VPA Musical Theater Club presents The Sound of Music Audition Information Pack Dear Parents and Students, VPA s Musical Theater Club is proud to announce that this year s musical is The Sound of Music, the classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Your child has expressed an interest in auditioning to be a cast member, and in this packet, you will find a lot of very important information that must be filled out completely and signed. Please see below for a list of the attached documents. Please note: Students who do not have a signed, completed packet will not be allowed to audition. If your child is selected as a cast member, he/she will be expected to attend ALL rehearsals and performances for their part. If your child is cast in a principal or featured role, the club fee will be $225. If your child is cast in the ensemble, the club fee will be $125. By signing and returning this packet, you are committing to making sure your child attends all rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals will be held after school and on some Saturdays, with a detailed rehearsal calendar to follow. During the week of the show, students will be rehearsing in the evenings, approximately 6:00-9:00, with extended times during the actual performances. Please be sure that your child only auditions if they can make the commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances. Please note that if your child is cast and then misses an excessive number of rehearsals, the production team may remove him/her from the cast. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Warm regards, Jenny Rathsburg l Choral Director, Grades 9-12 Veritas Preparatory Academy E: jrathsburg@veritasprepacademy.org Paige Shoemaker 5th Grade Teacher Archway Classical Academy-Veritas E: pshoemaker@archwayveritas.org Attachments: Audition Dates & Timetable Available Roles Audition Guidelines Audition Form - both sides must be filled out Student/Parent Contract - must be signed Student and Parent Information - must be filled out Tentative Rehearsal Schedule
Audition Dates & Timetable AUDITIONS Monday & Tuesday, 12/17 12/18 3:30PM 6:30PM VPA Music Room 259 You must reserve your audition time via Sign-Up Genius. Please pick the earliest time available. Click here to reserve your audition slot. CALL BACKS Wednesday, 12/19 1:00PM 4:00PM Lund Center for the Performing Arts Call backs will be posted on the website Tuesday evening by 9:00PM, as well as outside VPA Music Room 259 and outside Archway Veritas Room 522. You will be called back only if needed. If called back, you must be present the entire time until we release you. Note: Just because you don t get a call back does not mean you did not get cast. CAST LIST POSTED Thursday, 12/20 Cast list will be posted by end of school via the website, outside VPA Music Room 259 and outside Archway Veritas Room 522. FIRST COMPANY MEETING Friday, 12/21 1:00PM 2:00PM Lund Center for the Performing Arts All cast and crew members must be present. Parents are encouraged to be present. Cast and crew will be introduced, scripts/chorale books will be distributed, and Mrs. Jakubzcyk will be taking measurements for costuming. MUSIC REHEARSALs (Maria Rainer, Captain von Trapp, Max, Elsa and von Trapp children) January 7 and 8, 9:00am-6:00pm ALL CAST MUSIC & PRODUCTION REHEARSALs January 9,10 and 11 9:00am 6:00PM Lund Center for the Performing Arts NOTE: you MUST bring a binder (at least 1 ) to your first rehearsal. LINKS TO AUDITION MATERIALS, INCLUDING SONGS AND CHARACTER DIALOGUE, ARE AVAILABLE AT www.veritasprep.org/musical
Available Roles Principal Roles* Maria Rainer A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey young, free spirited, warm, gentle and kind with much determination. Strong singer, strong acting Captain Georg von Trapp A retired Austrian naval captain. Polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and determined. Max Detweiller Elsa Schrader Mother Abbess Leisl von Trapp Rolf Gruber Charming and vital; a man of sophistication who enjoys the good life; true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family. Strong singer and actor. A baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated, dignified and mature. Strong singer and actor. Motherly, understanding, strong and authoritative, but kind. Very strong soprano. The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply for her younger siblings. Strong singer Suitor to Liesl, telegram delivery boy, later Nazi soldier. A very pleasant young man, somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way. *all principal roles will require strong singing and acting skills, plus some simple dance ability. These roles also will require a great deal of memorization and time commitment for the duration of the production.
