West Boca Performing Arts Academy

West Boca Performing Arts Academy

Audition Date: May 10/11, 2016

Location: West Boca High Theater

PLEASE EMAIL for an audition slot starting on 4/23/2016.

WHAT IS THE MUSICAL THEATER CLASS?

This course is designed as a performance class where we will intensely study the unique art form that America contributed to the world of theater arts – the musical. At the end of the course, students should have a greater appreciation and understanding of the conventions of the musical, musical theater history, music theory, will be able to recognize specific musicals and the songs that stand out from them, and will be able to perform musical excerpts from some of the more outstanding ones. This course will also prepare students for performance opportunities in the community. It is expected that students will attend local professional and amateur theater productions and some assignments will require this. Whenever possible, discount tickets will be made available to students in the class to help defray expense. Since there will be some Artist in Residence salaries necessary to the class (choreography and musical instruction), it is expected that students will participate in the theater department’s “Fair Share Program.” This fair share will be determined shortly(approx. $200.00). In addition, academy clothing and uniforms will available for purchase. Finally, this class is primarily a performance group that will travel throughout Palm Beach County performing for the community and participating in statewide festivals, therefore you must maintain good academic standing in order to participate.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT THE AUDITION:

• Monologue: Perform a memorized and prepared monologue. The monologue should be no more than 60 seconds, and no props or costumes are allowed. Bring an additional copy of the monologue for the judges.

• Song: Perform a memorized and prepared song. It is recommended that you bring accompaniment music, either on CD or MP3.

• Dance Class: students will participate in a basic dance skills class. No preparation is required, but please bring appropriate clothing to dance in: form fitting clothing that you can move in freely. Hair should be pulled back off the face and neck, and no jewelry is allowed. Dance shoes or bare feet, no socks.

How Must I Prepare for the Theatre Audition?

Applicants must prepare and rehearse a monologue (and song for Musical Theatre auditions). Monologues MUST be from a PLAY.

What Will I Do During the Theatre Audition?

1. Check-in: You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition time.

2. Monologue/Song: you will bring your printed copy of the monologue and give it to the judges. You will perform your monologue once, and possibly answer questions/repeat the monologue with coaching from the judges. Then you will perform your musical theater piece.

What Must I Wear for the Theatre Audition?

You may wear comfortable clothes that you can move in. It is customary for actors to dress nicely for an audition, but be sure to wear what makes you comfortable.

What Factors Are Considered By the Theatre Judges?

Preparation, comfort on stage, and a willingness to take direction. If you arrive prepared and try your best, you will have a successful audition.

Is Previous Acting Training Necessary to Be Accepted?

No. We ask that you come prepared, on time, and do your best.

What Happens If You Are Late for the Audition? Latecomers will not be admitted to the theatre audition

Audition Requirements

• Be currently eligible with a MINIMUM CUMULATIVE 2.5 GPA and have eight or less absences for the third nine weeks. A copy of the third nine weeks report card must be attached to the audition form. This represents the minimum GPA. Most accepted will have greater than a 3.0 GPA.

• The applicant will perform a memorized monologue from a published play lasting no more than one minute. The monologue should come from a modern American play written after 1910. The actor should attempt to create a character and to identify emotionally with the character and the words. The actor should understand what they are saying and to whom they are speaking. The actor should be able to demonstrate physical choices appropriate to the piece. The applicant should wear clothing that is suitable for a job interview that also allows for character movement during the monologue. Monologues can be found at any public library, bookstore, or online. Some examples of age appropriate monologues include: For a Male – Marcus Is Walking” by Joan Ackerman in the role of Henry. For a Female – The Diary Of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett (based on the book by Anne Frank) in the role of Anne

• The applicant will perform a one minute selection of a song from the American musical theatre repertoire. Some composers to consider include Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Lowe, Cy Coleman, Irving Berlin, Jason Robert Brown, Frank Wildhorn, and Stephen Schwartz, but any song from a produced musical is acceptable. Please provide a recording with only music (no words) to play for your song on a CD or MP3 player. The song should spotlight the vocal strengths and range of the student as well as his/her acting abilities. Please do not perform a rock-and-roll or rap song

• The student will be taught and expected to perform a short dance combination. The dance combination will target the student’s ability to learn and accurately perform a new combination with proper technique. The student should wear clothes that allow them to dance.

