There will be a MANDATORY Parent Meeting on Tuesday, December 16th from 6:00–7:00pm. Attendance is required by both the student and at least one parent/guardian.  Please note: If neither you nor a parent/guardian are able to attend this meeting, you will not be eligible to be cast in this production.

Because this is a large-scale production, there will be a $50.00 participation fee required for all students who are cast. This fee helps offset the costs of costumes, sets, performance materials, and other production expenses. If there are financial concerns, please speak with the director privately. Please understand that no student will be prevented from participating in this production due to financial hardship.

If you have any known conflicts with rehearsals or performances, you must record them on the conflict calendar included in this packet.  Please note:

    • No additional conflicts will be accepted once rehearsals have begun.

    • Excessive absenteeism or last-minute conflicts will result in removal from the show.

    • Because our time is extremely condensed, conflicts must be kept to an absolute minimum.

    • The success of this production depends on consistent attendance and full commitment from every cast member, crew member, and their parents/guardians. Please do not schedule doctor, dentist, or other appointments during rehearsal times.  These will be considered unexcused absences and may result in removal from the production.

IMPORTANT REHEARSAL COMMITMENT

Because of our limited timeline, rehearsals will be longer and will include Saturdays.  Please review the attached schedule carefully before auditioning.

  • First Post-Break Rehearsal: Monday, January 5th (Yes, the last day of winter break) from 12:00pm - 3:00pm

  • Regular Weekly Schedule:

    • Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays: 3:30 - 6:00pm

    • Wednesdays: 2:30 - 6:00pm

    • Saturdays in January: 10:00am - 2:00pm

    • Saturdays in February: 10:00am - 4:00pm (DANCE DAYS)

  • In February we extend rehearsals to 7:30pm

  • Tech/Dress rehearsals will be 4:00 - 9:00pm

If you cannot fully commit to this rehearsal schedule, PLEASE DO NOT AUDITION!  Excessive conflicts will prevent you from being cast.  Again, please review the attached schedule carefully before auditioning. If you have any conflicts with rehearsals, please write them on the conflict calendar included in this audition packet.  Please check ALL of your calendars for events such as other performing arts events and/or concerts, sports games/practices, weddings, vacations, work schedules, etc.  Please do not assume Mr V knows about any other activity happening on campus – he doesn’t! 

! ! ! CONFLICTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ONCE REHEARSALS HAVE STARTED ! ! !

UNDERSTANDING THE CASTING PROCESS — FROM MR V

Auditioning is often the most difficult part of being involved in a production. It’s important to remember that auditions are subjective – what one director may value, another may not. The ultimate goal in casting is to assemble the strongest overall cast to ensure the success of the production.

How to Prepare for Auditions

Students can give themselves the best chance for success by:

  • Following all directions listed on the audition notice.

  • Coming fully prepared (for example, if a contemporary monologue is requested, do not perform a classical one).

  • Presenting themselves with professionalism, respect, and readiness.

  • Being kind to everyone and professional at all times.

Factors Considered in Casting

Casting is not based on one single element – it is a combination of many factors, including:

  • Talent and Skill (acting, singing, dancing, or technical ability)

  • Personality and Demeanor

  • Reliability and Dedication (including past history of commitment or infractions)

  • Experience and ability to take direction

  • Social Skills and Ensemble Compatibility

  • Grades and School Attendance (students struggling academically or with attendance may not be considered)

Students must also understand:

  • Past infractions, dropping out of productions, or lack of responsibility can hurt chances of being cast.

  • Seniority or past roles do not guarantee casting. Being a senior or having played a lead before does not mean automatic placement in a new production.

  • The ability to work as part of an ensemble is the most valuable quality in the casting process. There is no room for ego or arrogance in theatre.  Period.

The Director’s Role

Directors make casting decisions based on their professional training, experience, and artistic vision. Casting is much like baking a cake – all the ingredients must work together and blend in order to create the best possible result. The integrity and success of the show always come first.

Character Types & Limitations

Not every actor can fit every part.  Directors must consider:

  • Physical appearance (height, age-appropriateness, the “look” of the character)

  • Vocal type and blending (for example, a brash “Ethel Merman” type voice may not suit a role like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz)

  • Character needs as defined by the script and the playwright’s intent

Competition & Numbers

The number of students auditioning also impacts casting. For example, if 75 students audition for 25 roles, only one-third can be cast. Many students may be well-suited for a role, but directors must narrow the cast to those who best fit together vocally, visually, and dramatically.  Female students often face higher competition due to typically larger numbers auditioning.

Callbacks

  • Not being called back does NOT mean you are not being considered.

Final Thoughts

Casting decisions are made with the success of the entire production in mind. Directors will always select the cast they believe will work together most effectively to bring the show to life.