CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME 2017
Aladdin
Directed by Chris Hannon and Louise Denison.Musical Direction by Jim Lunt.
Open Auditions for Chorus: Sunday 2nd of July 2017
Performed: Thursday 23rd November-Sunday 7th January 2018
Ages 9-17 only
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Aladdin
Directed by Chris Hannon and Louise Denison.Musical Direction by Jim Lunt.
Open Auditions for Chorus: Sunday 2nd of July 2017
Performed: Thursday 23rd November-Sunday 7th January 2018
Ages 9-17 only
AUDITION INFORMATION
Introduction
Our annual pantomime is the biggest event of the year at Theatre Royal Wakefield. Last year’s production of Sleeping Beautyplayed to over 28,000 people during its run and was a hit with audiences and critics alike. This year’s production of Aladdin will be directed by Louise Denison and Chris Hannon and choreographed by Louise Denison. The musical director is Jim Lunt.
We are looking for 9-17year oldswho can dance, act and sing to be part of the chorus in this production. The chorus will play a crucial role, working alongside a professional cast, in making the show spectacular.
The schedule is tough and requires commitment and discipline but it is also a brilliant opportunity to perform alongside and work with a professional cast and crew.
AUDITIONS
When are the auditions?
The auditions are taking place at Theatre Royal Wakefield onSunday 2nd July 2017.
9am-Registration (you should have sent us an audition form in advance)
9.30-12.30 Audition-The first part of the audition will be singing. Everyone will be given a short song to learn on the day and will sing it together a few times before taking it turns to sing a few lines each. We will then move onto dance. Everyone will learn the same short dance and perform it in groups.
At approximately 12.30pm some auditionees will be told they have been unsuccessful and can go home. Others will be asked to stay for the afternoon.
12.30-4.30- Audition continued- The next part of the audition will be acting followed by more dancing and singing if required. If you have any other skills (such as juggling, gymnastics etc) there will be opportunity to show these too. There will still be some unsuccessful auditionees at this time.
4.30pm- Audition ends- not all auditionees will be required until this time.
We ask parents to ensure they are contactable throughout the day as finish times will vary. Please note: children aged 13 and under must be signed out by parent/guardian before they can leave for the day.
What is the process for auditions?
If you would like to attend the audition then please email or phone Janine Heseltine to register by 3pm on Thursday 29 June with your audition form fully completed.This should be emailed or posted to Janine BEFORE the audition.
You can contact Janine on 01924 334 115 or email
We can let you know of any changes to timings etc and can pass on any further information you should need nearer the time.
When will rehearsals be?
Rehearsals will mainly take place outside school time on Friday evenings and some Saturdays and Sundays through September, October and November. Once the professional cast join us in November there will be more week-night rehearsals and some days off school required.
As soon as a schedule is available it will be sent out to everyone.
When are the performances?
The shows run from Thursday 23 November2017 untilSunday 7 January 2018.
We will split the groups into three teams so you will be in a third of the performances but please make sure for now you are available for the whole performance period. Some of the performances take place in the daytime and so time off from school/ college will be a requirement.
Date / TimeThursday 23 November / 18:00
Friday 24 November / 13:30 and 19:00
Saturday 25 November / 14.30 and 19:00
Monday 27 November / 10:00 and 13:30
Tuesday 28 November / 10:00 and 13:30
Wednesday 29 November / 10:00 and 13:30
Thursday 30 November / 10:00 and 18:00
Friday 1 December / 13:30 and 19:00
Saturday 2 December / 11:00 and 14:30 and 19:00
Monday 4 December / 10:00 and 13:30
Tuesday 5 December / 10:00 and 13:30
Wednesday 6 December / 10:00 and 13:30
Thursday 7 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Friday 8 December / 13:30 and 19:00
Saturday 9 December / 11:00 and 14:30 and 19:00
Tuesday 12 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Wednesday 13 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Thursday 14 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Friday 15 December / 13:30 and 19:00
Saturday 16 December / 11:00 and 14:30 and 19:00
Sunday 17 December / 14:00 and 18:00
Tuesday 19 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Wednesday 20 December / 10:00 and 13:30 and 18:00
Thursday 21 December / 13:30 and 18:00
Friday 22 December / 19:00
Saturday 23 December / 11:00 and 14:30 and 19:00
Sunday 24 December / 11:00 and 14:30
Tuesday 26 December / 14.30 and 19:00
Wednesday 27 December / 11:00 and 14.30 and 19:00
Thursday 28 December / 14.30 and 19:00
Friday 29 December / 14.30 and 19:00
Saturday 30 December / 14.30 and 19:00
Sunday 31 December / 11:00 and 14:30
Tuesday 2January / 14.30 and 19:00
Wednesday 3January / 14.30 and 19:00
Thursday 4January / 14.30 and 19:00
Friday 5January / 14.30 and 19:00
Saturday 6January / 11:00 and 14.30 and 19:00
Sunday 7 January / 11:00 and 14.30
How is the chorus made up?