• The student will be interviewed.

• Submit your completed audition packet at the time of audition.

AUDITION PREPARATION

As with all auditions, your primary responsibility is to be as prepared as possible. Check the audition requirements handout for complete audition details. Start your preparation NOW. Be confident and believe in yourself! Every time that you audition, the people watching you are on your side and want you to do your best. Be passionate and unafraid to take creative risks.

MONOLOGUE (Acting & Musical Theatre)

 A monologue is a speech spoken by one person.

 There is a 60 second limit – you must stick to this or you will be cut off.

 Your monologue must be memorized.

 The material should be age-appropriate – suitable for a pre-teen through high school age character.

 It can be from a play, screenplay, short story, poem or written by you.

 Bring three copies of the monologue to your audition for the adjudicators.

PREPARATION OF MONOLOGUE

 Choose a piece that means something to you or that you can relate to. Select a piece that can be active, meaning your character wants something from someone. Those pieces that simply tell a story generally are not active.

 Read the entire play, story or poem so you know what is happening in this scene and what happened in the past leading up to this monologue. Know what you’re saying and why you’re saying it.

 Make notes in the piece about where something changes in the monologue, such as a new idea or a change in mood, and decide why this is happening. This is called a beat change.

 Rehearse the monologue out loud. A friend or family member can help you memorize by being “on book” (following along with the script while you are saying it) and helping you with trouble spots.

 Decide in advance who your character is, who you are speaking to in this monologue (this is called the “listener”) and where you imagine him/her/they are (the “environment”) when you are speaking to them. Rehearse by saying the monologue to the listener (Note: this will be an imaginary person during the actual audition). You may want to start by first using a real person to stand in for the character of the listener, and then ask that person to step away so you can practice saying it to the imaginary listener since that person will not be in the room when you actually audition. When you perform the Audition Preparation – Continued monologue in the audition, you should imagine that listener in a specific spot in the room and NOT direct the monologue to the adjudicators.  Rehearse until you have the piece memorized completely. However, every time you perform it should be as if you are saying these words for the first time. Your monologue must be memorized. Engage your body and voice so you are expressing what you character is doing and feeling. Do NOT sit through your entire monologue. Your pace should be appropriate to the piece. Speak clearly and at a volume in which you can be heard.

 You will not be allowed to use costumes or real props. You may only use a chair.

VOCAL AUDITION

 There is a 60 second limit – you must stick to this or you will be cut off.

 It is preferable that songs be from a musical.

 The song must be memorized.

 You MUST provide accompaniment on a CD or MP3. There will not be an accompanist. The CD/MP3 must be instrumental accompaniment only with no vocal tracks. YOU MAY NOT sing a cappella (with no accompaniment).

PREPARATION OF VOCAL AUDITION SONG

 Choose a song (and style) that you enjoy, shows your vocal range and has meaning to you. It is wise not to choose something that a lot of others will choose too.

 Think of your song as a monologue that is set to music. Who is your character? Who are you singing to and why?

 Prepare just as you would for the monologue except incorporating the music

 If using CD/MP3, it should be the first track and cued up to where you will begin singing.

DANCE AUDITION(TBD)

 See the audition materials for correct clothing

 There is nothing to prepare. You will be taught a warm-up and a dance combination as part of an audition group.

 Before the dance audition, change into your dance clothes and warm-up your body.

THE DAY OF THE AUDITION – CHECK LIST MATERIALS

 Monologue (Acting and Musical Theatre) – 3 copies

 Instrumental CD/MP3 (Musical Theatre)

 Appropriate professional dress – NOT a costume - for the monologue (Acting and Musical Theatre) and song (Musical Theatre) audition

 Dance clothing for dance audition (Musical Theatre)

AT THE AUDITION

ARRIVAL AND PREPARATION

Arrive to the audition 15-30 minutes before your designated audition time so you can check in and get settled. You will be given an audition number to place on your clothing. You should begin to prepare yourself for the audition as soon as you arrive. Be relaxed but focused. For the monologue and song, start thinking about your character, the circumstances of the piece and who what you want from the “listener” (your imaginary partner). Remember, we are on your side and want you to do your best!

