Production Handbook 2014

2014 PRODUCTION CALENDAR

Wednesday January 1 Online launch – www.rscproduction.com.au 4pm Thursday January 2 Audition guidelines and production handbook 4pm released online – www.rscproduction.com.au TERM 1 Tuesday February 11 Cast Auditions – Session 1 (by signup only) 3.30pm – 7pm Wednesday February 12 Dance Call (optional but additional) 3.30pm – 5pm Thursday February 13 Cast Auditions – Session 2 (by signup only) 3.30pm – 7pm Tuesday February 18 Callback Auditions – by request 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday February 25 Cast published – www.rscproduction.com.au 5pm Applications for non-cast positions open 5pm Tuesday March 4 Full cast meeting and Parent Info Night 7pm – 8pm Tuesday March 11 Principal Singers Rehearsal 1 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday March 18 Principal Singers Rehearsal 2 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday March 25 Principal Singers Rehearsal 3 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday April 1 Principal Singers Rehearsal 4 3.30pm – 6pm

1. Production Handbook 2014 TERM 2 Tuesday April 22 Rehearsal 1 – Full Cast (NB: Pupil Free Day) 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday April 29 Rehearsal 2 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday May 6 Rehearsal 3 3.30pm – 6pm Saturday May 10 Performance – RSC Musicals Celebration TBC Tuesday May 13 Rehearsal 4 3.30pm – 6pm Saturday May 17 Performance – RSC 60th Gala Dinner 5.00pm – 10pm Tuesday May 20 Rehearsal 5 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday May 27 Rehearsal 6 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday June 3 Rehearsal 7 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday June 10 Rehearsal 8 3.30pm – 6pm Saturday June 14 Performance – Life Ed Gala Dinner (TBC) 12pm – 9.30pm Tuesday June 17 Rehearsal 9 3.30pm – 6pm Tuesday June 24 Rehearsal 10 and Sitzprobe 3.30pm – 9pm TERM 3 Wednesday July 16 – Production Camp 12pm – Friday July 18 Mt Evelyn Recreation Camp 1.30pm Tuesday July 22 Stage Rehearsal 3.30pm – 6pm Friday July 25 Stage Rehearsal 9am – 3.15pm Sunday July 27 Stage & Technical Rehearsal 10am – 6pm Tuesday July 29 Rehearsal as required 3.30pm – 6pm Sunday August 3 Full Dress Rehearsal 10am – 6pm Tuesday August 5 Performance 1 – Preview Performance (12pm) 9am – 3.15pm Thursday August 7 Performance 2 – (7.30pm) 6pm – 10.30pm Saturday August 9 Performance 3 – Gala Performance (4.30pm) 3pm – 7.30pm The Production Ball 7.30pm Sunday August 10 Performance 4 – Matinee (2.30pm) 1pm – 5.30pm Wednesday August 13 Performance 5 – Student Rush (6pm) 4.30pm – 9pm Thursday August 14 Performance 6 (7.30pm) 6pm – 10.30pm Friday August 15 Performance 7 (7.30pm) 6pm – 10.30pm Saturday August 16 Performance 8 (7.30pm) – Closing Night 5.30pm – 11pm Monday August 18 Bumpout 9am – 11.30am

2. Production Handbook 2014 ABOUT THE SHOW

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria into anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, THE PRODUCERS once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humour. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night.

The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they manoeuvre their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive "Springtime For Hitler"), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.

With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, THE PRODUCERS skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender”!

THE AUDITION PROCESS

General Audition and Dance Call

Auditions for cast are open to any student of Ringwood Secondary College in 2014.

The cast size is capped according to the dimensions of the stage, costuming and administration requirements. Therefore, the audition process is competitive. Auditions are conducted individually and in front of a panel of production team members as appointed by the director. Casting decisions are entirely at the discretion of the director and are made in accordance with the specific requirements of the show.

Students must select and prepare one song from the list below. For each song, the sheet music and backing track excerpt to be used in the audition will be posted on the RSC Intranet (B.Moody’s pickup folder) from Tuesday January 28, 2014. Students new to the College, including those in Year 7, may collect hard copies of the material from the PAC office at lunchtime on Friday January 31. Please bring a USB memory stick.

Students must sign up for a general audition slot on one of the following afternoons: • Tuesday February 11 between 3.30pm and 7pm • Thursday February 13 between 3.30pm and 7pm

Signing up is an online process and must be completed through the website: www.rscproduction.com.au/auditions.html (Copy exactly, there is no link from the homepage.)

This link will be available for use from Friday January 31, 2014.

3. Production Handbook 2014 In addition to the general audition, there will be a dance call on Wednesday February 12 from 3.30pm until 5pm. This is not compulsory, but anyone who wishes to be considered for a principal dance role must attend. Students with commitments to Intermediate Stage Band should see Mrs Tanner to make alternative arrangements.

Please note that anyone who attends the dance call only, without signing up for a main audition, cannot be considered for a position in the cast. You MUST attend a general audition on either the Tuesday or the Thursday.

Songs for females Songs for males When You Got It, Flaunt It – Ulla That Face – Leo Along Came Bialy – Hold Me Touch Me Along Came Bialy – Max Opening Night – Chorus Haben Sie Gehort Das Deutcshe Band - Franz Springtime for Hitler – Solo Nazi or Chorus Springtime For Hitler (Heil Myself) – Roger Springtime For Hitler – Solo Nazi or Chorus

All candidates will be considered for all roles, irrespective of their song choices at auditions.

Callback Auditions

Following the general audition week, some students will be invited to a subsequent callback audition on Tuesday February 18. This session will run from 3.30pm until 6pm. As always, no inference about casting decisions should be drawn from whether or not students are invited to this audition.

Cast Announcement

The cast for 2014’s production of THE PRODUCERS will be published on the website at 5pm on Tuesday February 25. Those who auditioned unsuccessfully will be afforded priority in joining other areas of the show.

We may choose to double cast principal roles.

CASTING REQUIREMENTS – THE PRODUCERS

THE PRODUCERS is a big chorus show. As such, we are looking for cast members that are excellent singers and general performers.

THE PRODUCERS requires a large specialist dance team. There is a particular emphasis on tap.

There are a number of substantial lead roles for males. While there are less principal roles for females, there are a large number of second tier solo singing and acting roles. Some supporting roles are open to either male or female cast, depending on the outcome of auditions. The best advice is to prepare as fully as possible for the audition and give the team every reason to say yes.

4. Production Handbook 2014 Principal Cast

Max Bialystock is described as selfish and greedy - a man who is only interested in making money. Though this is later proven untrue, Max's fiery and sarcastic nature can be very intimidating. He is willing to do anything to make money (including "shtupping every little old lady in New York") and is often angry, short-tempered and unwilling to cooperate nicely.

Leopold "Leo" Bloom is a mousy, nervous and fearful accountant, prone to panic attacks and who keeps a security blanket to calm himself. Nevertheless it is Leo who has the idea of how to make money from a failed play.

Ulla introduces herself as a Swedish actress looking for a part in Max and Leo’s production Springtime For Hitler. She is a stereotypical Swedish woman: tall and beautiful with lovely blonde hair. She performs a song she wrote called "When You Got It, Flaunt It". She decided to audition when a "crazy man" (Max) yelled at her the previous day. While the casting isn't to start for quite a while, Max and Leo hire her as their secretary/receptionist. Following the unwanted success of the musical Springtime For Hitler, she and Leo flee to Rio where they marry. Her maiden name is never mentioned, but by the end of the play she is Ulla Inga Hansen-Bensen-Yanson-Tallen-Hallen- Svaden-Swanson Bloom.

Roger Elizabeth De Bris is a flamboyant theatre director, described by Max as the worst director to have ever lived, and was chosen by Bialystock in an attempt to ensure that Springtime For Hitler would flop. He lives with his equally flamboyant partner, Carmen Ghia, and his production crew in an Upper East Side townhouse in New York. Roger must step up and perform the lead role of Hitler when Franz breaks his leg on opening night.

Carmen Ghia is Roger’s' "common-law assistant" who loves to flounce around their Upper East Side townhouse. More flaming than the sun, Carmen is fiercely protective of Roger and equally appalling as a director’s assistant.

Franz Liebkind is a Nazi sympathiser who has penned an admiring musical tribute to Adolf Hitler titled Springtime For Hitler. He is easily enraged, particularly when his beloved Germany and its Fuhrer is belittled.

Hold Me, Touch Me is a wealthy and saucy old society lady who is one of Max’s reliable financial backers. In exchange for her cheques, she insists that Max joins her in playing the occasional “dirty little game”.

Other Roles

Bum, Bag Lady, Nuns, Street Cleaner, Usherettes, First Nighters Ms Marks, Accountants, Roger’s Team, Little Old Ladies, Pigeons Jack, Donald, Jason, Gunter Chorus Girls, Heilos, Stormtroopers, Cops, Convicts, Girl Prisoners Judge, Jury Foreperson

5. Production Handbook 2014 RECOMMENDED RECORDINGS

There is an excellent film version of THE PRODUCERS form 2005. Based on the musical, it stars Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman, Gary Beach and Will Ferrell. The movie is a reasonably close guide to the version that we are presenting.

