THE LITTLE MERMAID
Audition Packet Fall Musical 2017
First, we would like to thank you for showing an interest in auditioning for a DSHA production. The production team of Mrs. Rhonda Schmidt (Director), Mrs. Rebekah Wickert (Music Director), Amanda Marsala (Tech Director), and Christal Wagner (Choreographer) are looking forward to building this show with you and helping you become the best performers you can be. DSHA is known for putting on quality productions, and we all know that this comes with the hard work and dedication of everyone involved- production team, performers, volunteers, and crew.
Like any extracurricular activity, it is a true commitment of time and energy on your part. The process is a combination of hard work and great fun, but please think carefully about the commitment needed. Absenteeism and tardiness will not be tolerated and could result in you being removed from the production. The following pages will contain all the information you need to sit down with your parent/guardian, read through the material, and make an educated decision about your involvement.
The signed contract must accompany you to the audition.
The Little Mermaid is a Disney musical about a girl’s search to follow her dreams and explore a new world while realizing that she can always come back home. It is a show about a young woman working to follow her dreams and navigate her relationship with her father while finding autonomy. Due to the structure of the script, there will be one ensemble in the show that changes costumes back and forth between groups.
There are many factors that go into our final casting decision such as: age, grade, conflicts, experience, type, singing, dance, acting, and how you interact with the other actors. If you do not get into this production, please do not be discouraged from auditioning again. This may not have been the right show for you, but please consider being involved in a different way this year by applying for our tech crew. This is a great way to to be involved in a production and get to know the inner-workings of a show. Keep working on your craft, get better and always do THE SUMMER SHOW for experience. Everyone who registers for the summer show has the opportunity to participate.
Please note that we will have a parent meeting on September 7th from 6:00 pm - 7:00, where parents/guardians will find out about ways to be involved in making this production a success, and each cast member will receive a packet for ordering DVDs, selling playbill ads, and ordering tickets.
FOR A DETAILED SHOW SYNOPSIS, SONG SELECTIONS AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS: Look at the callboard, or visit the MTI site:
Sincerely,
Rhonda Marie Schmidt (Director)
THEATRE PRODUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Please read them carefully and be sure you understand all policies before signing the contract.
- 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.
- Audition Slots and Callbacks
Be early and be prepared. Get there in plenty of time to become focused and prepared. If you are late you may have to wait until the end 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.
- 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.
- Extracurricular Activities
Due to the demanding schedules of sports and the fall musical, you are not allowed to participate in a fall sport and the fall musical. DSHA has deemed this to be too difficult on the students and their studies. You must choose one to be involved in.
- Technical Requirements
All cast members are required to attend at least one of the 4 Saturday morning construction builds for a total of 4 building hours. The sets for the fall musicals are extravagant and we need everyone’s help to make them the best they can be. 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 Sunday and Monday following the last performance. Please see the attached critical dates sheet for exact dates and times on technical requirements.
- Family Expectations
●Volunteering: Each parent/guardian is asked to sign up for at least one volunteer slot that will be shared in a Sign-up Genius from our parent volunteer coordinator. This slots may include but are not limited to set build, costume help, playbill ad solicitation, meal planning, ticket sales, and concessions. Adult involvement is instrumental in allowing the production team and students to focus on rehearsals and the show.
●Publicity: All cast members are required to help with the costs of the production by selling $100.00 worth of ad sales. This can be done by selling ads that range from only $25 to $250. These ads are why we are able to afford full orchestra every year. We will hold an ad-selling contest in fall. (One full page angel ad is $100…just sell one!)
Production Fees in Detail
Production Fees will be due at the mandatory parent meeting taking place on Thursday, September 7th from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Those needing any financial assistance, please do not let this hinder your child from auditioning- contact Mrs. Schmidt to make special arrangements- .
Mandatory Fees:
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 $65.00.
Cast Meal Fee
There are three times during the production in which the PFAA provides food for the entire cast: the welcome picnic, the dance intensive weekend, and during tech weekend rehearsal. We ask that each student donates $15.00 toward this.
Optional Purchases:
Show T-Shirt
T-shirts are ordered for each production we do here at DSHA. It is great for advertising and students can wear them show week. If your child would like one the cost is $10.00.
Yard Sign
If you would like a yard sign advertising the show, the cost is $7.00. This is a great way to let our communities know the great work we are doing at DSHA!
DVDs are ordered online only, and you will receive purchasing information at the parent meeting.