We are looking for three teams of 8 performers which will include 4 JUNIOR and 4 SENIOR dancers and singers.
What are you looking for?
9-17 year olds overall – we cannot have anyone in the chorus this year who will be 18 or turn 18 during the panto. This is due to licensing laws and available dressing room space.
We are looking for male and female performers who can dance to a high standard, act with character and personality and sing.
As usual for panto, we are looking for people with strong dance training and with a good stage presence and personality.
All performers will be required to sing as an ensemble during the musical numbers as well as dance so please be aware that a basic vocal audition will take place for all.
A complete commitment to the rehearsals and performances is essential. This is a large-scale production and its success depends on everyone dedicating themselves to its delivery.
You will need to be available for all rehearsals and performance dates.
This year we will need one person (male or female) from each team to play the cameo role of LUNG - the Chinese Dragon.
They will need to be a strong actor, singer and dancer with great comedy timing. Plus street dancing / acrobatic skills would be an advantage! They would preferably be under 5ft.
When will I know the outcome?
We hope to be able to let you know the outcome by the end of the week following the auditions. Those who have been cast will receive an offer letter, one copy of which should be signed and returned to the theatre. In addition to those actually cast there will also be a short stand-by list in each category. If you are on this list then you are, in effect, reserves in case anyone drops out between the auditions and the start of rehearsals.
What might I need to bring?
You should bring plenty to drink and a snack/lunch with you as some of the sessions may be quite physical.
Please have a notebook and pen to hand.
Louise asks that you take all dance shoes with you to the audition (ballet shoes, tap shoes etc) so that you are fully prepared. If you are female and aged 14+, please also bring heels. Everyone should also make sure that you are wearing appropriate dance wear, and nothing too baggy.
Please wear your hair neatly and a light stage make-up for aged 14+
If you have any other skills such as juggling, circus skills, gymnastics, then please bring along anything you may need as you will have the opportunity to showcase these skills at the audition.
What if I am a parent?
Parents/guardians can either leave Thornes Park and remain contactable or stay in the foyer/reception space. You will not be able to stay in the auditorium during the audition.
We ask all parents to be contactable during the day and that they are available to pick up their children when required.Any child aged 13 or under must be signed out by a parent/guardian before they can leave.
Anyone aged between 14 and 17 can leave on their own as long as a parent/guardian has made this clear on the permission form. Please read the form carefully and fill/tick all relevant boxes.
If you are successful at the audition...
REHEARSALS
When do we rehearse?
Chorus rehearsals will commence on the 30th of September prior to the arrival of the professional cast in November (see above for likely dates/times). You will be provided with a more detailed schedule shortly after casting has been completed.
Wheredo we rehearse?
The rehearsal venue has not been confirmed yet, but will be somewhere near to Wakefield city centre. This information will be given to successful chorus members at a later date.
What clothes do we need for rehearsals?
You need to have clothes that are easy to move in and appropriate dance shoes.
Do I need anything else?
We work fairly intensively, so bring with you whatever you think you need in the way of refreshments for the duration of the call – likely to be between 3 and 6 hours. This must include bottled water to ensure that you maintain hydration during physically demanding periods.
PERFORMANCES
What is the performance schedule?
The production opens on Thursday 24 November 2016 and closes on Saturday 31st December 2016. There are 70 performances which include mornings, afternoons and evenings. Each of the three chorus teams will perform in roughly a third of these performances.
What is the Chorus Schedule?
The chorus are scheduled across the run, generally playing 4 consecutive performances across two days. As there are 3 teams, this means that, in general, you will be working 2 days on and then have 4 days off.
How big is the cast?
There are 7 professional actors and a chorus of 8 for each performance – 16 on stage – plus three musicians in the pit.
What happens between performances?
You will generally be playing 2 performances each day you are scheduled, either a morning and afternoon, or afternoon and evening. In the break between shows (approximately 1.5 hours) you cannot leave the theatre if you are licensed (you are a licensed performer if you are of compulsory school age), so we suggest youbring food with you to eat with your chaperone.
What costumes will I be wearing?
You are likely to have several costumes, each reflecting what is required for the various scenes in which you will be taking part, which we provide. All we ask you to provide are the shoes and we will tell you what is required.
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