AUDITION PACK Auditions Sunday 23 rd April from 10am SUTHERLAND PENSIONERS CENTRE 749 Old Princes Hwy Sutherland Monday 24 th April from 7.30pm COMO SCHOOL OF ARTS 17 Novara Cres, Como Callbacks Only if required Wednesday 26 th April Cast Announcement on Website Friday 28 April 2017 Rehearsals Commence Wednesday 3 rd May 2017 Rehearsals will be Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm, with Sunday rehearsals to be added at a later date. Performances Wednesday 13/9/17 at 8pm Thursday 14/9/17 at 8pm Friday 15/9/17 at 8pm Saturday 16/9/17 at 2pm Saturday 16/9/17 at 8pm Sunday 17/9/17 at 2pm PRODUCTION TEAM Diane Wilson Director Dean Turner Musical Director Edward Rooke Choreographer Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Hello Dolly which will be performed at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre in September 2017 by Miranda Musical Society. The following information explains more about this production, your rehearsal commitments and performance requirements. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be made available on the website: www.mirandamusicalsociety.com.au
SYNOPSIS Synopsis Hello, Dolly! has an unusually lengthy history. Its first version in 1835, was a London play A Day Well Spent by John Oxenford. Seven years later Einen Jux will er sich machen (He Intends To Have a Fling), a Viennese variation by Johann Nestroy, was produced. In 1938 Thornton Wilder turned the Nestroy play into The Merchant of Yonkers and 17 years after that he rewrote it as The Matchmaker. Both Wilder plays had Broadway runs. Another forerunner of Hello, Dolly! was the 1891 musical, A Trip to Chinatown. Story " and what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of that most delightful of musical comedies, Hello, Dolly! "Some people paint, some sew... I meddle," replies Dolly and we are on a whirlwind race round New York and Yonkers at the turn of the century as we follow the adventures of that most mischievous matchmaker, Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi. Hello, Dolly! is the story of Mrs. Levi's efforts to marry Horace Vandergelder, the well-known half-millionaire, so that she can send his money circulating like rainwater, as her late husband Ephraim Levi taught her. Along the way she also succeeds in that matching the young and beautiful Widow Molloy with Vandergelder's head clerk, Cornelius Hackl; Cornelius's assistant Barnaby Tucker with Mrs. Molloy's loop assistant, Minnie Fay; and the struggling artist Ambrose Kemper with Mr. Vandergelder's weeping niece, Ermengarde. Mrs. Levi tracks Vandergelder to his hay and feed store in Yonkers, then by train back to Mrs. Molloy's hat shop in New York, out into the streets of the city where they are all caught up in the great 14th Street Association Parade, and then to the most evident and expensive restaurant in town, the Harmonia Gardens, where Dolly is greeted by the waiters, cooks, doormen and wine stewards in one of the most famous songs in the history of American musical comedy, "Hello, Dolly!" What happens in the end? Dolly gets her man, of course. And he is delighted she caught him. Dolly leaves the stage at the end of Act II with a wink to the audience as she takes a meat peep into Vandergelder's bulging cash register and promises that his fortune will soon be put to good use. She quotes her late husband Ephraim, " Money, pardon the expression, is like manure, it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow." KEY DATES AND VENUES Information Night Monday 5 th April at 7.30pm Como School of Arts 17 Novara Crescent, Como NSW Auditions appointments close Friday 21 April 2017 at 5pm Auditions (by appointment only) Sunday 23 April from 10am AT THE Sutherland Pensioners Centre 749 Old Princes Hwy Sutherland Monday 24 April 2017 from 8pm AT THE Como School of Arts Call backs (by invitation) Only if necessary Wednesday 26 April 2017 Cast Announced Cast released on MMS website on Friday 28 April 2017
Rehearsals Will be held at Como School of Arts on Monday and Wednesday nights from 8pm to 11pm, and Sunday afternoons from midday to 4pm when needed. These additional Sunday rehearsals may be called as necessary, working around people s availability. A draft rehearsal schedule will be available on the website shortly after rehearsals commence. Prior to auditioning, check your available dates - if you are not available for any rehearsals, please advise the production team and casting panel so they can take this into consideration for casting. If you do not advise of any planned absences, we will assume you will be available for all rehearsals. As this is a large show with big and intricate ensemble numbers, we depend upon complete commitment from all cast members. Bump In to Sutherland Entertainment Centre Saturday 9 September, 2017 Load truck at 8am Shiprock Scout Hall, 183 Gannons Road South, Caringbah Unload and Bump in from 9:15am at Sutherland Entertainment Centre Sitzprobe To Be advised Bump out Immediately following final performance After Show Party Following Bump out and truck unloaded at Shiprock (Venue to be announced closer to performance dates) AUDITIONS Auditions are by appointment only. Please contact Tim Wotherspoon, at secretary@mirandamusicalsociety.com.au to secure an appointment time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your allotted time to submit your completed application form (attached). Also, the panel would like a brief resume of your relevant theatrical history and a current photo. Ensure you have warmed up prior to auditioning. Upon entering the audition room please announce yourself and the role you are auditioning for to the panel. The panel is: Diane Wilson (Director), Dean Turner (Musical Director), Edward Rooke (Choreographer), a representative of the membership and a non-member industry specialist. A representative of the committee will also be in attendance as an observer.