Dear Academy Members, Simply Theatre Academy is delighted to announce details of their Academy production for Spring 2014: Oliver. Oliver! is a British musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Our production will take place at the Casino Theatre, 42 Rue De Carouge, 1205 Geneva on Saturday 1 st March at 18.30, Sunday 2 nd March at 11.00 and 15.00, Friday 7 th March at 19.30, Saturday 8 th March at 14.30 and 18.30 and Sunday 9 th March at 11.00 and 15.00. Want to audition? If you are an Academy member aged between 8 and 18 you can book your audition time on our website at www.simplytheatre.com Want to be involved behind the scenes? We are seeking older students (15+) and parents / siblings to help backstage. You would need to be able to commit to all show dates as well as attend a weekend technical theatre workshop at our Studios. We are also extremely interested to hear from people who would be available during the daytimes in production week (24 th Feb onwards). Places are limited and we sadly will not be able to accept everyone that applies, however if you are interested please email nickmills@simplytheatre.com. Audition dates - Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd of November 2013, with callback auditions on Monday 4 th November. If you want to audition but cannot make these dates please let us know and we may be able to help. Attached is your audition pack containing all relevant information regarding the auditions. Please contact the Simply Theatre office on 022 860 05 18 or alternatively email academy@simplytheatre.com if you have any further questions. Best Wishes & Break a leg! Your Simply Theatre Academy Team 1
AUDITION DETAILS Auditions for Oliver will take place on Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd of November 2013. Audition times on Saturday 2nd November are: Session 1: 13:00-14:00, Session 2: 13:45-14:45, Session 3: 15:00-16:00 Session 4: 15:45-16:45, Session 5: 17:00-18:00, Session 6: 17:45-18:45 Audition times on Sunday 3 rd November are: Session 7: 12:30-13:30, Session 8: 13:15-14:15, Session 9: 14:30-15:30, Session 10: 15:15-16:15 Session 11: 16:30-17:30, Session 12: 17:15-18:15 Recall auditions will take place on Monday 4 th November after 5pm. You will be notified by midnight on Sunday 3 rd November as to whether you will be required for this session. The audition will take the form of two parts. You will have a private/small group audition where you will be asked to perform one prepared monologue and song for the production team. The second part will be a group dance/movement audition with the choreographer. For the acting part, there are several monologues attached for you to choose from. You may feel free to choose any of the monologues for your audition, as no matter what you perform at audition you will still be considered for all parts. This said, if you are particularly keen on playing a specific part and this character is offered as an audition monologue, then it would be a good idea to prepare the appropriate one for audition. We encourage you to learn your monologue off by heart, as it will increase you chance of performing well in audition. For the singing part, you will be required to sing one song of your choice. This can be a song you have learnt in class, a favorite song that you know or a new song that you learn for your audition. Think about a song that best shows off the range and style of your voice. Please speak to us if you have any questions about this as we may be able to help with song suggestions. You will need to bring the backing track along with you on an MP3 player, iphone or ipad for your audition. Unfortunately you will not be able to use a CD. Please note that you may be stopped part way through your song. Please ensure that you wear comfortable clothing to the audition so that you can move freely. Please also bring a bottle of water with you. For more information on preparing for audition, please see the attached Audition Hints and Tips document. 2
PRODUCTION DETAILS Full scripts for the show will be provided following the completion of a successful audition. If you are successful and gain a part in the production, we ask each participant to pay a small fee to help towards production costs. The fee for Academy students enrolled on weekly academy courses is a one off payment of 190chf. Students who are members of the Academy via weekend / summer workshops etc. but not weekly students will be asked to pay a fee of 500chf. Please be aware that being involved in this production is a definite commitment. Each cast member must be present for all rehearsals when he or she is required. The only exception to this is if we have been notified of an absence at the time of audition. A full rehearsal schedule for the production will be issued to all of the cast members when the full cast list is in place, however as a rough guide to help you to plan, the scheduled rehearsal dates are listed below. Please note that Saturday rehearsals run from 1pm 6pm and Sunday rehearsals run from 10am 6pm Sat 11, Sun 12 Jan Sat 18 Sun 19 Jan Sat 25, Sun 26 Jan Sat 1, Sun 2 Feb Sat 8, Sun 9 Feb Sat 15, Sun 16 Feb Sat 22, Sun 23 Feb Production Week: Mon 24, Tues 25, Wed 26, Thurs 27, Fri 28 Feb (NO absences will be allowed during this week) Rehearsals will take place in our Versoix studios. Production week will take place at The Casino Theatre. Those who are selected for the production will only need to be present at rehearsals when specifically called for. 3
