Presented by Willoughby Theatre Company AUDITION PACK

Transcription

1 Presented by Willoughby Theatre Company AUDITION PACK Everyone s favourite Ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film

2 WILLOUGHBY THEATRE COMPANY About Willoughby Theatre Company Willoughby Theatre Company Inc. (WTC) was founded in 1957 and is one of Australia s leading non- professional theatre companies. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, we are established to provide quality theatre for the communities of Willoughby & surrounding areas. WTC is passionate about musical theatre & is committed to producing shows that are professional in execution & which will entertain & excite our audiences. The company strives to be a major & essential contributor to the cultural life of the community. WTC presents a variety of shows, from full musicals to concerts, & strives to reach new levels of artistic excellence with each production. Willoughby Theatre Company Board PRESIDENT... Tom Sweeney VICE PRESIDENT... Janina Hamerlok SECRETARY... Stig Bell BUSINESS DIRECTOR... Scott Richmond MARKETING DIRECTOR... Peter O Sullivan TECHNICAL DIRECTOR... Murray Dwyer Willoughby Theatre Company Committee FINANCE MANAGER... Fiona Harsanyi ASSISTANT SECRETARY... Nikole Mušić ASSISTANT MARKETING DIRECTOR... Sarah Morrisby ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR... James Wallis VOLUNTEER MANAGER... Leonie Lovell About the Performance Venue Shrek - The Musical will be performed at The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood A 500 seat state of the art theatre built specifically for large productions. It is part of a $170 million spectacular arts centre in the heart of Chatswood. The theatre has raked seating on 2 levels, an orchestra pit, a stage 14M x 10M, 40 fly towers, dressing rooms on 2 levels & the latest lighting & sound equipment available. In short, it is the most technologically advanced theatre in Sydney! Visit for more information. 2

3 Shrek The Musical Synopsis Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. The Shrek Production Team DIRECTOR... Declan Moore MUSICAL DIRECTOR... Alex Ash CHOREOGRAPHER... Kim Dresner ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER / SWING... Matt Hourigan PRODUCTION MANAGER... Fiona Harsanyi PRODUCTION ASSISTANT... Arnold Andrews STAGE MANAGER... Matilda Dwyer TECHNICAL DIRECTOR... Linus Karsai STAGE / TECHNICAL SUPPORT... Andy Davis SET DESIGN / BUILD... Josh McIntosh SET COORDINATOR... Murray Dwyer STAGE FLOOR DESIGN / PAINTING... Dave Verdejo STAGE CREW.Charlotte Dyson-Knight, Isabella Stanhope, Jake Stanhope, Tess Bourginon LIGHTING DESIGN... Sean Clarke PROPS DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION... Wendy Walker COSTUME DESIGN... Audrey Currie COSTUME COORDINATOR... Rachael Adams COSTUME ASSISTANT... Joy Sweeney MAKE UP / WIG DESIGN... Karen Lamont-Barnett HEAD MAKE UP ARTIST... Hannah Tran PROSTHETIC DESIGN / PRODUCTION... Karen Lamont-Barnett HEAD DRESSER... Donna Fitzgerald DRESSING TEAM... Jane Legate, Joanne Atkin, Joy Tulloh, Kate Lemaire, Vicki Minter SOUND EFFECTS DESIGN... David Grigg MIC TEAM... Murray Dwyer, Fiona Harsanyi & Craig Pinkerton HEAD CHAPERONE... Madeleine Harsanyi PUBLICITY PHOTOS & SHOW MERCH... Mike Brew 3

