Page Middle Players AUDITION PACKET Contents Include: Director Note and Contact Info Audition Form Play Summary and Character Descriptions Tentative Rehearsal/Show Schedule Audition Side (Scenes) Descriptions Audition Scenes *Please read the entire packet!
Dear parents and students, Thank you for your interest in auditioning for a role in Page Middle School s production of The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition. Students who are interested in tech and backstage jobs (VERY important in this production) are encouraged to speak to me as soon as possible to express interest in involvement. A student can audition and still express interest in these areas. If you are preparing for auditions, make sure to read all the materials in this packet. Choose roles that speak to you or you think might be fun. There are character and scene descriptions in this packet for the scenes we will use in auditions. To help with your understanding of the scenes and play itself, check out film clips on Youtube, read summaries online, or refer to the original books by L. Frank Baum. The best way to contact me is by email (bradley.brown@wcs.edu). NOTE: As of this time, TCAPs are scheduled for the day of Final Dress Rehearsal and Opening Night. If this is a concern, note that we build in study time for students and are mindful of making sure students do not get home too late during Tech week. This has worked well in the past. This is an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward with sharing it with the students and our audiences in April and May. Brad Brown Page Middle Drama Instructor Director, Page Middle Players NOTE: All students auditioning need to sign up for the OZ Auditions Google Classroom with this code: erimei
Page Middle Players Audition Form Audition Date/Time: Performance Dates: April 28 and May 1 at 7:00 and April 29 at 2:00 and 7:00 The Wizard Of Oz Name: Parent/Guardian s Name: Grade: Parent/Guardian s Email and Phone Number: List below all prior theatre experience in the past four years both in cast and crew. (If you need more room, please use another sheet of paper) Play Role/Position Theatre Date Are there particular roles that you are interested in? Would you accept any role you are offered? If not, why? If you are not cast, would be willing to work tech? If not, why? If so, please circle all the tech positions in which you would be interested. Stage Man. Apprentice 3 Technical Director 1/2 Assistant TD 2 Publicity Crew Box Office 3 House Manager 3 Costume Design Makeup Design 3 Costume Crew 3/4 Makeup Crew 3/4 Lighting Crew 2/4 Set Construction & Paint Crew 2/4 Sound Crew 2/4 Lighting Board Operator 3 Running Crew 3/4 1requires technical theatre experience in at least two shows 2 most likely will need to work weekend hours 3 will be required to be present at dress rehearsals and performances 4 needs multiple people 5 must be interviewed by Mr. Brown Which tech position or two would you most want to do? Why do you want this tech position(s) and why would you be the right person for me to choose? List any special skills you could bring to the production as a performer (juggling, stage combat, gymnastics, etc.)
List below any vocal or dance training or experience you have had (i.e. choirs, voice lessons, dance troupes, dance lessons, etc.) Experience Beginning Date Ending Date Please list your class schedule below. Class Teacher Class Teacher 1 st 4 th 2 nd 5 th 3 rd 6 th Please list below any after school or weekend commitments that would interfere with your ability to work on the show or any specific dates you know you will out of town or unable to be at the theatre. Block off below any times that you would not be able to work due to prescheduled activities such as church, sport s practices, tutoring, or lessons. 10:00 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00
MUSICAL SUMMARY The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, dreams of escaping her mundane life ( Over The Rainbow ). The family s mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to impound Dorothy s cherished dog, Toto, so Dorothy and Toto run away. They meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home. Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz. In Oz, Dorothy is greeted by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Apparently, Dorothy s house has landed upon and fatally stricken the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins, now freed from the Wicked Witch of the East, celebrate and hail Dorothy as their new heroine ( Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead/Munchkin Musical Sequence ). The celebration is interrupted as the Wicked Witch of the West suddenly appears, seeking vengeance. Unable to reclaim her sister s shoes, which are now on Dorothy s feet, the Witch vows to return and quickly vanishes. Dorothy, seeking a way back home to Kansas, sets off to see the Wizard of Oz ( Follow