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Junior Section

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AUDITION INFORMATION PACK

Auditions Sat 18 November by appointment only

For bookings or enquiries email Lauren O’Connor on [email protected] or 0274886086

mailto:[email protected]

This Audition Pack contains all the information you will need to prepare for your audition for this awesome upcoming show. Please keep it somewhere safe for future reference.

Complete the audition form included in this pack and bring it to your audition, with your music if applicable.

The South Canterbury Drama League is an amateur musical/drama society. All roles are voluntary/unpaid.

All roles are limited to those aged 8 (as of November 18th, 2017) to 18 (as of April 12th, 2018).

While talent is the primary consideration when casting, level of commitment will also be a consideration and final decisions on casting will be made with this in mind.

We are looking for singers, dancers, actors, and performers of all shapes and sizes. Diversity is encouraged and all ethnicities and abilities are encouraged to audition.

‘Seussical Kids’ and ‘Hairspray Jr.’ will be performed at the Theatre Royal, Timaru for 4 shows from 12-14 April. This is the first weekend of the April school holidays, so all those who are successful will need to be available for dress rehearsals and performances the last week of the school term.

In 2018 the Junior Section of the South Canterbury Drama League will be presenting a double billing for their annual show. This is a new format and will give more children the opportunity to shine onstage as well as giving audiences even more reason to come see Timaru’s fabulous young talent. The two shows that will be performed are Seussical Kids, and Hairspray Jr. Seussical Kids will run for half an hour and gives our younger juniors the opportunity to take on exciting roles created by the wonderful Dr Seuss. Hairspray Jr, for the 12 to 18 years olds is 1 hour, 10 minutes long and packed with singing and dancing for the entire cast. Both shows are busy, bright and loaded with musical numbers and great characters.

Seussical Kids

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favourite Dr Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton's challenge is twofold – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Hairspray Jr.

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray JR. is the family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. Adapted from the Broadway production that won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

It's 1962, and spunky, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has one big dream – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When she finally gets her shot, she's transformed from social outcast to sudden star. In balancing her newfound power with her desire for justice, Tracy fights to dethrone the reigning Miss Teen Hairspray, Amber von Tussle, and integrate a TV network in the process. With the help of her outsized mom, Edna, and guest DJ, Motormouth Maybelle, the rhythm of Tracy's new beat just might prove unstoppable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ABOUT THE SHOWS

All activities and rehearsals take place at The Playhouse, 198 Church St, Timaru

Audition Workshops 6.45pm-8.30pm Tuesday 14th November

6.45pm-8.30pm Thursday 16th November

Auditions – you must book an audition time (If needed Auditions may also take place on Sunday November 19th)

Seussical Kids Auditions

9.30am-1.30pm Saturday 18th November

Hairspray Jr Auditions

1.30pm-6.00pm Saturday 18th November

Callbacks (Hairspray Jr & Seussical Kids)

9.30am – 5.00pm Sunday 19th November

First Rehearsals Hairspray Jr.

Sunday 21st January 2018 (1.00pm-5.00pm)

Seussical Kids

Sunday 28th January 2018 (1.00pm-3.00pm)

Rehearsals (All rehearsals are at the Playhouse until 8 April when we move to the Theatre Royal).

Sunday 21st January (from 28th January for Seussical Kids) – Thursday 5th April

Sunday Rehearsals 1.00pm-5.00pm

Tuesday Rehearsals 6.30pm-9.00pm

Thursday Rehearsals 6.30pm-9.00pm

Please Note: A detailed rehearsal schedule will be given out at the first rehearsal. Rehearsals for Seussical Kids will finish no later than 8.30pm. Rehearsal times may increase as we get closer to show time.

Workshop Weekend Saturday 3rd March & Sunday 4th March (All day for Weekend Workshop)

All rehearsals and performances take place at the Theatre Royal, Stafford St, Timaru

Technical run-through, Theatre Royal

Sunday 8th April (Keep all day free)

Dress Rehearsal Nights Theatre Royal, Timaru

Monday 9th April – Full Cast

Tuesday 10th April – Full Cast

Final Dress Rehearsal Wednesday 11th April – Full Cast

Show Dates Thursday April 12-Saturday April 14

Thursday April 12th - 7.00pm Show Start

Friday April 13th – 7.00pm Show Start

Saturday April 14th – 2.00pm Matinee & 7.00pm Evening Show Start

After Show Party Following the final performance on Sat April 14th until midnight.

Your participation in this production requires a huge commitment in both time and professionalism in order to ensure a production of the highest possible quality. With this in mind, please do not audition if you are not in a position to commit fully to the rehearsal schedule.

Those with lead roles may be required for extra rehearsals outside of normal rehearsal hours for extra singing, movement or dialogue practice. If needed, the production team will communicate this to you.

