Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to a new term of Musical Theatre!
We’d like to give you a brief overview of the Audition Workshop and Audition Day process. Auditions serve to give the performers experience in the area of auditioning, and to inform the casting of the show. Every participant registered for the program will be cast in the show.
To help the participants prepare for the audition, we first hold an Audition Workshop. In this workshop, we review the show and roles, audition skills and the options for audition materials. Then we hold the auditions. To start, we will explain to the group what will happen and what we will be looking for. Most of all, we look for a positive, open attitude. For the vocal audition, participants are asked to choose one of the provided options and memorize it if possible before the audition. We do several group activities to cover basic dance skills and acting or dramatic ability. Participants are not expected to prepare anything – only to take part fully.
Please note that participants are not required to sing. We explain to the group that – should any participant decide that they cannot stand up in front of the group to sing a solo, they will still receive a part and be welcomed as a part of the group but – they will not receive a singing solo in the show. We always review this with the group and they believe this to be a fair practice. We find it can help to alleviate the pressures of stage fright for some. If your child is nervous – reassure them that above all else, in Musical Theatre, we are a caring, supportive family. What is most important in this process is the fostering of a love for performing arts, song and musical theatre.
At the end of the session, we review the upcoming musical and discuss how we cast with the group. Casting is completed with an effort to support all participants as best as possible, as they mature with us in the program. Grade 4 and 5 participants will be cast in Ensemble roles with ample stage time and group work. Grade 6 students will be considered first for Principal roles with more responsibility. We believe that this structure allows participants to mature as performers throughout the program, helping them to be successful and confident on stage, and to develop the skills needed to do more in the theatre – as well as in other similar areas.
In the rare case that a participant cannot attend the audition, we will offer one opportunity for a make-up on a specified date. If a participant cannot make either audition session, we may also consider their past performance(s) when casting. Please contact us immediately if your daughter will not be able to attend the audition session.
Please feel free to contact us at any time should you have questions. It’s always good to check in throughout the term – letting us know how your child is enjoying the experience and asking about what can be done to prepare for the performance.