the Yellow Brick Road ). Along the way, Dorothy meets three new friends, each of whom lacks a crucial characteristic: The Scarecrow ( If I Only Had A Brain ) The Tinman ( If I Only Had A Heart ) and the Lion ( If I Only Had The Nerve ). Together, the four new companions make their way towards Oz ( We re Off To See The Wizard ). The Witch attempts to sedate the travelers with a poisonous field of poppies, but Glinda reverses the spell with healing snowflakes ( Poppies/Optimistic Voices ). The travelers, arriving at the Emerald City, are delayed by a stubborn Gatekeeper, but Dorothy s tears convince him to relent and let them in ( Merry Old Land Of Oz ). As the group awaits its audience with the Wizard, the Lion boasts he is King Of The Forest. Finally, they meet the imposing and irritable Wizard, who demands the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West. The four friends travel deep into the haunted forest. Suddenly, they encounter jitterbugs, who make them dance until they collapse from exhaustion ( Jitterbug ). The Wicked Witch s flying monkeys swoop down, capturing Dorothy and Toto. At the castle, the Witch vows to take Dorothy s life. Meanwhile, the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tinman infiltrate the castle disguised as Winkie guards. The foursome and Toto are reunited, but the Wicked Witch interferes, threatening the Scarecrow with fire. Dorothy, dousing the flames with a bucket of water, accidentally strikes the Witch, who smolders and melts into nothing ( Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead Reprise ). The four friends, triumphant, take the Witch s broom back to the Wizard. The Wizard remains imperious and imposing, but Toto pulls aside a curtain to reveal a meek and ordinary man speaking into a microphone. The Wizard, revealed to be a humbug, nonetheless grants each traveler s request, giving the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion each a token of his newly-acquired ability. The Wizard offers to take Dorothy back to Kansas in his hot-air balloon, but the balloon accidentally takes off, and Dorothy is left alone and crestfallen. Glinda appears and explains that Dorothy has always had the power to return home. All she has to do is close her eyes, tap her heels together three times, and repeat to herself, There s no place like home. Back in Kansas, Dorothy awakens, confused, with a bump on her head. Reunited with all her loved ones, and relieved to learn the storm has left Miss Gulch incapacitated by a broken leg, Dorothy shares the tale of her miraculous journey, celebrating the joy and healing power of home.
CHARACTERS LEADING & SUPPORTING ROLES Dorothy Gale: A sweet, innocent young lady with a streak of boldness, outspoken and headstrong, who dearly loves her family, friends and dog, Toto; Lives on farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em & Uncle Henry, but dreams of escaping to a far-off place where she will not get into trouble; Strong vocalist and dancer required. Aunt Em Gale: A typical, hard-working farmer s wife who is firm & no-nonsense but also warm and caring; Sings reprise of Somewhere Over the Rainbow as a duet with Dorothy Uncle Henry Gale: Farmer whose wife, Em, runs things; Adoring uncle to Dorothy; Nonsinging role Hunk (Scarecrow): Clumsy farmhand on the family s Kansas farm; Both characters talk about being smart and having a brain Hickory (Tin Man): Kind, sweet and nurturing farmhand; Tin man has no heart but is very caring Zeke (Lion): Farmhand who lacks courage; Acts tough, but fearful self comes out in any scary situation Miss Gulch (Wicked Witch of the West): Well-off, cold-hearted Gale neighbor who hates Toto; Nonsinging role Professor Marvel (Wizard): Traveling salesman who lives by telling fortunes; A bit of a conman but with a good heart; Non-singing role Glinda: Good Witch of the North who is the mother figure for Munchkins and Dorothy whom she guides through Oz; Delicate and graceful OTHER CAST MEMBERS Cyclone: Dancers will help create the tornado effect through interpretive dance, moving scenery and manipulating puppets or rigged costumes; Non-singing roles Cyclone Victims (one liners), Lady (in rocking chair), Cow (2 people), Men (2 in row boat) Munchkins: Little people who live in Munchkinland where Dorothy s house lands after the cyclone; Enthusiastic and celebrate joyfully; All sizes eligible; Includes Teachers (2),, Barrister, City Fathers (2) with lines; Mayor and Coroner with lines and vocal solos; Also Tots (3) and Tough Guys (3) who sing Yellow Brick Roadsiders: Represent the background during scenes with Dorothy meets Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, including Apple Trees (3 of which sing), Wild Trees & Crows (3 sing probably puppets) Jitterbugs: Forest creatures who serve the Wicket Witch to dance the shoes off of Dorothy s feet! Fast-paced swing number Optimistic Voices: Late 1930 s-style female vocal trio (or more) who sing short chorus to welcome Dorothy and group to Emerald City Doorman & Guard: Comical characters in Emerald City; Doorman starts out tough but melts into a softy; Guard also changes from harsh to sympathetic Ozians: Citizens of Emerald City with group song and dance; Costumes include Stylists, Tin Restorers, Straw Stuffers and Cat (who briefly distracts Toto likely a puppet)
