audition notices
Cast Announcements for the 2008 Summer Season

The Full Monty
Cast Announcement
Stage Managers will be contacting you with rehearsal schedules and other information.

The Full Monty kicks off the season and runs from June 19th - July 6th, 2008. The story revolves around a group of unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY who come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, discover the importance of friendship and find the courage to face their demons.

*AEA Guest Artist Contract pending

Camelot
Cast Announcement
Stage Managers will be contacting you with rehearsal schedules and other information.

Camelot "In short there's simply not…a more congenial spot…" than Lerner and Loewe's classic musical Camelot. King Arthur and Guinevere set off fireworks in this timeless masterpiece where the legends of the roundtable and the turbulence of medieval romance create a musical theatre experience you'll never forget. Featuring the lush fullness of the TriArts orchestra, the show runs from July 11th to July 20th.

*AEA Guest Artist Contract Pending

Aida
Cast Announcement
Stage Managers will be contacting you with rehearsal schedules and other information.

Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA is a reworking of the classic opera in a hip, young, pop version set in ancient Egypt. This powerful story is a tour de force about the love between a soldier and an enslaved princess that will leave you breathless! AIDA opens on July 31 and runs through August 17th.

audition tips

• Prepare a ballad and up-tempo song in the style of the show for which you are auditioning.
• Music should be two minutes or less, in your key, and clearly marked for the accompanist. Sheet music should either be taped or in a three-ring binder. Commercial books are difficult for pianists to negotiate on the piano.
• Know your tempo, and be prepared to communicate it to the accompanist.
• Be sure music and lyrics are well-memorized.
• Cardinal rule of song interpretation:
  It's not about the notes, it's about the monologue!
  • What happened just before the song begins?
  • Who am I singing to? Why?
  • What do I want?
  • Have I invested the song with specific imagery?
  • It is personal?
  • Is it important?
• Focus on the right things. Don't focus on what the auditors are doing or might be thinking. DO focus on what the song is about.
• Bring your sense of humor with you.
• Dress comfortably in what makes you look, and most importantly, feel attractive. Dress appropriately for the show.
• Have a 16-bar reduction (cut) of your song ready just in case it is requested.
• Be careful of non-organic movement. Don't lose your interpretative focus.
• Be prepared. Nothing makes a better impression.
  

REMEMBER: Auditors are on your side. They are grateful that you are there. They can't do it without you. Relax, and have fun!

Best of Luck!

Michael Berkeley
Artistic Director

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS?
Bring two songs with which you feel comfortable that best show off your voice and acting. One up-tempo and one ballad would be ideal. A rehearsal accompanist will play all auditions. If called back wear the same thing you wore to initial audition plus bring dance clothes if dancing.

WHEN WILL I HEAR WHETHER OR NOT I HAVE BEEN CAST?
We hope to have most of the casting for the season completed by the end of February,
at which time we will post the cast list on our web site under "Casting."

WILL THERE BE CALLBACKS?
Yes, and if you do not hear at your audition, you will be contacted via e-mail if the director needs to see you for a callback. Generally speaking, there will be callbacks for dance and for principal roles. Please note: If you are not called back, this does not mean that you are not being considered or cast in a role.

WHY ARE YOU TAKING MY PHOTO/ VIDEOTAPING?
Even if you have a head shot, it is helpful for the artistic staff to have a snapshot of how you look on the day of your audition. Being able to attach a photo to your information sheet makes it much easier for our directors, choreographers, and musical directors to match up a name and face. We generally videotape auditions when a director is not able to be present.

WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL COMITTMENT?
We generally rehearse for 3 and 1/2 weeks (including tech week) with Mondays off and rehearsals scheduled for those needed within the hours of 1-4:30 and 6-9 during the week and earlier on weekends. We work very hard to respect our actors' time, and whenever possible, you will only be asked to be at rehearsals when your scenes are being rehearsed. Specific rehearsal schedules are determined by the Director and Stage Manager of each production, usually a few weeks before rehearsals begin. Attendance at rehearsals (for which you are called) is required. Depending upon your role, in the beginning of the rehearsal period, you may not be needed at every rehearsal. However, during "production week" (8-10 days before opening night), everyone will generally be needed everyday. Our Stage Managers will have the rehearsal schedules available as early as possible and they will be posted on our web site.

WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE?
Performances run Wednesday - Sunday, according to the following schedule: Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; Sundays at 5 pm; Thursdays at 7 pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees are at 2 pm. This summer, Full Monty and Camelot will also each have one Thursday matinee. Please see the detailed performance schedule for a complete listing.

IF MY CHILD IS CAST, DO I NEED TO ATTEND REHEARSALS?
While parents are not required to attend rehearsals with their children, parents are expected to pick up/stay with children during longer breaks, such as dinner breaks. Parents will also be required to take turns volunteering to help supervise children during rehearsals and performances.