AUDITION PACKET. Page Middle Players

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1 Page Middle Players AUDITION PACKET Contents Include: Director Note and Contact Info Audition Form Play Summary and Character Descriptions Important Parent Info Tentative Rehearsal/Show Schedule Audition Monologues *Please read the entire packet! 1

2 Dear parents and students, Thank you for your interest in auditioning for a role in Page Middle School s production of Disney s The Lion King Jr. If you are preparing for auditions, make sure to read all the materials in this packet. Choose roles that speak to you or you think might be fun/challenging. There are character descriptions in this packet, as well as monologue options for auditions. To help with your understanding of the characters and musical itself, check out film clips on Youtube, read summaries online, or refer to the original animated Disney classic. You only have to sign up for ONE of the five-minute vocal/acting audition slots on either Tuesday, December 5 or Thursday, December 7. For that part of the audition, you will perform your vocal selection acapella, with Ms. Wineland offering additional guidance on piano. You will also perform a monologue of your choosing from one of the Lion King characters (monologues to choose are in this packet and on Google Classroom). ALL students auditioning will attend the movement/dance audition on Tuesday, December 14 from 3:00 to 6:00. Cast list should be announced after school sometime on Friday, December 15. The list will be posted on Google Classroom and the drama department website ( The best way to contact me is by (bradley.brown@wcs.edu). If you have a vocal-specific question, please Ms. Wineland at molly.wineland@wcs.edu or ask her on the Audition Google Classroom. This is an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward with sharing it with the students and our audiences in April. Brad Brown Page Middle Drama Instructor Director, Page Middle Players NOTE: All students auditioning need to sign up for the The Lion King Cast Audition Interest Google Classroom with this code: oedkeko ADDITIONAL NOTE: ONLY return pages 3-4 as your Audition Form in the tray outside of the auditorium do not turn back in the entire packet. Use the rest of the packet to help you prepare. 2

3 Page Middle Players Audition Form Performance Dates: April 13-14, 16, 20-21, 2018 The Lion King, Jr. Audition Date/Time: Name: Parent/Guardian s Name: Grade: Parent/Guardian s and Phone Number: List below all prior theatre experience in the past four years both in cast and crew. (If you need more room, please use another sheet of paper) Play Role/Position Theatre Date Are there particular roles that you are interested in? Would you accept any role you are offered? If not, why? If you are not cast, would be willing to work tech? If not, why? List any special skills you could bring to the production as a performer (juggling, stage combat, gymnastics, etc.) List below any vocal or dance training or experience you have had (i.e. choirs, voice lessons, dance troupes, dance lessons, etc.) Experience Beginning Date Ending Date 3

4 Please list your class schedule below. Class Teacher Class Teacher 1 st 4 th 2 nd 5 th 3 rd 6 th Block off below any times that you would not be able to work due to prescheduled activities such as church, sports practices, tutoring, or lessons. 10:00 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 Note: During tech week (April 9-12, 2018), performers and various crew will be expected to be at tech rehearsals until 9:00pm. Dinner will be provided, and study/homework breaks will be scheduled. IMPORTANT: Please list below any after school or weekend commitments that would interfere with your ability to work on the show or any specific dates you know you will out of town or unable to be at the theatre. January February March April 4

