This fall, the ASB Ensemble proudly presents: Charles Dickens' classic ghost story of Christmas tells the story of the elderly and grasping miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who shuns everything but the pleasures of his counting house. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is haunted by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and by three spirits, whose visions--of Scrooge's lonely past, his miserable present, and the inevitable terrifying future wrought by a lifetime of selfishness and greed--awaken Scrooge to the joy of what might be. An enlightened and transformed Mr. Scrooge greets Christmas Day with love, kindness, compassion, and charity--imbued with the joy of Christmas itself. Our production opens at North Seattle College on Thursday, November 15th and closes on Sunday, November 18th. The curtain rises at 7 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and at 2:30 PM on Sunday. Auditions for A Christmas Carol will take place on Monday, September 10th and Wednesday, September 12th. Callbacks will take place on Thursday, September 13th and Friday, September 14th. Audition material is selected from the play itself, so there is no need to prepared a monologue for auditions. You can audition for the fall play by signing up for a 10 minute audition slot here! (If you wish to audition with a partner, please sign up for 2 consecutive audition slots.) All ASB actors should plan on attending callbacks on Thursday and Friday, September 13th and 14th. Casting will be announced via email on Sunday, September 16 th. Student actors and technicians who commit to meeting all of the requirements outlined in the enclosed Artist s Agreement will be given an opportunity to participate in our show. We want everyone who is interested to have an opportunity to participate in the show! To accommodate students busy schedules, we are offering TWO different levels of commitment. Students may (1) choose to participate in the Ensemble on a limited basis (rehearsal 2 days per week until mandatory rehearsals begin in May: students who choose this option will participate in selected numbers) or (2) full participation. We do our very best to accommodate busy schedules, and we will work with most conflicts; however, conflicts must be submitted prior to casting, and additional conflicts (family vacations, weekend trips) may not be added after roles are accepted and rehearsals begin.
Important dates: Auditions: Monday, September 10 th and Wednesday, September 12 th. Students will sign up for individual, ten-minute audition slots by going to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4eafa82cab9-fall2. Students are welcome to audition with a friend! Students who audition in pairs should sign up for two consecutive audition slots. Callbacks: Thursday, September 13 th and Friday, September 14 th. Everyone should expect to attend callbacks. If you have conflicts with any of these Callback dates, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Cast list will be posted outside the Drama Room after roles are accepted. Casting invitations will be sent to actors via email on Sunday, September 16 th.. s: s will begin on begin: Monday, September 17 th.. s will end at 5:30 PM; however, actors will NOT be called daily until mandatory rehearsals begin. In addition, we will do our very best to honor conflicts. Actors with principal roles should not have major conflicts; actors with principal roles may be asked to attend additional rehearsals. Mandatory parent meeting: TBA at 7:00 P.M. in the Drama Room Mandatory rehearsals and performances: November 5 th through November 9 th ; November 11 th - closing on November 18 th. Commitment: Successful productions are collective efforts that require good will, commitment, and dedication from everyone involved. Before auditioning, please be sure that you can attend all scheduled mandatory rehearsals and performances. (Be sure to review the attached calendar for mandatory rehearsal dates and times.) Actors, with few exceptions, must be available to attend all mandatory rehearsals in order to be cast in the show. So, please check your family s calendar before auditioning, and be sure that you read the Artist s Agreement carefully before you commit to the show. Parent Volunteer Hours: We can t do it without you! Parents should plan on contributing at least ten hours of volunteer effort per family to the spring musical. Conflict Schedule: Because we know that many of you are involved in multiple activities, we will do our best to honor anticipated conflicts. Please fill out the online conflict schedule so we can do our best to accommodate your other after-school commitments (activities, music lessons, sports, etc.). Please be sure to list all conflicts on this online form. Actors will be allowed to miss some scheduled rehearsals for listed conflicts until our mandatory rehearsals begin in November. Actors must be present to learn blocking and choreography, so students who must miss a scheduled rehearsal are responsible for learning blocking, choreography, etc. by arranging to meet with either the stage manager and/or Ms. Olsen prior to their next scheduled rehearsal. Unfortunately, students with numerous conflicts cannot be considered for principal roles. Actor Fee: All actors are required to pay an actor fee of $65. This fee covers space rental, musicians stipends, royalties, and includes a copy of a DVD of the show.
