THE BFG (Big Friendly Giant) Audition Packet www.dsha.info/bfg Like any extra-curricular activity, it is a true commitment on your part in both time and energy. DSHA is known for putting on quality productions, but this comes with the hard work and dedication of everyone involved from production team, performers, and crew. The process is fun, but please think carefully about the commitment needed. Absenteeism and tardiness will not be tolerated and could result in expulsion from the production. Ask yourself, Do I really have the time to commit to this process? The following pages will contain all the information you need. Sit down with your parents, read through the material and make an educated decision. The application and contract must accompany you to the audition. You will not be allowed to audition without it. The BFG is a lighthearted fun-filled show bringing Roald Dahl s classic children s book to life. We are performing this show in the genre of theatre for young audiences. What does that mean? It means children are a tough audience to captivate! I am looking for actors with HUGE energy and expression on stage. It s time to be larger than life! I am also looking for creativity. The script is only a jumping off point for us. We will be adding lines, dance and staging sequences and original music to the show through a generative form of exploration and improvisation. This will truly be an ensemble show. Many rehearsals we will simply play and create as a cast with our musical director, Anne. What will result is an original version of the show created by us all. It s going to be so much fun! If you do not get in then keep working and improving. Sign up for one of the eight acting classes offered, join summer programs and keep auditioning! THEATRE PRODUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Please read them carefully and be sure you understand all policies before signing the contract. 1. Three Strikes and You re Out. Any absence not found on the original audition form or not deemed as a medical emergency is considered a strike. Three strikes will result in a demotion in casting or expulsion from the production. This will be determined on an individual basis. *Parents are asked to please try and honor this by not scheduling appointments and other activities during rehearsals unless they are on the original audition form. 2. Audition Slots and Callbacks Be early and be prepared. Get there in plenty of time to get focused and prepared. If you are late you will have to wait or miss the opportunity to participate in callbacks. Remember your audition/callback begins the minute you enter the room. Be professional and be yourself. Have fun! *If you are not called back it does not necessarily mean you are not in the show. It could mean that the director already knows where to put you and therefore does not need to see anything else. 3. DSHA School Policies Failure to comply with any academic or behavioral policies WILL lead to your expulsion from the production. This includes substance abuse, violence, or academic probation. These will be dealt with on a per-situation basis between the Dean of Students and the production staff. 4. Extracurricular Activities Due to the demanding schedules of sports and other productions you are not allowed to participate in winter sports and the show. You must choose. 5. Technical Requirements All cast members are required to attend at least one of the Saturday morning construction builds for a total of 4 building hours. The set for the shows here are extravagant and we need everyone s help to make them the best they can be. Dates TBA. Missing this results in a strike. All cast members are required to attend the all day technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals the Saturday and Sunday before show week. All cast members are required to be at strike the Monday following the last performance. Please see the attached schedule for exact dates and times on technical requirements. If you do not attend you will receive a demerit and you will not be allowed to audition for the next show. 6. Participation Fee The cost of doing a production is high. In order to assist with the cost of performance royalties, sets, costumes, and so forth, each cast member is required to pay a fee of $50.00 due at the mandatory parent meeting taking place on February 2 from 6 6:45 p.m. in the Quad. Those needing any financial assistance please contact Mr. Stoddard to make special arrangements at (414) 721-7414. Do not let this hinder your child from auditioning. 7. Extra Fees During tech weekend we rehearse through lunch time on Friday. The PFAA provides food for the entire cast. We ask that each student donates $5.00. T-shirts are ordered for each production we do here at DSHA. It is great for advertising and they can wear them show week. If your child would like one the cost is $10.00. This money must be received by October.