Featured Roles Freidrich von Trapp Louisa von Trapp Kurt von Trapp Brigitta von Trapp Marta von Trapp Gretl von Trapp Sister Bethre Sister Margaretta Sister Sophia Franz Frau Schmidt Herr Zeller Admiral Von Schreiber age 14, proud to be a boy in this family age 13, the trickster of the family, full of mischief age 10, gentle and a peacemaker age 9, smart, reads a lot, always tells the truth age 7, very much the little princess age 6, very cute, just wants to be loved alto, strong actor, Mistress of Novices mezzo, strong actor, Mistress of the Postulants soprano non-singing role, strong actor, von Trapp butler non-singing role, strong actor, von Trapp housekeeper non-singing role, strong actor, bureaucratic neighbor non-singing role, strong actor, Admiral of the Navy of the Third Reich Ensemble 10-14 women/girls Nuns, guests at the Captain s party, and Contestants in the Festival Concert 8 10 men/boys Nazi soldiers, guests at the Captain s party, Contestants in the Festival Concert
Audition Guidelines Be prepared for your audition. Do some research so you know the background of the show and the characters. Listen to recordings of the songs so you are familiar with the style and practice. Practice your audition in front of other people so you feel comfortable. Memorization is not required. However, it shows the production staff that you are serious about landing a role. Therefore, it is highly recommended. Get into character! We don t want to see YOU, we want to see your character in the audition room. Practice acting as several different characters. We want to feel like we re seeing different people when you are portraying the Captain and Rolf, or Maria and Elsa. Practice speaking/singing with a different voice, if it is appropriate for the part. HINT: It is appropriate for many parts - think about whether you should sound stern and snobby, or sweet and innocent. Practice running the lines with a partner, so you are comfortable in any situation. Come to your audition with all paperwork completed and signed. In the audition room, speak and sing loudly and clearly - we want to know that you will be heard from the stage. PROJECT. Have fun! LINKS TO AUDITION MATERIALS, INCLUDING SONGS AND CHARACTER DIALOGUE, ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WEBSITE www.veritasprep.org/musical
Audition Form NAME: GRADE: AGE: Please check all that apply: Please consider me for a large role. Please consider me for a smaller solo role. Ensemble (I ll sing, but please, no solos!) Ensemble (I d prefer to not have any solo singing or lines, but I want to be in the cast.) I only want a speaking part. I don t care, just give me a part! If I don t make the cast, I d love to be involved behind the scenes. Are there any specific parts you would like to be considered for? (List below) IMPORTANT: If you are not selected for the specific part(s) you indicated above, are you still interested in being a cast member? YES NO_ Please fill out the schedule below, listing the activities you are currently involved in, or will be involved in between now and March 2nd (i.e. sports practice, youth group, work, choir rehearsals, etc.). Please include times for scheduling purposes (list weekday conflicts between 3:30-6:00PM and Saturdays between 9:00AM and 5:00PM). *If you know your schedule changes mid-season, please indicate this. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Please note: the purpose of this form is to give the audition committee an idea of your other obligations. It DOES NOT in any way excuse you from rehearsal on the days you have indicated. It is YOUR responsibility to communicate with Mrs. Rathsburg and Ms. Shoemaker IN ADVANCE of EACH AND EVERY conflict.
Audition Form (continued) NAME: GRADE: AGE: Please provide some information about your acting, singing, and dancing experience: 1. Do you have experience performing in a play or a musical? YES NO_ If so, please explain where, when, title of show, your part, etc. 2. Do you have experience singing, chorus or otherwise? YES NO_ If so, please explain where, what group, how many years, etc. 3. Do you have any dance experience? YES NO_ If so, please indicate the number of years and type(s) of dance 4. Why do you want to be in this musical? 5. You can expect weekday and some Saturday rehearsals/performances from January 2nd March 2 nd. Please check your calendar and list any and all irregular/non-recurring conflicts below (i.e. family trip, college visit, etc.). 6. What steps will you take if you have a conflict with a scheduled musical rehearsal (i.e. sports practice, dance team, work, etc.)?