5 MUSICAL SUMMARY The Lion King, Jr. RAFIKI gathers the ANIMALS of the Pridelands to welcome the newborn cub of King MUFASA and Queen SARABI (Circle of Life). The king s jealous brother SCAR, no longer heir to the throne, skips the ceremony, upsetting Mufasa. Time passes (Grasslands Chant) and YOUNG SIMBA grows into a curious young lion. Mufasa explains the circle of life and that Young Simba will one day be king of the Pridelands. Young Simba shares this news with Scar, who encourages his nephew to visit the forbidden Elephant Graveyard. Young Simba finds his best friend YOUNG NALA hunting with SARAFINA and the LIONESSES (The Lioness Hunt) and invites her on his adventure. Once they ditch their overbearing babysitter ZAZU (I Just Can t Wait to be King), the cubs encounter the ravenous SHENZI, BANZAI and ED in the graveyard. Mufasa arrives and pummels the hyenas then takes the cubs home. Scar emerges from the darkness to recruit the HYENAS in his murderous plan to become king (Be Prepared). Back in the Pridelands, Mufasa reprimands Young Simba then shares the guidance of their ancestors, up among the stars (The Live in You). Enacting his plan, Scar leaves Young Simba alone in the gorge and signals the hyenas to scare a herd of wildebeest (The Stampede). Scar alerts Mufasa, who leaps into the stampede to save his son. Mufasa rescues Young Simba, but Scar pushes his brother back onto the gorge, where he is trampled. Scar blames Young Simba for the king s death and tells him to run away and never return. As Sarabi, Young Nala, Rafiki, and the lionesses mourn the moss of Mufasa and Young Simba (The Mourning), Scar assumes the throne, uniting lions and hyenas under his dark reign. Lost in the desert, Young Simba meets TIMON and PUMBAA, who take him to their worry-free jungle home (Hakuna Matata). Under Scar s reign, the Pridelands are nearly destroyed. Now grown, NALA decides to leave and seek help (Shadowland). To her delight, she finds SIMBA alive in the jungle (Can You Feel the Love Tonight). Nala urges him to take his rightful place as king, but still ashamed, Simba refuses. Rafiki appears and helps Simba remember his father (He Lives in You). With newfound courage, Simba agrees to return to the Pridelands. Timon and Pumbaa distract the hyenas (Luau Hawaiian Treat) while Nala rallies the lionesses. Simba confronts his uncle, the truth of Mufasa s murder is revealed, and Scar runs away, pursued by angry hyenas. With peace restored in the Pridelands,, Simba takes his place as king, with Nala by his side, and the circle of life continues (Finale). 5

6 Character Breakdown Ensemble The ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other creatures you choose to include. Strong singer/actors who can move well. Lionesses The fierce hunters of the Pridelands and featured in "The Lioness Hunt," "The Mourning," and "Shadowland." Strong dancers/movers who sing well. Hyenas Scar's army, helping carry out his evil plot to take over the Pridelands. Hyenas are mangy, mindless creatures who can sing and move well while playing the loud and raucous characters. Sarafina A featured lioness and Nala's mother. Must move well. Sarabi A featured lioness, Mufasa's mate, and Simba's mother. Sarabi has a few key speaking lines for an actor who can deliver the care and command of a queen. Must move well. Banzai A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren't so lazy. Outgoing and confident actor who can portray nastiness and gruffness. Shenzi One of Scar's hyenas who plot to take over the Pridelands. The sassy one of the trio and is always looking out for herself/himself. With Banzai and Ed, he/she should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and Young Nala. Ed The third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. Has a loud, cackling laugh that is his/her only form of communication. Ed should be played by an actor who can laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words. Timon An outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. He is afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident, relaxed leader of the duo. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show and should be played by a charismatic performer with good comic timing. Pumbaa A kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. An performer who can portray a loveable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor. 6

7 Zazu The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Good comic timing is a must. Young Nala A courageous lion and Young Simba's best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. A spunky performer who can sing with confidence. Nala Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar in Act II. Must move well and convey care and confidence in her performance. Rafiki A wise mandrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. She is an omniscient character, evincing an air of mystery. Rafiki has significant solos in "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You," and leads the African chants throughout the show, so a confident performer with a VERY strong singing voice. Scar The antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands. A mature performer who can bring out the villain's dark side while handling Scar's sarcastic sense of humor. Must be a strong singer/actor. Young Simba The protagonist of the story, is an adventurous and endearing cub who can't wait to be king of the Pridelands. Simba is playful, energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa's death, Simba struggles with shame and his destiny. A strong singer and dynamic performer. Simba Older Simba has more complex moments as he reunites with Nala, mourns his father, and returns to confront Scar. Mature actor who sings well. Mufasa The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show tenderness with his son, Simba. A mature actor who can convincingly portray the king. 7

8 GENERAL PARENT/PERFORMER INFORMATION ROLES and CASTING There are many unique and special roles in The Lion King, Jr.. Some focus on singing, others on dancing and some very important parts are mostly acting/movement-based parts. Casting will be based on an actor s age/grade, rehearsal availability, interests and audition. TIME COMMITMENT The Page Middle Players Team is dedicated to providing a quality educational and artistic experience to as many students as possible. Since we all have many time obligations and family commitments we are striving to give you detailed information on rehearsal schedules so you can make informed choices for your student and your family. We will do our best to honor the schedule we present by making as few or no changes to the schedule and by always starting and stopping on time. COSTUMES Costumes will once again be designed by our fabulous parent and student costume designers. They will be working to provide the main costume pieces for each character. Individual students will be asked to provide appropriate undergarments and shoes. We will send out information after rehearsals begin outlining the specific items needed for each student. Information regarding hair and make-up will be sent home before our tech week. IMPORTANT DATES December 5, 7, and 14 th, 2017 Audition Week please see Audition Information for details TBA (before winter break) First Read-Through and Passing Out of Materials January 9, 2018 First Musical Rehearsal January 23, 2018 OFF-BOOK (lines/songs memorized) March 26-30, Spring Break NO REHEARSAL April 7 Tech Week Begins Performances: April 13, 14, 16, 20, 21 at 7:00pm GENERAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Cast members will be called on Tuesdays, Thursdays and many Fridays. This will be the bulk of our rehearsal time. Each week will look slightly different as we work our way through the show. Early rehearsals will primarily be working on music and choreography. A specific rehearsal schedule will be published every two weeks outlining our daily rehearsals. 8

