CALLBACK INFORMATION & CASTING/SHOW FAQ's

What an AMAZING first day of auditions!!! Incredible day! 
 Thank you to all who came out to audition yesterday and to our working crew. 

Please read this post in full. 
We look forward to seeing you all!

CALLBACKS

Monday, November 19 

7:30am-8:30am

Warm- ups/additional practice for those who want to review any songs/material on their own in the theatre before official callbacks begin.

8:30am to 12:00pm 

(Callbacks Round 1 pt 1)

12:00-12:25pm

Lunch/Break

12:30pm to 4:00pm 

(Callbacks Round 1 pt 2)

Tuesday, November 20

9:00am to 12:00pm (Callbacks Round 2 pt 1)

12:00-12:25pm

Lunch/Break

12:30 to 3:30 (Callbacks Round 2 pt 2)

Callbacks

• A mandatory callback for ALL students auditioning will be held Monday, November 19 from 8:30 to 12:00. details are outlined in the information packet.

• A second callback will be held on Monday, November 20 from 12:30 to 4:00pm

• Not every actor will need to stay for the duration of the entire Monday callback. The first wave of auditioners will be dismissed around 12:30pm.

• Auditioners are advised to keep their phones with them so they may inform their rides when they are finished.

• A Final callback will be held Tuesday, November 22 from 9:00am to 12:00pm (Callbacks Round 2 pt 1) and then from 12:30 to 3:30 (Callbacks Round 2 pt 2)

• At callbacks, we will be looking at all script cuttings, movement pieces, and songs only in the musical.

• There will be a fun group dance audition, improv scenes, singing: (solos, in duets, trios, & groups) and a rhythm call as well.

• You will be called up to read for multiple parts in the show and will be redirected to try your scene/characters different ways. So please be familiar with/have knowledge of all of the characters and songs. 

Attire

• Please pull hair back from face.

• Wear comfortable but appropriate attire that makes you memorable, shows your personality and that creates a great first impression.

• Do not wear any clothing that will cause you to fidget with it or that hides your hands.

• Ladies, no jewelry or items on wrists please. 

• You will need to be able to move in callbacks, so please wear or bring shoes in which you can move/dance. NO UGGS, BOOTS, FLIP-FLOPS, or CROCS. Sneakers, closed toed slip-ons, flats are great. If you have dance shoes (jazz, ballet, lyrical, character shoes), please bring them or wear them to your audition.

What to bring to callbacks

• A water bottle
• Your phone
• Your script (if you have already registered and received one)
• A pencil
• Snacks and a lunch
• A great attitude! :) 

Advice

• Being prompt and listening to directions is an important aspect of auditioning.
• Use your best theatre etiquette.
• Don't worry if you make a mistake, own it, and act like you meant to do it! We will never know if you made a mistake or were nervous if you own the stage and "fake it 'til you make it!"
• Opportunity favors the prepared mind!
• PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!!! We are expecting fully rehearsed, prepared, dazzling audition selections. Your audition should be BETTER than an actual show performance. 
• So practice, practice, practice. HAVE FUN! BE BOLD AND CONFIDENT! Be open-minded. Take Creative Risks, these are not human characters! BE LOUD AND PROUD! Show us your presence and style!
• Use your full voice and energy. Do not hold back. This is YOUR chance!
• Be prepared to show us you can take direction!
• Don't get stuck on reading for one part/role. Every part/role is amazing and we are going to place you where you will best shine and be the star you are! 
• Have fun at the audition! We want you to do well. :) 

FAQs
Who can audition for the spring musical?

• Auditions are open to middle school students. There are group roles for our elementary students that vary by grade level.

Do I have to sing, dance and act during the audition?

• Yes! It's a musical! And it's fun!

How can I prepare for my audition?

• Practice every day, and in front of everyone you meet, get feedback!
• Learn your song and scene well so you feel confident.
• Prepare at least one song from the show that suits your singing voice and shows off your acting skills, personality, and range.
• Prepare one acting scene from the show (plan verbal and physical things for your scene, but don't need to memorize).
• You can't prepare the dance, because it's a surprise! Wear clothing comfortable for dancing in.
• Warm-up your bodies and mentally prepare for your audition. Auditions are like applying for a job: make a good impression!