Attendance The Sound of Music Student/Parent Contract The success of a musical depends on the full commitment of all involved. It is imperative that all cast members attend all rehearsals scheduled for their part. It is very difficult for cast members to catch up on material that is missed, due to the organic and constantly changing nature of rehearsing and perfecting a show. If students miss rehearsal, they may be cut from the scene or even from the show at the discretion of the production team. Academic Performance Please review the Participation Policy found in VPA s Family Handbook. Students who are failing any classes and do not bring up their grades are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to seek help from their teachers during lyceum and after school before they reach the point of failure, because as you can see from the attendance policy, if students miss too many rehearsals (for any reason, including grades), they will be removed from the show. Behavior and Bullying Students involved in the musical will be held to a very high standard for behavior and attitude both in and out of rehearsal. Disrespect of adults and other students will not be tolerated. The Academy prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying of students. Please refer to VPA s Family Handbook regarding the Policy on Harassment, Intimidation or Bulling of Students. Student s responsibility I understand that my attendance at every rehearsal is critical, and that I may be cut from a scene or removed from the show if I miss rehearsal. I understand that I will not be allowed to participate in the show if I am failing any classes. I understand that bullying and disrespectful actions and attitudes will not be tolerated, and that I may be removed from the show if I am not being kind and courteous to the other students and adults involved - both in person and online. Parent s responsibility I have fully read the policies stated above and have discussed the expectations for attendance, academic performance, and behavior with my child. I understand that if my child does not follow these policies, they may be removed from the production at the discretion of the musical production team. Print Your Name (Student) Signature Date Print Your Name (Parent) Signature Date
Student and Parent Information Student Name _ Parent Name Student Cell Parent Cell Student Email Parent Email Parents, the success of the show depends largely on the people who help out with behind-thescenes work. Please mark any areas that you would be willing to volunteer your time and efforts: Saturday Rehearsal Parent - Supervision/Lunch Run for one of our Saturday practices Costumes - Sewing/Altering, Organizing Props - Finding/Creating Set - Construction/design/painting/dressing T-shirts - Coordinating Orders Marketing/Publicity social media, signage, etc Performances - Concession Stand, Ticket Sales, Supervision Backstage Hair/Makeup for performances Providing a healthy snack for the cast during tech/show week Organize/host cast party Other (please be specific) I d love to help, just put me where you need me!
Tentative Rehearsal Schedule Participation in this production requires a huge commitment of both time and professionalism to ensure a production of the highest possible quality, therefore please do not audition if you are not able to fully commit to the rehearsal schedule. The rehearsal schedule will be carefully managed to make the most effective use of each performer s time and will be updated often. You will only be called when you are required, and while we make every attempt to minimize waiting times during rehearsals, performers are required to be mindful of and show courtesy to performers who are rehearsing and taking direction while you wait for your scene. FIRST COMPANY MEETING Friday, December 21st 1:00PM 2:00PM Lund Center for the Performing Arts Parents are encouraged to be present. *Please note: Cast members are expected to know their songs and have their parts memorized before the rehearsals begin in early January. The rehearsal schedule is only six weeks and we will be moving quickly from music rehearsals to blocking and choreography. Once a scene has been blocked you are expected to be off book. TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE (all rehearsals will take place in the Lund Center) PROJECT WEEK: (please plan ahead, especially seniors!) January 7 and 8, 9:00am-6:00pm-MUSIC REHEARSAL (Maria Rainer, Captain von Trapp, Max, Elsa and von Trapp children) January 9,10 and 11, 9:00am 6:00PM ALL CAST MUSIC & PRODUCTION REHEARSALS January 14 th 18 th M F 3:30PM 6:00PM January 21 st Monday 9:00AM 5:00PM FULL CAST (no school) January 22 nd 25 th M F 3:30PM 6:00PM January 26 th Saturday 12PM 3:00PM LEADS ONLY January 28 th Feb. 1 M F 3:30PM 6:00PM February 2 nd Saturday 12:00PM 3:00PM LEADS ONLY February 4 th 8 th M F 3:30PM 6:00PM February 9 th Saturday 12:00PM 3:00PM TBD (JazzMad weekend) February 11 th 15 th M F 3:30pm 6:00PM February 16 th Saturday 9:00AM 5:00PM TECH WEEK BEGINS, FULL CAST February 18 th Monday 9:00AM 6:00PM TECH WEEK, FULL CAST (no school) February 19 th 20 th T, W 3:30pm 7:00PM TECH WEEK PERFORMANCES February 21 st, 22 nd, 23 rd Th, F, S 7:00PM February 23 rd Saturday 3:00PM Matinee Feb 28 th, March 1 st, 2 nd Th, F, S 7:00PM March 2 nd Saturday 3:00PM Matinee Parents, crew & high school cast members are expected to stay after the final performance to strike the set and get costumes organized.