4 Rehearsal Dates The following is the rehearsal schedule for the production: Thurs 28 th June 7.45pm 10.00pm Mowbray Public School Tues 3 rd July & Thurs 5 th July 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 10 th July & Thurs 12 th July 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Sun 15 th July 10.00am 3.00pm The Jazz Factory Tues 17 th July & Thurs 19 th July 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 24 th July & Thurs 26 th July 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Sun 29 th July 12.00pm 5.00pm The Jazz Factory Tues 31 st July & Thurs 2 nd Aug 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 7 th Aug & Thurs 9 th Aug 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Sun 12 th Aug 12.00pm 5.00pm The Jazz Factory Tues 14 th Aug & Thurs 16 th Aug 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 21 st Aug & Thurs 23 rd Aug 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Sun 26 th Aug 12.00pm 5.00pm The Jazz Factory Tues 28 th Aug & Thurs 30 th Aug 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 4 th Sept & Thurs 6 th Sept 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 11 th Sept & Thurs 13 th Sept 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Tues 18 th Sept & Thurs 20 th Sept 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School Sun 23 rd Sept 12.00pm 5.00pm The Jazz Factory Tues 25 th Sept & Thurs 27 th Sept 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School *** No rehearsal on public holiday weekend (29 th / 30 th / 1 st ) *** Tues 2 nd Oct & Thurs 4 th Oct 7.45pm 10.30pm Mowbray Public School If successfully cast, any unavailability dates coinciding with rehearsals must be discussed with the production team ASAP. If you miss three or more rehearsals without explanation, your role in the production may be reconsidered. 4

5 Tech Week The Concourse Sat 6 th Oct Bump-In 9.00am 11.00pm Sun 7 th Oct Sitzprobe 2.00pm 5.00pm Sun 7 th Oct to Thurs 12 th Oct Tech / Dress Rehearsals 6.00pm 11.00pm Sun 28 th Oct Bump-Out After the 1.30pm show Performance Dates Saturday 13th October Potential Season Preview 1.30pm (hold until advised) Saturday 13th October Opening Night #1 7.30pm (call time 6pm) Sunday 14th October Performance #2 5.00pm (call time 3.30pm) Tuesday 16th October Performance #3 7.30pm (call time 6.00pm) Wednesday 17th October Performance #4 7.30pm (call time 6.00pm) Friday 19th October Performance #5 7.30pm (call time 6.00pm) Saturday 20th October Performance #6 1.30pm (call time 12.00pm) Saturday 20th October Performance #7 7.30pm (call time 6.00pm) Sunday 21st October Performance # pm (call time 10.30am) Sunday 21st October Performance #9 5.00pm (call time 3.30pm) Tuesday 23rd October Performance # pm (call time 6.00pm) Wednesday 24th October Performance # pm (call time 6.00pm) Friday 26th October Performance # pm (call time 6.00pm) Saturday 27th October Performance # pm (call time 12.00pm) Saturday 27th October Performance # pm (call time 6.00pm) Sunday 28th October Performance # pm (call time 12.00pm) 5

6 Show Commitment Membership of WTC is compulsory & is set at $25 per year Under 16 s are made Associate Members for the duration of the production and this carries no cost. A show fee of $75.00 is also required - this fee includes insurance, rehearsal material & a CD of all the professional photos from the show taken by Grant Leslie. All cast members will be required to be available for, & to assist with, Bump-In and Bump-Out Cast will also be called upon to help build and/or paint parts of the scenery and set pieces at least two Sunday mornings at our Roseville store may be needed by each cast member. WTC strives for the highest standard possible in our productions & this requires a substantial commitment from those involved not just to attend rehearsals but to also spend the necessary time away from rehearsals revising music, lines, & choreography. By accepting a place in this production cast members are committing to attend rehearsals as well as publicity appearances, photo shoots or media calls as required. SHREK is a huge costume show and whilst the vast majority of these will be supplied to the company, all cast members will be required to supply some costume and shoe items like tap shoes, character shoes, tights, etc. PLEASE DO NOT COMMIT TO THIS SHOW IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT & FULFILL THESE CONDITIONS & COMMITMENTS!! 6

