Once Upon A Mattress Rough Timeline

February: ● 24: Audition packets are available online and from Mrs. Sullivan.

March: ● 17: AUDITIONS! In the Commons during 3rd period choir class. Cast and Crew applications DUE with audition ● 19: AUDITIONS! In the Commons during 3rd period choir class. Cast and Crew applications DUE with audition ● 20: Crew Interviews throughout the class and day. CAST LIST POSTED DURING PRIDE. Librettos and Crew Scripts are given during Pride for Spring Break practicing. ● There will be NO REHEARSALS during Spring Break: Students will be expected to have a firm grasp on their lines and songs by the time they return from break.

April: ● Daily in-class rehearsals for cast and crew. ● Crew and Music X class begin working on props and set pieces. ● Order/rent costumes for cast members. ● 15, 22, & 29: Wednesday morning rehearsals. Breakfast provided from 7:30-7:45. Rehearsal begins at 7:45 PROMPTLY and runs until 9:15.

May: ● 6 & 13: Wednesday morning rehearsals. Breakfast provided from 7:30-7:45. Rehearsal begins at 7:45 PROMPTLY and runs until 9:15. ● 1-15: Daily in-class rehearsals ● 11 & 12: MANDATORY! Tech run-through rehearsals 3:15-5:30. After-school snack ​ ​ ​ provided. Full lights and sound rehearsal. ● 13 & 14: MANDATORY! Full Dress Rehearsals 3:15-6:00. After-school snack ​ ​ ​ provided. Full run-throughs with costumes and tech. ● 14: MANDATORY! Morning teaser performance for elementary and other students. ​ ● 15: SHOW! Call time is 5:00 pm and Curtain is at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ● 16: TWO SHOWS! o Matinee Call time is 12:00 pm and Curtain is at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. o Evening Call time is 5:00 pm and Curtain is at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Once Upon A Mattress Full Synopsis

Once Upon A Mattress is based on the famous fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. ​ ​ Because of her noble birth, the Princess is unable to sleep on a bed of many mattresses when a tiny pea is placed underneath the bottom mattress. The kingdom is an unhappy one. King Sextimus has been struck dumb by a witch's curse and is condemned not to speak again until "the mouse devours the hawk!" Queen Agravia has assumed power and she talks enough for the whole Royal household. She has decreed that no one in the Kingdom may wed until Prince Dauntless is married to a true princess of Royal blood. So far the Queen has tested the eligibility of eleven applicants and each has failed the almost impossible tests the Queen has devised. The Knights and Ladies of the Court are most distressed by the situation but the most concerned are Lady Larken and her handsome lover, Sir Harry. Lady Larken has informed Sir Harry that he is to be a father so the situation is quite desperate. Sir Harry, determined to find a true princess, sets off for, until now, unexplored parts and returns with Princess Winnifred. She arrives dripping wet, having swam the moat and proceeds to act as unlike a princess as one could possibly imagine. Prince Dauntless is very impressed by the new princess and is soon obviously in love with her - to the consternation of the angry Queen, who decides to give her an impossible test. She consults the Wizard and together they decide on the the sensitivity test - a pea is placed beneath twenty mattresses and the Queen decrees that if Princess Winnifred cannot sleep she will prove her royal birth. However, to ensure that she does sleep, she proceeds to do everything to make her tired out. A ball is held where the dancing is fast and furious and Winnifred is encouraged to drink heavily. She is also given a sleeping draught and a singing bird is provided to sing her to sleep. However, the Queen fails, for Winnifred cannot sleep and spends the night counting sheep. The Queen is furious and orders Princess Winnifred to leave, but Prince Dauntless defies her and puts an end to the curse upon the King for, as the Jester proclaims, "the mouse has devoured the hawk!" At the final curtain, we discover that the Princess was unable to sleep because the Jest has placed under the top mattress his lute, a helmet, a large spiked ball, some livestock and some old armour. Of course, all ends happily and the Queen is punished.

