Audition Pack Engadine Musical Society Performances October 2018 Engadine Community Centre

Transcription

1 Production Team Director Kenney Ogilvie Musical Director Peter Sampson Choreographer Tracey Blankenship Audition Pack Engadine Musical Society Performances October 2018 Engadine Community Centre Orientation Wednesday, May 23 7:30pm St John Bosco Theatrette Banksia Ave, Engadine Key Dates Performances Friday, October 8pm Saturday, October 2pm Saturday, October 8pm Sunday, October 2pm Wednesday October 8pm Friday October 8pm Saturday, October 2pm Saturday, October 8pm Sunday, October 2pm Auditions Sunday, June 3 from 9am Monday, June 4 from 7:30pm Wednesday, June 6 Callbacks St John Bosco Theatrette Banksia Ave, Engadine Bump In Saturday, October 13 Bump Out Saturday, October 28 Tech & Dress Rehearsals Sunday, October 14 Monday, October 15 Wednesday, October 17 EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 1

2 Rehearsals Rehearsals will commence on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30pm at St John Bosco (Banksia Ave, Engadine). Rehearsals will be held every Monday and Wednesday evening. These rehearsals will run from 7.30pm pm. Cast members will also be required to attend some Sunday rehearsals. Please see the attached list of dates for a clear idea of the commitment required. Week Mondays Wednesdays Sundays Week One June 13 Week Two June 18 June 20 Week Three June 25 June 27 Week Four July 2 July 4 Week Five July 9 July 11 Week Six July 16 July 18 Week Seven July 23 July 25 Week Eight July 30 August 1 Week Nine August 6 (Bank Holiday) August 8 August 12 Week Ten August 13 August 15 Week Eleven August 20 August 22 Week Twelve August 27 August 29 FATHER S DAY (no rehearsal) Week Thirteen September 3 September 5 September 9 Week Fourteen September 10 September 12 September 16 Week Fifteen September 17 September 19 September 23 Week Sixteen September 24 September 26 September 30 Week Seventeen October 1 (Labour Day) October 3 October 7 Week Eighteen October 8 October 10 October 14 10am-10pm Week Nineteen Week Twenty TECH & PERFORMANCES PERFORMANCES Please note: The Big Fish rehearsal period coincides with two blocks of school holidays marked in light blue above. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 2

3 About Big Fish Based on 1998 novel and the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name, Big Fish is a magical family musical that follows the extraordinary life of Edward Bloom, as he chooses to tell it. Tall tales come as natural as breathing to Edward, a traveling salesman with a natural flair for charm. But what ignites his son William s imagination as a child only pushes him away the older he gets. As Will embarks on his own journey towards fatherhood, he is forced to confront the issues he holds against his own father before it is too late to reconcile. Characters inhabiting the world of Big Fish exist in both modern day Alabama/New York, and a heightened fantasy realm from the past. Big Fish is a powerfully emotional musical spanning over 50 years about legacy and the bond between a father and son. Parents should note that while the musical is a wholesome/family friendly production, the Tim Burton movie is darker, rated PG, has cursing and main characters who frankly discuss aspects of Christmas. The movie is different to the musical and is not recommended as research for younger viewers. Casting Information and Requirements All members of the Big Fish cast must be 9 years or older at the time of auditions. Big Fish has performance opportunities for children (Primary School), teens (High School & up to 18) and adults (18 plus). People auditioning for the production will be working with a variety of age groups. Big Fish will have featured scene work for experienced dancers (for teens and adults) Opportunities for people who have experience with large puppetry and circus skills. Previous experience and looks/appearance may be considered in addition to audition performance in casting decisions. The cast for Big Fish will be around 50 people including, but not limited to: Adult Ensemble 12 Teen Ensemble 8 Children Ensemble 10 Featured Dancers 6 The production team reserves the right to revise those numbers at the time of casting. A range of shapes and sizes is desired for all roles. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 3