Casting: Casting a play or musical is like solving an elaborate puzzle. We, the Creative Team, need to ensure that we solve that puzzle so the play s story, the relationships between the characters, and the message of the show are brought to life. Sometimes, actors are surprised to learn where they fit into that puzzle. We will do our very best to cast you so that each of you is matched with a role that makes you (and our production) shine! Since plays are truly collective efforts that require good will and cooperation, we ask that each of you embrace the role for which you are chosen and play it with all your might. You are ALL stars! In casting the show, we will consider how well prepared you were for your audition, how well you responded to direction, the good will and commitment demonstrated by you at the audition, and where you and your unique gifts best fit into the telling of the story of the play. Additionally, we will consider previous experience, and of course we must consider your availability. Together, we will make a great production happen. We are so grateful to you and your families for your time, talent, and commitment to theatre at ASB! Julie Olsen Director Karen Skrinde Assistant Director
MANDATORY REHEARSAL CALENDAR These final rehearsals are the time the entire show comes together. If you are unable to commit to these dates you may not audition for the play. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Nov. 5 Nov.6 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov.10 ASB 2:10-5:30 ASB 3:10-5:30 ASB 3:10-5:30 ASB 3:10-5:30 ASB 3:10-5:30 No rehearsal Load in Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 3:00-6:00 5:00 9:00 5:00 9:00 5:00 9:00 Performance 5:00 Call 7:00 Show Performance 5:00 call 7:00 Show Performance 5:00 call 7:00 Show Nov. 18 Performance 1:00 Call 2:30 Show Strike to follow
AUDITION INFORMATION Scheduling an Audition Please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4eafa82cab9-fall2 to make your ten-minute audition appointment. Students who wish to audition in pairs should sign up for consecutive appointments. Forms - To be returned at the beginning of your audition 1. Contract: This is a binding agreement so be sure you understand the requirements to be cast in the show. 2. Audition Form: This gives the directors some basic information about your individual performance experience and talents. Take time to fill this out completely and legibly. 3. Conflict Schedule: Please be sure to fill this out by going to https://www.asbschool.org/student-life/drama/production-information-private/ What to prepare for your audition: Enclosed, you will find a synopsis of the show, character synopses, and a selection of music. Instead of preparing a monologue for your audition, you will be preparing the enclosed sides and selected songs to choose from. After reading the character and plot synopses, select the side(s) that most appeal to you. (You may audition for more than 1 character.) Our stage manager or reader will read the second character in each scene during initial auditions. 1. Please prepare 2-3 contrasting sides. The sides do not have to be memorized, but they should be prepared thoroughly so that we can see evidence of vocal and physical character choices, movement choices, emotional connection with the character, and vocal and physical expressivity. We are also very eager to see how effectively you interact with other actors onstage, so be sure to interact with the reader. 2. After you show us what you have prepared, you will be asked to make an adjustment. We are eager to see how you respond to suggestions and ideas! Call Backs Callbacks will be held in the Drama Room. All actors should plan on attending callbacks. If you have any conflicts with callback dates, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedules. At callbacks, you will have the opportunity to read for multiple roles and work with other actors who are being considered for roles. First All actors must attend our first rehearsal on Monday, September 17th. after school in the Old Library Room from 2:10 5:30pm. We will read through the script, work on acting skills, and go over rehearsal guidelines.
ACTOR CONTRACT COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS ACTOR (STUDENT) As an Actor in A Christmas Carol, I will abide by the following terms and conditions: 1. I will share my talents and give my best effort at all rehearsals and performances. 2. I will look upon every rehearsal as a collective effort that requires my cooperation and full participation. I will work with patience, diligence, and respect for everyone associated with this production. 3. I will be a positive member of the cast, and I will give my all to the role I receive. I will set a positive example for others by how I rehearse and perform. 4. I will attend all scheduled rehearsals unless the director excuses me because of a reported prior conflict. I understand that all absences need to be arranged more than 48 hours in advance of the absence. I realize that more than one unexcused absence may lead to my dismissal from the cast. 5. I will attend all MANDATORY rehearsals and performances listed on the rehearsal schedule in this packet. 6. I will memorize my lines by specified due dates. I will memorize all of my stage blocking and choreography. I will contribute to the rehearsal process by making strong choices, and I will always rehearse at performance level with performance energy, commitment, and focus. 7. I understand that academic work always comes first, and I will keep up with my work in all of my classes. If I am currently working to improve my academic status, I will accept an ensemble role. PARENTS As a parent of an actor in A Christmas Carol, I (we) give permission for my (our) son/daughter to participate in the play and will abide by the following terms and conditions: 1. I (we) will fully support all of the conditions outlined in this contract. 2. I (we) will make sure my (our) child will attend all mandatory rehearsals and performances in April/May. I (we) understand these rehearsals are required for participation in this production. 3. I (we) will ensure that my (our) child is picked up on time after each rehearsal and performance in the parking lot at ASB or designated pick up area at the theatre. 4. I (we) understand rehearsals are closed: parents are not allowed to attend rehearsals.
