the boy from oz - kbs events...chicago (savoyards), dirty rotten scoundrels, la cage aux folles, big...

To register your audition for Savoyards production of The Boy From Oz, please email [email protected] with information from page 5 of this pack.

DO NOT EMAIL YOUR PHOTO/BIO.

Bring a printed copy of both to your audition.

THIS IS AN AMATEUR PRODUCTION

Savoyards Musical Comedy Society Inc. (Brisbane) presents:

THE BOY FROM OZ Original Production by Ben Gannon and Robert Fox

Music and Lyrics by Peter Allen. Book by Nick Enright

By Arrangement with David Spicer Productions www.davidspicer.com.au

mailto:[email protected]

SAVOYARDS BRISBANE | THE BOY FROM OZ | 2019

REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS: [email protected] savoyards.com.au | facebook: Savoyards.Brisbane | Instagram: savoyardstheatrebrisbane

Production Team

Director: Miranda Selwood Miranda Selwood holds a Bachelor of Music Theatre from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, having come from a decade of dance training. She has extensive experience as a performer in community and semi-professional productions in Brisbane including: Miss Adelaide in Blue Fish Theatrical’s Guys and Dolls, Eliza Doolittle in Savoyard’s My Fair Lady, Mrs Lovett in Ignatians’ Sweeney Todd, Reno Sweeney in Savoyards’ Anything Goes and The Witch in Ignatians’ Into The Woods.

More recently Miranda has become known for her work as a Director, including Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors for the Brisbane Arts Theatre, and Spamalot and the award-winning production of Shrek: The Musical for PRIMA. She is especially proud of her directorship of Ignatians’ Little Women in 2013. Under the banner of Mirthful Productions, Miranda is the Producer of The 24 Hour Musical Project, which is looking to its fifth year as a milestone community fundraising venture. Miranda has a true appreciation for the pure joy of the Broadway Musical and a special place in her heart for 42nd Street (the movie, the musical and the place).

Musical Director: Benjamin Tubb-Hearne Benjamin Tubb-Hearne is originally from London, UK and studied Tenor Horn and Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music. Ben moved to New York City, where his Musical Direction journey began at the French Woods Summer Camp. Here he musically directed and conducted over 20 shows, including Annie, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Curtains and Sweet Charity. It was also here that Ben, with writing partner Ryan Jacobs, created 1 hour

musical versions of popular movies for children including Toy Story, Enchanted and A Bug’s Life, as well as creating their own superhero musical Powers. In 2014 Ben & Ryan’s original full-length musical Twisted, a story which follows Little Blue Riding Hood’s search to find her real family, premiered at the Playhouse Theatre at French Woods to much acclaim, and it is currently preparing for a second workshop. Although Ben is relatively new to Brisbane he has burst onto the scene musical directing The King and I & Chicago (Savoyards), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, La Cage Aux Folles, Big Fish, Young Frankenstein and Beauty and the Beast (Phoenix Ensemble).

Choreographer: Renee Allotta-Charman Born in Sydney NSW, Renee began her love of dancing at the age of 5. After moving to QLD she completed dance exams in R.A.D, C.S.T.D and A.M.S.D in jazz, tap, ballet, acro and hip hop. She went on to teach, perform on many a stage, win state and national competitions and toured with many singers both interstate and internationally. While continuing to perform, Renee moved into choreography and creating works for cheerleading teams, music videos, variety shows, competition routines and in musical

theatre. With the knowledge gained over her career, she most enjoys passing this knowledge and her passion on to students as she continues to teach and create. Renee made her debut with Savoyards in 42nd Street; her choreography credits include Anything Goes, Pirates of Penzance and Forbidden Broadway.



Assistant Director: Julie Eisentrager Julie’s love for singing was evident from the age of two. She would often put on shows for her family, singing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. Fast forward to 1999 and Julie started her vocal training with Madonna Forster: it was there that Julie found her love for classical voice and all things theatrical. After many years of choral singing, in 2006 Julie joined Savoyards and has since performed in over twenty shows the company. Some notable roles include: Yum Yum

(The Mikado 2011), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes 2012), Smitty (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 2015) and most recently, Madame Thénardier (Les Miserables 2018) This year, 2019, also marked Julie's directorial debut as Assistant Director for The 24 Hour Musical Project.

