Imagination Theater Announces Auditions:
“THE LITTLE PRINCESS”:
Auditions for “The Little Princess”
(Holiday Musical 2012)
Directed by Peter Wolfe and Produced by Lanny Langston
Auditioners must be available for all dates and times listed below:
Saturday March 24, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – Noon – Girls, Age 8 through 16; Singing Only
Sunday March 25, 2012, 6:30– 9:00 pm Girls, Age 8 through 16; Reading and Movement
Monday March 26, 2012, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Adult Men and Women and Girls over 16: Singing and Reading (Some younger girls who audition on Saturday and Sunday may be called back to read on Monday)
Tuesday March 27, 2012, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Call-Back Audition & Casting; All Ages Saturday April 7, 2012, 9:00 am – Noon Read-Through and Cast Meeting
Audition Requirements
- Singing: Auditioners may sing any song with musical accompaniment from a CD or I-pod or with a live piano accompanist. (An accompanist will be available). Backing recordings must be instrumental only (No vocal back-up). Singing without accompaniment will not be allowed. Songs must be sung from memory.
- Readings: Will consist of cold readings from the script. Scripts are available for check-out from the Imagination Theater Box Office after January 1, 2012.
- Movement and Dance: Advanced dancing experience is not necessary. Auditioners will learn and then demonstrate some very basic dance steps. Auditioners should wear comfortable, loose-fitting shoes and clothing. Flip-flops, sandals, and bare feet are not allowed for auditions.
- Photographs: Auditioners must bring a photograph of themselves (minimum 5”x7” size) to attach to the audition form they will receive at the auditions. Expensive or elaborate head-shots are not required. Resumes from all auditioners are encouraged.
- Fees: There is no fee for auditioning. There is a $65.00 Participation fee for those cast in the production. (Used primarily to pay for insurance). This fee is due at the April 7th Read-Through.
- Rehearsal and Performance Schedules: Will be distributed at the end of the Call-Back Audition. Story Summary Adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story “Sara Crew,” this new musical version of a “Riches-to-rags-to-riches” story takes place mostly at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in Victorion-era London. The scenes of the play occur in a classroom, an attic, and the parlor of the wealthy Mr. Carrisford. Roles
- Sara Crew A little Princess, intelligent and imaginative. Age 10-12
- Becky An orphan servant girl. Sara’s new friend. Age 10-13.
- Lavinia A pupil at the school. Dislikes Sara. The “mean Girl. Any age.
- Ermengardde St. John A “challenged” student. Spells poorly. Nice. Age 10-12.
- Lottie The youngest pupil. Age 8-10.
- Alice Same age as Ermengardde. Friendly.
- Jessie Another pupil. Any age. Energetic.
- Ensemble of Students Girls of various ages 8-12. Various heights.
- Miss Minchin School Owner and Head Misstress. Stern, mean, money-hungry. Adult.
- Miss Amelia The teacher. Miss Minchin’s younger sister. Sympathetic and nice. Perky. Age: older teen or adult.
- Mr. Barrow An Attorney. Adult.
- Cook Character role. Busy-body. Overworked. Adult Woman.
- Mr. Carmichael A wealthy neighbor. Works for Mr. Carrisford. Could be “older.”
- Mrs. Carmichael The neighbor’s wife. Non-singing role.
- Mr. Carrisford Another wealthy neighbor.
- Perkins House Servant to Mr. Carrisford. Adult male or female. Singing role.
- Ram Servant to Mr. Carrisford. Adult male. Singing role. “Mysterious and exotic”
Musical Requirements
The entire cast is on-stage as street people on a London Street for the prologue. The pupils perform several numbers as an ensemble chorus. Sara, Lavinia, and Becky have major solos as do Miss Minchin, Miss Amelia, Cook, Ram, and Perkins. One of the adult males will sing off-stage as the voice of Captain Crew, Sara’s Father.
A note about the production schedule: The Little Princess is being cast well in advance of the start of actual rehearsals to accommodate a trip being taken by the Director during the period April through July. During those months, there will be periodic read-throughs and vocal assessments to be conducted by the production staff in the Director’s absence.