9 WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Tuesday: 3:00 6:00 Thursday: 3:00 6:00 Friday: When Needed (possibly starting in March) TECH WEEK SCHEDULE no conflicts allowed with this week April 7 - Saturday TBA FULL CAST (if needed) April 9 Monday 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST April 10 Tuesday 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST April 11 Wed.- 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST **DRESS REHEARSAL April 12 Thurs. 3:00-9:00 - FULL CAST **FINAL DRESS April 13 Friday 5:00 FULL CAST CALL 7:00 CURTAIN April 14 Saturday 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN April 16 Monday 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN April 20 Friday 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN April 21 Saturday - 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN COMMUNICATION The Page Middle Players The Lion King, Jr. Google Classroom will be our primary means of communication. We will also keep basic information on the drama department website (edublogs.wcs.edu/pagemiddledrama). and Twitter (@wcspagemsbb) blasts will be used for last minute changes or for individual communication. We will post all schedules and pertinent show information to the websites. Please check the websites often. All rehearsal schedules will be posted in a timely manner. CONFLICTS Please list all of your conflicts -- standing conflicts (each week), long-term conflicts (vacations, etc.) on your audition sheet. This is the only way we can put together a rehearsal schedule for the students. All conflicts approved by the director at the time of auditions will be considered excused absences. Illness and/or injury are also considered excused. Please make every effort to report absences before the rehearsal time. That way the teaching team can adjust the schedule to accommodate. Long term illnesses or injuries may require some modifications to a student s role. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL MEMORIZATION Memorizing your lines is one of the major responsibilities for all actors. We re in this together! Actors who struggle with lines make it difficult for the entire cast to rehearse. The due date for memorizing Act One lines and music is January 23. The due date for memorizing Act Two lines and music is January 30. Actors who are not actively working on memorization by the due dates may be asked to meet with the teaching team before tech week to discuss the continuation of their role. Students should be well on their way to having the show memorized considering they will have their materials over the holiday break. 9

10 ABSENCES Rehearsal conflicts are difficult on everyone. Actors who have two or more unexcused or unreported absences may be asked to meet with the Page Middle Drama Teaching Team to discuss their role in the show. UNDERSTUDIES Since all kinds of things can happen during our rehearsal period, understudies may be assigned as we go along. This can help to cover conflicts, illnesses etc. Should the need arise to use understudies, the Teaching Team will inform the understudy and the actor they are helping of any changes to schedules or rehearsal responsibilities. TECH CREW We have opportunities for students grades 6-8 who would like to work on the technical aspects of the show. If a student does not make the cast, they can always try for a tech/design/crew position. Mini-projects, essays, and an interview are required for these roles. More information will be provided before winter break on these groups. BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE POLICY Page Middle Drama follows the same rules of conduct as students are expected to follow during the school day, as outlined on the Page Middle website and in all student agendas. For daily rehearsals the Page Middle Drama Teaching Team will follow a three strikes--you re out policy. Details of our rehearsal policy will be outlined at our first rehearsals. CLOSED REHEARSALS AND CHAPERONES Page Middle Drama rehearsals are considered closed rehearsals. Family and friends are asked to wait outside of the rehearsal area for your students. This keeps our noise level and distractions to a minimum. However, if you would like to observe rehearsals we encourage you to contact us. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS It takes a small army to make these productions! That s where our parents come in. We strongly encourage all parents take on a pre-production and a production job so that we share the workload. If you have a special area of expertise that you would like to offer help with, we would be love to hear from you! There will be a Signup Genius process that allows for parents to become involved. CONTACT INFORMATION Bradley Brown Director bradley.brown@wcs.edu Caitlin Galo Assistant Director caitlin.galo@wcs.edu Molly Wineland Musical Director molly.wineland@wcs.edu 10