Assistant Musical Director: Matthew Semple Matthew Semple graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Musical Theatre in 2015. He has since worked as a performer, writer, pianist, music director and cabaret artist throughout Australia. His one-man show, The Gospel According to Matthew, debuted in 2016 and went on to tour in Melbourne at The Butterfly Club and at the Brisbane Powerhouse, receiving critical acclaim. Most recently, he worked as musical director of the Queensland amateur

premiere of Ladies in Black with Ipswich Musical Theatre Company, which boasted a sell-out season. Theatre credits include: A Very Naughty Christmas and A Very Naughty Christmas II: The Second Coming (Writer; Understudy Productions), Dismal Ever After (Performer; Hobart Festival of Voices), Bare: The Musical (Associate Conductor & Keys II; Understudy Productions), Blokes in Voice (Performer; Queensland Cabaret Festival), and Legally Blonde (Emmett Forrest; Empire Theatres). Matthew is passionate about the fostering of new Australian cabaret and musical theatre, and is in frequent collaboration with established and emerging artists in this pursuit.

Assistant Choreographer: Angela Shoemaker Ange is no stranger to the world of dance and musical theatre, dancing in her first competition at age 4, and at age 8 making her song and dance debut as Young Baby June in the Gympie Musical Union production of Gypsy. Since then she has performed in many shows; her performance credits with Savoyards include roles in 42nd Street (Phyllis), My Fair Lady (Mrs Hopkins) Annie (Boylan Sister) and most recently, Chicago (Merry Murderess, June). With over 40 years of onstage and backstage experience,

Ange feels that it is now time to turn her hand to choreography. She is super excited to have her friend and sometimes performance partner Renee as her mentor and looks forward to a season of fun, laughter and hard work.



About Savoyards Savoyards is the oldest continuously running musical theatre company in Brisbane. From our first performance of The Mikado in November 1961 to our most recent productions, Savoyards has produced at least two major musical theatre shows every year, receiving 15 Del Artè Charts recognitions for everything from costume and set design, choreography, venue, and musical theatre production and direction. We are a community based (amateur) company governed and managed completely by volunteers and we enjoy the generosity of many professionals who offer their services at little or no cost simply to encourage theatre in Brisbane. These professionals provide us with everything from management, marketing, hair and makeup, set construction, photography, and much more. We rehearse at the Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly and perform in the luxurious theatre of the Iona Performing Arts Complex, 85 North Road, Lindum. Successful cast members pay a performance fee of $50 each to participate in one of our shows. Rehearsal materials and costumes are provided, and all participants are covered by our Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance. Cast members and volunteers enjoy a great community environment, social events, and the opportunity to improve their theatre skills.

About “The Boy From Oz” The Boy From Oz is a musical biography and tribute to the late great Peter Allen. In a Vegas-cabaret-styled presentation of his musical catalogue, Peter’s character takes us on a colourful and energetic journey through the complexities of his life’s story. The songs sit easily with the rhythm of the piece and with the characters as they enter and re-enter his life, be they dead or alive. It leaps, as does Peter himself, from past to present and back to past all within the familiar context of one of his energy packed concerts. Peter Allen was born in outback Australia in 1944, made his entertainment debut at the age of 5 and as a teenager became a pop star and then toured Asia. There he met Judy Garland who took him to London where he met and become engaged to her daughter Liza Minnelli. In the US Peter enjoyed the highs of success and experienced his share of lows. Peter Allen had an extraordinary life, re-lived in this sincere and entertaining show. A brilliant book by Nick Enright weaves together Allen’s greatest hits including Not The Boy Next Door, I Honestly Love You, Don’t Cry Out Loud, I Still Call Australia Home, Tenterfield Saddler, I Go To Rio and the Academy Award winning Arthur’s Theme. Savoyards’ 2019 production of The Boy From Oz will bring the story-telling of Allen’s music and lyrics into focus, with an all-new concept and design. We look forward to bringing Peter back to Oz again!

