AUDITION PACKET For the Byron Middle School Musical

AUDITION PACKET For the Byron Middle School Musical Produced by Byron Civic Theatre Audition: Wednesday, August 10 from 5-9 pm at BMS Performances: September 17 & 18

DIRECTOR S WELCOME Dear Parents: First and foremost, I am very excited to start production on the middle school musical HONK! Your child is about to take a journey that could have a positive and lasting impact on their lives. Participating in a musical is one of the most rewarding experiences a young person can have. In this audition packet you are going to find all of the pieces of information necessary to get your child rolling in the right direction. Auditions will be held at the BMS theatre on Wednesday, August 10, from 5-9 pm. If it is necessary to have callbacks, this will occur on Thursday, August 11, starting at 5 pm in the same locale. There is another document, Audition Expectations, that will completely lay out the evening so your child will know exactly what they will be asked to do during their audition. PREPARE, PREPARE. PREPARE it really does make a difference. Our production schedule will run from our first rehearsal Monday, August 15, to the performances on September 17 and 18. Our late school start this year is going to give us a unique opportunity to open up our rehearsal times, creating more opportunities for students that are booked during our traditional rehearsal times of 6-9 pm. We will also be having some rehearsals in the afternoon from 2-5 pm. A complete and detailed rehearsal schedule will be given at the first night of rehearsal; in general plan for two rehearsals a week with more time commitment for leading roles. Please fill in the Audition Form completely and turn in at auditions. There are various sections of information that are necessary for a successful production and for us to communicate with you. On the form we will be asking for your involvement; to pull off a show of this magnitude requires volunteers and we really do need your help to make the magic happen. Every family is required to complete 10 hours of volunteer hours at the theatre. When you turn in your forms, please sign up for the area(s) in which you would like to volunteer. We do ask that all of our participants pay a $20 production fee which is due at the time of auditions as well. This will cover the cost of production, t-shirt, costume, rehearsal CD and production dinner before the first performance. If you cannot pay the production fee audition night, please bring it to rehearsal on August 15. If you are unable to afford the fee, please talk to the producer or me. No student will be turned away for financial reasons. At the bottom of the form is a section for me during auditions, please leave this blank. There is another 4-section page, the Judges Sheet that looks very similar to the director s section of the Audition Form. We have several judges assisting with auditions so I will need you to make sure that your child s name appears on each of the 4 sections. Also turned in at auditions is the Conflict Schedule. It s imperative that you are detailed in letting us know when your child will not be available to rehearse. Once again, with the new afternoon rehearsal opportunities please make sure to document availability from noon to 9 pm from August 15 thru September 9. Please note that as of September 13 thru the performances there are no conflict days unless they are school related. I ve included a Character Plot in this packet that will give you an overview of the show as well as descriptions of the characters. There are roles for everyone in a musical so read this carefully as it will help you with selecting a good role for them and preparing your child for auditions in general. A music packet for auditions is available in the BMS office. Have I forgotten anything? I m sure we ll get to it eventually. Curtain open! Light the lights! Let s begin! Margie Shelton, Director

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS Night of Auditions When you come to auditions we ll be set up in the theatre, please have all of your documents ready to hand in at the information table on stage. If you are missing anything BCT staff will be able to give you forms, audition materials and answer your questions. They will also have a checklist for you as well as your student. This will help to make sure you have all your ducks in a row (HONK!). I will be sharing a short announcement with everyone and then we ll get started immediately. Parents are more than welcome to stay in the theatre for the entire process. We will be auditioning in the music room to create a much less intimidating environment for the kids. Schedule for the evening 5:00 PAPERWORK - turn in paperwork at the BCT registration table that will be located on the stage be prepared to hand in a complete Audition Form, 4-section Judges Sheet, Conflict Schedule, $20 production fee and sign up for a volunteer area. 5:15 MUSIC the Music Director will teach a song from the show. This song will be used as the chorus audition song; it can also be used for other roles if the student is not prepared with another piece of music. 5:30 CHORUS AUDITIONS students will audition in groups in the music room 5:45 AUDITIONS students interested in a specific role will audition in the music room individually Students auditioning for CHORUS these students will be going to sing in the music room in groups of 5-7. They will be expected to sing Look at Him, which will be taught to them. After this group sing in front of the judges, CHORUS auditioners are welcome to leave. Students auditioning for a SPECIFIC ROLE these auditions are individual in front of 4 judges at one time. Students will be expected to state their name and the role they would like to audition for. They will then sing a song with accompaniment from the show. **NOTE** The Character Plot document in this packet lists specific songs for specific roles. **SPECIAL NOTE** Music that is suggested for the SONG is provided in advance for the audition AND is simply that, a suggestion. Another song from the show may be used. If the student was not able to get the music ahead of time they may use the song, Look at Him that will be taught right at the beginning of the evening. Students will then read some lines from the script cold; these will not be provided ahead of time to practice. Finally I d like to get a feel for their movement on stage and overall creativity and I ll ask them to walk and make an animal sound like the character. Note that all of the roles in the show are animals. This is something that you can certainly help them with ahead of time. NOTE FOR AUDITONERS: be prepared, smile and enjoy the process, show good behavior and trust the judges choices.