Waitangi Day – There will be a rehearsal on Waitangi Day as this year it is on a Tuesday.

Easter Weekend Rehearsals – As Easter is only one week out from the show, full attendance will be required for rehearsal on Thursday 29th March and all day on Monday 2nd April. However, there will be no rehearsal on Sunday 1st April.

Rehearsal Venue - The Playhouse, 198 Church Street, Timaru.

KEY DATES - NOV 2017 TO APR 2018

REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Auditions are by appointment only. You must book in advance.

Audition times can be made at workshops, or email Lauren O’Connor on [email protected].

All prospective cast members are required to attend an audition. Your audition will be videoed. This is for the production team only and will not be shared with anyone else.

We recommend you arrive at The Playhouse 15 minutes before your audition time. This will allow time to sign-in, complete audition paperwork and ensure you are vocally and physically warmed up.

Auditionees will be required to sing on their own and will perform the audition dance in groups of 4. Those wanting to audition for a lead role will also be required to read a portion of dialogue.

The audition panel will consist of our creative team: Alice Sollis, Ella Thomas, Abigail Austin, and a committee member. Parents/friends are not allowed to sit in on the audition.

Prepare thoroughly as it shows you are serious about being involved. Ensure your audition is well rehearsed and performed to near performance standard. This will allow you to demonstrate your ability and shows the panel you have put some thought and commitment into your audition.

Be on time and be patient as we may be running behind schedule.

Bring a bottle of water.

Please wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and footwear for the dance audition.

If recalled you will be notified by 9pm on Saturday November 18th.

HAVE FUN! We want you to relax and enjoy your audition experience.

(Ages 8-13)

Everyone auditioning for Seussical Kids will be required to present the company audition song and the company movement. Those wishing to try out for a lead role may also be required to sing a second song, and present dialogue for the character they are auditioning for. All songs, movement and dialogue will be given out/taught at the Audition Workshops on Tuesday November 14th and Thursday November 16th from 6.45pm-8.30pm.

Audition Songs: o Company Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’ o Horton or Jojo Audition Song: ‘Alone in the Universe’

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

AUDITION INFORMATION

List of Lead Characters:

o Jojo – Male or Female. JoJo is the audience’s link to the story. The audience follows the

narrative through his eyes (also referred to as Child). They should have an earnest and open disposition. Needs to be a strong, singer and actor. Vocal Range B3-Db5.

Audition Song: ‘Alone in the Universe’ & ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’.

o Horton – Male. Horton is a loveable elephant with a heart of gold. Must be able to sing

well and convey great loyalty and conviction to the Whos. Vocal Range Ab2-E4 or Ab3-E5. Audition Song: ‘Alone in the Universe’ & ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

o The Cats – Male or Female. The Cats (Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3) are mischievous, spirited creatures

who take JoJo and the audience on quite an adventure. Should have good singing chops and be able to move well. Since the Cats take on different roles throughout the play, these actors should be bold, versatile and able to switch roles at the drop of a dime. Vocal Range Bb3-D5.

Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

o Gertrude McFuzz – Female. Gertrude McFuzz is a bird with tail envy! Must be a great

performer who can sing, act and is a perfect match for Horton. Vocal Range G3-C5. Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

o Wickersham Brothers – Male or Female. The Wickersham Brothers (Wickersham

1, Wickersham 2, Wickersham 3) are a trio of trouble-making monkeys! Must be able to make strong physical choices, complement one another well and bring a strong, diverse energy to their mischief.


o Sour Kangaroo – Female. Sour Kangaroo is as sour as a kangaroo can be. Should be

someone who can sing and act well and can serve up a good deal of attitude. Should work well with Young Kangaroo to function as a pair. Needs to have a strong singing voice and be a strong actor. Vocal Range C4-Db5


o Young Kangaroo – Male or Female. Sour Kangaroo’s Joey. Should work well as a pair with

Sour Kangaroo. An idea part for a young performer. Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

o Mayzie LaBird – Female. Mayzie LaBird is a sneaky bird who tricks Horton into helping her

take care of her egg. Should be someone who can express a fun, jovial and careless spirit. Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

o Mr. Mayor – Male. Mr. Mayor is the mayor of Whoville and the perfect picture of patriarchy. He

tries to keep the town happy and secure, which is quite a job since the tiny Whos are always in danger of being swept away and lost. Will need to portray an older age and a sense of authority. Mr. Mayor has a few featured lines sung with Mrs. Mayor, so it’s great if the two actors’ voices work well together.


o Mrs. Mayor – Female. Mrs. Mayor is the mayor’s wife and is most concerned with trying to

make sure JoJo, stays in line. Should be a fine singer and actor complementary of Mr. Mayor and JoJo, whose voice blends well with Mr. Mayor.


o Company – Made up of singers, dancers, and actors who will play Whos, Jungle Citizens, and

Fish. Audition Song: ‘Oh the Thinks You Can Think’

(Ages 12-18)

Everyone auditioning for Hairspray Jr. will be required to present the company audition song and the company movement. Those wishing to try out for a lead role may also be required to sing a second song, and present dialogue for the character they are auditioning for. All songs, movement and dialogue will be given out/taught at the Audition Workshops on Tuesday November 14th and Thursday November 16th from 6.45pm-8.30pm.