Audition Requirements Auditions: You must sign up for a group slot online: www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d48aea628a6f58-thebfg There are six people to a time slot. It does NOT matter who you sign up with. Like the rehearsal process, the audition process will also be improvisational. You will not need to prepare a monologue. 1. First you will be asked to read from one or more of the scene sides found online at dsha.info/bfg. You do not need to memorize them, but you can print them off and prepare them as you like. 2. Then you will perform show inspired improvisation from the show. All you can do to prepare is be ready to put yourself out there and be bold with your choices. 3. You may be asked to perform a small movement exercise as well. Many characters in the show need to move/dance. - This may not happen until callbacks. Here is the schedule: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9: INITIAL AUDITIONS ARENA THEATRE 3:00 7:00 Please sign up for a 30 minute slot. Wear comfortable clothing. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12: CALLBACKS (Callback list will be posted on Thursday afternoon) 9:00am 12:30 Mr. Stoddard will release people as he is through with them but everyone called back is required to be there at 9:00am and stay until released. We will do readings from the script and more activities. CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS: *One of the most exciting parts of this show is that it is an ensemble production. SOPHIE: The young, sweet orphan girl who becomes friends with the BFG and saves the children of England. Sometimes the actor will play Sophie herself. Other times the actor will speak as Sophie while manipulating her as a small hand puppet. THE BFG: The only friendly giant in Giant Country. He has a big booming voice and struggles with the human language. The actor playing him will also be the person who manipulates the mouth of the large puppet. Played by a man or woman. (4) PUPPETEERS: There are two size puppets for the BFG. The puppeteers will manipulate arms, legs and face for the entire show and must express the same emotions as he would be feeling in each scene. You need to be strong and agile. (6) EVIL GIANTS: Bonecruncher, Fleshlumpeater, Bloodbottler, Meat Dripper, Gizzardgulper, Childchewer: They are the mean giants of Giant Country. They pick on the BFG and every night they venture into the world to eat children. They are dumb, bumbling giants. The actors playing these parts have to be extremely physical. They will be walking on small stilts the entire show, have giant heads on the top of their own head, and perform various monster-movement sequences. The monsters are evil but comical. 8 12 NARRATORS: This group of actors will not only narrate throughout the show, but will step in and out of the characters below. The actors who play narrators need to be able to embody many different characters and also be good movers. They will perform a dream-dance sequence and other movement based story telling. Narrators will be called to rehearsal almost every day. Dream-Country Dancers Mrs. Plumridge: Strict teacher Rebecca: Student who is dreaming. Other Children in Class Headmaster: Strict. In charge. Father: Task master. Trying to get help from his son. Sam: Son of the father. One who is dreaming. President: This will either be a fake president or actually be Obama. I have not decided. The Queen of England: Larger than life character and accent. Mary: The Queens maid. Accent Mr. Tibbs: The Queens butler. Accent Queen of Sweden: Comical Swedish accent. Head of Army: Tough and strong. Cartoon version of an Army General. Head of Airforce: Same as the Head of Army. Attack of the Giant Puppeteers: Orphans
Schedule and Commitment: The rehearsal process will not start until Tuesday, January 26 and then we will move quickly and put the show together in about 25 rehearsals. Rehearsals will be Monday Thursday with a couple of Fridays if needed. Rehearsals will be 3:45 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Important Dates Script Pick-Up You must pick up scripts on Jan 4 or 5. First day of rehearsal Tuesday, January 26 3:45pm 5:45pm Mandatory Cast/Crew and Parent Meeting February 2: Fees due 6:00pm 6:45pm Tech Rehearsal Day: ALL CAST AND CREW Friday, March 4 (no school day) 8:30am 6:30pm Dress Rehearsal #1 ALL CAST AND CREW Saturday, March 5 8:30am 12:30pm Evening Dress Rehearsals Monday and Tuesday 4pm 7:00pm Student Matinee Performances (final dress) Wednesday, March 9 at 9am and 12pm Performances Thurs Sat, March 10 12 at 7pm Sunday, March 13 at 2pm Strike *Required for ALL Cast and Crew Monday, March 14 11:30am 6pm Tuesday, March 15 3:00pm 6pm ----------------Detach here and keep above pages for your records-------------------