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN DOLLY LEVI: Matchmaker, widow, meddler, opportunist, loves life, commanding stage presence. 50+ Audition Piece: Before the Parade Passes By Bar 31 to Bar 126. Dance: Mover HORACE VANDERGELDER: Well-known half-a-millionaire, widower, owns Hay and Food Store, gruff, set in ways, authoritative 50 60s Audition Piece: It Takes A Woman beginning to Bar 53 Dance: Little movement CORNELIUS HACKL: Head Clerk of Hay and Food, energetic, enthusiastic and adventurous. Early thirties. Audition Piece: Put On Your Sunday Clothes Beginning to Bar 52 Plus Bar 69 84 Dance: Good mover BARNABY TUCKER: Assistant to Cornelius, naïve, energised, follower. Late teens to early twenties Audition Piece: Put On Your Sunday Clothes Bar 21 Bar 52 Plus Bar 69 84 Dance: Good mover IRENE MOLLOY: Hat Shop owner, widow, beautiful, smart, fun-loving. Early thirties Audition Piece: Ribbons Down My Back - Beginning to Bar 81 Dance: Good mover MINNIE FAY: Irene s Assistant, naïve, straight-laced, fresh, follower Late teens to early twenties Audition Piece: Motherhood - Bar 62 Bar 101 Dance: Good mover AMBROSE KEMPER: Struggling artist, good=natured, accommodating, wants to marry Ermengarde. Twenties Audition Piece: Put On Your Sunday Clothes Bar 69 84 Dance: Strong ERMENGARDE: Vandergelder s niece, whining, high-strung, wants to marry Ambrose. Late teens Audition Piece: Song of own choice Dance: Strong The following will also be members of ensemble: ERNESTINA: Accommodating, good-time girl 30-50 Audition Piece: Sweet Rosie O Grady - any key or brassy song of own choice Dance for role: None RUDOLPH: Maitre d of the Harmonia Gardens. Proper, Russian accent, commanding 40-60 Audition Piece: Bass Song of Choice Dance: Some JUDGE: Red nose night court judge 40-60s Audition Piece: Song of choice Dance for role: None DANCERS: Male and Female do NOT need to take part in a singing or reading audition. Male dancers: It could be handy to have some acrobatics up your sleeve ENSEMBLE: Audition piece of own choice
SINGING For all lead roles there are specific sections of the score that the production team want to hear that will show range needed for that role and give you a good chance to show your skills. Please make sure you are familiar with the music and lyrics ahead of time as we will not have time to teach any music individually. Please find allocated sheet music on the MMS website and bring a copy with you on the day as there will be an experienced audition pianist at the auditions For all Ensemble/smaller roles we recommend singing something to be accompanied by the pianist that is extremely character driven. You will need to provide sheet music for the pianist ensure the music is bound (e.g. inside a folder rather than loose) and clear show the pianist where you want to start, any repeats or special markings, tempo etc. If you cannot get sheet music (in the key you want to sing), you may use a backing track. In addition to the audition pianist, there will be a stereo with a dock/usb port for an ipod/mp3 player available for non-principal accompaniment. NO unaccompanied auditions will be permitted. The panel may stop your song at any time once they have had sufficient information on your voice. You may be asked to sing some scales so that the Musical Director can confirm your vocal range. If you are invited for a call back, you will be provided with a specific song or songs to prepare. We suggest that you be prepared for this by familiarising yourself with all the music from the show ahead of time. DANCING For all those auditioning for Ensemble/Smaller roles there will be a movement call, so please dress comfortably. For those auditioning for the role of a Dancer, you will be taught a short routine. All Female Dancers must feel comfortable dancing in Chorus heels and are expected to bring them along to the audition. It is important you warm up before arriving at your audition as we will not have time to run you through a warm up beforehand due to time constraints. READINGS All readings will be available on the MMS website prior to the audition dates. CALL BACKS Will be held on Wednesday the 26th of April only if the panel see the need and if you are invited you may be required to learn a different song and peruse some dialogue for you to perform. During this process we are looking at how you look and perform with others and with possible new material.