A SIMPLY THEATRE ACADEMY PRODUCTION OLIVER THE SYNOPSIS Act One The musical opens in the workhouse, as the half- starved orphan boys are entering the enormous dining room for dinner ("Food Glorious Food"). They are fed only gruel. Oliver gathers up the courage to ask for more. He is immediately apprehended and is told to gather his belongings by Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney, the heartless and greedy caretakers of the workhouse ("Oliver!"). Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney are left alone, and Mr. Bumble begins to make amorous advances. Mrs. Corney pretends to resent his attentions ("I Shall Scream!"), but ends up on Mr. Bumble's lap. Oliver comes back and is sold ("Boy for Sale") and apprenticed to an undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry. He and his wife taunt Oliver and Mr. Bumble ("That's Your Funeral"), causing Mr. Bumble to become angry and storm out. Oliver is sent to sleep in the basement with the coffins ("Where is Love?"). The next morning Noah Claypole, another employee of Sowerberry, insults Oliver's dead mother, whereupon Oliver begins pummeling him. Mrs. Sowerberry and her maid, Charlotte run in, and Mr. Bumble is sent for. He and the Sowerberrys lock Oliver in a coffin, but during all the commotion Oliver escapes. After a week on the run, he ends up in the city of London and meets the Artful Dodger, who beckons Oliver to join him ("Consider Yourself"). Dodger is, unknown to Oliver, a boy pickpocket, and he invites Oliver to come and live in Fagin's lair. Fagin is a criminal, and he is in the business of teaching young boys to pick pockets. Oliver is completely unaware of any criminality, and believes that the boys make handkerchiefs rather than steal them. Oliver is introduced to Fagin and his boys, and is taught their ways ("You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two"). The next day, Oliver meets Nancy, the live- in girlfriend of the terrifying Bill Sikes, a burglar whose abuse she endures because she loves him. Nancy, along with her younger sister Bet and the boys, sing about how they don't mind a bit of danger ("It's a Fine Life"). Oliver bows deeply to Nancy and Bet, trying to be polite. All the boys laugh and mimic Oliver. Nancy singles out Dodger to demonstrate the way the rich people treat each other ("I'd Do Anything"). Nancy and Bet leave and Oliver is sent out with the other boys on his first pickpocketing job ("Be Back Soon"). Dodger, another boy named Charley Bates, and Oliver decide to stick together, and when Dodger and Charley rob Mr. Brownlow, a wealthy old man, they run off, leaving Oliver to be arrested for the crime ("The Robbery"). ACT TWO In the Three Cripples pub, Nancy sings an old tavern song ("Oom Pah Pah"). Bill Sikes makes his first appearance, and disperses the crowd ("My Name"). Dodger runs in and tells Fagin about Oliver's capture and removal to the Brownlow household. Fagin and Bill decide to kidnap Oliver to protect themselves. Nancy at first refuses to help, but Bill physically abuses her and forces her into obedience. In spite of this, Nancy still loves Bill, and believes he loves her too ("As Long As He Needs Me"). The next morning, at Mr. Brownlow's house in Bloomsbury, Mrs. Bedwin the housekeeper sings to Oliver ("Where Is Love? [Reprise]"), and Oliver wakes up. Mr. Brownlow and Dr. Grimwig discuss Oliver's condition. They decide that he is well enough to go outside, and so Brownlow sends Oliver to return some books to the 4
