Audition Booklet 2021 Musical The Wiz What Is the Story of The Wiz? After Dorothy gets swept up in a tornado, she finds herself in the fantastical world of Oz. There, she makes new friends, battles evil witches, and seeks the aid of the all-powerful and mysterious Wiz. Ultimately, Dorothy finds that, if you believe with all your heart, you can always find your way home.
With an infectious soul score, dynamic numbers, and endearing cast of characters, The Wiz is a joyous explosion of music, dance, magic, and heart to delight audience members of all ages.
Reference: https://stageagent.com/shows/musical/the-wiz What I need to know prior to auditioning for The Wiz Being a part of a school musical production is a wonderful experience. The thrill of performing before live audiences and working with your peers to create something magical truly is a once in a life time experience. But before the lights go up on opening night, there is a lot of work that goes into putting together a production of this scale.
There are some things that you need to consider prior to auditioning for the 2021 production of The Wiz:
• Can I commit to the weekly rehearsal days? Details regarding the rehearsal schedule are attached. 100% commitment to attending rehearsals is imperative to ensure the smooth running and success of a show such as this. We are able to support students managing other MBC/MBBC co-curricular commitments that may be held on the same rehearsal days, however, communication and agreement over modified attendance needs to be reached in advance. All absence from rehearsal need to be communicated to Ms Fitzgerald via email.
• Can I attend the Saturday rehearsals? These are very productive days within our rehearsal schedule as we are able to work through large sections of performance, break into smaller groups and polish scenes. As per the above, we are able to support students managing other MBC/MBBC co- curricular commitments that may be held on the same rehearsal days, however, communication and agreement over modified attendance needs to be reached in advance. All absence from rehearsal need to be communicated to Ms Fitzgerald via email.
Please note this rehearsal overview is in draft form, however, the dates presented provide a good understanding of the number of Saturdays and approximate timing during the terms. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated promptly to cast members and their families.
• Am I available in the production week? Production week is important as it is when we bring together all aspects of the performance (set, costume, music, lighting). Attendance at technical, dress rehearsals and all four performances are a requirement for cast, crew and orchestra members. This is to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, as we are working under “theatre” conditions, and to ensure our show is fantastic.
Please note the production week is in draft form, however, the performance dates are correct. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated promptly to cast members and their families.
• Do I need to be able to sing/dance/act? Every production is different, and every production is made up of different components. Therefore, the audition panel will be looking for different skills and qualities to fulfil different production requirements. What the audition panel would like to see is that you are willing to have a go at all three domains within the audition and that you are willing to try your best. If you are interested in being involved then we would strongly encourage you to audition, you never know what we are looking for! • What do I need to do in preparation for my audition? Your audition will consist of a dance and singing component. The dance section will be taught at the audition. You can prepare your singing audition (information at the end of the document) but you will also receive coaching from our music staff at the audition. Please ensure that prior to your audition you have read through this whole document to ensure you understand the expectations of this activity.
• Will I perform before other students at the audition? Yes, you will. The audition process is a fun and safe environment, where we encourage the attitude of being supportive and giving of your best.
• What does it mean if I don’t get a call back? If you don’t get a call back it does not mean you are not in the production. Please wait for the official cast list to be published!
• What does it mean if I do get a call back? You will be required to attend another audition on Monday 1 February. You will be provided with other songs to prepare for this afternoon. These will be emailed to you in advance. The call backs will also include an acting component, you will not receive advanced notification of this part of the audition. The audition process is still open at this point, through this afternoon we are looking to cast characters and ensemble roles.
• Does everyone get in? Every production has different requirements. Casting decisions are made based on the type of production and skills required. For example, The Wiz has several different chorus groups e.g. yellow brick road, Emerald City dwellers, munchkins. While not everyone will always be offered a position in the cast, we see the audition process as a great learning experience and a valuable time to receive feedback from members of the audition panel.
• Is there a cost involved? A cast, orchestra and crew levy is charged for involvement in this activity. This levy is used to offset the significant costs involved in mounting a production of this scale. The levy will not exceed $100 per student. This cost will also include the price of a production t-shirt. Notification of this levy will be given to cast members at the start of Term 1.
• What if I want to be on the crew? During Term 1, an email will go out seeking interest in being a crew member of this production. Crew members are required backstage, on spots, and in the bio box. The crew members will be required to purchase a production team shirt which will be their ‘uniform’ during the production week. MUSICAL ORCHESTRA Participating in the pit orchestra for The Wiz promises to be a fantastic and fun experience!
The show’s music is a mix of soulful and funky tunes arranged for a rock style band supplemented by horns and strings (full orchestration, below).
Ideally, all members of the pit orchestra should be reasonably advanced musicians who are comfortable reading music (electric guitar parts will require ability to play chords, as well as a smaller quantity of ‘classical-style’ note reading) and the ability to play in a relatively wide range of keys.
Rehearsals All members of the pit orchestra will be expected to commit to attending ALL rehearsals as listed in the Rehearsal Schedule.
Selection Process Students are asked to self-nominate for a position in the pit orchestra. Final placements will then be selected by the Director of Music with advice from MBC/MBBC music staff.
Pit Orchestra The Wiz requires players for the following positions: • Flute • Clarinet • Alto Sax • Tenor Sax • Baritone Sax • Trumpets • French Horn • Trombones • Keyboard/Piano • Electric Guitar • Bass Guitar • Drumkit • Percussion • Violins REHEARSAL OVERVIEW While we endeavour to provide a complete rehearsal overview at the beginning of our process please note that there may be some changes to our schedule. Any changes will be communicated in advance to assist students in managing their commitments. TERM 1 - Weekly Rehearsals • Monday afternoons 3.30pm - 5.00pm FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA
• Thursday afternoons 3.30pm - 5.00pm SMALL GROUPS (scene work, dance ensembles) AND ORCHESTRA
• Saturdays 20 February, 13 March 9.00am - 5.00pm FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA MAY NOT BE REQUIRED FOR WHOLE DAY. PLEASE CHECK YOUR REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR UPDATES.