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“THE SECRET GARDEN”:
Auditions for The Secret Garden:
Saturday April 21st from 9am to 3pm.
Call backs will be on Sunday April 22nd between 1 and 5pm.
Director: Lorrene Baum-Davis’ Blog
Music: Lucy Simon Book & Lyrics: Marsha Norman
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnet, The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely little girl who is sent to live with her uncle Archibald in Yorkshire, England after being orphaned by a cholera epidemic in India. Still grieving over the loss of his beloved wife Lily, who died ten years earlier during childbirth and distraught over the condition of his bedridden son, Archibald casts a dark shadow over the manor until Mary discovers a secret garden that had once belonged to Lily. By nursing this garden back to life, Mary somehow restores life to her grieving uncle and his sick son.
This uplifting show will fill everyone watching with hope, the promise of joy and love. Go to this You Tube site to watch a review of some of the show’s music at the 45th Annual Tony Awards. There are CD’s of the show and a sample script to borrow before the auditions.
Auditions will take place at Imagination Theater! on Saturday April 21st from 9am to 3pm and then call backs will be on Sunday April 22nd between 1 and 5pm. Auditioners should bring:
Five copies of theater resume’
One head shot
Sing a song similar to the musical and to the role that is being pursued.
Dress in comfortable clothing
Bring lunch and drinks.
There will be an accompanist so bring sheet music or a CD to sing to.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Mary Lennox: female mezzo 8 to 12 lead
Archibald Craven: male tenor 35 to 45 lead
Colin Craven: male soprano 8 to 12 lead
Lily Craven: female soprano 26 to 39 supporting
Dr. Neville Craven: male baritone 25 to 40 supporting
Martha: female mezzo 18 to 30 supporting
Dickon: male tenor 16 to 28 supporting
Rose: female mezzo 21 to 35 supporting
Albert: male tenor 30 to 45 supporting
Ben Weatherstaff: male tenor 40 to 65 supporting
Mrs. Medlock: female spoken 30 to 45 supporting
Ayah: female alto 21-50 supporting
Fakir: male tenor 25 to 40 supporting
Mrs. Winthrope: female spoken 30 to 50 cameo
William: male tenor 18 to 30 cameo
Betsy: female alto 18 to 30 cameo
Lieutenant Ian Shaw: male tenor 24-34 cameo
Alice: female soprano 21 to 35 cameo
Claire: female soprano 30 to 45 cameo
Major Holms: male bass 32 to 48 cameo
Lieutenant Peter Wright: male baritone 24 to 34 cameo
Timothy: male bass 18 to 30 cameo
E-Mail:
2012TheSecretGarden (at) gmail.com for more information on the production.
(Substitute the “@” symbol for the “(at)” shown above, in your email To: field.)
Frequently-Asked Questions:
Audition-Related Questions
The answers to most questions can be found in the audition notice. The rest of this section is for general information, and not show-specific tips.
Do I need previous experience to audition at IT?
Experience is great and can be helpful, but anyone is welcome to audition. Some of our favorite onstage moments have come from first-time performers.
How long will the auditions take?
The audition notice will give you a start time and end time. You should plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to sign up and fill out your audition form. The audition is over when the director is done. This may be earlier or it may be later than anticipated, depending on the number of people auditioning. Come prepared with water, a snack and patience. Parents and friends are allowed to attend the auditions but will be asked to sit quietly in the back and not participate in the process.
What are the requirements for auditions?
It’s important that you read the audition notice carefully to be sure of the director’s requirements. Usually everyone who auditions for a musical must sing a song, read from the script on stage with other auditioners, and learn and perform a dance combination. Play auditions normally consist on script readings, general stage movement and some improvisation. Be as prepared as possible by reading the script before the auditions. Sometimes you can borrow a copy of the script from the IT! Box Office; if not, try the library or online resources. Prepare for a singing audition by memorizing and practicing your chosen audition song (see below) until you are comfortable and confident. Many people also like listening to the CD and/or watching the movie of the show if available. This can help with characterization and plot, but don’t get too caught up in how the original actors performed; make it your own.
How do I choose a song?