Princess Winnifred the Woebegone - is down-to-earth and without ​ pretensions. Unlike what you might expect from of a princess, Winnifred is just an ordinary, high spirited girl. Having grown up in the swamps, she doesn't conduct herself in the formal way the others in the castle do. It is her natural, ingenuous quality that sets her apart from the other Ladies of the kingdom and makes Dauntless fall in love with her.

Prince Dauntless the Drab - as him name implies, is kind of a ​ sad-sack and somewhat listless. Although his overbearing mother controls his life and he is an obedient son, he still has hopes of someday finding a girl to marry of whom his mother will approve. Like Winnifred, he is honest and sincere. She gives him confidence in himself and within the course of the musical, we see him grow in self-assurance until he is finally able to confront his mother.

Queen Aggravain - as her name suggests, is extremely vain, ​ believing that her way of doing things is the only way. She is devoted to her son, Dauntless, and has no intention of ever allowing him to leave her or to have another woman in his life. She selfishly dominates everything that happens in the castle, never considering the feelings of others.

The Silent King - has been brow-beaten by the Queen and is very ​ passive. He has learned that it is easier just to let the Queen have her own way than to fight her. Because he has not been able to speak for so long, he has learned to communicate through pantomime, or gestures. He loves his son and sympathizes with him but realizes he can do little to help him. Despite his frustrations, he is extremely good natured.

Lady Larken - is a sweet girl but, perhaps because she is in love but ​ unable to marry, she tends to be oversensitive. She is extremely frustrated that she can't marry Harry, but also extremely excited at the opportunity to be Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Winnifred. Of all the Ladies, it is Larken who most hopes that Winnifred will pass the test.

Sir Harry - is a regular guy and, like Larken, is eager for Dauntless to ​ find a bride so that he and Larken can marry. He is brave and dedicated enough to venture on a "perilous journey" in hopes of finding a genuine princess whom the Queen will find suitable as a bride for Dauntless.

The Minstrel and The Jester - are court entertainers and they have a ​ great sense of joy in what they do. They sometimes serve as narrators and are assured in their ability to tell the story with authority. There is also something playful and mischievous about them. Either role may be played by a boy or girl.

The Wizard - is the Queen's confidant, her only friend and therefore ​ the only person she can really talk to. However, he, like everyone else in the kingdom, is apprehensive of the Queen and would never have to courage to contradict her.

Ensemble -

Lady Lucille - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Sir Studley - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Lady Rowena - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Lady Beatrice - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Sir Harold - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Princess No. 12 - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Ladies and Knights of the Kingdom - Small role, very few lines, no solos

Tips for Auditioning for a Musical!

One of the most important steps you must take before you audition for musical theater is:

● Make sure you are familiar with the musical. You'll do a better job at the audition if you study the story or watch it on a DVD. The musical itself may be slightly different than the movie but at least you will be familiar with it. You will also know which part you want to go out for. Also, knowing the musical helps to give you more self-confidence during your audition. Check your local library for CDs or DVDs as well as You tube.com. ● Never sing a song from the musical you audition for unless you are specifically asked to do so. Instead, find a song in a musical that is similar to the one you are auditioning for. This is a standard rule. ● Show confidence. If you don't feel confident then pretend you are. You are in charge. Own the song. ● Make the lyric come alive. What marks the difference between a singer and an artist is the interpretation of a lyric. ● Play to your strengths. Sing songs that you know you’re good at, those that enhance your finest singing qualities. Keep in mind that the songs you like the best may not be right for you ● The more you practice, the stronger your confidence will be. Leave nothing to chance. If you find that you run out of breath too soon then practice diaphragmatic ​ breathing. Work, work, work until you get it right. ​

An audition is your moment to shine. Don't allow fear to rob you of success.