Winged Monkeys: The Wicked Witch s menacing animal army Nikko: Leader of the Winged Monkeys with a few lines Winkie Guards: The Wicked Witch s enslaved guards who are overjoyed at her death Leader of Winkies: Head Guard with a few lines GENERAL INFORMATION ROLES and CASTING There are many unique and special roles in The Wizard of Oz. Some focus on singing, others on dancing and some very important parts are strictly acting parts. Casting will be based on an actor s age/grade, rehearsal availability, interests and audition. TIME COMMITMENT The Page Middle Players Team is dedicated to providing a quality educational and artistic experience to as many students as possible. Since we all have many time obligations and family commitments we are striving to give you detailed information on rehearsal schedules so you can make informed choices for your student and your family. We will do our best to honor the schedule we present by making as few or no changes to the schedule and by always starting and stopping on time. COSTUMES Costumes will once again be designed by our fabulous parent and student costume designers. They will be working to provide the main costume pieces for each character. Individual students will be asked to provide appropriate undergarments and shoes. We will send out information after rehearsals begin outlining the specific items needed for each student. Information regarding hair and make-up will be sent home before our tech week. IMPORTANT DATES January 31 Feb. 3 Audition Week please see Audition Information for details February 7 Rehearsals begin March 18-26 - Spring Break NO REHEARSAL March 30 - Act One lines off-book April 4 - Act Two lines off-book April 24 Tech Week Begins Performances April 28 and May 1 7:00 pm Performance April 29 2:00 pm and 7:00pm GENERAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Cast members will be called on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will be the bulk of our rehearsal time. Each week will look slightly different as we work our way through the show. Early rehearsals will primarily be working on music and choreography. A specific rehearsal schedule will be published every two weeks outlining our daily rehearsals.
WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Tuesday: 2:40 5:30 Thursday: 2:40 5:30 Friday: When Needed (starting in March) TECH WEEK SCHEDULE no conflicts allowed with this week April 22 Saturday TBA FULL CAST (if needed) April 24 Monday 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST April 25 Tuesday 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST April 26 Wed.- 3:00-8:00 FULL CAST **DRESS REHEARSAL April 27 Thurs. 3:00-9:00 - FULL CAST **FINAL DRESS April 28 Friday 5:00 FULL CAST CALL 7:00 CURTAIN April 29 Saturday 12:00 FULL CAST photo call 2:00 CURTAIN April 29 Saturday 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN May 1 Monday - 5:00 FULL CAST 7:00 CURTAIN COMMUNICATION The Page Middle Players The Wizard of Oz Google Classroom will be our primary means of communication. We will also keep basic information on the drama department website (edublogs.wcs.edu/pagemiddledrama). E-mail and Twitter (@wcspagemsbb) blasts will be used for last minute changes or for individual communication. We will post all schedules and pertinent show information to the websites. Please check the websites often. All rehearsal schedules will be posted in a timely manner. CONFLICTS Please list all of your conflicts -- standing conflicts (each week), long-term conflicts (vacations, etc.) on your audition sheet. This is the only way we can put together a rehearsal schedule for the students. All conflicts approved by the director at the time of auditions will be considered excused absences. Illness and/or injury are also considered excused. Please make every effort to report absences before the rehearsal time. That way the teaching team can adjust the schedule to accommodate. Long term illnesses or injuries may require some modifications to a student s role. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL MEMORIZATION Memorizing your lines is one of the major responsibilities for all actors. We re in this together! Actors who struggle with lines make it difficult for the entire cast to rehearse. The due date for memorizing Act One lines is March 28. The due date for memorizing Act Two lines is April 4. Actors who are not actively working on memorization by the due dates may be asked to meet with the teaching team before tech week to discuss the continuation of their role.