Characters will be required to attend short rehearsals throughout the week - these will be negotiated between cast members and staff.
TERM 2 - Weekly Rehearsals and Production Week Schedule • Monday afternoons 3.30pm - 5.30pm FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA
• Thursday afternoons 3.30pm - 5.30pm FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA
• Saturday 8 May and 29 May 9.00am - 5.00pm FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA
• TECH REHEARSAL: Sunday 30 May 8.00am - 5.00pm
• DRESS REHEARSAL 1 and 2: Monday 31 May from 1.00pm - 8.00pm • DRESS REHEARSAL 3 and 4: Wednesday 2 June from 8.30am - 5.30pm
Performances: • Thursday 3 June 6.00pm • Friday 4 June 6.00pm • Saturday 5 June 1.00pm and 6.00pm
Detailed weekly rehearsal schedules will be emailed to cast members. AUDITION SCHEDULE All students auditioning for the show will complete both a dance and a singing audition. While some roles (principals and ensembles) require expertise in specific areas, all cast members will need to contribute to the choral and movement sections of the production.
To register for an audition please follow the link below to the online form and submit your details.
The Wiz Audition Registration Form
Please wear your sports uniform to auditions and bring suitable shoes to dance in.
General Auditions – Week 1, Singing And Dance Music Centre Thursday 28 January Year 7 - Year 12 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Performers will learn a dance routine from the show together, then perform the routine in small groups for the audition panel. You will then learn part of a song and perform this before the other performers and audition panel. Call Backs - Week 2, Singing And Acting Auditorium Monday 1 February 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Not everyone will be called back. Performers who are not called back may still be considered for supporting roles/ensemble.
The cast list will be emailed to auditionees Wednesday Week 2. CAST BREAKDOWN
Principal Roles DOROTHY GALE A daydreamer who wishes for a better life SCARECROW Tired of being stuck to a pole and wants more from his life TINMAN In need of a heart, but is often the first to care for others LION Desperate to prove his bravery Supporting Roles ADDAPEARLE Good Witch of the North, guides Dorothy to the Emerald City EVILLENE Wicked Witch of the West, shows no mercy GLINDA Good Witch of the South, the prettiest witch THE WIZARD Self absorbed and shallow, All powerful Wizard of Oz
Recurring featured parts OR single scene roles, which double as ensemble in other scenes.
AUNTY EM UNCLE HENRY ROYAL GATEKEEPER HIGH LORD UNDERLING MESSENGER HEAD MONKEY FEATURED DANCERS Principal Characters Overview Range: Please note in consultation with the Voice Coach there may be optional notes changed should the range be too great for the singer
DOROTHY GALE Female A daydreamer who has a tense relationship with her Aunt and Uncle. Along her journey her optimistic outlook allows her to meet new friends and allows her seek what she needs from The Wiz. Range: G3 to G5 (optional Bb5) Skills: Strong singing, dancing and acting required.
SCARECROW Female/Male Although he wants a brain he is the most intelligent in the group and can think of solutions when facing danger. Range: G2 to Db4 (octave higher for female voice) Skills: Strong singing dancing and acting.
TINMAN Female/Male After cutting off his own limbs due to an enchanted axe, he embarks on a journey to find a heart. Range: G2 to A4 (optional to F4) Skills: Strong singing, dancing, acting.
LION Female/Male A lovable and gentle character who is determined to prove he is not to be messed with. Range: G2 to Ab4 (optional to F4) Skills: Strong singing, dancing and acting. Supporting Roles ADDAPEARLE Female A good witch who is admired by many and helps Dorothy on her journey to Oz. Range: F4 to B5 Skills: Strong singing and acting.
EVILLENE Female The wicked witch who shows no mercy. She smells as she avoids baths due to her fear of water. Range: G3 to Db5 Skills: Strong singing and acting.
GLINDA Female Another good witch who provides Dorothy with the secret weapon to return home. Range: C4 to D6 (optional to D2) Skills: Strong singing and acting.
THE WIZARD Male A flashy salesman who convinces the citizens of Emerald City that he is magical. Range: G2 to A4 Skills: Strong singing and acting.
AUNT EM Female The frustrated carer of Dorothy. Range: G3 to C5 Skills: Strong singing and acting. Audition song to prepare Ease on Down the Road Demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24cMqhCpN98 (from 35 secs) Backing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnoWhHxyBt8
Come on and
Ease on down, ease on down the road
Come on, ease on down
Ease on down the road
Don’t you carry nothing
That might be a load
Come on, ease on down
Ease on down the road
Come on, ease on down, ease on down the road
Come on, ease on down, ease on down the road
Don’t you carry nothing
That might be a load
Come on, ease on down, ease on down, down the road
Pick your left foot up
When your right foot’s down
Come on legs keep movin’
Don’t you lose no ground
You just keep on keepin’
On the road that you choose
Don’t you give up walkin’
Cause you gave up shoes, no $(U( %(U
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Some Research!
Youtube has a number of great clips from productions of The Wiz. These provide a wonderful insight into the production in terms of the style, characters and storyline. Completing research is another great way to prepare for your audition, to help you better understand who and what the story is about.
The Wiz Live clips are fantastic!
All the best with your preparations and we hope to see you in Week 1!