------
Please fill out the form below,
cut on the dotted line above, and submit with payment at the parent meeting:
__X__$65Participation Fee (mandatory)
__X__$15Cast/Crew Meal Fee (mandatory)
_____$10Show T-Shirt
_____$7Show Yard Sign
______Total Fees and Purchases (Circle)CashCheck
*Make checks payable to Divine Savior Holy Angels
Audition Requirements
There will be two types of auditions for the musical. You choose which is best for you.
- SOLOIST ROLE: Everyone who is trying out for a soloist role must sign up for a four minute slot on Tuesday, May 30th. You need to prepare one of the short vocal selections provided for you in the song packet found at You then may be asked to sing another selection from the song packet, BUT you MAY use your music for this. Just try and be familiar with the selections so you can sing well. *You will then stay and participate in all the dance auditions.
- ENSEMBLE ROLE: If you would like to audition for an ensemble role, and NOT a soloist role, you may sign up for the “group singing audition” on Tuesday, May 30th. The song selection for the group audition is found in the song packet at You will sing this with a group and then potentially individually. *You will then stay and participate in all the dance auditions.
- CALLBACKS: In the callback list, you will be informed for which roles you are being called to read/sing. We ask that you prepare one of the short vocal selections for those role/roles provided for you in the song packet found at Be prepared to read from the script and potentially dance again.
Audition Schedule:
TUESDAY, MAY 30th 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm
12:00 - 2:05Soloist audition: four minute slots
2:05 - 2:15Group Singing Audition
2:15 - 2:45Cold Read Auditions (audition sides
2:45-3:00Break
3:00 - 4:00Dance Audition Rising Grades 10-12
4:00 - 5:00Dance Audition: Rising 9th Grade and Boys
5:00-5:15 Break
5:15 - 6:00Singing Audition: Rising 9th Grade & Boys
6:00 - 6:30Cold Read Auditions: Rising 9th & Boys (sides:
CALLBACKS WEDNESDAY, MAY 31: (These times are approximate. Please be early and be flexible)
Callbacks are from 3:30 – 7:00 in the music room. Please print off callback sides from the website. and be prepared to sing and read from the script using required voices and accents.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Character Descriptions
(F)- female casting (M)- male casting (E)-either
Ariel (F) the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human. Ariel has some beautiful solos but must be able to convey meaning through gesture once she loses her voice.
Gender: Female Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Prince Eric (M) is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart.
Gender: Male Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: B3
Sebastian (E) is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show!
Gender: Both Vocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: A3
Flounder (E) is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end.
Gender: BothVocal range top: Db5Vocal range bottom: G3
King Triton (M) rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent.
Gender: Male
The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) (F) are Ariel's siblings and full of personality and sass.
Gender: Female Vocal range top: G5Vocal range bottom: G3
Ursula (F) is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Gender: FemaleVocal range top: C#5Vocal range bottom: F3
The Tentacles (E) are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are trapped in her lair.
Gender: BothVocal range top: C#5Vocal range bottom: C4
Flotsam and Jetsam (E) are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky.
Gender: BothVocal range top: C#5Vocal range bottom: C4
Scuttle (E) is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat.
Gender: BothVocal range top: E5Vocal range bottom: B3
The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany "back-up singers" who help explain human stuff to Ariel.
Gender: BothVocal range top: G5Vocal range bottom: B3
Grimsby (E) is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne.
Gender: MaleVocal range top: C5Vocal range bottom: E4
Chef Louis (E) is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer.
Gender: MaleVocal range top: C5Vocal range bottom: A3
The Chefs (E) are Chef Louis's assistants.
Gender: Both
Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally (non-singing role).
Gender: Female
The six Princesses (F) try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric.
Gender: FemaleVocal range top: G5Vocal range bottom: E4
The Pilot (M) is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. This nautical expert entertains sailors with wild tales of the sea.
Gender: MaleVocal range top: C5Vocal range bottom: Bb3
The Sailors (E) are the crew of Prince Eric's ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm.
Gender: Both
The Seahorse (E) is the court herald for King Triton. This is a non-singing role.
Gender: Both
The Sea Chorus (E) is responsible for creating each world within the show.
Gender: Both
Sea Creatures (E) are the ensemble under water animals in King Triton's court.
Gender: Both
The Merfolk of King Triton's Court (E)
Gender: Both
The Lagoon Animals (E) try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel.