4 Character Breakdown Actors of all ethnicities are suitable for all characters except William Bloom and Young Will whom must both appear to be the same ethnicity in addition to the biological child of his parents Edward & Sandra Bloom. Please Note: characters will be required to speak with an ALABAMA ACCENT. Principal Roles Character Description Vocal Range Edward Bloom over 35 Sandra Bloom Female over 35 William Bloom Late 20s/early 30s Young Will 9-16 Charming, charismatic and romantic A father to Will Bloom. Carries the emotional core of the musical by stealing the hearts and tears of the audience. Like the Roald Dahl characters William (The Father in Danny the Champion of the World) or Fantastic Mr Fox: a strong, paternal figure with a twinkle in his eye and an adventure waiting around every corner. Edward is vibrant and leads a complex imaginary life. Strength in acting, singing and dance required The actor playing Edward Bloom must possess the physicality to play the approximate ages of: 10, 20, 30 & 50 Warm, peaceful and insightful (Much more than) Edward Bloom s wife, she understands who she is and the people around her are better than they do. She unconditionally loves her husband and son, and allows them to take ownership of their feuds instead fixing it herself. A beautifully centred human being and incredible mother. In her youth, Sandra was an earnest All-American-Sweetheart. Strength in acting and singing required The actor playing Sandra Bloom must possess the physicality to play the approximate ages of: 20 and 50 Stubborn, confident and focused Unable to accept his Father s fanciful stories, Will grows up to resent the lies he believed so fiercely as a child. When his wife Josephine falls pregnant, he confronts the disconnect with his father and yearns to repair the storm of emotions between them. His fierce emotional journey and ultimate embrace of his father must be earned and be felt by the audience. Strength in acting and singing required Bright eyed, adventurous and studious A beautiful blend of both his mother and father, the Young William Bloom idolises his father s every syllable and studies diligently at school until he becomes old enough to discern fact from fiction and distances himself from his father through his academic (and later, professional) achievements. The actor playing Young Will must look approximately 12 High Baritone G2-G4 Mezzo G3-E5 Tenor C#3-G4 F4-C5 EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 4

5 Character Description Vocal Range Josephine Bloom Female Late 20s/early 30s Karl 18 plus Amos Calloway 30 and over Witch Female Late 20s plus Jenny Hill Female 30 and over Don Price Late 20s/early 30s Zacky Price Sweet, intelligent and patient Perfectly complimenting William, Josephine (a high profile journalist) blends into the Bloom family as if she was always there. Immediately understanding the friction between her husband and father in law, she beautifully supports her partner over the course of his journey in accepting his father. Josephine is often on stage observing and discovering information as the audience does. She is pregnant. Shy, brilliant and loveable Karl is a giant who is trapped by his own feelings of inadequacy. Best friends with a young Edward who encourages Karl to be everything he can be. The two of them travel towards adulthood on the road, both finding fortune. Karl appreciates irony. The actor playing Karl must be physically tall and have control over their gross dexterity skills. They are required to sing/act/ dance in stilts for most of their scenes. Eccentric, opportunistic and loyal Larger than life ringmaster and owner of the Calloway Circus. Burdened with the secret of being a Warewolf, Edward teaches Amos to never hide who he truly is from the world, as weaknesses can be turned into our greatest strengths. Mysterious, commanding and fearless A fortune teller who lives in a swamp near Edward s hometown of Ashton. She teaches him to walk boldly through life, never fearing what we know will befall upon us. An earned, contemporary diva. Optimistic, trapped and fragile Edward s cheerleading high school sweetheart. A dreamer who waits her whole life for Edward to return to her after he sets off to make his own fortune in the world. Her youthful optimism is lost in adult life. Jenny s sincerity and honesty is the key to unlocking William s ultimate embrace of his father. The actor playing Jenny Hill must possess the physicality to play the approximate ages of: 16, 20s, & 50 Entitled, proud and buffoonish An older acquaintance of Edward s living in his shadow since meeting in their youth. He s loud, and comes across to the audience as a bully. He s constantly weighed down by feelings of inadequacy when comparing himself to Edward. The actor playing Don Price must possess the physicality to play the approximate ages of: 10, 20, 30 & 50 Enthusiastic, naive and comedic The younger, devoted brother of Don Price. The actor playing Zacky Price must possess the physicality to play the approximate ages of: 10, 20, 30 & 50 Mezzo with Mix/Belt-C#5 Baritone/Bass A3-D4 Tenor C3-G5 Mezzo with high belt: F3-F5 Mezzo with Mix/Belt-E5 Baritone C3-F#4 Baritone G3-F#4 EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 5