If you have a vocal teacher, discuss your song choice and prepare it with their help. If you do not, start with these basic tips: 1) Choose a song from a Broadway show; other genres like pop songs are acceptable, but not encouraged. 2) Choose a similar style to the show you are auditioning for, be it jazzy, rock ‘n roll or traditional. 3) Choose a song that fits well with your natural vocal range and style. 4) Pick a song you already know, or at least one with a familiar tune. This will help with your learning time and confidence at the audition. 5) Choose a back up song. Sometimes, the director will ask you to sing something else; so have another song ready just in case. Sheet music and karaoke CDs are available from many sources, including online retailers like itunes, ebay and Amazon. Give yourself enough time to order, receive and practice the song before the auditions. Please note that you are not allowed to sing along with a CD that includes vocals!
What should I wear to the auditions?
For vocal and reading auditions, you may wear what you are most comfortable in. Keep in mind the theater could be cold or hot, so layers are best. Do not wear revealing or overly tight clothing. Your shoes should be comfortable and easy to walk in; clunky clogs, high heels and flip flops are not ideal. For dance auditions, you must wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can stretch and move in. You should also wear either dance shoes like ballet, jazz or character shoes, or tennis shoes.
Do I need a resume and picture?
In some cases, the audition notice will ask for these, and it’s always a good idea to think back on your experience. For some auditions, your photo will be taken when you arrive to aid in the casting process. “Serious” and “performance career-oriented” auditioners are highly encouraged to provide resumes and photo head-shots. However, parents and auditioners are encouraged not to create lengthy and extensive resumes for young children. Your resume should include your contact information, a list of other shows and roles you’ve had, your dance and music experience, and any special performance skills you may have (sword-fighting, for example). The picture should be a head and shoulders shot and have your name written on the back. In addition, all auditioners should bring a list of dates you know you are not available between the audition and Closing Night (i.e. vacations, work commitments).
What are Call-backs and how will I know if I need to be there?
Call-backs are the last step in the audition process and usually have more of the same singing, reading and dance elements as the regular audition. They are needed when the director wants to see people again, perhaps in different combinations or in different scenes/roles than before. Sometimes the director may have specific people sing a specific song from the show. If you are auditioning for a lead role, check the audition notice to see if you need to prepare another song. You will usually find out if you need to be at the Call-back auditions when the director posts a list or talks to you individually.
How will I find out if I’m in the show?
The director will post a cast list sometime after the Call-back auditions. It will include the names of everyone in the show and their role. If you’re on the list, congratulations and welcome! If you’re not, please try again next time. Please note that all decisions are final and may not be disputed. Some changes may occur if a cast member is unable to accept their role, but it’s up to the director to make those changes, and arguing will likely decrease your chances both now and in the future!
Participation-related questions:
What are the costs of being in an IT production?
The participation fee varies but is currently $65 and must be paid at or before the first read-through. This fee partially covers the cost of insurance, as well as supplies. In addition, performers are expected to provide their own shoes, undergarments and make-up. Other potential costs are optional and may include a show T-shirt, show DVD, snacks, hair pieces/wigs, staff gifts, and tickets beyond your family night and complimentary ticket allowances.
What are the responsibilities of the cast member?
Cast members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, participate in set construction and help with publicity. Any absences must be discussed and approved by the director before the rehearsal. Cast members are also expected to learn their parts on-schedule, have a positive attitude, keep focused during rehearsals, and respect their fellow cast members and production staff.
Is parental involvement required?
Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from rehearsals. Please keep in mind that rehearsals are not a contract for child care, so changes in the schedule should be expected and parents should remain flexible. Parents are encouraged to join in their child’s set construction and publicity responsibilities. If you are interested in helping in other ways, such as costumes, lights, stage crew or box office, please see the producer.
What is the rehearsal schedule like?
The specific schedule will be passed out and posted by the director and is subject to change. Generally, rehearsals take place on weekday evenings and weekend days as necessary. The schedule is generally light in the beginning and more intense as opening night approaches.
What is the performance schedule like?
A production can run from 3-6 weeks and there are about 3-4 shows per weekend. The schedule depends on the size of the show and the judgment of the director and producer.
We hope this helps! If you have any more questions, please call the IT! Box Office at (530) 642-0404.