library. Oliver sees a group of street vendors and joins them in song ("Who Will Buy?"). As the vendors leave, Nancy and Bill appear and grab Oliver. They bring him back to Fagin's den, where Nancy saves Oliver from a beating from Sikes after the boy tries to flee. Nancy remorsefully reviews their dreadful life, but Bill maintains that any living is better than none. Fagin tries to act as an intermediary ("It's A Fine Life [Reprise]"). Left alone, Fagin wonders what his life might be like if he left London and began an honest life ("Reviewing the Situation"), however, after thinking of various excuses, he elects to remain a thief. Back at the workhouse, Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney, now unhappily married, meet the dying pauper Old Sally and another old lady, who tell them that Oliver's mother, Agnes, left a gold locket when she died in childbirth. Old Sally stole the locket, which she gives to the Widow Corney. Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, realizing that Oliver may have wealthy relatives, visit Mr. Brownlow, hoping to profit from any reward given for information of him ("Oliver! [Reprise]"). He throws them out, but recognizes the picture inside the locket as a picture of his niece, and realizes that Oliver is actually his great nephew. Nancy visits Brownlow and promises to deliver Oliver to him safely that night on London Bridge. She ponders again about Bill ("As Long As He Needs Me [Reprise]"). Suspecting that Nancy is up to something, Bill follows her as she sneaks Oliver out. At London Bridge, he confronts them, knocks Oliver unconscious, and clubs Nancy to death. He then grabs Oliver and runs off. Mr. Brownlow arrives and discovers Nancy's body. A large crowd forms, among them the distraught Bet. Bullseye, Bill's terrier, returns to the scene of the crime and the crowd prepares to follow him to the hideout. Fagin and his boys leave their hideout in panic. Not finding Bill at the hideout, the crowd returns to the Thames Embankment. Bill appears at the top of the bridge, holding Oliver as hostage and threatening to kill him. Two policemen sneak up on him. One of them shoots Bill and the other grabs Oliver. Oliver is reunited with Mr. Brownlow. The mob disperses offstage in order to track down Fagin. He appears and decides that the time has never looked better for him to straighten out his life ("Reviewing the Situation [Reprise]"). 5
CAST Please note that your playing age is not your chronological age, but the age you appear to be on the stage. For example, you may be 18 years old but may appear to be 14 or 15 on stage. Oliver Twist (playing age 8-13) The protagonist of the story, he is a lonely orphan boy born in the workhouse. Looks around 10 years old and fairish. He is vulnerable but tough and feisty and should have a strong ability to convey real emotions. British (not cockney accent) Unchanged Voice (Boy Soprano) Fagin A conniving career criminal whose charm hides a cold heart. He takes in homeless boys and teaches them to pick pockets for him. Perhaps could be described as an old thespian, a man of many dimensions, a leader, a vagrant, a father, a teacher, a lost soul and eccentric. (Cockney accent required.) Baritone Artful Dodger (playing age 10 14) A troubled youth who is the cleverest of Fagin s pick pockets and introduces Fagin to Oliver. The Artful Dodger is over confident, struts around like he owns the place, obnoxious but likeable. Excellent song and dance skills. This actor must have dynamic stage presence. Unchanged Voice (Boy Soprano) Nancy A cockney girl with a warm hearty, Nancy is a career thief and former child pick pocket. A sensitive side, noble and likeable but hardened and streetwise beyond her years. She lives with and loves Bill Sykes, pretty, intelligent and longs for a better life. Alto/Mezzo Bill Sykes A villain and Nancy s brutal boyfriend. The most evil man you could ever meet whom strikes fear into anyone he sees. Baritone Mr Bumble The pompous self appointed beadle, Mr Bumble overseas the operations of the work house where Oliver lives as a child. He preaches Christian morality, but behaves without compassion towards the paupers in his care. Strong character, pompous. Baritone/ Tenor 6
Widow Corney The domineering workhouse mistress. Widow Corney is an old maid, has been left on the shelf, would do anything to get Mr. Bumbles attention Soprano Mr Sowerberry The Undertaker, a classic Dickensian character tall/thin precise and a bit slimy. Baritone Mrs Sowberry A loud lady, very bubbly personality, nicest person you could meet, unless you are Oliver. Soprano Mr Brownlow A kind and wealthy older gentleman Oliver s long lost relative. British(Not Cockney accent) Bet (Supporting Role) Nancy s loyal friend who is one of Fagin s former pickpockets. Alto/Mezzo Charlotte Mr sowerberrys daughter. Desperate and dateless who has her eyes on Noah. Noah Claypole A nasty piece of work who is Mr Sowberrys pimply apprentice. Thinks everybody was put on the earth to serve him. Mrs Bedwin Mr Brownlow s kind- hearted motherly housekeeper. British (not cockney) accent. Soprano Dr Grimwig( British (Not cockney accent) Old Sally Charley Bates Part of Fagin s gang. The eldest boy Fagin s Gang and Workhouse Children (playing age 8 14) 7
Many boys and girls are needed who are bright and personable. All individuals cast will do both workhouse and Fagin s gang. Ensemble Workers in the workhouse, thieves, London Merchants, street vendors, bar keepers, policeman etc. All cast must be able to sing, take direction and move in time to music. Included in this are the featured soloists: The rose seller ( mezzo) Strwberry Seller(Soprano) Milk Maid( Soprano) Knife Grinder( Baritone) Long song seller( Tenor) 8