6 Character Description Vocal Range The Alabama Lambs Females 18- early 20s The Girl in the Water Female 18- early 20s Dr Bennett Middle aged Frustrated Fisherman Adult Exuberant and goofy Two girls that form a trio of singers with Sandra Bloom in her youth. Their dance routine and behaviour is occasionally dirtier than they mean it to be. Ability to harmonise Etherial and mysterious A mermaid who teaches Edward how the power of love can forever change someone. No vocal solo Wise and considered Edward Bloom s long standing family physician. Directly lifted from a Tennessee Williams play. Salt of the earth. No vocal solo Frustrated and endearing A loveable, jaunty yokel with a poor track record for catching fish and a song in his heart. Dance required - No vocal solo Ensemble singing Ensemble singing Ensemble singing Ensemble singing Ensemble and Featured Roles There are an extensive list of over 20 supporting characters with spoken dialogue in Big Fish. Ensemble work for this production is busy, with over 10 major ensemble choreographed numbers spanning multiple locations, time and characters including (but not limited to): Residents of Ashton - Mayor, Teacher, Sharecropper, Little Girl, Barber, Shepard University Students - Cheerleaders, Fraternity Brothers, Red Haired Women Circus Performers - Alabama Lamb Trio, Audience, Elephants, Bears Swamp Witches Wedding Guests War Time Heroes - Red Fang The Deadly Assassin, General Patterson, Soldiers, Patriotic Dancers Hospital Staff - Doctors, Nurses Mythical elements - Wind, water Scouts Please feel free to indicate on your audition form if you are interested in any of the characters above. Additionally, there are two spoken dialogue opportunities for children: Little Girl With Cat Over Excited Scout Aside from key principal characters, cast will be required to learn all musical numbers and be prepared to sing side stage if required. Several moments in the show are underscored with unseen choral performers. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 6

7 Audition Material Character Singing Audition Edward Bloom Out There On the Road Bars 1-34 Daffodils Bars Sandra Bloom Two Men In My Life Bars 2-19 I Don t Need A Roof Bars William Bloom Stranger Bars Young Will (AUDITION) Be The Hero Bars Young Will (CALLBACK ONLY) Fight The Dragons Bars Josephine Bloom Just Take Another Look** Bars 7-15 Karl Start Over Bars Amos Calloway Closer To Her Bars 7-40 Witch I Know What You Want* Bars Jenny Hill Ashton s Favourite Son** Bars Out There on the Road Bars Don Price Start Over Bars 3-16 & Zacky Price Start Over Bars Alabama Lambs Little Lamb From Alabama Bars 5-37 The Girl In The Water Be The Hero Bars Dr Bennett Be The Hero Bars Frustrated Fisherman Be The Hero Bars Children Ensemble Be The Hero Bars Teen Ensemble, Adult Ensemble and Featured Dancers Be The Hero Bars * On the Broadway Cast Recording, this song is called The Witch ** These songs are not on the broadway cast recording, but examples can be found on Youtube recordings of the production produced at universities and/or community theatre organisations in America. (Please note: Do not assume the characterisations you find in other productions reflect what the production team are looking for) Sheet music is available on the Engadine Musical Society website. Young Will applicants must prepare the same music as the CHILDREN excerpt (Be The Hero: Bars 69-79) for their initial audition Adult Readings will be available for digital download on the Engadine musical society website after orientation. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 7