5. I (we) will help my (our) child uphold the terms of this agreement. I (we) understand that if my (our) child is unable to attend rehearsals due to unexpected conflicts or other unanticipated issues that he/she may have his/her role in the production reassigned to better accommodate his/her success in rehearsal and performance. ACTOR CONTRACT TO BE RETURNED AT YOUR AUDITION PRINT NAME: (first and last) I wish to participated in the show As an Actor in A Christmas Carol, I will abide by the following terms and conditions: 1. I will share my talents and give my best effort at all rehearsals and performances. 2. I will look upon every rehearsal as a collective effort that requires my cooperation and full participation. I will work with patience, diligence, and be respectful to everyone associated with this production. 3. I will be a positive member of the cast, and I will give my all to the role I receive. I will set a positive example for others by how I rehearse and perform. 4. I will attend all scheduled rehearsals unless the director excuses me because of a reported prior conflict. I understand that all absences need to be arranged more than 48 hours in advance of the absence. I realize that more than one unexcused absence may lead to my dismissal from the cast. 5. I will attend all MANDATORY rehearsals and performances listed below: 6. I will memorize my lines by specified due dates. I will memorize all of my stage blocking and choreography. I will contribute to the rehearsal process by making strong choices and always rehearsing at performance level. 7. I understand that academic work always comes first, and I will keep up with my work in all classes. If I am currently working to improve my academic status, I will accept an ensemble role. Actor s Signature HOMEROOM TEACHER I give permission for the actor to participate in A Christmas Carol. This student is currently keeping up with their school work and passing all classes.
Teacher s Signature and comments PARENTS TO BE RETURNED AT YOUR CHILD S AUDITION As a parent of an actor in A Christmas CarolI (we) give permission for our son/daughter to participate in the play and will abide by the following terms and conditions: 1. I (we) will fully support all of the conditions outlined in this contract. 2. I (we) will make sure my (our) child will attend all mandatory rehearsals and performances in April/May. I (we) understand these rehearsals are required for participation in this production. 3. I (we) will ensure that my (our) child is picked up on time after each rehearsal and performance in the parking lot at ASB or designated pick up area atthe theatre. 4. I (we) agree to contribute at least ten volunteer hours to this production and agree to participate either Load-In or Strike. 6. I (we) will help my (our) child uphold the terms of this agreement. I (we) understand that if my (our) child is unable to attend rehearsals due to unexpected conflicts or other unanticipated issues that he/she may have his/her role in the production reassigned to better accommodate his/her success in rehearsal and performance. I (we) have read the contract and agree to fully accept the responsibilities and will abide by all terms and conditions stated. Parent s (Guardian s) Signature Parents telephone (in case of an emergency) Parent s email Please choose a category below where you can share your talents. Please indicate in which of the following areas you can donate your time: Costumes (sewing/alterations) Props (finding, borrowing, creating) Costumes (fitting/organizing) Set Construction Load In (Nov. 10th) Scenic Painting Load-Out (Nov. 18th) Make-up/Wigs ALL FAMILIES ARE RESPECTFULLY ASKED TO DONATE TEN OR MORE VOLUNTEER HOURS TO A CHRISTMAS CAROL. WE CAN T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE CLEARED THROUGH VIRTUS. TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY My child s transportation plan for rehearsals (please check all that apply) I will be picking up my child or my child will carpool (please list carpool in the space below:) My child is allowed to walk home or to a bus stop alone Other transportation considerations: PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT STUDENTS MUST GO DIRECTLY TO REHEARSAL. FOR SAFETY REASONS, STUDENTS MAY NOT GO OFF-CAMPUS FOR SNACKS (OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON) PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY REHEARSAL. STUDENTS WHO ARE RELEASED PRIOR TO THE END OF THE REHEARSAL DAY MUST BE PICKED UP IN PERSON AT THE DRAMA ROOM DOOR UNLESS THEY HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION TO WALK HOME OR TO THE BUS STOP. FOR SAFETY REASONS, STUDENTS MAY NOT WAIT UNATTENDED OUTSIDE THE PAC FOR RIDES. LATE PICK-UP: ASB REQUIRES THAT STUDENTS WHO ARE WAITING FOR A LATE PICK-UP (I.E. AFTER REHEARSAL ENDS FOR THE DAY) BE SIGNED IN TO EXTENDED CARE. ALL UNEXPECTED ABSENCES MUST BE COMMUNICATED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN VIA E-MAIL TO MS. OLSEN.
AUDITION FORM Name: Homeroom: Audition date: / Time: Age: Height: Hair Color: Type of role I am auditioning for (check only one): Any Role (Leading, Featured* or Ensemble) Leading Role (maximum 5 days per week) Featured Role* (2 days per week) 1. Performance Experience (list the last three shows and roles you played) Show Role 2. Describe all performing arts experience outside of ASB School (drama, music, dance, gymnastics, etc.) and special talents you may have. 3. Please read the attached Theatrical Code of Ethics. This document describes behaviors that all actors professional and amateur exhibit. Choose 3 that you think are most important to you and briefly explain why these behaviors are crucial for success. Next, briefly describe how you will believe you can contribute to making the rehearsal process positive and productive. 1. 2. 3. (The following is based on the Educational Association s Rubric for Evaluation) FOR DIRECTOR S (The following is based on the Educational Association s Rubric for Evaluation) FOR DIRECTOR S USE ONLY Vocally expressive Character choices Physically Expressive Preparation and Deportment Roles