IMPORTANT: Minimum age for this production is 16 years old. The only child in the cast will be the principal role of Young Peter Allen.



REGISTERING FOR AN AUDITION WITH SAVOYARDS: Sunday 7th July – Tuesday 9th July, 2019 The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179

To register your audition for Savoyards production of The Boy From Oz, please email [email protected] with the following information:

Name

Mobile phone number

Role/s you wish you audition for AND/OR

Group ensemble audition/ dance audition request Please note that if you wish to be considered for a principal role AS WELL AS be considered for a specialty dancer, you will need to attend both a private audition as well as the group Specialty Dance Audition. This is a requirement for some roles (noted in the role descriptions on the following pages) A confirmation email will be sent to you with a time in the following audition slots. Please check your “junk mail” folder (or contact us) if you have not had a reply within 3 days of your audition request.

SCHEDULE OF AUDITIONS: Sunday 7th July, 2019

9am – 11am: Specialty Dance Audition 11am – 12 Midday: General Ensemble and Movement Audition 12.15pm – 9pm: Principal Auditions (15 minute timeslots) Monday 8th July, 2019

6pm – 10pm: Principal Auditions (15 minute timeslots) Tuesday 9th July, 2019

6pm – 10pm: Principal Auditions (15 minute timeslots)

*Please read character descriptions (pages 6/7) to see which auditions you will need to attend*

mailto:[email protected]



PRINCIPALS – PRIVATE AUDITIONS BY APPOINTMENT Sunday 7th July – Tuesday 9th July, 2019 The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179 Principal audition format:

15 minute private individual audition for vocal ability and presentation skills.

Prepare two contrasting songs (approximately 32 bars of each). You may choose to present a contemporary song, however at least one of your songs must be a musical theatre piece.

Select songs that show your vocal range and provide a story-telling opportunity.

Songs from the show are NOT permitted.

No backing tracks.

Bring sheet music only, properly marked and in a display folder.

A professional accompanist is provided.

Bring a colour headshot (minimum size 10cm X 15 cm). This is non-returnable.

Bring your audition form, completed in full and listing ALL clashes with the show calendar listed in this document.

The following characters must present a principal audition: Please Note: the production team is not looking for impersonations or caricatures of any of the real-life personalities featured. We recommend that you prioritise story-telling when selecting repertoire for principal auditions.

PETER ALLEN (Male) Must be able to sing and dance, with the charisma and stamina to carry the show. Peter drives the story throughout the entire show, never leaving the stage; he goes in and out of the action, at times narrating and interacting with the audience. Ability to play piano is an advantage. Stage Age: negotiable, ideally around 30yrs Vocal Range: Middle C - A (above stave) / B-flat Falsetto *Auditionees for Peter Allen must also attend the Speciality Dance Audition YOUNG PETER ALLEN (Male) Must be able to sing and tap-dance. An energetic and optimistic boy. Stage Age: around 10yrs Vocal Range: Middle C# - D (treble/unchanged voice) *Auditionees for Young Peter will be taught a short dance routine in their audition appointment – please bring tap shoes. Not required to attend the specialty dance audition. MARION WOOLNOUGH (female) Peter’s mother. She is grounded, salt of the earth but playful; a gentle and caring strength that is a great encouragement to Peter. Stage Age: mid 50s Vocal Range: E (below the stave) to B-flat on stave