After Auditions Callbacks or Round Two If the judges need to hear a student again, plan to go thru the same process as in the previous evening. Students may be asked to sing or read for a different part than their original audition. Remember this is an ensemble production that requires combinations of actors with chemistry to create the magic we are ultimately trying to achieve. If we do hold callbacks and your child is not invited it does not mean that they are not being considered for a part; we may have cast their role the first night. Announcing the Cast We will try to have the announcement of the cast as quickly as possible; I know the kids will be anxious to hear the results. Our goal is to have BCT staff contact you by Friday, August 12. Making the Best of Casting Decisions As the director of a production, I am required to look at the big picture, all of the pieces of the puzzle must come together to create a vision. I believe that every contribution is important and valuable to the story we are going to be telling. (Just ask someone who didn t get their microphone turned on during a solo the importance of a top-notch sound technician!) The role offered to your child may not meet their expectation; this may be a difficult time if the casting results are not what they wanted. I have personal knowledge of being on the end of casting decisions for myself as well as my own children so I do understand the potential elation or upset which may result. You know your child best and know the techniques to comfort them, but in case of upset over any casting decision I would encourage you to empower your child to come and talk to me in a one-on-one discussion about how to go about enhancing their future auditions. That which doesn t break us, makes us.

CHARACTER PLOT The Story of HONK-If you are familiar with the story of The Ugly Duckling, then you know the basic plot of our production. HONK begins in a barnyard with Ida who is patiently waiting for her eggs to hatch. She is joined by various other farm animals including turkeys, geese, frogs, chickens, etc. As the story unfolds, UGLY is born, the duckling that doesn t look like anyone else he s different. We are also introduced to the villain, CAT, who would like UGLY for lunch. After being treated poorly by his dad, DRAKE, and siblings, BEAKY, FLUFFY, BILLY and DOWNY UGLY runs away from home. On his journey, UGLY meets many characters including GREYLAG and DOT who are geese, PENNY the swan, and BULLFROG the frog. Eventually UGLY does find his way home returning as a beautiful swan. Everyone in the barnyard rejoices. LEAD ROLES UGLY ANIMAL: duckling GENDER: male DESCRIPTION: main character. Innocent, easily confused and very impressionable. Ugly doesn t understand why it s wrong being different. His insecurities melt away as he changes from a gullible duckling to a wise swan filled with self-esteem. Must be a strong singer and strong actor. SONG: Different IDA ANIMAL: duck GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: UGLYs mom. She is extremely protective of her son and committed to his safety. She is sweet but feisty, she knows how to handle her husband DRAKE. She teaches UGLY that it s okay to be different. Must be a strong soprano and strong actor. SONG: Joy of Motherhood SUPPORTING ROLES DRAKE ANIMAL: duck GENDER: male DESCRIPTION: IDAs husband. Sarcastic and often shirks his parental duties. DRAKE finds UGLY repulsive and isn t afraid to say it. Must have good comic timing and a strong voice because he opens the show singing. SONG: A Poultry Tale MAUREEN ANIMAL: moorhen GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: IDAs best friend. She likes to gossip. She is the ducklings overly affectionate aunt. Should be a strong singer. SONG: Joy of Motherhood CAT ANIMAL: cat GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: sly, cunning villain of the show. All animals are deathly afraid of him. CAT is above all HUNGRY! CAT pretends to be UGLYs friend so that he can eat him. Must have a good sense of comic timing, does sing a few songs but can talk sing. SONG: Play with Your Food GREYLAG ANIMAL: goose GENDER: male DESCRIPTION: somewhat pompous, washed up British military type. He tends to overglorify his activities and maintains a level of military operations with his wife and children. He sings a small solo. SONG: Wild Goose Chase DOT ANIMAL: goose GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: GREYLAGs wife. Motherly type that wants to help UGLY. DOT doesn t think that GREYLAG is entirely a capable leader but she humors his over the top actions. She sings a small solo. SONG: Wild Goose Chase THE BULLFROG ANIMAL: frog GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: laid back, self confident frog that UGLY meets in second half of the show. Frogs big song is Warts and All which he sings to cheer up UGLY. Optimistic and funny, standup comedian type of character. SONG: Warts and All PENNY ANIMAL: swan GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: a young beautiful swan that UGLY saves at the beginning of the show. She sees beyond UGLYs looks and loves him for who he is. SPEAKING ROLES/CHORUS JAY BIRD ANIMAL: bird GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: in your face investigative reporter that only cares about getting a good story. Typical TV personality found on America s most wanted. GRACE ANIMAL: duck GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: most distinguished duck on the lake. Very aristocratic, considered the queen. All of the other animals look up to her and she is quite aware of this. BEAKY, BILLY, FLUFFY, DOWNY ANIMAL: ducklings GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: UGLYs siblings, cute little kid types. They are the popular ones who enjoy making UGLY feel left out. SONG: sing as a group TURKEY ANIMAL: turkey GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: headmaster of the school, who s a bit snobbish and joins in teasing UGLY. The word THANKSGIVING scares him. HENRIETTA ANIMAL: hen GENDER: female DESCRIPTION: MAUREENs gossipy friend, joins in teasing UGLY.. BARNACLES, SNOWY, PINKFOOT ANIMAL: geese GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: geese in GREYLAGs squad. They join in singing Wild Goose Chase. FATHER SWAN, MOTHER SWAN, BEWICK ANIMAL: swans GENDER: male/female DESCRIPTION: PENNYs family. They help to console IDA when she thinks her son has died and they offer to take UGLY with them when they migrate.

