Auditions INFORMATIONAL PACKET Rehearsals: Rehearsals are the time when the cast learns and perfects the show. Any missing cast member, no matter the size of the role, affects the entire ensemble. We strongly believe in maintaining a standard of excellence, and this is only possible if we maintain high standards for attendance. Schedules and Conflicts: We understand that emergencies arise and your family has obligations apart from AAPA. Please refer to the production schedules attached and the AAPA calendar when determining your conflicts. There can be NO CONFLICTS (unless approved in advance), during first week of rehearsal, Tech week, and performances. Please provide specific dates and times of all conflicts on your application. Directors must be made aware of any conflict at auditions, and it will be up to the director s discretion as to whether or not the performer will be cast. NO ADDITIONAL CONFLICTS CAN BE ADDED AFTER AUDITIONS. Please, inform the Administrator of your conflicts and she will pass them onto the Director of the show/shows you are being considered. Please, do not contact the Director personally. (Administrator: Courtney Townley- courtneytownley3@gmail.com) Excused Rehearsal Absences: We do understand that certain events may prevent a cast member from attending mandatory rehearsals. We have drawn up a list of exceptions to be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. Excused rehearsals absences include: Medical emergency, Death in the family, a graded or academic school event. Only a total of three excused absences are allowed.
First Rehearsal: It's very helpful for the cohesion of the cast and the sense of ensemble to have everyone present for the first rehearsal. The first read through is a time for the cast to gain an understanding of vision, direction, and why casting decisions were made. To be absent is much like missing the first day of school and not hearing what the teacher says in terms of class expectations and rules. Rehearsals and Shows: Daily after school, Monday Thursday from 4:00pm 5:30pm. Rehearsals will begin the week of March 9 th. No rehearsals are scheduled over spring break. A complete rehearsal schedule will be provided after auditions in the parent information meeting. (Directors will work with student s schedules that are involved in AAPA classes). Tech week and Performances: You must be available for all performances and rehearsals during tech week. These are evening mandatory rehearsals located at Lone Tree Art Center are as follows: May 18 th Tech rehearsal Castle Pines Campus May 19 th Tech rehearsal Parker Campus May 20 th Dress Rehearsal Castle Pines Campus May 21 st Dress Rehearsal Parker Campus MANDATORY PERFORMANCES at Lone Tree Arts Center are as follows: May 22 nd 10:00am Parker Campus, 1:00pm Castle Pines Campus, 7:00pm Castle Pines Campus May 23 rd 10:00am Castle Pines Campus, 3:00pm Parker Campus, 7:00pm Parker Campus Parent Responsibilities: To put on a production of this nature it takes a small army and it would not be possible without parent volunteers. We encourage all parents to help by being involved on a parent committee. These committees range from: sewing, carpenter work, marketing, supervision of students, hair and makeup and much more. You will have to opportunity to join one of these committees during the parent meeting. Parent informational meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 4 th at 6pm at each campus. This meeting will be cover: contract signing, costume measurements/ and requirements, parent volunteer opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to hear from the director of the show and to ask any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend this meeting please list your conflict on your audition application.
Audition Information Audition time slots are 1 hour long and include a 15-minute dance audition. Students audition in groups of 10. Here are the dates and times: Castle Pines: Monday, February 16, 2015 and Saturday, February 21, 2015 Call Backs: Sunday, February 22, 2015 Parker: Monday, February 23, 2015 through Saturday, February, 28, 2015 Call Backs: Sunday, February 29, 2015 Call Backs: If the artistic team decides to bring your student back for further review, you will be contacted by email at the address provided on the audition form by 10:00 PM on Saturday, February 22 (Castle Pines), or Saturday, February 28 (Parker). Not all students who audition will be called back and not all students who are called back will necessarily be cast. Receiving or not receiving a callback does not mean a student will/ will not be cast in a show. Callbacks are simply another opportunity for the directors to see more of students capabilities. At callbacks students may be asked to read from the script, sing from the score and/or dance. A performer who presents a decisive audition and fits clearly with director s vision may not need to be called back, but still may be cast in a principal role. Just as the initial audition is the actor s opportunity to showcase, the callback serves as the director s opportunity to explore their vision. Please do not take it personally if you are not invited to a callback. It simply indicates that the director saw what was needed in our audition to the degree that he/ she already knows where or if to best place you within the overall picture of the show. If cast, a $110 production fee will need to be paid through the school store and must be paid by Friday, March 6 th or your cast member will not be allowed to attend rehearsals. If you experience any difficulties paying this fee, contact Mark Middlebrooks at: mmiddlebrooks@aak8.org Pre-Audition Checklist: o Read and understand audition information packet o Secure audition slot through Sign Up Genius. If you are unable to access this form or not able to make grade specific time slots, contact Courtney Townley (courtneytownley3@gmail.com) for alternative slot. o Print out, read, and complete audition packet including all necessary forms and conflicts. o Bring a resume and headshot, not required. (Grades 5 th through 8 th ) o Arrive 15 minutes prior to audition time to avoid losing your scheduled time. Forms are only accepted during this time. o Familiarize yourself with the show. This will make your audition and callback stronger.