ABSENCES Rehearsal conflicts are difficult on everyone. Actors who have two or more unexcused or unreported absences may be asked to meet with the Page Middle Drama Teaching Team to discuss their role in the show. UNDERSTUDIES Since all kinds of things can happen during our ten week rehearsal period, understudies may be assigned as we go along. This can help to cover conflicts, illnesses etc. Should the need arise to use understudies, the Teaching Team will inform the understudy and the actor they are helping of any changes to schedules or rehearsal responsibilities. TECH CREW We have opportunities for students grades 6-8 who would like to work on the technical aspects of the show. There are no auditions required for these roles. More information will be provided in the next week on these groups. See the Tech Application and Packet for more info (spots are limited). BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE POLICY Page Middle Drama follows the same rules of conduct as students are expected to follow during the school day, as outlined on the Page Middle website and in all student agendas. For daily rehearsals the Page Middle Drama Teaching Team will follow a three strikes--you re out policy. Details of our rehearsal policy will be outlined at our first rehearsals. CLOSED REHEARSALS AND CHAPERONES Page Middle Drama rehearsals are considered closed rehearsals. Family and friends are asked to wait outside of the rehearsal area for your students. This keeps our noise level and distractions to a minimum. However, if you would like to observe rehearsals we encourage you to contact us. VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS It takes a small army to make these productions! That s where our parents come in. We ask that any interested parents take on a pre-production and a production job so that we share the workload. If you have a special area of expertise that you would like to offer help with, we would be love to hear from you! CONTACT INFORMATION Bradley Brown Director 931-260-4576 bradley.brown@wcs.edu Molly Wineland Musical Director molly.wineland@wcs.edu
Steps to Audition 1. Please read through all the information posted on the Page Middle Drama websites before making a commitment to the Page Middle Production. 2. Fill out an audition form located online on Oz Auditions Google Classroom or department web site or pick up a physical copy from Mr. Brown or Ms. Wineland. Attach a photo and return your form to Mr. Brown by Monday, January 30. 3. Sign up for an audition date outside Mr. Brown s room. If you have a conflict with your assigned audition day/time you may request to audition on a different day based on availability. 4. Prepare for the audition using the information provided in the audition packet monologues and songs included. 5. Vocal and acting auditions are Tuesday, January 31 and Thursday, February 2. Dance and additional acting auditions are Friday, February 3. 6. The cast list for The Wizard of Oz will be posted on the Page Middle Drama web site and the school website on the weekend of February 4-5. AUDITION INFORMATION AUDITION WEEK SCHEDULE January 31 Tuesday 2:30-5:30 Vocal/Acting Audition Day One February 1 Wednesday 2:30-5:30 TBA February 2 Thursday 2:30-5:30 Vocal/Acting Audition Day Two February 3 Friday 2:30-5:30 Dance Auditions/Additional Acting Auditions (if needed) GENERAL AUDITIONS All students signing up for The Wizard of Oz must attend a vocal audition. Here s what you do: 1. Turn in your audition form to Mr. Brown or Ms. Wineland 2. You will sign up for an audition time for any one of the available dates. All students will be asked to stay for the entire time unless they are released. 3. Vocal Auditions: For the vocal auditions, students should come in prepared to sing a selection from a Broadway musical. Options (with sheet music and instrumental tracks) will be posted on the Oz Auditions Google Classroom and the drama website starting Monday, January 23. Obviously all material must be school-appropriate. Students will sing about 30-45 seconds of the songs they audition with (or around 16-32 bars), choosing the parts of each song that highlight their voice most! Keep in mind that Ms. Wineland may ask students to sing specific parts, so please be very familiar with your song. These should definitely be memorized! This allows you to put your "best foot forward" so that Audition Day can go as smoothly as possible. 4. The cast list will be posted sometime during the weekend of February 4-5 (on Google Classroom and the Page Middle Drama website).