Audition Songs: o Company Audition Song: ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

o Male Lead (Link Larkin, Seaweed J. Stubbs, Corny Collins, Council Guys – Brad, Fender,

Sketch, IQ) Audition Song: ‘It Takes Two’

o Female Lead (Tracy Turnblad, Penny Pingleton, Amber Von Tussle, Little Inez, The Dynamites, Council Girls – Tammy, Brenda, Shelley, Lou Ann) Audition Song: ‘Good Morning Baltimore’

o Female Lead (Motormouth Maybelle) Audition Song: ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’

List of Lead Characters

o Tracy Turnblad – Female. Tracy Turnblad is a young lady with big hair and an even bigger

personality! She is the hero of our story and she is sweet but also strong in her convictions. She is bigger in size than the other girls, but she isn't shy about it - she can still dance with the best of them! Must be an excellent singer, dancer and actor, but most importantly a young lady who has wonderful stage presence and can easily capture the audience's hearts. She performs in 10+ songs. Vocal Range A3-D5. Mezzo Belt.

Audition Song: ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ & ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

o Link Larkin – Male. Link Larkin is Baltimore's biggest heartthrob, and Tracy's dream guy. Link

is considered the best performer in town, a young man who is a triple threat - a great actor, singer and dancer. He should have a lot of charisma and a sparkle in his eye. Think of any teenage idol who is able to reduce girls to tears – that’s Link! Vocal Range A2-A4 High Baritone/Tenor. Crooner.

Audition Song: ‘It Takes Two’ & ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

o Amber Von Tussle – Female. Amber Von Tussle is a prom queen nightmare! She is

definitely "The Corny Collins Show" favourite, but she is competitive and has a bad attitude. Amber is a great performer. She needs to be able to sing, dance and act. Vocal Range C4-E5 Mezzo Belt.


o Penny Pingleton – Female. Penny Pingleton is Tracy's fun and sheltered sidekick. She is a

young lady caught between her mother's very strict rules and her own wants and desires to be just another teenage girl. A good role for an actress with a sweet voice and great comedic instincts. Vocal Range C4-E5. Sweet Soprano with Belt.


o Edna Turnblad – Male or Female. Edna Turnblad is Tracy's loving mother who doesn't spend

much time outside the house. She works days and nights as a laundress in her home, and her lack of social interaction has made her a bundle of nerves. Must have great acting chops who can transform into an older character. Edna should be a proficient singer and be willing to sell it with strong character choices. Vocal Range Bb3-E5 Mezzo or Bb2-E4 Baritone.

Audition Song: ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

o Velma von Tussle – Female. Velma Von Tussle is a carbon copy of Amber - just twenty

years older and meaner! She is most concerned with making sure her daughter wins Miss Teenage Baltimore. Needs to be unafraid of being a little bit evil and who can make bold acting choices. Vocal Range C4-E5 Mezzo Soprano/Alto


o Corny Collins – Male. Corny Collins, the host of "The Corny Collins Show," is a Baltimore

celebrity. Foremost, Corny is a charmer with great energy and who is unafraid of being in the centre spotlight. Corny should be both an experienced singer and actor. Vocal Range C3-G4 High Baritone/Tenor.


o Seaweed J. Stubbs – Male. Seaweed J. Stubbs is the object of Penny's affections, and

together, they are determined to defy the segregation laws of the 1960s. Seaweed can do it all! This is a great role for an experienced performer who can sing, dance and act well. Vocal Range Gb3-Bb4. Tenor.


o Little Inez – Female. Little Inez Stubbs is Seaweed's little sister and a great breakout role for a

young actress. Little Inez gets her moment in the spotlight, so must be a young lady who is a great singer and dancer. Ideally would have a quiet exterior who can and will be bold when the opportunity comes. Vocal Range Ab3-C5. Mezzo Belt.


o Motormouth Maybelle – Female. Motormouth Maybelle is a soulful part for a performer who

can play an older age. In this story, she is the face of the Civil Rights Movement and sings the beautiful anthem, "I Know Where I've Been." Must have a great voice and strong stage presence. Vocal Range F3-F5 Soulful Alto.