What are call-backs?

• They are NOT a list of people who have made the musical or have been cast in the roles for which they are call-backed. Call-backs are to see things we didn't have a chance to see during auditions.
• 

Can athletes audition for the musical?

• Yes! Please refer to the information packet for more specific details, but remember your role/character in the play will be limited by the amount of other commitments you have indicated. 

What if I am not sure about my conflicts and schedule?

• Go ahead and audition, and then we can figure out if your schedule will work with the parts for which you are being considered! But please remember to take into account how many commitments to other activities you have as well as your academic workload.

What if I am not sure if I want to be on crew or on stage?

• Go ahead and audition and then we can figure out where you will shine best!

What crew positions are needed?

• Running crew help which assists all aspects of the show during its performances from curtain openings/closings, to setting up the sets/scenes, props handling, getting characters into positions, assisting with special effects like fog machines, and more!
• During the rehearsals, help is needed with organizing all costumes, props, inventory, as well as assisting with making costumes, getting sizes, writing down stage directions, helping with running music, making prompt books, and more. Being a self-directed leader and a collaborative team member who takes direction well is a huge plus.

How does casting work?

Many factors play a part in how a show is cast such as: confidence/presence on stage, ability to be heard and understood, scheduling conflicts & rehearsal availability, academic good standing, energy and chemistry between actors and how they look together, sound together, what vocal ranges or acting demands does a part require and can that actor fit those demands/ranges, (e.g. in Lion King, Young Nala must look and sound younger than Nala who is older, wiser, and sings in a lower alto and a mezzo soprano power belt, while both Nalas need to have similar movements/tones/mannerisms/looks on stage, Young Simba and Young Nala need to look about the same age, as do Simba/Nala, so if an actor "goes out" for Young Nala but is the tallest and oldest looking actor auditioning in the group of all Nalas, this wouldn't be believable to an audience, these things are out of an actor's control and an actor shouldn't worry about what he or she can't control in an audition or in casting)

So what can an actor control in an audition?

 Every actor has equal opportunity to show what he/she can do. An actor can make sure he or she gives the best audition at the moment he/she needs to deliver it most, which means at the time of the individual audition and throughout callbacks. If an actor shows on stage that he/she gives an outstanding, fully prepared and dynamic audition for the role he/she most is interested in at the time of auditions by taking risks, making specific character choices, voices, movements, and expressions, then he/ she has given himself/herself the best chance at getting that part. It is about being prepared, memorable, being heard, and being expressive! Also, it is about taking directions from the audition panel and making changes immediately in a character when asked. (e.g. If the panel consistently keeps asking an actor to be louder or use facial expressions, every time the actor is on stage, the actor is having difficulty applying direction. So be loud and expressive the very first time when asked! And you will wow all! :)

The basics matter!

 Don't Upstage yourself. Cheat out! SPEAK SLOWLY, LOUDLY, and CLEARLY.

The more fun you have, the more fun the audition panel will have. Remember this is in your control to have a blast and enjoy performing and entertaining a crowd!

When you sing your song, remember you are giving a performance, you MUST use your face and your eyes to convey emotion and your character. We are looking for dynamic performers to cast in these iconic roles, not lifeless faces! 

At the end of the day, remember the audition panel is made up of Davis staff and industry professionals who have years and years of experience casting and placing performers in roles where their talents best fit and will shine best, where they will have the most wonderful experience, and where all will shine brightly on stage. 

Theatre is a collaborative team experience which relies on the efforts of everyone in the cast and on the crew. EVERY PART is equally important to the success of the show. 

The old adage rings true "There are no small parts only small actors" or as my favorite quote from theatre says, "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art" which is really a fancy way of saying, if you really love theatre and being on stage, you love it no matter what you part you play, because theatre is a part of you. It is not the part that matters, it is what you do with your part that makes all the difference! 

A great example is the amazing actor Dame Judi Dench who won an Academy Award for a total of 8 minutes of screen time in the 2 hour 17 minute movie Shakespeare in Love. She upstaged the entire movie and all of the other characters because she was that memorable and entertaining! 

Now that is ACTING! :)