CAST ANNOUNCEMENT The successful auditionees will be called by the Director on or before Thursday the 27th of April, and casting will be posted on the MMS website after 5pm on Friday, 28 April 2017 If for any reason a role is not filled from the auditions, additional members may be invited to join the cast at a later date. All potential new cast may be asked to audition. If you are not cast in Hello Dolly it is not necessarily a reflection on your performance but you may not fit the overall vision of this particular production. A member of Miranda Musical Society who auditioned equally will be given priority over a non-member. If you have plans to go away for an extended period for vacation during the rehearsal period or to appear in another show during the rehearsal period, please do not audition, as it is not fair on people who are available for all rehearsals. YOUR COMMITMENT AS A CAST MEMBER All cast members MUST be or become a member of Miranda Musical Society and remain financial until the completion of the season, adhere to the Code of Conduct and obey the rules of the Society. All rehearsals up until moving into the Sutherland Entertainment Centre will be held at the Como School of Arts. The venue is located in the Peisley Community Centre on Novara Crescent Como. If travelling by car there is some off street parking and always sufficient street parking. If travelling by public transport, Como Railway station is an easy 2 minute stroll from the venue. A draft rehearsal schedule will be available for all cast members. This may vary depending only on how quickly we get the work done. Please assume that you may be called at short notice for a rehearsal. All rehearsals will start at 8pm Mondays and Wednesdays and 12pm Sundays sharp and follow a short warm up.we will have a break in the middle for ten minutes. If (due to illness or an unplanned work commitment only) you are unable to attend a rehearsal or will be late arriving, please contact the Director as soon as possible. Details will be given to the cast at the meet and greet. Variations to the rehearsal schedule will be posted on the cast Facebook page with ample notice. ALL cast MUST be available for rehearsals once we start to run complete acts or the show as well as Bump In, Sitzprobe and all rehearsals and performances at Sutherland School of Arts. Miranda Musical Society reserves the right to replace any performer who misses three rehearsals without a valid and acceptable reason. Miranda Musical Society also reserves the right to replace any performer who accepts a role in another production or activity which adversely affects their ability to attend rehearsals or their performance. Cast are also expected to become involved in social and marketing activities and in promoting the show as well as assisting with the Bump In and Bump Out. You will need to provide your own stage make-up, excepting special effects. Please do not wear sneakers, but rather, shoes appropriate for your role during rehearsals. Cast programme photos will be taken on one or two nights during rehearsal, if you do not attend any of these sessions you will need to arrange (and pay) for a private session with our photographer for your photo to be included in the programme.
FEES Membership If you are cast in Hello Dolly and are not a current financial member you will be required to apply for membership. Membership has an annual fee of $40. Membership is a condition of performing for Miranda Musical Society and is inclusive of insurance protection in the event of an injury sustained at rehearsal or during performance, therefore must be paid within two weeks of starting rehearsal. If you are not a financial member after this date your activity at rehearsal will be restricted and if you are not financial after one month you will be replaced. Show Fee In addition to membership, all cast members are required to pay a show fee. The show fee for Hello Dolly is $60 Payment for fees can be made by cash or EFTPOS with the Members Representative at the first rehearsal or by direct deposit. The society s bank details will be available at the first rehearsal.
Code of Ethics The Miranda Musical Society Code of Ethics is an important aspect of participating in a MMS production. It is an agreement that you participate in an MMS show according to agreed standards of behaviour. 1. I will give my best at all times - offering energy and enthusiasm at auditions, rehearsals, bump in/out, working bees, promotional events and throughout performances. 2. I will pay my Membership and Show Fees on the first night of rehearsal, as well any other required payments throughout the rehearsal period promptly and by the requested deadline. 3. I will be fully committed to each MMS production I am involved in, by being on time and attending ALL rehearsals and performances - unless experiencing serious illness, or if I have permission for absence either prior to auditions or with advance notice to the Production Team so my absence does not unfairly disrupt the rehearsal schedule. 4. I will communicate effectively and support my fellows cast members, crew, production team and committee members - keeping my interactions/comments towards others positive and constructive. 5. I will accept and follow all instructions and advice given to me by the production team and will express concerns/issues as soon as they arise to these individuals only, in a respectful and appropriate manner. 6. I will participate in all required rehearsals, while demonstrating flexibility, patience and understanding on necessary schedule changes. 7. I will be prepared as a cast member - learning all lines and music efficiently, being prompt on cues, as well as bringing all items required eg. script, props, costumes etc 8. I will demonstrate care to the environment which surrounds me - the rehearsal space, theatre, dressing rooms, scenery, props and costumes. 9. I will represent and promote MMS in a positive way at all times, both in and outside of rehearsals/performances - in the way I speak, act and throughout interactions on social media. 10. I will support the decision of the casting committee and be supportive of the choices made in the best interests of MMS. All cast members must conduct themselves respectfully whilst participating in a MMS show. I hereby sign this agreed code of ethics and express my pledge to play my part in making the overall production an enjoyable experience for all involved. I understand severe that consequences, including expulsion from the show, can be imposed for a breach of the code. Name: Signature: Date: