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Please read through this Audition pack carefully as it will contain everything you need to know about the show and audition process including Characters, important dates and rehearsals.

Presents..

AUDITIONS:-

Auditions will be held at our Taylors Beach studio at 1/15 Shearwater Drive on Saturday 11th November 2017 from 1pm onwards. A copy of the Actor Book and the soundtrack are located in our “Members Info” section. Please contact Megan Spiller on 0431 151 231 for your code to access these items.

*Please note Auditions are open to everyone at The Studio.Performing Arts Academy however all cast members need to attend either a Drama class or a Musical Theatre class from the beginning of Term 1 2018 until the show is complete as our rehearsals will be held in class time. Please contact Megan for further information if you are interested in enrolling in any of these classes.

*PLEASE NOTE: a parent/guardian MUST accompany you to your audition. So that we can make this an enjoyable experience and give everyone a chance to do their best, we ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your allocated time

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE: -

“Drama Club” Characters - Please prepare the song “Only the Theatre for me” OR “Gonna write a musical” reading from the “Harper” speaking parts throughout. (It doesn't matter if you are not auditioning for “Harper”)

“Rudy or Ruby Grunch” - Please prepare the song “More like me”

“Critics” Characters - Please prepare the song “ How can a critic”

“Junior Stars” Characters - Please prepare the song “Three feet tall”

Please also prepare a scene from your chosen character to read with our Audition Panel. This can be any scene you wish.

ENSEMBLE ROLES

There are roles in the show that are called Ensemble roles. These roles involve group singing and acting. There are NO SINGING SOLO’S OR SOLO SPEAKING PARTS WITH THE ENSEMBLE CAST. Students wishing to be part of the ensemble only DO NOT NEED TO AUDITION and we will place each ensemble student in ensemble we feel best suits each particular student. Students may give a preference if they have one but please note that this may not be possible due to numbers. Please let us know in class if you would like to be placed in the ensemble cast.

WHEN WILL I KNOW WHAT PART I HAVE?

The Cast will be announced once the Audition process is complete . We will aim to keep this process as short as possible and let you all know as soon as we can.* Please note that you may not be cast in your chosen part but may still be cast in another role that we feel is a better “fit”

CREW OPPORTUNITIES

There is also opportunities for students to be part of the “crew” to assist with props and staging during the show. These students will need to be responsible enough to take direction from production team and be a “team player”. These behind the scenes jobs are equally as important as the cast!

If you are interested in being part of the crew team please send an email to megan.studio.academy@gmail.com and we will put together an awesome team!

*The crew does not need to be attending a Drama or Musical Theatre class on a regular basis but will need to be available for the last few rehearsals leading up to the show so they are familiar with the show and the structure.

IMPORTANT DATES

The show will be performed in Term 2, 2018 between weeks 6-9. Exact dates and location to be confirmed asap.

REHEARSAL DATES: We are aiming for the majority of rehearsals to be done in our allocated class times for Drama and Musical Theatre so you will not need to add classes to your current timetable. As we get closer to the show however and to enable us to have rehearsals as a whole group we will be holding a few “full cast rehearsals” in our Thursday Musical Theatre class between 4:30-6:30pm;

* Please ensure you are able to make this commitment to attend all classes as this is very important to rehearsals.

CASTING OUTCASTS! RUDY GRUNCH is a grumpy sixth-grader! Despises musicals! Doesn’t fit in, so he takes his frustrations out on others! A natural leader with a disgruntled attitude who is unafraid to be mean and bossy!

Songs: More Like Me, If You Love Something,More Like Me Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11! #of lines: 42!

MILLS is GRUNCH’s younger cousin and side-kick! Follows GRUNCH around, obligated to do his bidding!

Loyal to GRUNCH, but secretly likes musicals! Can deliver spoken language clearly and succinctly; doesn’t need to be a strong singer! Songs: More Like Me, Jazz Hands, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magical Finale! Scenes: 1, 2, 3, 5 , 9, 10, 11! # of lines: 9!