JUDY GARLAND (female) Charismatic diva, often seen with a drink in hand; this is Judy both at her cynical best and her most fragile. She provides Peter with encouragement and the strength to be himself. Always be yourself, unless you can be Judy Garland, then always be Judy Garland. Stage Age: mid 40s Vocal Range: E-flat below the stave to A on the stave *Auditionees for Judy Garland are recommended to also attend the Specialty Dance Audition, otherwise a short movement routine will be taught during their audition appointment. LIZA MINNELLI (female) Must be a strong singer and dancer. Early in her career, this is Liza as the star is born; at first a little quirky and awkward, her self-confidence grows and gives way to the Liza with a ‘Z’ Stage Age: 20s Vocal Range: F (below the stave) to C# on the stave *Auditionees for Liza Minnelli must also attend the Speciality Dance Audition GREG CONNELL (male) Peter’s partner, a sexy cowboy-type. Could be mistaken for the strong silent type, until you get to know him; he is sincere, realistic, loving and cheeky - probably quite cheeky. Stage Age: 30s, comparable to Peter Vocal Range: Middle C - D in stave THE TRIO: KAREN, SHENA & LINELLE (females) Exceptional singers, strong dancers/movers. The trio are part of Peter’s show, interacting with him and the audience in the cabaret-style presentation. They are entertainers and present much of the music of the show either as vocal leads or backing singers to Peter. We are looking for confident personalities with experience in part-singing. Stage Age: any Vocal Range: Low E-Flat - Bb (above stave), most often split into SSA. *Auditionees for The Trio are recommended to also attend the Specialty Dance Audition, otherwise a short movement routine will be taught during their audition appointment. CHRIS BELL (male) Singer and dancer. A young song-writer and other half of the Allen Brothers, with Peter. A confident performer who enjoys the song-and-dance man life, just enough fame and fortune to do well with the ladies and ‘live the life’. He knows what he’s good at and is happy enough with that. Stage Age: 20s Vocal Ranger: Middle C - D in stave *Auditionees for Chris Bell must also attend the Speciality Dance Audition MINOR ROLES: Wally Bell – Peter’s first manager, Chris Bell’s father, mid-40s Dick Woolnough – Peter’s father, alcoholic, 40s-50s, non-singing role. Dee Anthony – Peter Allen’s US agent, 40s Valerie Anthony – Dee’s wife, fan of Peter, 40s Josie – Manager of the New England Hotel in Peter’s hometown, 40s



ADULT ENSEMBLE (MALE AND FEMALE) GROUP AUDITIONS Minimum Ensemble age is 16 years. Sunday 7th July, 2019 – 11am (60 minute group session) The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179 Vocal range: All vocal ranges required The Boy From Oz Ensemble features character actors, singers and specialty dancers. All ensemble must be able to sing and move confidently.

Ensemble audition format:

This audition will be done in group sessions.

You must register to audition.

Wear clothes you can move in, including appropriate closed in shoes for dancing/movement.

Arrive 15 minutes before your session to receive number allocation.

No vocal or movement preparation is required. You will be taught a vocal excerpt and some basic dance at this audition, which will then be workshopped as a group.

ENSEMBLE INCLUDES: Armidale town, Bandstand TV studio, Brian Henderson (TV Host), Disco, Hong Kong nightclub, Rich Woman (in Hong Kong), Director’s Voice, Director’s Assistant, Bonnie (Broadway Prod Team), Record Producer, Trick (Peter’s roommate), Reporters, Rio Carnivale

ADULT DANCE (MALE AND FEMALE) GROUP AUDITIONS Minimum Dance Ensemble age is 16 years. Sunday 7th July, 2019 – 9am (2 hour group session) The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179 Vocal range: All vocal ranges required Both male and female dancers are required for The Boy From Oz. Jazz and tap experience is preferred. DANCERS Audition Requirements:

At the audition, you will learn a musical excerpt and present it in small groups. No preparation is required for this.

You will also be auditioned for voice and acting at this audition. So if you are a strong dancer come to the dance audition not ensemble audition.

No dance preparation is required for this audition.

Please bring dance shoes if you have them. Jazz, tap and chorus heels/ character shoes are preferred but please do not purchase new shoes for the audition.

Please arrive warmed up and ready to go or arrive a little early to allow yourself time to warmup.