ENTERING THE ROOM

When you enter the audition room, give a copy of your materials to the appropriate people. The three copies of the monologue should go to the adjudicators. The CD should be given to the staff member.

SLATING FOR THE CAMERA

The audition is videotaped so you will be asked to give your name and your assigned audition number. When you have finished slating, find the place in the room from which you want to start your monologue or song.

PRESENTING THE MONOLOGUE/SONG

Tell the adjudicators the name of the piece you are doing. (My name is Charlie Downs and I am doing a piece from the play “Our Town”). Take a short beat and then begin your monologue or song. If you stumble over a word or two, don’t worry, just stay focused and keep going. If you suddenly go blank and can’t remember your piece (don’t worry, it has happened to all of us!), take a moment to collect your thoughts. The adjudicators will direct you on how to continue. After you finish your monologue and/or song, the adjudicators may or may not give you some notes and have you do part or all of it again.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ADJUDICATORS

The adjudicators may ask you some questions about why you want to be a member of the West Boca Musical Theater program and your goals.

DANCE AUDITION

You should stretch and warm-up your body before the dance audition. This portion of the audition will be conducted like a dance class and will include a warm-up, moving across the floor, and a short dance combination.

AFTER YOUR AUDITION

You have done your job! Now reward yourself! Again, your primary responsibility is to be prepared and to enjoy yourself. We want you to do your very best and are rooting for each and every one of you! Celebrate!

Audition Application 2016-2017

You must attach a headshot or current photo of just you to this application.

Name: ______

Address: ______

Email: ______

Home Phone: ______Grade Next Year: ______

Cumulative GPA(This year): ______Age: ______

Voice Part(Circle): SOPRANO ALTO TENOR BARITONE BASS

Have you studied any of the following? Please describe your experiences. Use the back for more room or attach resume.

Voice: ______

______

Piano: ______

______

Dance: ______

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Acting: ______

______

List any other productions: ______

______

______

List any other school activities/performing groups that you are in or planning to be in: (cheerleading, sports, clubs, chorus, band, etc):

______

______

______

West Boca Drama Department

Audition Application 2016-2017

Page 2

Please Initial

** There will be regular one-night-a-week rehearsals in addition to performances outside of school time. Will you make arrangements to be present for any or all? (Work conflicts are not excused)

______Yes.

** Will you assume a “Fair Share” financial responsibility? (The anticipated amount is $200.00. If this presents a problem please see the director. Fundraising opportunities will be available)

______Yes

**Should we be selected, you MUST attend Districts, States, and other outside performance (some at additional cost.) Failure to attend any performance is grounds from removal from the program. Work, grades, and other personal events are not excusable. Please be aware that as a performance class you are an integral part of a larger group. It is necessary for you to be at all rehearsals and performances for us to succeed.

______Yes

I promise to make a commitment to the West Boca Drama Department and the Musical Theater Program to be an active member and promote the attitudes and ideals of the group.

Student Signature ______

Parent Signature ______

West Boca Drama Department

Audition Application 2016-2017

TEACHER ENDORSEMENT FORM

______is auditioning to be a member of Musical Theater for the 2016-2017 school year. Membership in this group requires a considerable amount of time beyond the school day, and therefore a strong personal commitment to making drama a priority. Individual discipline and motivation are also necessary for active participation. Academic standing (GPA) is also an important consideration. * WOULD YOU PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO GIVE YOUR CANDID EVALUATION OF THIS STUDENT? Your cooperation is deeply appreciated. If you have more to say than this space allows, please leave a personal note in my mailbox.

Thank you for your time. -

Please circle your response on a scale of 1 – 5, with 5 being the highest.

PerTeacher Academic Conduct Comments

Ability

1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

2 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

6 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Other comments: ______

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* While a minimum GPA or 2.5 is required, anything lower than 3.0 is considered a weak candidate.