WHOOVER DRAMA CLUB! HARPER is a musical theatre fanatic. ! Passionate about musicals! Clutches a binder full of playbills! Large personality! Confident, reminds everyone about the spirit theatre ! • Very strong actor and singer!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! #of lines: 25

JAYDEN is the student director. The “yin” to Harper’s “yang”! Very organized, punctual, keeps everyone on task! Displays leadership in a composed way. Can deliver spoken language clearly and succinctly; doesn’t need to be a strong singer!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! #of lines: 19!

LESLIE is the drama queen. Very committed to her craft/art! Always the lead, melodramatic! Actor should not be self-conscious and should enjoy the spotlight, strong voice!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11! # of lines: 16!

CASTING CONT..

CHRIS is a theatre and sports enthusiast! Says exactly what’s on his mind! Actor should possess a natural sense of comedic timing!

Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! # of lines: 9 COLLIN is a the aspiring Shakespeare actor. Speaks in Shakespearean prose and verse, ALL the time! Attended Shakespeare summer camp! Over-the-top! Should possess a natural sense of comedic timing! Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! #of lines: 12!

ALEX is the talented piano player! Good miming skills, ability to convincingly mime piano playing, cool and relaxed!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! # of lines: 1!

RACHEL is the stage manager, head of the backstage crew! “Motherly” toward others! Enjoys being behind the scenes, doesn’t seek the spotlight! Very helpful and thoughtful, considerate! Should convey sincere humbleness! Strong singer!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale!Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11! #of lines: 15!

JAMIE is the costume designer. Passionate about costume design! Very helpful and thoughtful, considerate! Should convey sincere humbleness! Strong singer!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale!Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11! #of lines: 4!

CASTING CONT.. ROBYN is the brains of the drama group. Studious, knowsallthe bylaws of the drama program! • Clear, loud voice with good diction!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11! #of lines: 6!

ALLEN is the lighting designer. Very committed to her craft/art! Modest, enjoys being behind the scenes! Strong singer!Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11! #of lines: 4! JAVIER is the aspiring star. Cool, confident, very comfortable with attention! Ability to portray a villain!Strong singer and character actor! Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11! #of lines: 11!

ISADORA is the choreographer.! Perfectionist, can be bossy, an authoritarian! Patience is thin with the younger “Junior Stars”! High energy and ability to command others! Songs: Only the Theatre for Me, We’re Gonna Write a Musical, Jazz Hands, All Part of the Magic Reprise, The Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale! Scenes: 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11! #of lines: 6!

DRAMA CLUB CHORUSAll members should be passionate about theatre and convey that energy!

CASTING CONT..

WHOOVER ACADEMY STAFF! PRINCIPAL AUGUSTUS is the blundering principal of Whoover Academy.• Constantly tripping over his/her words!• Comfortable playing an adult figure! “Cartoon”-like!• Strong comedic timing!• Strong character actor!• Doesn’t need a strong singing voice! Scenes: 3, 5, 6, 11!#of lines: 16!

MRS WOODS is the longtime Junior Stars choir director. Has been teaching young kids for waaay too long! Treats everyone like a precious kid, even adults Adores the cuteness in every Junior Star! Scenes: 6, 11!

# of lines: 8!

THE FLOWERS: Pip, Apple, Tot, Ribbon, Ensemble Flowers are the smaller Whoover Academy members! For younger/smaller actors! Disgruntled with always having to play the “cute” roles in a musical! Ability to express angst and strong emotion!Songs: We’re Gonna Write a Musical (optional), Three Feet Tall, Three Feet Tall Playoff, If You Love Something, Whoover Musical, All Part of the Magic Finale!Scenes: 3, 6, 9, 11!

THEATRE CRITICS

NY Times (Mrs. Grunch) NY MagBackstageNY PostVarietyAll are credible theatre critics from New York City. ! Secretly worried about losing their jobs! Yearn to discover the next big thing! Comfortable playing adult figures! Clear, loud voices with great diction! These actors always appear together so they should be able to work off each other well! Ability to speak with sophistication!

Songs: How Can a Critic, The Train to Whoover, All Part of the Magic Finale!Scenes: 4, 7, 11!