7 What Are We Looking For? We are aiming to create a company of around 45 performers with a variety of ages, looks and voice types. Our aim is to cast all the characters in their traditionally known gender, but we are happy and open to considering alternative male/female casting. In regards to all character accents/types, we would like you to use the dreamworks movie as your key source of preparation. The cast will be made up of the following: Principal Roles There are five principal roles in this musical. Information about character age, vocal range & vocal type for these roles can be found on page 14. Main Ensemble We are looking for a main ensemble of about performers both male and female. They must be aged 16 years or over on the day of the singing audition. The main ensemble have the opportunity to audition for any of the fairytale characters or other spoken roles in the show. If you are interested in playing any of these roles please look at the character list starting on page 15 and ensure you mark these roles on your audition form. Junior Ensemble We are looking to cast a junior group of between 6 8 performers both male and female. They must be aged years old on the day of the singing audition. They will be involved in all of the main ensemble sections of the show. They also have the opportunity to audition for any of the fairytale characters in the show. If you are interested in playing any of these roles please look at the character list starting on page 15 and ensure you make these roles on your audition form. There is only ONE junior ensemble cast so this junior group will be required at all scheduled rehearsals and all performances. Similarly, the roles of Young Fiona, Teen Fiona and Young Shrek will also be part of the junior ensemble and appear in other musical numbers and scenes. They will play the roles in all performances no alternatives/understudies. Featured Dance Ensemble We also wish to cast a featured dance ensemble of approximately 8 10 dancers both male and female. Featured dancers will also be involved in other parts of the show such as playing fairytale characters. If you are interested in playing any of these roles please look at the character list starting on page 15 and ensure you mark these roles on your audition form. Please note the dance audition for the featured dance ensemble is different to the general dance audition for the other roles. Check out this information on page 11/12. 7

8 Audition Process Everyone intending to participate in Shrek The Musical MUST attend an individual VOCAL audition (approx. 5min each) and a group DANCE audition. All auditions are by appointment only. All auditions will be conducted in a closed panel format consisting of Director, MD, Choreographer, Committee Rep & Accompanist only. Vocal Auditions Vocal Audition Dates & Times Thursday 14 th June 2018 from 7.30pm to 10.30pm... Mowbray Public School Hall Friday 15 th June 2018 from 7.30pm to 10.00pm...The Jazz Factory Saturday 16 th June 2018 from 10.00am to 5.00pm... The Dougherty Centre Vocal Audition Locations Mowbray Public School Hall Located at 635 Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove North. Entry into the school is via the pathway that runs along the side of the school's sports field (next to the tennis courts carpark). The school hall is directly in front of you at end of path. Proceed to the registration room which is located behind the hall. Walk down the right-hand side of the hall toward the smaller classroom block (school music room). Parking is limited and there is a small carpark behind the tennis courts next to the school (access via Hatfield Street). The Jazz Factory The Jazz Factory has moved to a NEW location!! Located at Suite 4-6, Lvl 2, Pacific Highway, Gordon Use the lifts in the The Gordon Centre and travel to the 2nd floor. Turn left as you exit the lift and walk along the hallway to the entrance. Proceed to the registration desk at The Jazz Factory foyer Parking is available in the underground carpark at The Gordon Centre (access via Dumaresq Street) Public Transport by Train / Bus to Gordon Station and then it is a 5 minute walk. The Dougherty Centre Located at 7 Victor Street, Chatswood. Proceed to the registration desk in the foyer Public Transport by Train / Bus to Chatswood Station and then it is a 5 minute walk to the centre. 3 hour free parking is available in Westfield Chatswood and then is a 3 minute walk. 8