AUDITION EXTRACTS OLIVER TWIST The following extract is between Dodger and Oliver. This is the first time they meet. The director will read in for Oliver during audition. (Oliver has been running he finds a safe place to sit and begins to undo his bundle and eat his bread. After a while Oliver notices he is being watched.) Dodger: What you starin at? Aint you never seen a gent? Oliver: No I haven t. Dodger : Tired? Oliver: I ve been running hard. Dodger: You must have been running away from the beak? Oliver: Isn t a beak what a birds got? ( Pause, Shovels in his last bit of bread) Oliver: I m starving. Dodger: Got no mother? Oliver: No Dodger: Got no father? Oliver: No Dodger: Got any lodgings? Oliver: No Dodger: Money? Oliver: Not a farthing. Do you live in London? Dodger: When I m at home. I suppose you want some place to sleep tonight, don t you. Are you accommodated? Oliver: No, I don t think so.. Dodger: Then accommodated you shall be, me old mate. There s a certain house and a respectable old gentleman I know. Oliver: Who is this respectable old gentleman? Is he a charity gentleman? Dodger: Well I wouldn t exactly say that.. Oliver: My name is Oliver Oliver Twist. Dodger: And my name s Jack Dawkins. Oliver: Pleased to meet you Mr Dawkins. Dodger: Me old pork sausage, you re coming with me? Oliver: Are you sure Mr Fagin won t mind? 9
ARTFUL DODGER The following extract is between Dodger and Oliver. The director will read in for Oliver during audition. Dodger : I suppose you want some place to sleep tonight, don t you? Are you accommodated? Oliver: No, I don t think so.. Dodger: Then accommodated you shall be, me old mate. there s a certain house- and I know a respectable old gentleman lives there, wot ll give you lodgin s for nothink, and never ask for the change- this is and that is, if any other gentleman wot he knows introduces yer. And does he know me? I should say he does! Not arf he don t and some! Oliver: Who is this respectable old gentleman? Is he a charity gentleman? Dodger: Well, I wouldn t eggxzackley say that not eggzackley. But if I interduces someone its alright, on account of I happen ter be a pertickler favourite of Mister Fagin that s his name- Mister Fagin. By the way if I m interducing you to Fagin, I better know who you are me old china plate. Oliver: My names Oliver- Oliver Twist. Dodger: And my name s Jack Dawkins better known among me more hintimate friends as the Artful dodger. FAGIN ( Fagin boils some coffee in a saucepan. Once he is satisfied that everyone is asleep he takes a small box and opens it) Fagin: I m a real miser y know. But can I help it? I just like to look at it! This is my little pleasure a cup of coffee and a quick count up. I mean, whos gonna look after me in me old age?(to the bird) Will you birdie? (His eyes wonder over to where Oliver is) Will.YOU..You Why are you awake? What have you seen? Quick quick Speak! I want to hear every detail you saw! (Oliver: I didn t see anything.) Fagin: Be sure be sure. (Oliver: Ok Im sure.) Fagin: (Resuming his old manner) Alright then if youre sure, Im sure. Of course I knew all along, my dear. I was only trying to frighten you. Youre a brave boy, Oliver. A brave boy. (He glances uneasily at the box) Did you see any of my pretty things, my dear? NANCY Lord help me, I am and I wish I d of been struck down dead before I lent a hand in bringing him back here. Cause after tonight e s a liar and a theif and all that s bad. Aint that enough for you, without beating him to death? (Fagin: Come, come Nancy, civil words. Civil words eh Bill?) Nancy: Civil words! You deserve them from me, don t you! Cause I was out on the streets for you when I was a child half his age, and Ive been in the same trade, and the same service for fifteen years and don t you forget it! 10
BILL SYKES (Spotting the money) Hullo, what s that? That s mine Fagin. If that ain t mine mine and Nancy s that is I ll take the boy back again! (Fagin stops in his tracks) Come on, and over.hand over I tell you! hardly fair, is it Nancy? Do you think Nancy and me as got nothing else to do with your precious time but to spend it chasing after young kids? Give it ere, you avaricious old skeleton, give it ere! (Sykes plucks the note from between Fagin s fingers.) That s for our share of the trouble, and not half enough neither. MR BUMBLE Mr. Bumble: Yes, you re quire right Mrs. Corny. We must get rid of this canker in our midst. That boy was born to be hung, Mrs. Corney. I ve never been so shocked in all my days. It s nice to be appreciated, Mrs Corney. These her paupers in this here parish don t appreciate me. Anti- parochial