The Show! It’s a brand new year at the Whoover Academy. Harper and Jaden arrive early, excitedly discussing all the musicals they saw over the summer. Rudy Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader, enters and becomes annoyed that all they ever talk about is musical theatre. As the rest of the Whoover Drama Club arrives, they enthusiastically describe why theatre is their only passion (ONLY THE THEATRE FOR ME).

Under the bleachers in the gym, Grunch laments to his younger cousin Mills how much he dreads the annual school musical (MORE LIKE ME). When Mills reminds Grunch that his aunt is the theatre critic of the New York Times, Grunch suddenly devises the perfect plan to ruin the theatre program permanently; he’ll join the musical, invite his aunt to come review the show, then the night before steal all the sets, costumes and props, ensuring they get the worst review ever!

The next day the Whoover Drama Club meets for their first day of class. Principal Augustus enters and delivers the bad news that their drama teacher won’t be returning this year, so the club must be cancelled. In a desperate attempt to save their program, the kids offer to write and direct the show themselves (WE’RE GONNA WRITE A MUSICAL)! At the end of class Grunch enters and shocks everyone by asking to join the club.Meanwhile, in New York City the nation’s top theatre critics have gathered incognito to discuss the troubled state of their industry (HOW CAN A CRITIC). When Mrs. Grunch, the head critic of the New York Times, receives a call from her nephew Rudy about an exciting new musical being written at the Whoover Academy, she convinces the other critics that this may be just what they need to pep up their reviews!

Two weeks into rehearsal, the Whoover Drama Group is busy working on their musical. Principal Augustus enters to announce that every major theatre critic will be coming to see their show. They explode in excitement thanking Grunch for reaching out to his aunt. Recognizing that Grunch doesn’t quite share the same level of enthusiasm, the Drama Group tries to cheer him up with a little theatre “secret” (JAZZ HANDS).

The Junior Stars, the smallest members of the Whoover Drama Group, are separately rehearsing their number for the musical with their teacher Mrs. Woods. They have been assigned to play the “flowers”, a role they are not at all happy about. They tell Principal Augustus and Mrs. Woods what they’d really like to sing about (THREE FEET TALL).On a train en route to the Whoover Academy, the theatre critics discuss (a la “The Music Man”) how much they hope this play will give them something exciting to review. (THE TRAIN TO WHOOVER)

The Show cont…

Rachel, Allen and Jamie, students who assist backstage, are in the theatre putting on some finishing touches. A reporter enters, asking a series of questions on whether they’re jealous about not being in the spotlight. Their heartfelt confession on the joys of being part of the magic helps shed light on each of their important roles (ALL PART OF THE MAGIC).

The day before the show opens, Grunch and Mills revel in how everything is going perfectly to plan. Suddenly, the Junior Stars enter and beg Grunch to give his honest feedback on their number. He reluctantly agrees to help them rehearse, but as the song progresses we see Grunch have a slight change of heart (IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING). After the Junior Stars exit, Grunch quickly shakes it off and vows to go on with his plan (MORE LIKE ME).

The night before the show the Whoover Drama Group gathers for one last rehearsal, proud of what they’ve accomplished so far (ALL PART OF THE MAGIC REPRISE). As soon as they exit, Grunch and Mills sneak in and steal all the sets, costumes and props!It’s the night of the performance. The critics arrive and are greeted by Principal Augustus and Mrs. Woods. As they take their seats, the Drama Group enters backstage only to find that everything is missing! Harper reminds the group that theatre is about telling stories and not dependent on fancy sets and costumes. So with a “show-must-go-on” attitude they begin performing their play on a dark, empty stage (THE WHOOVER MUSICAL). To Grunch’s surprise, the critics enthusiastically applaud after the opening number! As the show continues, the audience becomes wildly entertained, loving every bit of it. As the Junior Stars take the stage, Grunch simply can’t hold back any longer and joins in with the rest of the cast. Just before the finale, he runs offstage and brings back all the costumes and props he had stolen!

The critics rush the stage congratulating the cast on an amazing performance. Grunch, having felt the joy of performing with an ensemble, apologizes to the entire drama group. The cast learns a valuable lesson that you can take away sets, props and costumes, but you can never take away the spirit of theatre (ALL PART OF THE MAGIC FINALE).