9 Vocal Audition Song Requirements All auditionees will be required to perform up to two songs for your vocal audition: o Song One: Prepare a fun, contemporary character driven musical theatre song of your choice (not from the show) and approximately 2 minutes long. Good ballads are always great to hear, but our advice is choose something packed full of fun and story, as it will give you a much better chance to be cast. o Song Two: If you are interested in being considered for one of the fairy tail characters with solo lines, you are also required to learn the following excerpt of the song Freak Flag which is one of the songs from the musical. For score with piano & vocal parts please visit: How to Prepare for the Vocal Audition If auditioning for a specific named role, please try to tailor your chosen song to demonstrate why you are suitable for that role. For your chosen song please provide legible sheet music (In a display folder) with any cuts clearly marked for our audition pianist no backing tracks or a-cappella auditions. Hot Tip: It s in your own best interest to have both songs committed to memory to be able to really perform it. We really want to hear the story of the song and you can only do this if your face is not buried in your music. Being well prepared always impresses the panel! 9

10 You may be required to do a range check in addition to the two songs. Due to time constraints please be aware that we may not hear all of your prepared song or Freak Flag but it is in your own best interests to have it all prepared. You may be asked to read some unseen character dialogue at your vocal audition. There is nothing to prepare in advance, but please come at least familiar with the show characters and be ready to have some fun in finding their voice. What To Bring Please bring an audition registration form (downloadable from the WTC website or on the WTC facebook page) and a non - returnable portrait photograph (clear photocopy is acceptable) to this audition. A limited number of blank forms will be available on the audition day at the registration desk. We will also accept a performance CV if you wish to provide Again, please ensure all sheet music is secured in a folder. To Book Your Vocal Audition All vocal auditions should be booked via our online booking system For questions about the vocal auditions please contact us via audition@willoughbytheatreco.com.au 10

11 Dance Auditions There are two types of dance auditions: General Dance Audition Featured Dance Ensemble Audition General Dance Audition Whilst many of the roles are not dance focused, all auditionees are required to attend a dance audition so that the team can assess your current abilities. General Dance Audition Date & Times General Dance Auditions will be held in 3 sessions on Sunday 17 th June 2018 Session 1: 10.00am to 11.00am Session 2: 11.30am to 12.30pm Session 3: 1.00pm to 2.00pm You will need to choose to attend ONE of these sessions. General Dance Audition Preparation The general dance audition choreography will be taught in advance on Sunday 10 th June. There are 3 sessions to choose from (please only book ONE session): Session 1: 10.00am to 11.00am Session 2: 11.30am to 12.30pm Session 3: 1.00pm to 2.00pm Although not compulsory this session is designed to give people with less dance experience or who take a little longer to pick things up the best opportunity to have it practiced up and really perform it at their audition. We are looking for big strong characters in the show and this gives all the chance to really concentrate on performing the routine rather than thinking about the steps. A video of the dance audition choreography will be available on the Willoughby Theatre Company Facebook page after 4pm on Sunday 10 th of June. Featured Dance Ensemble & Adult Fiona Dance Auditions Featured Dance Ensemble Audition The featured dancers audition will be required to learn the choreography on the day of the dance audition. It will include a tap section and a modern Broadway jazz section to assess technique and style. This will be a more technically difficult and faster paced audition than the general ensemble audition. Feel free to come to both general dance audition & featured dance audition, or only one. However, be aware that you will be assessed at the level of the dance audition you attend. 11