AUDITION MONOLOGUES/SNIPPETS Dorothy: Auntie Em! Auntie Em! Just listen to what Miss Gulch did to Toto! She hit him right over the back with a rack just because she says he gets in her garden and chases her nasty, old cat. But he doesn t do it every day just once or twice a week. And he can t catch her old cat, anyway. And now she says she s gonna get the sheriff, and what am I going to do? Miss Gulch and Wicked Witch: (As Gulch) That dog s a menace to the community. I m taking him to the sheriff and make sure he s destroyed! There s a law protecting folks against dogs that bite! Unless you want to go against the law. (As Witch) As for you, my fine lady, just try to stay out of my way. Just try! I ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too! (cackle) Hunk and Scarecrow: (As Hunk) Now lookit, Dorothy, you ain t using your head about Miss Gulch. Think you didn t have any brains at all. (As Scarecrow) It s very tedious being stuck up here with a pole up your back. But if you ll bend the nail down, maybe I ll slip off and (falls down) Whoops! Haha! There goes some of me again! I just keep picking it up and putting it back in again. Aunt Em: Almira Gulch, just because you own half the county doesn t mean you have the power to run the rest of us! For 23 years I ve been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now being a Christian woman, I can t say it! Glinda: Well, I m a little muddled. The Munchkins called me because a new witch has dropped a house on the Wicked Witch of the East. And there s the house, and here you are, and that s all that s left of the Wicked Witch of the East. And so what the Munchkins want to know is are you a good witch, or a bad witch? Professor Marvel and Wizard: (As Marvel) Leaving so soon? Wait, wait! Don t tell me! You are running away! Haha! Professor Marvel never guesses, he knows! Now gaze into the crystal ball with me (As Wizard) Universities are where men go to become great thinkers. And they have no more brains than you. Therefore, I hereby confer upon you, the honorary degree of Th.D Doctor of Thinkology! Hickory and Tin Man: (As Hickory) Hurry, fore my arms are pulled clear out of their sockets. I ain t a statue, you know. I ain t made of iron. (As Tin Man) About a year ago, I was chopping that tree, minding my own business, when suddenly it started to rain and right in the middle of a chop, I rusted solid. And I ve been that way ever since. Zeke and Lion: (As Zeke) Listen, kid. That old Gulch ain t nothing to be afraid of. Have a little courage, that s all. (As Lion) Put em up! Put em up! I ll fight you with one paw tied behind my back! I ll fight you standing on one foot. I ll fight you with my eyes closed (Dorothy smacks his nose). Whadja do that for? I didn t bite him. You didn t have to go and hit me, did you? Is my nose bleeding? Uncle Henry: (To Miss Gulch) Well if you don t want to hear what I have to say about you, you better pedal your carcass offa my land! You have friends in high places? Why don t you climb on your broomstick and go visit em? (To Dorothy) I m sorry, we can t be against the law, Dorothy.
All other roles (Munchkins, Ensemble, etc.): As Mayor of the Munchkin City, In the County of the Land of Oz, I welcome you most regally! Let the joyous news be spread, The Wicked Old Witch at last is dead! WIZARD Silence! Whippersnapper! The beneficent Oz has every intention of granting your requests! But you must prove yourselves worth. Bring me the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West. Now, go! (yells) I SAID, GO! WICKED WITCH Oh! I m melting! Melting! Oh, what a world, what a world! Ohhhh! Ohhhh! DOROTHY Oh, Toto, we re home. Home! And I m not going to leave here ever, EVER again, because I love you all! And, oh, Auntie Em, there s no place like home! SCARECROW, TIN MAN, LION Scarecrow: Look! The Witch s castle! We made it! Tin Man: But how can we find Dorothy? Lion: My paws are getting tired from all this searching Scarecrow: It s Toto! Where have you been? Tin Man: What s he sayin? Lion: The Wicked Witch has Dorothy locked in her tower? Tin Man: Oh, we have to get her out. Scarecrow: Don t cry now. I ve got a plan! Lion: He s got a plan. Scarecrow: And you re going to lead us. Lion: Me? Scarecrow: Yes, you. Toto: Ruff-ruff. Lion: All right, I ll tear em apart! (growls) There s only one thing I want you to do. Scarecrow & Tin Man: What s that? Lion: Talk me out of it. DOROTHY, AUNT EM & WICKED WITCH Dorothy: Auntie Em! Auntie Em! Is it really you? Aunt Em: Dorothy, I hope you can somehow hear me wherever you are. We re trying to find you, dear. We want you to come home, Dorothy. Please come home, come home to us, safe and sound Dorothy: Oh, I want to, Auntie Em. I really want to come home! But I m here in Oz, locked up in the Witch s castle, and I m so afraid, and I I don t know what to do. Aunt Em: Dorothy, dear. Come home to us. Just come home Witch: Sorry to break up the happy reunion! Dorothy: Auntie Em! Please come back! Please! Witch: I ll give you Auntie, Em, my pretty! (cackle) When I return, you ll get yours and I ll have mine!