Please wear dance/fitness clothes or clothes you can easily move in. DANCE ENSEMBLE INCLUDES: Bandstand TV Dancers, Radio City Rockettes, Auditionees, Choreographer, Broadway show dancers, Rio Carnivale



IMPORTANT INFORMATION Public Information Night

Monday, 24 June - 7.30pm The STAR Theatre, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179 Meet the production team and ask questions about auditions and the production. Callbacks Wednesday, 10 July (evening). The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Q 4179 Callbacks will be notified at the end of the audition weekend via your mobile contact. Notification of Offer ALL auditionees will receive notification of the outcome of their audition. Due to the volume of auditionees, performers receiving a casting offer will be notified via mobile phone and performers not receiving a casting offer will be notified by email. A social media blackout remains in place for successful cast until Monday 15th July. Rehearsals Begin Sunday 14th July, 2019 The Imperial Playhouse, Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly. If you are successful in receiving an offer for The Boy From Oz, you will be expected to be available for rehearsals, performances and important dates on the schedule. Please list any conflicts with these dates on your audition form. Detailed rehearsal schedules including cast calls are released periodically throughout the rehearsal process. Children are generally called on Sundays at the beginning of the rehearsal period but will be required at evening rehearsals as we get closer to the performance season. Savoyards has a Child Safe Policy in place. Blue Carded Chaperones manage the care of child performers throughout the entire rehearsal and performance schedule. We rehearse:

Sundays | 12pm - 5pm

Mondays | 7pm – 10pm

Wednesdays | 7pm - 10pm

Launch Event Iona Performing Arts Centre, 85 North Road, Wynnum West Q 4178 Wednesday, 7th August – 6pm Call for a 7.30pm performance A public launch of the show to our Group Bookers and the media.

Royal Exhibition (EKKA) Performance Event

Please keep Saturday 10th August free for a potential performance on the main stage of the EKKA.



Performances Iona Performing Arts Centre, 85 North Road, Wynnum West Q 4178

Friday, 27 September @ 7.30pm (Preview)

Saturday, 28 September @ 7.30pm

Sunday, 29 September @ 1.30pm

Saturday, 5 October @ 1.30pm


Sunday, 6 October @ 1.30pm

Friday, 11 October @ 7.30pm



Potential Additional Performances Please keep these dates free for potential additional performances should our season sell out.

Friday, 4 October @ 7.30pm

Thursday, 10 October @ 7.30pm

Bump–in to the Theatre Friday, 13th September/ Saturday, 14th September

Bump-out of the Theatre Sunday, 13th October



AUDITION FORM

Please complete this form IN FULL and bring it with you to your audition. STAPLE your performance history and colour 10x15cm headshot to this form.

(Minimum age is 16 years, except for principal children’s roles) PERSONAL INFORMATION OF AUDITIONEE Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ P/Code: ___________ Mobile: ___________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Your vocal range: _______________________ DOB: ____________ Height: ____________________

________________________________________________________________________________ Please tick all roles you with to audition for and name any minor roles you would like to be considered for:

PETER ALLEN YOUNG PETER MARION WOOLNOUGH

JUDY GARLAND LIZA MINNELLI GREG CONNELL

THE TRIO CHRIS BELL MINOR ROLE: ________________

SPECIALTY DANCER ENSEMBLE

I am willing to be cast in another role: YES/NO

I am willing to be cast in the ensemble: YES/NO

CALENDAR CONFLICTS Please list ALL known conflicts you have with the calendar included in this audition pack. Please include any other shows you are performing in. While we understand that work commitments come first, we expect a high level of commitment from our performers. Knowing your date conflicts allows us to create a productive rehearsal schedule.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ OFFICE USE ONLY -

OFFER:

DATE PHONED:

DATE EMAILED:

NOTES:



YOUR NAME: ____________________________________ Mobile: _______________________ RECENT RELEVANT PERFORMANCE HISTORY [Beginning with most recent]

PRODUCTION ROLE PLAYED COMPANY YEAR

*Additional information can be written on the back of this page >> RELEVANT TRAINING Voice

Dance

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the boy from oz - kbs events...chicago (savoyards), dirty rotten scoundrels, la cage aux folles, big...

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