they are ma am anti- parochial. We have given away a matter of twenty loaves and a cheese and a half this very blessed afternoon and still them papulers is not contented. MR SOWERBERRY Mrs. Sowerberry! Will you have the goodness to come here a moment, my dear? (Mrs. Sowerberry enters.) Mr dear, I have told Mr. Bumble that we may consider taking this boy to help in the shop. There s an expression of melancholy on his face, my dear, which is very interesting. He could make a delightful coffin follower.i don t mean a regular coffin follower to follow grown- ups, but only for the children s practice. It would be very nice to have a follower in proportion, my sweet. A superb effect the more I think about it! MRS SOWERBERRY Dear, dear. (To Oliver) Well, Oliver Twist, do you think you could look like that gentleman up there? (Points to picture on wall) OLIVER : Maybe if I had a black hat MRS. S: The boy is quite right. Get the boy a top hat. These things must be done proper and correct. Stand there, under the picture, boy. (Oliver stands under the picture. Sowerberry gets the hat)henry, give us the top hat. Henry, really. It takes you twice as long to do anything as anyone else. Yes yes. For once Henry, you ve had a good idea. Can you keep that expression for a long time boy, with a crowd watching you? 11
Audition Tips & What to Expect! Be confident and try to enjoy the audition as much as possible- remember the team will be there to help and support you, not to judge you! Arrive with plenty of time to spare so that you do not add to your nerves. Warm yourself up in advance both physically and vocally using exercises you will have used in Academy classes to help warm up the voice and body. If you are short on time, you can easily do vocal warm- ups in the car on the way there! Good preparation in advance of your audition is key to helping you feel calm and confident on the day. Giving you the best chance of showing yourself off to the best of your ability. It is advisable to learn the pieces of script if possible, again to be able to perform it fully and confidently. Arrive in comfortable clothing (no skirts as they hinder movement) that is easy to move around in for the dance audition. No jewelry please. Students with long hair should ensure they have their hair tied back. Try to enjoy the audition and use it as a fun, learning experience. Do not make the mistake of believing that you have a part before you do! Building yourself up too much can lead to disappointment. Go into the audition with an open mind, looking at it as an opportunity and new experience from which you will learn. Do not worry if something goes wrong in the audition. The audition team is there to see the potential not to see a finished, polished routine. Presentation is important. Ensure that even if you feel nervous and everything goes wrong, you smile, project your voice and try to come across as enthusiastically and confidently as possible. We will be looking for several different things in the audition, these include; enthusiasm, talent, the ability to perform and present yourself confidently to an audience, the ability to be both independent and work with others as part of a team. We will also be looking for the following skills in candidates; the ability to focus, listen, react and take direction from the directing team. Good Luck! 12
OLIVER AUDITION FORM (1 page) To be completed and returned at your audition Students Full Name Age at time of audition Course attended Gender Male Female Student s Email Parent/Guardian s Details Full Name Email (for production notices) Home Phone Mobile If you are unable to make any potential weekend rehearsals as indicated in this audition pack please state them here: Any other relevant information: Terms and Conditions All students must have the permission of a parent/guardian in order to audition and participate. If successful, on gaining a part, students must agree to pay the show fee of 190chf/500chf for non- members in full, in advance of the rehearsal start date. On accepting a role, each cast member agrees to attend all relevant rehearsals unless previously agreed with the director. Simply Theatre Academy reserves the right to withdraw a cast member from the show if their behaviour is detrimental to the enjoyment of the other participants, even once rehearsals have commenced. No refunds will be given once rehearsals have commenced. Occasionally photographs may be taken of students during Simply Theatre Academy shows / rehearsals for promotional purposes. Simply Theatre Academy reserves the rights to use these photos. If a parent does not wish their child s photo to be used then they should notify the Academy office. I agree to the terms and conditions above and give my permission. Signature of parent/guardian named above: Signature of student named above: Date: Date: 13