----------------Detach here, re-staple and turn in at audition------- THE BFG AUDITION APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IMPORTANT STAPLE SMALL PHOTO HERE NAME DATE HEIGHT HAIR COLOR PARENT CELL YOUR CELL EMAIL CURRENT GRADE WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU ATTEND? PARENT OR GUARDIAN NAMES PARENTAL EMAIL(S) (print very clearly) FULL MAILING ADDRESS CITY ZIP How many times have you previously auditioned for a DSHA show? How many DSHA shows have you been cast in? Rate your dancing ability from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) : Should you not be cast, would you be interested in costume and makeup? Should you not be cast, would you be interested in prop design/construction Should you not be cast are you interested in Assistant Directing? If female, you MUST be willing to play a male role. Please initial that you have read this statement and understand that by auditioning you accept these terms. Do you have any physical limitations that would hinder you from walking on stilts? BELOW IS FOR THE AUDITION PANEL. PLEASE TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE GROUP: A B C NOTES: Possible Characters: SOPHIE BFG EVIL GIANTS QUEEN NARRATOR OTHER Movement Score: 1 2 3 4 5 Improvisation Score: 1 2 3 4 5
CONFLICTS: Casting is based on talent AND availability. Please read carefully the rehearsal requirements and responsibilities carefully. Take special note of rehearsal times. You must put down any conflicts now including Fridays. Future conflicts may not be honored and will count as strikes against you. (see policy) A. I do NOT have any conflicts B. These are ALL my conflicts: (look carefully at retreats, work, mandatory school events) Previous Performance and Training Experience: List in below format OR attach a RESUME. Year Show or Class Role/Skill Theater/School
THESE TWO STATEMENTS MUST BE SIGNED IN ORDER TO AUDITION Please read the DSHA Production Policies and Procedures section BEFORE signing. STUDENT STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE AUDITION, REHEARSAL AND ALL PRODUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES of The BFG AND AGREE TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE CREATIVE TEAM AND FOLLOW THESE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THREE STRIKES WILL LEAD TO AN EXPULSION FROM THE PRODUCTION. I UNDERSTAND THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS BEING ASKED OF ME AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN A STRIKE. I WILL NOTE WHEN THE WEEKEND REHEARSALS WILL BE. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE MUST REMAIN SATISFACTORY THROUGHOUT THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE. A VOILATION OF THE DSHA SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE EXPLUSION FROM A PRODUCTION. SIGNATURE & DATE PARENT / GUARDIAN PERMISSION AS PARENT / LEGAL GUARDIAN OF THE STUDENT LISTED ABOVE, I HAVE READ AND FIND THE AUDITION, REHEARSAL, AND PRODUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ACCEPTABLE AND SHALL PERMIT MY CHILD TO AUDITION FOR, ACCEPT A ROLE IN, REHEARSE, AND PERFORM IN THE DIVINE SAVIOR HOLY ANGELS HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF THE BFG. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A $50.00 PARTICIPATION FEE FOR ALL PERFORMERS AND A $5.00 TECH DINNER FEE DUE AT THE MANDATORY PARENT MEETING ON Tuesday, February 2 from 6:00 6:45. FUTHERMORE, I AGREE TO SUPPORT MY CHILD BY ENSURING PROMPT AND FAITHFUL REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE AND WILL ALERT THE DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE OF ANY TRULY EMERGENCY ABSENCES. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY CHILD S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE MUST REMAIN ADEQUATE DURING BOTH THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE OR SHE CANNOT CONTINUE REHEARSING FOR THE PRODUCTION. I UNDERSTAND THE TECH REQUIREMENTS AND THE THREE STRIKE PRODUCTION POLICY AND KNOW THAT VIOLATION OF THAT POLICY OR ANY DSHA CODE OF CONDUCT WILL LEAD TO EXPULSION FROM THE PRODUCTION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WINTER PLAY CAST AND CREW IS SMALL SO IT IS ASKED THAT AT LEAST ONE PARENT OR GAURDIAN VOLUNTEER FOR A SHOW DUTY IN SOME CAPACITY OVER THE PROCESS. SIGNATURE & DATE