Seven Professional Rules for Auditioning for Musical Theatre

1. When singing, look just above the audience. Find a "spot" near the back wall and focus ​ ​ your eyes on the spot. Avoid looking directly into your audience. Practicing this exercise will help you feel more comfortable when you do go on stage. 2. Never glare at the pianist if you make a mistake or if he is not playing it the way you ​ want. This is very unprofessional. Just keep singing and perform your song. 3. Sing with expression by using your body, especially your face but don't overdo. Avoid ​ duplicating gestures and refrain from using too many arm movements. It can be distracting to the director and unless gestures are natural you will look as though you are trying too hard. 4. Keep your hands and fingers relaxed and don't play with your clothes or put your hands ​ ​ in your pockets while you sing. 5. This tip should be obvious. Do not chew gum or have a throat lozenge in your mouth ​ when you sing. 6. Try not to ask if you can start over again if you make a mistake or don't like your performance. Your judges are very busy and get tired. If you sing a wrong word or if you forget the words, keep right on going. If you can't do that, just stop. 7. After your performance, give a nice smile and confidently walk off stage.

How to Nail Any Musical Theater Singing Audition

Performing in a musical can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, some singers and actors miss this fun and educational opportunity because they fail the audition process. To make sure you are selected as a cast member you must be prepared. Knowing how to nail a singing audition for musical theater will give you that edge and assure you a “call back”.

Here are four tips to remember:

1. Take every opportunity available and audition as often as you can. Even if you are not ​ ​ cast in a show, the experience of auditioning will make each time easier and you will get better and become more professional. You'll also have less fear during the audition. 2. Once you have selected a musical that you want to audition for, begin to map out a step-by-step plan following the steps I've provided. 3. You will always do better if you warm up your voice before you audition. Use selected ​ ​ vocal exercises designed to limber up the vocal cords and take you through your vocal range. 4. Present a good attitude and be a good sport. If you're not selected for a lead role, ​ accept any part you are offered. This is how you learn and grow. Give the cast an opportunity to get to know and like you. This is always a plus for a later audition.

4 Important Professional Tips For On Stage Performance

● As you walk on to the stage, look and act confident by smiling and maintaining good posture. Keep the shoulders back and head held high. Be sure to take a good breath of air just before you sing your first word. Absolutely do not tap out the time or click your fingers for the pianist as you begin to sing. This is rude and makes you look ridiculous. ● After you finish singing, smile as you give your bow or a gesture of thanks. It's also nice to include the pianist by extending your hand in his direction. Then, confidently walk off the stage. ● The saying "Technique will set you free" is true. Study with a qualified teacher and learn all you can about vocal training. You will sing much better and your confidence will increase as you practice. ● Finally, present a good attitude and be a good sport. Accept any part you are offered as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Have The Right Material A casting notice should specifically state the type of song the casting directors want to hear. However, it’s up to you to find music that fits not only the show for which you’re auditioning but also your voice. Finding the right material is a bit of a science. Even seasoned singers can flub an audition by picking the wrong material.

If you’re a trained singer, you should have experience auditioning for professional musical theater. And you should have songs that show off all the styles that you’re capable of singing — everything from Broadway standards to punk rock. Are you a belter? Do you have a falsetto? If so, have a song that shows it off. In other words, you should have music prepared for each of your strengths.

Not only should you find songs that suit your voice, you also have to narrow that song down to the 16 bars of music that show off the best of what you have to offer. Often at an audition — especially if it’s an open call — that’s all the time you’ll get. Once you’ve found the perfect song you really need to practise. If your kids like singing, sing-along with them! Practise in the car or ​ ​ whilst you’re in the shower. Any practise is helpful.

Know Your Character A musical theater audition song is really just a monologue set to music. Although the auditors want you to hit all the right notes, they also want proof of your ability to create a character — this is musical theater, after all. So concentrate on to whom you’re singing and what you’re trying to accomplish in the song.

You also have to present the material honestly. If you try too hard, a song may come across as phony; if you hold back, you risk coming off as dispassionate. The trick is to be true to your character. For instance, if you’re auditioning for the role of Fagin, the miserly old banker in Oliver!, don’t strut across the stage like Danny Zuko from Grease.

However, it’s also important to go against the grain on occasion. You don’t have to settle for obvious choices with every song. In fact, an audition song doesn’t even have to be from a musical. In some cases, casting directors will want to hear you perform pop, rock, or even heavy metal songs. Just imagine some of the songs performed at auditions for Broadway’s Rock of ​ Ages. ​ Roll With the Punches No matter how thoroughly you prepare for your musical theater audition, you also have to anticipate the unexpected and not let it throw you. Although all the pertinent information should appear in the casting notice, auditioners will occasionally throw you a curveball. Sometimes special skills are required. If it’s a musical comedy, for instance, casting directors might want to see a hint of your comedic talent. They may ask you to tell a joke or do your best belly laugh. The key is to carry out any suggestion seamlessly and without it phasing you.