Gender: Both
Schedule and Commitment: 2 performance weekends
The general rehearsal schedule is Monday through Thursday from 3:45 to 6:00. NOT everyone is called everyday and for the entire time. If you end up with a principal role you will have to be at rehearsal more than others and perhaps a few Friday rehearsals. Ensemble members can count on two to four times a week until October and principal roles can count on three to four times a week. If you cannot commit to a heavy schedule, then check the appropriate box on your application.
Once we hit mid October EVERYONE will be called EVERY day and rehearsals will be extended.
The rehearsal schedule will be in detail so you will know exactly when you have to be there, giving you the opportunity to schedule appointments and other obligations on non-rehearsal days.
Dance Intensive Weekend
We will be doing a Dance Intensive weekend where we will learn three-four numbers from the show. Not only does this take stress off of the schedule, but it is a great way to bond as a cast and get the show quickly off the ground…and it’s fun to sweat!
Plan for all cast to attend the Dance Intensive-- rehearsal plan for these days will be announced after casting is complete.
Friday, September 22nd3:30 – 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 23rd8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Other Critical Dates:
First-read rehearsal
Wednesday, August 23, 3:30-5:30
First-read finish, Music rehearsal, and Picnic
Thursday, August 24, 3:45-5:00 Rehearsal | 5:00 Picnic
Rehearsals for September and early Oct.
M – TH 3:45-6:00 pm and a few Friday rehearsals for leads as scheduled.
Get detailed rehearsal schedule in August. Not called every day.
Mandatory Cast/Crew and Parent Meeting
September 7, 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Fees due)
Dance Intensive Weekend
Friday, September 22, 3:30 – 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 23, 8:00 am – 6:30 pm
Pit rehearsal with Cast
Wed, October 25, 5:30 – 9:00
“Dry Tech” Rehearsal for Crew Only
Friday, Oct 27, 3:00 – 7:00pm
Tech Rehearsals ALL Cast/Crew
Saturday, Oct 28, 8:00am – 7:00pm
Tech Rehearsal 2 / Sound Run
Sunday, Oct 29, 12:00 – 9:00
First Dress with Orchestra
Monday, Oct 30, 5:00 – 9:30
Evening Dress Rehearsals
Tuesday – Thursday Oct 30 - Nov 1 , 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Evening Preview Performance
Thursday, Nov 2 6:00 pm | Open to DSHA students and TSC only
Performances
Fri. Nov 3 – Sun. Nov 5 | Fri. Nov 10 – Sat. Nov 11 | 7pm and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday
Strike
Sunday, November 12, 12:00-5:00
Monday, November 13th All Day
*Required for ALL Cast and Crew*
------Detach here and keep above pages for your records------
The Little Mermaid
AUDITION APPLICATION
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
NAME______DATE______
HEIGHT______HAIR COLOR______Would you modify hair color?______
PARENT CELL ______
YOUR CELL______
EMAIL______NEXT YEAR’S GRADE______
WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU ATTEND?______
PARENT OR GUARDIAN NAMES ______
PARENTAL EMAIL(S) (print very clearly)______
______
FULL MAILING ADDRESS______
CITY______ZIP______
What is your voice type (if you know, ex: Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)? ______
Not including Little Mermaid, how many times have you auditioned for a DSHA Fall Musical? ______
In how many of the DSHA Fall musicals have you been cast? ______
Are you auditioning more for a soloist or dancer role? ______
Which two roles could you see yourself playing? ______
If female, you may be cast as a male. Circle “yes” if you understand & are comfortable with this. YES
______
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – FOR USE OF THE DIRECTOR
Title of Song: ______
Vocal Score: ______Acting Score: ______
Dance Audition Score: ______
Vocal Range:______to ______
Possible Parts: ______
NOTES:
CONFLICTS:
Casting will be based not only on talent but also availability. Please read carefully the rehearsal requirements and responsibilities carefully. Take special note of rehearsal times.
LIST ALL CONFLICTS DURING REHEARSALS and PERFORMANCES. You must put down any conflicts now. Future conflicts may not be honored and could count as strikes against you. (see policy)
I do NOT have any conflicts: ⬜
These are ALL of my conflicts: (look carefully at retreats, work, and mandatory school events)
______
______
______
______
______
Previous Performance Experience: PLEASE list ALL EXPERIENCE (attach resume or list below)
ShowRoleTheater/PlaceYear
List Additional Acting/Dancing/Singing Experience/Training/Special Skills: (dance classes, voice lessons, acting class, choir, juggling, tumbling, circus skills, impersonations etc. # of years)
Skill School/Company Years TakenLearned on own or Teacher?