11 Steps to Audition 1. Please read through all the information posted on the Page Middle Drama websites and in this packet before making a commitment to the Page Middle Production. 2. Fill out an audition form located online on The Lion King Audition Interest Google Classroom or department web site or pick up a physical copy from Mr. Brown or Ms. Wineland. Attach a photo and return your form to the tray outside the auditorium by Tuesday, December Sign up for an audition date outside the auditorium. If you have a conflict with your assigned audition day/time you may request ahead of time to audition on a different day based on availability. 4. Prepare for the audition using the information provided in the audition packet, including your choice of monologues and the song you prepared. 5. Vocal and acting auditions are December 5 and 7. Dance/Movement auditions are December The cast list for The Lion King will be posted on the Page Middle Drama web site and the school website on the weekend of December 15, AUDITION INFORMATION AUDITION WEEK SCHEDULE December 5 Tuesday 3:00 6:30 Vocal/Acting Audition Day One December 7 Thursday 3:00 6:30 Vocal/Acting Audition Day Two December 14 Thursday 3:00 6:00 Movement/Dance Audition (all auditioning) GENERAL AUDITIONS All students signing up for The Lion King must attend a vocal audition. Here s what you do: 1. Turn in your audition form outside the auditorium in the appropriate tray 2. You will sign up for an audition time for any one of the available dates. You are not required to be here the entire time, but make sure you are adequately prepared for your five-minute audition slot. 3. Vocal Auditions: For the vocal auditions, students should come in prepared to sing their selection as Ms. Wineland suggested (an up-beat, expressive Disney song is most appropriate). Obviously all material must be school-appropriate. Students will sing about seconds of the songs they audition with (or around bars). Keep in mind that Ms. Wineland may ask students to sing specific parts, so please be very familiar with your song. These should definitely be memorized! This allows you to put your "best foot forward" so that Audition Day can go as smoothly as possible. Students will also perform a memorized monologue from The Lion King (choices are in the audition packet and on Google Classroom). 4. The cast list will be posted sometime during the weekend of December 15 (on Google Classroom and the Page Middle Drama website). 11

12 AUDITION MONOLOGUES/SNIPPETS If a character you are interested in is not here, choose the monologue or character who you feel is closest ot the character(s) you are interested in. Please prepare ONE of these short monologues to perform with your vocal selection at your audition. YOUNG SIMBA: Hey Uncle Scar, guess what! I'm going to be king of Pride Rock. My Dad just showed me the whole kingdom, and I'm going to rule it all. I m working on my roar. Here, listen! Roar!! I can t wait to be king! No one bossing me around Free to play all day... Free to do it all my way! Hey, Uncle Scar? When I'm king, what will that make you? SCAR: Mufasa s death is a terrible tragedy. But to lose Simba too? For me, it is a deep, personal loss. So it is with a heavy heart that I assume the throne. Yet out of the ashes of this tragedy, we shall rise to greet the dawning of a new era in which lion and hyena come together in a great and glorious future! TIMON: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Time out! Let me get this straight. You know her. She knows you. But she wants to eat us. And everybody s okay with this?!? MUFASA: You have forgotten who you are and so, have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You must take your place in the circle of life. Remember who you are..you are my son and the one true king. NALA: Simba, I don t understand. You ve been alive all this time. Why didn t you come back to pride rock? Scar let the hyenas take over the Pridelands! Everything s destroyed. There s no food, no water. If we both go back together, we can do something about it. RAFIKI: Oh, yes the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or you can learn from it. You see? So what are you going to do now? SHENZI: Well, well, well, Banzai. What have we got here? A trio of trespassers!! Whoa, whoa, wait wait wait... I know you. {points to Zazu} You're Mufasa's little stooge. And that would make you... {turning to Simba} the future king? Do you know what we do to kings who step out of their kingdom? PUMBAA: Uh-oh. Hey Timon. You better come look. I think it s still alive. Hey, Timon. It's just a little lion. Look at him. He's so cute, and all alone! Can we keep him? Maybe he'll be on our side. So, we keepin' him? ZAZU: Oh look! Little seeds of romance blossoming in the savanna! And one day you two will be married! Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you two turtle doves have no choice. It's a tradition going back generations. SIMBA: Looks like the winds are changing, but it s not easy. I know what I have to do. But it means facing my past and it still hurts. (excited) I m going back! Note: The only certainties as far as gender is Rafiki will very likely be female, and Mufasa and Older Simba will be male. Also, we will likely cast Scar as a male, but we are open to interpretations. 12