Casting Roles THE CAT IN THE HAT The Cat s purpose in the show is to provide opportunities or motivation for the other characters to advance the story line. He serves as the emcee of the show and is constantly prodding the other characters into action. Vocal range: tenor/baritone THING 1 AND THING 2 They are released from the box that the cat brings in to show JoJo. They cause mischief and have lots of energy. Gymnastics and basic tumbling are essential for this role. Vocal range: N/A THE JUNGLE CHARACTERS HORTON Horton s purpose in the show is to demonstrate the virtues of empathy, devotion, and loyalty. Constantly derided for his eccentric nature, he instantly connects with the Whos. His instant and touching friendship with JoJo is one of the most endearing moments of the show. Vocal range: tenor/baritone GERTRUDE Gertrude has only one objective; to win Horton s attention. She is shy and unsure of her ability to be loved, but her heart is so big she instantly recognizes Horton s true nature and resolves to support him in his quixotic adventure. Vocal range: soprano MAYZIE Mayzie is every insecure woman s nightmare: gorgeous and talented. She is totally self-absorbed and devoid of any redeeming qualities. The role requires the ability to portray flirtation and cruelty in the form of child abandonment and the crushing of Horton s dreams. Vocal range: soprano/alto THE SOUR KANGAROO The Sour Kangaroo is the Soul Queen of the jungle. She is bossy, mean, and has enough attitude for five villains. She does not enjoy foolishness and Horton is her number one target for ridicule. Deep down she has maternal instincts, and in the end comes to Horton s way of thinking. This role demands a strong Soul/Gospel style of singing; loud and brassy is essential for this role.
Vocal range: Alto ROO Roo is a baby Sour Kangaroo. She is the Sour Kangaroo s mini me and should be a gangsta in her demeanor. Vocal range: soprano BIRD GIRLS The three Bird Girls are Mayzie wanna-bes. Each is beautiful, chic, and mean as snakes. The roles require excellent musicianship, excellent timing, and strong character skills. Strong dance skills, especially salsa, are required. Vocal range: soprano/alto WICKERSHAM BROTHERS (MONKEYS) The Wickersham Brothers are the bullies of the jungle. They sing in an intense, manly style. These roles require acrobatic skills such as tumbling and lifting, and strong athletic dancing Vocal range: baritone/bass YERTLE, THE TURTLE Yertle is a small but featured role that is combined with another role. A booming voice is preferred. Vocal range: baritone/base VLAD VLADIKOFF Vlad Vladikoff is a vulture that can dance in the ballet style. A small role that will be combined with another in the show. Vocal range: any range JUNGLE/CIRCUS ANIMALS: Monkeys, Tiger, Hippo, Lion, Zebra, Giraffe, Bear The Animals are street-smart creatures who follow the lead of the Sour Kangaroo and the Wickershams in tormenting Horton. Moderate dance skills are required. The understudies for the leads are in this ensemble. Vocal ranges: mixed ranges.
WHOVILLE CHARACTERS JOJO JoJo is the son (the directors will consider a young lady in this role as well) of the Mayor and Mrs Mayor. Like Horton he is often dismissed for his dream of a better world. Lonely and feeling unappreciated, he finds a true friend in Horton. This role requires an excellent musician with a pure voice, excellent articulation, and a willingness to work long and hard to master some very difficult music. Vocal range: tenor/soprano (male or female) MR. MAYOR Mr. Mayor is a big, bumbling man with a heart of gold, but often lets his office prevent him from seeing what is truly important. He expects JoJo to be perfect, as befits a politician s son/ or daughter. This role calls for a bombastic, jovial person. Vocal range: tenor/baritone. MRS. MAYOR Mrs. Mayor is a devoted wife and mother. She is worried by JoJo s dreaming and his/ or her isolation from the rest of society but she defers to her husband s handling on the matter. Vocal range: soprano WHOS CITIZENS The Citizens of Who are quirky, excitable people who value conformity. They see JoJo as a threat to the order of their society. Vocal range: mixed ranges Ned McDodd Augustus May Who Sally O'Malley Lou Lou Who Dr. Mary Lou LaRue Betty Lou Who Councilmen Drew Lou Who Miss Yelp Stu Lou Who Whos Maratha May Whovier Cindy Lou Who Grinch Euchariah Who