12 Adult Fiona Dance Audition Adult Fiona is included in the above featured dance ensemble audition due to the wonderful big number Morning Person. This audition will follow the same characteristics as mentioned in the previous Featured Dance Ensemble section. If you consider that you are more of an ensemble dance level, then don t worry and attend the General Dance audition. It s completely your call. Whilst Princess Fiona s strong singing and acting are key to her casting, our hope is to also cast a strong tapper/dancer in the role. Don t let that put you off auditioning come blow us away with your singing and acting and we will happily restructure the number to her dance abilities. Note for Junior Ensemble The junior ensemble is also strongly encouraged to attend the featured dance audition if they wish and feel their dance ability is of that level. We are happy to cast some of the juniors as part of the featured dancers. Featured Dance Audition & Adult Fiona Dance Audition Date & Times This dance audition will be held in ONE session on Sunday 17 th June pm to 5.30pm and will be required for the full-time frame. Dance Audition Location for both General & Featured Dancer The Jazz Factory The Jazz Factory has moved to a NEW location!! Located at Suite 4-6, Lvl 2, Pacific Highway, Gordon Use the lifts in the The Gordon Centre and travel to the 2nd floor. Turn left as you exit the lift and walk along the hallway to the entrance. Proceed to the registration desk at The Jazz Factory foyer Parking is available in the underground carpark at The Gordon Centre (access via Dumaresq Street) What To Wear & Bring To Your Dance Audition Please wear comfortable fitted clothing that shows off body lines. (no jeans, nothing baggy). Please wear appropriate footwear (female chorus or jazz shoes / male sneakers or jazz shoes) no thongs, no bare feet. Featured Dance Ensemble will be required to bring Tap & character shoes. Long hair must be secured into a ponytail & be off the face during the audition. Please bring water and stay hydrated. There are change facilities available. Please arrive early and be warmed up and ready as there is no official warm up session. 12

13 To Book Your Dance Audition All dance auditions should be booked via our online booking system If you want to audition for both general and featured dance ensemble you will need to book into ONE of the general audition sessions AND separately book into the featured dance ensemble audition. To Book A Dance Preparation Session on Sunday 10 th June Remember this session is ONLY for the general dance audition as there is nothing to prepare for the Featured Dance Ensemble audition. All bookings for these sessions should be booked via our online booking system LIMITED TO ONE SESSION PER PERSON Questions about Dance Auditions If you have any questions about the dance auditions, please audition@willoughbytheatreco.com.au Call Backs Call Backs Date & Times Tuesday 19 th June 2018 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm... Mowbray Public School Hall 635 Mowbray Road West, Lane Cove North What to Prepare for Call Backs If you are asked to attend a call back, you will need to access the call back music relevant to your role. These are available at: How Will You Know If You Have Been Cast? All auditionees will be contacted by the 23 rd / 24 th June by or phone call. Chookas And Hope To See You At The Swamp 13

14 The Characters: Principals: Shrek Fiona Donkey A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad's guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart. Lord Farquaad The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to Dragon marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified babysitter. Male aged: 25 to 45 Vocal Range: A3 G4 Vocal Type: Solid High Baritone / Tenor Female aged: 20 to 30 Vocal Range: Gb3 F#5 Vocal Type: Sutton Foster Mega top G6 for Morning Person can be pre-recorded or faked need to belt a D and at least mix in F# - pref. belt E at least) Male aged: 20 to 35 Vocal Range: D3 B5 Vocal Type: Tenor with pop edge Top A/B could be falsetto if necessary, but needs a G) Male aged: 30 to 45 Vocal Range: B3 G4 Plus falsetto D5 for fake Defying Grafity Female aged: 25 to 45 Vocal Range: G5 F5 Voice Type: Sassy Mature Belt to C# at least pref. F. 14

15 Male Ensemble Roles: Pinocchio The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. Male aged: 20 to 30 Vocal Range: F3 A5 Voice Type: Other Male Sung Ensemble Roles Papa Shrek, King Herold, Peter Pan, 3 Pigs, Mad Hatter, Wolf, Papa Bear Strong male falsetto to F# Other Male Spoken Ensemble Roles Guards, White Rabbit, Captain of the Guards, Cow, Dish & Spoon, 4 Knights, Pied Piper, Thelonius, Tweedle, Bishop, Dwarf Farquaad s Father Female Ensemble Roles: Gingy A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Female aged: 20 to 30 Vocal Range: Solid Gospel Belt to C# And character voice for Gingy Other Female Sung Ensemble Roles Mama Shrek, Queen Lillian, Ugly Duckling, Sugar Plum Fairy, Witch, Mama Bear, Humpty Dumpty, Elf, Young & Teen Fiona, Bird, 3 Blind Mice Other Male Spoken Ensemble Roles Baby Bear, Little Bunny, Rafiki Antelope 15