The best recommended audio recording is the Original Broadway Cast Recording.

The Producers – 2005 Film The Producers – Original Broadway Cast Recording

NATURE OF THE COMMITMENT

Before choosing to audition, it is important to understand the nature of the commitment required. Accepting a position in the cast implies a commitment to the time and cost involved.

TIME

Review the 2014 Production Calendar at the beginning of this document. There is an expectation that everyone is available for the call times as published on this schedule. We are always flexible when appropriate notification of absence is communicated well in advance. Any potential conflicts must be addressed and resolved immediately.

It is a student’s responsibility to organize work, sport, dance and other commitments around our schedule, particularly in Term 3. Failure to honour these commitments or notify of absence in advance is disrespectful to the company as a whole.

There is a further expectation that all cast members will prepare fully for each rehearsal and practise their songs, lines and routines on a regular basis.

6. Production Handbook 2014 COST

Cast members are responsible for the following costs:

• Production Levy (Cast) – this raises money to offset costs associated with costuming, the Production Tshirt, one copy of the souvenir DVD (either Friday or Saturday night), copying of rehearsal material and afternoon tea at regular rehearsals. o $75 per cast member o $60 per cast member if more than one from the same family • Production Camp – compulsory for all cast and orchestra (July 16-18) o $220-$240 per student – cost to be confirmed in Term 1. • Other expenses may include some basic cast supply costume requirements as well as personal items for a production box to be used during the run of the show.

FULL CAST MEETING AND PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

On Tuesday March 4 we will be holding our first cast meeting for the season, in conjunction with a Parent Information Evening. This will be the official launch of the company for THE PRODUCERS and is designed to kick start the production in advance of the rehearsal period. In addition to dealing with the basic information and questions, this will also be when tshirts, scripts and other rehearsal material will be distributed, as well as ensuring that all administrative matters are completed. Opportunities for parent involvement will also be outlined.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Largely due to celebrations associated with the 60th anniversary of Ringwood Secondary College, there will be a number of performance opportunities during the rehearsal period. Notably, there are two functions in May that warrant the performance of excerpts of THE PRODUCERS to assist with ticket sales. We have also tentatively included the date of the Life Education Victoria Gala Dinner as a performance opportunity, similar to the last couple of years. Further information about the requirements for each of these performances will be released as soon as possible during the rehearsal period.

EXTRA pARTS

Extra p.Arts aims to support the Performing Arts program of Ringwood Secondary College by providing practical assistance where possible. It encourages parents with an interest in the Performing Arts and the RSC program to contribute their time and skills in an informal, supportive and social environment.

The major operation for this group is in the costume room and there is always demand for anyone who has some time to volunteer. Sewers are particularly encouraged to lend a hand, but all help is valuable and any skills are welcome.

Parent representatives will speak at the Information Evening about how much fun it is to be involved. Certainly, we cannot succeed as we do without this valuable support.

7. Production Handbook 2014 MARKETING AND TICKET SALES

Tickets for THE PRODUCERS will go on sale to members of the company and their families on Tuesday May 6. This is earlier than usual and is designed to take advantage of the 60th Anniversary Celebration week. Therefore, general sales will commence on Saturday May 10. All sales will once again be funneled through the production website, with opportunities to attribute sales to members of the cast. There will be a significant prize draw on closing night for the top ticket sellers. The now-traditional meat tray is sure to feature prominently.

Prices for tickets will be determined during February and communicated at the Information Evening.

Marketing the show is the responsibility of every single cast member. To this end, each student in cast takes on the responsibility to generate at least 20 ticket sales. If this occurs, we can enjoy another successful season in sales and play to full houses every show. Promotional material is provided to support ticket sales and the website will again feature engaging and fresh “behind- the-scenes” snippets to generate some excitement.

GALA PERFORMANCE AND THE PRODUCTION BALL

This year, we intend to celebrate the season with the inaugural Gala Performance, followed by the Production Ball.

The performance on Saturday August 9 at 4.30pm is the designated Gala Performance, with special tickets on offer that include premium seating at the show followed by entry into the black tie Production Ball. This event is still in the planning stages, but is already shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Details of this exciting innovation will be available at the Information Evening in early March.

Thank you for your interest. We know it’s going to be another terrific year and this will be a great production. See you in Term 1.

Ben Moody Director

January 2014

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