CONFLICT SCHEDULE NAME SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY August 14 1 st Rehearsal Full Cast 5-8 pm 21 28 Sept 4 LABOR DAY 11 TECH WEEK BEGINS TW TW TW TW TW SHOW TIME 18 SHOW TIME **List any conflicts that occur between noon and 9 pm for every date shown from August 15 th to September 5 th when school resumes. After September 5 th identify evening conflicts only.**

AUDITION FORM Name Grade Parent Name Address Phone Email T-Shirt Size Behavioral Contract Participation in BCT activities is a privilege and BCT believes each person involved is entitled to a positive experience. As such all students are required to follow the behavioral standards listed below: show respect to BCT staff, students and volunteers. be respectful of all BMS property the use of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco products is strictly prohibited stay in approved areas of the theater at all times behave in a professional manner at all times during rehearsals and performances be on time for all rehearsals and performance Discipline Process first incident director or producer will talk with the student about the misbehavior second incident director and/or producer will talk withe the student s parent or guardian. third incident student will be removed from the BCT activity I have read and agree to the behavior standards listed in the Behavioral Contract. I have also read and understand the consequences of failing to follow them. Signed Date student Signed Date parent/guardian Liability and Photo Release The undersigned, the parent or legal guardian of, grants permission for this child to participate in this production sponsored by Byron Civic Theatre. I personally assume all risks in connection with this activity and I release the staff, volunteers, Board of Directors of Byron Civic Theatre for any injury or damage. The undersigned acknowledges that this is a full and complete release of all injuries and damages that the undersigned, the child, or their immediate families may sustain or incur as a result of participation in this activity. The undersigned gives permission to BCT to use any pictures, videotapes and/or sound recordings taken or created during this activity, which may include this student, in promotional materials. Signed Date parent/guardian

AUDITION FORM Name Experience Role(s) of preference do not write below this line conflict sheet production fee volunteer sign-up contract Director s Audition Notes Singing: 1 2 3 4 5 Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Cast As:

JUDGES SHEET **please fill in Name: & Role: only Name: Role: Rate 1-5: 1 being outstanding Singing: 1 2 3 4 5 Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Name: Role: Rate 1-5: 1 being outstanding Singing: 1 2 3 4 5 Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Name: Role: Rate 1-5: 1 being outstanding Singing: 1 2 3 4 5 Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Name: Role: Rate 1-5: 1 being outstanding Singing: 1 2 3 4 5 Soprano Alto Tenor Bass