8 Audition Process All individuals auditioning for Big Fish will be required to complete a singing and dance audition. Those individuals wishing to audition for a principal role or featured ensemble part will be required to also complete a set reading. The information below outlines both the expectations of the production team and the requirements for each facet of the audition process. Singing Audition Applicants auditioning are required to participate in a singing audition Please see table on page 7 for the set songs. A pianist will be available on the day. It is expected that applicants have prepared the provided audition piece. Please do not include choreography as part of your vocal audition but feel free to express your selected character through facial expressions and body language. Dance Audition There is nothing to prepare in advance. The choreographer will set and then drill a short routine. Whilst assessing technique and current ability, a willingness to learn will also be an important element in the audition. The dance audition itself will then be performed in small groups. Please wear appropriate, non restrictive clothing. The Choreography in Big Fish is character driven often with elements of fantasy. The production team will be looking for dancers who can bring a personality to their movement. Applicants wishing to be considered as a Featured Dancer are required to attend auditions on Sunday. Suitable applicants will be invited to Monday dance callbacks after their Sunday audition session. Reading Audition Applicants auditioning for any spoken role will need to prepare a short dialogue excerpt from the production. Readings will be available in digital format on the EMS website after the orientation. While performers are not required to memorise the script, it is expected that they have prepared the piece and carefully considered/developed the character they are auditioning for. You may be reading opposite a member of the casting panel. Be prepared to receive direction during your audition. This may mean that some readings will be cut short. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 8

9 Children Auditions All child applicants are required on Sunday, June 3 at the 9am-10:30am or 10am-11:30am sessions. They need to prepare a short singing excerpt from the show and participate in the dance call. Any child wishing to be considered for a speaking role is also required to prepare a spoken line of dialogue in an Alabama accent. Please find the dialogue options below. OPTION ONE Calling out to the mayor at a town meeting, referring to a giant who lives in a cave close by LITTLE GIRL WITH CAT: He might eat my cat! OPTION TWO Talking to the experienced Scout Leader, who will agree and kindly supervise the Scout in making the fire. OVER EXCITED SCOUT: I ll get the fire started! Young Will Auditions Children auditioning for Young Will are required to attend Children auditions on Sunday, May 3. Young Will applicants will sing the same music as the Children s music excerpt (Be The Hero: Bars 69-79), but prepare a seperate Young Will Reading found below. Be prepared to read opposite a member of the casting panel. At the conclusion of your season, the production team will invite any suitable applicants to Young Will callbacks the following evening (Monday, June 4) where they will participate in an additional prepared reading (provided on Sunday) and present the Young Will musical excerpt found on the page 7 table. YOUNG WILL READING Talking to his father, Inquisitive and sincere. YOUNG WILL: Dad, why do you tell so many crazy stories? EDWARD: It s who I am Why does the sun shine? YOUNG WILL: Because of fusion. Callbacks Applicants required for an adult principal role callback will be contacted in advance of Wednesday, June 6 and provided with any material they need to prepare in advance. It is possible that not all actors being considered for a role will be invited to callbacks. EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 9

10 About Auditions Booking an Audition Auditions will be held at the St John Bosco Theatrette on Sunday, June 3 from 9am. Bookings for auditions will open at Orientation on May 23. Bookings can also be made earlier by ing auditions@engadinemusicalsociety.com.au, however, preference will be given to people who attend the orientation. The production team requires a headshot from all applicants wishing to be considered for any role. This can be sent digitally with your initial to EMS or printed and brought with you on the day. Headshots will be used as part of the casting process, applicants without a provided headshot will be at a disadvantage. If you are ing to book an audition please include: - Auditionee Name - Auditionee Age / DOB - Contact Number - The role(s) you wish to audition for - A headshot We will reply with an audition time. Bookings for auditions will close on Friday, June 1. If allocations are filled before this date, further bookings will be placed on a waiting list. On the Day Auditions at EMS are open. This means that you will be required to perform in front of an audience as well as a panel. It also means that your parent/guardian can watch your audition. The day will be broken into different sessions. In each session, the individual singing and reading will be done first, with a dance audition between each session. 9 auditionees will be allocated to SING and READ in each session. The dance audition will have auditionees from the session before and after. For example, Session THREE and FOUR will have their dance audition from 12:30pm-1:00pm: Therefore, if you are in session FOUR please arrive by 12:30pm. Sunday auditions will be broken down as follows: 9:00am - 10:00am 10:00am - 10:30am 10:30am -11:30am Children Auditions Session ONE Children Dance Auditions- everyone in sessions ONE and TWO Children Auditions Session TWO EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 10

