YOUR VOCAL RANGE? SOPRANO ALTO TENOR BARITONE / BASS

DO YOU SING HARMONY? YES NO

IF YOU DO, OR HAVE, TAKEN DANCE LESSONS, PLEASE LIST FROM WHOM AND FOR HOW LONG:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARENTS

Class Procedure IntroTheater Class

General Policy

Your student has selected Intro Theater there are a few class rules that will need to be followed when in this class:

1. Students must possess a positive and teachable spirit at all times. We will be working very hard in a short amount of time to learn lines, choreography, and music. A positive attitude will determine whether or not the student is able to stay in this class.

2. Students must be able to get along with others well.

3. Students may be asked to play a part that would not be their first choice. Students must do the very best they can anyway.

4. Participation from Parents is Essential! Our Spring Production is Honk the Musical: Theater Class is a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves through drama and music.

 

Fees: There are no outright charges but there can be many expenses in a class such as this. If at any time the cost becomes a concern to your family contact the director at once.

 

Parent Producer is Needed: We will also be in need of a parent producer for this production to coordinate the show. Last show we were blessed with Valerie Mathews. She coordinated the show in a professional way.  If you are interested in earning all of your hours, we can use you this semester. Let us know on the form so that we may contact you. We will need help in many ways listed and we will need help from every parent so thank you in advance for helping us!

 

Attendance & Attitude are Critical: Intro Theater is a performance-based class and participation is critical, as is a good attitude. Your student will be expected to learn lines and music, be flexible and stay focused, as we will have to work hard to prepare. If I see that your student is not able to learn lines or is not able to function after class with the others, they may have to be removed. I would not want that to happen for anyone. All scheduled rehearsals are important, as there is no thing as one person missing a rehearsal, when one misses the timing and delivery is wrong for everyone in each scene they are in. Students must be there for all the extra rehearsals; we will have extra rehearsal on weekends.  Rehearsals are every right after school every day they are first scene specific (so please use the calendar) and then become whole cast rehearsals extending late when we are able to use the theater- I are aware and sympathetic to sports activities such as softball happening for students unfortunately students must choose how they wish to use their time. I grade on participation almost exclusively. They must also be at EVERY Tech and dress rehearsal and each performance. Failure to attend one of these rehearsals or performance will drop a student minimally a whole letter grade. The last 2 weeks are critical rehearsals – please plan ahead so your student is at every one!

 

Ticket Sales: We will be pre-selling tickets. The students will be responsible for helping to make this successful. We will ask each student sell 20 tickets in advance to help with expenses. We will give more information on that in the coming weeks. Please help them with this endeavor. I’m sure every relative, friend, neighbor and co-worker would love to see your student perform.

 

Communications: We hope to communicate every week with our theater parents through email. By signing this form, you are agreeing to not only give an email address so we may contact you, but that you will read it every week. It is very valuable to be in close communication with the producer. Thank you for your support in this area. If you do not have a working email address, we need to know that information so that we can contact you through phone or through your student.

Please complete and sign below and return Thank you for the opportunity to work with your student!

I have read the above information and understand the grading procedure. I also understand that my participation is needed and I will sign up to help

 

___________________________________  _______________________________

Parent/Guardian signature

 

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What are you willing to volunteer as?

 

CHECK NEXT TO THE CREWS IN, WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED: PRODUCER PRODUCERS ASSITANT PUBLICITY BACK Stage SecurityGREEN ROOM SUPERVISIONSTAGE CREW HAIRSewingMAKE UP PROPS SET BUILDING SCENIC PAINTING POST PRODUCTION STRIKE CAST PARTY

 

 

Parents Name ____________________________________

STUDENT”S NAME _______________________________

EMAIL______________________ PHONE______________

 

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Sample Judging Form for vocal Auditions

 

NAME____________________________________________

 

Selection 1 

 

(Rhythm Accuracy) 1 2 3 4 5

(Intonation {Sharp or flat}) 1 2 3 4 5

(Vocal quality) 1 2 3 4 5

(Phrasing {meaning to the song} 1 2 3 4 5,

(Lyric interpretation) 1 2 3 4 5

Selection 1 Total________

Selection 2

 

(Rhythm Accuracy) 1 2 3 4 5

(Intonation {Sharp or flat}) 1 2 3 4 5

(Vocal quality) 1 2 3 4 5

(Phrasing {meaning to the song} 1 2 3 4 5,

(Lyric interpretation) 1 2 3 4 5

Selection 2 Total________

Comments: FINALTOTAL: ________

____________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

VOCAL JUDGE Casting Recommendation

STUDENT’S NAME 1st choice, 2nd choice

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ACTING AUDITIONS

 

Student Evaluation Form

    

 

Name ________________________________________________________________

 

1.Loudness ___ 4 Advanced ___ 3 Proficient  ___ 2 Basic ___ 1 Dev.

& Clarity:

 

2.Gesture ___ 4 Advanced  ___ 3 Proficient   ___ 2 Basic   ___ 1 Dev.

& Expression

 

Stage Presence ___ 4 Advanced ___ 3 Proficient ___ 2 Basic   ___ 1 Dev.

 

Comments (not required) __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

 

 

Name ________________________________________________________________

 

1.Loudness ___ 4 Advanced ___ 3 Proficient  ___ 2 Basic ___ 1 Dev.

& Clarity:

 

2.Gesture ___ 4 Advanced  ___ 3 Proficient   ___ 2 Basic   ___ 1 Dev.

& Expression

 

Stage Presence ___ 4 Advanced ___ 3 Proficient ___ 2 Basic   ___ 1 Dev.

 

Comments (not required) __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________


 

 

  If you are looking for a broarway style monolouge you can try here:

http://www.stageagent.com

/Shows/monologues

 

If you are looking for a audition song try here:

http://www.stageagent.com

/Shows/Songs/