Audition Song: ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ & ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

o Wilbur Turnblad – Male. Wilbur Turnblad is Edna's loving husband and Tracy's supportive

father who just wants the best for his girls. This is a good role for a new performer. Wilbur needs to complement Edna. It is a bonus if Wilbur has some great physical comedy!


o Prudy Pingleton – Female. Prudy Pingleton is a fun role for a performer who can really jump

headfirst into a character role. She is Penny's eccentric but loving mother, who wants the best for her daughter but is extreme in her means. Prudy should be a good actress, capable of capturing the conflict of being a caring mother who can't help but be overprotective.


o Corny Collins Council Members – Male and Female. Brad, Tammy, Fender, Sketch,

Shelley, IQ, Brenda and Lou Ann are the famed teenage performers on "The Corny Collins Show." Must be excellent singers and dancers. Will have to emulate some of the most famous dance moves from the 1960s. Ideally will have a lot of personality and be bold in their characterizations of each teenage performer.

Audition Song: ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ & ‘It Takes Two’ (Boys) or ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ (Girls)

o The Dynamites – Female. The Dynamites (Judine, Kamilah and Shayna) are a dynamic

musical trio, iconic of the Motown era and the 1960s. Think the Supremes. Must be advanced singers and dancers who complement each other. Should be able to be synchronous in their music and dance. Vocal Range E4-A5


o Company - Made up of singers, dancers, and actors who will play students, Baltimore citizens,

detention kids, as well as other cameo roles. These roles give more texture to the lively world of 1960s Baltimore. This is truly a story about communities intersecting, so every role is important.


Parent helpers will be required for rehearsals to supervise the large cast. We will also ask for helpers in different areas, such as set building, costumes, supplying food for backstage crew etc. If you have any special skills you could share, please contact Lauren O’Connor at [email protected]

Cast fees will be approximately $130, with a discount if paid prior to the first week of March. Payment plans can be made, more information will be given if you are successfully cast in either show. All cast are required to be members of the South Canterbury Drama League. Successful auditionees will be sent a membership form that will need to be returned once rehearsals begin.

Please go ahead and like our SCDL Junior Section Facebook Page. There will be lots of information about audition, ticket sales, performances, etc. as well as competitions, photos, videos and other fun and exciting titbits relating to Seussical Kids and Hairspray Jr. Those who have liked the page will also be the first to find out about future events, and information regarding future shows. The South Canterbury Drama League also has a Facebook page, and this is a great place to get regular updates on what is going on with the SCDL as a whole.

A parent or guardian’s email will be required as this will be the primary method of informing auditionees if they are successful or unsuccessful in their audition. Paper letters will also be sent out. Please make sure the email you use is correct, up to date and checked regularly. If you are successful in your audition you will be invited to join a closed Facebook page. If your Facebook name is different from your legal name please let us know. Email, Facebook and paper copies of information will be our primary methods of communicating with all cast and crew. We will require a parent or guardian’s email and/or Facebook name. If this is going to be difficult for you please let us know at auditions so we can work out an alternative.

If you have any questions or queries please contact Lauren O’Connor on [email protected] or 0274886086

FACEBOOK PAGE

EMAIL & FACEBOOK

PARENT HELP

CAST FEES / SCDL MEMBERSHIP



Seussical Kids & Hairspray Jr To be performed together on 12th, 13th and 14th April 2018

(Please note, this is the last week of Term 1)

Name:

Address:

Home Phone: Cellphone (if applicable):

Email of Parent/Caregiver (NB. We will be contacting via email to let you know if are successful- please print email details neatly):

Date of Birth: Age: Ethnicity:

Parent/Caregiver’s Name: Facebook: Yes No

Parent/Caregiver’s Cellphone: Facebook Name:

Any medical conditions we should be aware of:

Emergency Contact Name and Phone:

Which show are you auditioning for? Seussical Kids (age 8-13) Hairspray Jr (age 12-18) Either

Previous Performing/Acting Experience:

Previous Singing Experience/Tuition: Can you read music? Yes No What is your voice type? Soprano Tenor Mezzo Bass Alto

Previous Dance/Acrobatics/Gymnastics Experience:

I give permission for my child to audition for Seussical Kids/Hairspray Jr.

I give permission for photos/video of my child to be used to promote the show and/or the South Canterbury Drama League. Yes No

Parent/Caregiver’s Signature:

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays 1pm-5pm and on Tues/Thurs 6.30pm-9.00pm

There will be rehearsals on Waitangi Day and All cast will be required for Rehearsals on Easter Monday.

Parents must be prepared to help with supervision during rehearsals AND in additional areas including: Sewing, set construction/painting, backstage crew, dressing room supervision, food for backstage crew at Theatre Royal, business advertising in programme, among others. A committee member will contact you if your child is successful in their audition in regards to how you can help support this production.

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND BRING IT TO YOUR AUDITION

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