11 11:30am - 12:30pm 12:30pm - 1:00pm 1:00pm - 2:00pm 2:00pm - 2:30pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm 3:30pm - 4:00pm 4:00pm - 5:00pm 5:00pm - 5:15pm 5:15pm - 6:15pm 6:15pm - 6:45pm 6:45pm - 7:45pm Session THREE (Teens & Adults ONLY) Dance Audition everyone in Sessions THREE and FOUR Session FOUR (Teens & Adults ONLY) BREAK Session FIVE (Teens & Adults ONLY) Dance Audition everyone in Sessions FIVE and SIX Session SIX (Teens & Adults ONLY) BREAK Session SEVEN (Teens & Adults ONLY) Dance Audition everyone in Sessions SEVEN and EIGHT Session EIGHT (Teens & Adults ONLY) Monday auditions will be broken down as follows: 7:00pm - 8:00pm 8:00pm - 8:45pm 8:45pm - 9:45pm 9:45pm - 10:15pm 10:15pm - 11:15pm Young Will Callbacks Dance Callbacks Session ONE (Teens & Adults ONLY) Dance Audition everyone in Sessions ONE and TWO Session TWO (Teens & Adults ONLY) Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your audition with your audition form completed and a photo attached. We ask that if you know now that you cannot attend any of the rehearsals please state this on your application. It will not necessarily impact your casting, however, it will ensure the Production Team allocate rehearsals appropriately. If you audition well and we want to include you in the show this enables us to work around your commitments when drawing up the rehearsal schedule. Results If you are required for a call back the Production Team will phone you directly. Please ensure you write contact information clearly on your audition form. Successful principal characters will be contacted via phone prior to the announcement Results will be posted on our website What if I get in? Rehearsals are held at St John Bosco, Engadine. Rehearsals commence on June 7.30pm (unless further callbacks are required) EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 11

12 Fees Rehearsals continue every Monday and Wednesday night from 7.30pm. Sunday rehearsals will also be held during the rehearsal period. Please see the rehearsal dates on page two for more information. Everyone involved in the show 18 years or older (including parent helpers) will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check. Cast are expected to attend all rehearsals. Should cast not be able to attend rehearsals, they must contact a member of the production team as soon as possible. The involvement of any member who is repeatedly absent will be reviewed by the Engadine Committee. All cast and parents are expected to participate in fundraising activities (e.g. selling chocolates, Bunnings BBQ) Cast and parents are also expected to assist in promoting the show, scenery building, costumes and other such activities (where appropriate) Performances are from October 19, 2018 until Sunday May 28, 2018 Performances are at The Engadine Community Centre Performance times are 8pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. To perform in a production at Engadine Musical Society you are required to become a member of the Society. There is also some show and rehearsals fees which help cover the cost of a rehearsal venue, insurance, costumes and incidental costs All fees are due at the first rehearsal on Wednesday, June 13. Fees are as follows: Adults Concession/Students Membership Fees $30 $15 Show Levy $25 $25 Rehearsal Fees $50 $25 Total $105 $65 You will also need to provide your own stage make-up and may be asked to provide certain items of clothing for costumes If you do not already own a pair, you may need to purchase chorus shoes or similar EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 12

13 What if I don t get in? There are plenty of opportunities to help behind the scenes (including, but not limited to): - Costumes - Sewing - Set construction and painting - Sound and lighting - Backstage - Front of house - Puppeteering Please reference this on your audition form or contact Engadine Musical Society directly to advise your interest HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION? Check out our website: auditions@engadinemusicalsociety.com.au For any unanswered questions in this document prior to your application, the director Kenney kenneyogilvie@gmail.com EMS Big Fish Audition Pack 13