It’s also important to keep the mood light. Even though auditions are a serious process, and only a few people are going to come out winners, that doesn’t mean everybody else has to have a grim experience. And just because you may not book the job the first few times you audition, don’t think you haven’t necessarily made an impression. Remember those exceptional memories casting directors have? They remember your strengths as well. You are likely to see that casting director again at future auditions, and he or she will remember if you are right for a future part.

As soon as you finish any audition, remember to thank the auditioners and leave. Don’t engage in small talk and don’t complain or explain. If you flubbed a lyric, let it go. Apologizing will only draw attention to it. Once you leave, you should forget about the audition and move on with your life. If it was a bad audition, don’t dwell on it. Learn from it.

Watch and Learn Finally, one of the best ways to learn how to audition is by watching others. Look for opportunities to observe other performers during the audition process. You’ll find yourself compiling a mental list of do’s and don’ts. You may even recognize some of your own foibles. It helps to take a class on auditioning for musical theater. A classroom environment offers opportunities to experiment when you’re not facing the pressure of an actual role. Classes also provide the opportunity to receive feedback — something you rarely get in professional situations. In the end, you never see yourself as others see you. And you will pick up many ideas, not only from the teacher but from everybody else in the class.

Once Upon A Mattress Crew Positions

Pre-Show: ● Painting Crew (Can be cast and tech crew members; not a single position) ● Set Construction Crew (Can be cast and tech crew members; not a single position) ● Prop Building Crew (Can be cast and tech crew members; not a single position)

Tech: ● Lighting Operator – Runs lights via a computer DMX Software system ● Sound Operator – Runs iPod during all rehearsals and during the show ● Spotlight Operator – Runs spotlight (Two positions available)

Backstage: ● Backstage Manager – Oversees all backstage operations and communicates with Mrs. Sullivan via headset during the show. ● Assistant Backstage Manager – Assists the Backstage Manager (Position optional) ● Costume Organizer – Makes sure costumes remain organized ● Prop Manager – Manages props, making sure they are where they are supposed to be (Position Optional) ● Hair and Make-up – Style hair and do make-up for cast personnel. Need to learn the basics from Mrs. Sullivan. This position is doubled with another position and chosen ​ from the cast and crew. No one can “just” do hair and make-up. ● Stagehands – The “gophers” of the backstage. There will be approximately 3-4 stagehands.

House: ● Concessions - helps out with the concession stand during the show. This person will also be part of pre-production crew. This person will be in charge of all signage and pricing and will have adult help for money. (Position Optional) ● Tickets - sells tickets at the door. This person will also be part of pre-production crew. This person will be in charge of all signage and pricing and will have adult help for money. (Position Optional)

Once Upon A Mattress Crew Questions

Name: ______Desired Crew Position: ______

What is the job of a tech person? ______

What are the duties of a stagehand or stage manager? ______

What kind of person would make a good crew person? ______

Why would you make a good crew person? (Be specific to the part you are desiring) ______

What experience do you have with the crew position you are desiring? ______

If you are not selected as crew (which is likely as I need few), what is your desired cast role? ______

“Once Upon A Mattress” Audition Application You must bring this application to your scheduled audition time and give it to Mrs. Sullivan. This application must be signed by your parent/guardian in order to be considered for a production role. Please read all the information carefully!

Name: ______Grade: ______Auditioning for (circle one): Cast Crew Desired part (cast or crew): ______Second and Third desired parts: ______Parent/Guardian Name(s): ______Please list all extra-curricular activities you are involved with (sports, clubs, music, etc): ______Drama and musical productions you have been involved with and roles you’ve played:______By auditioning for “Once Upon A Mattress”, you are agreeing that you will learn all aspects of your selected role or position. You are not guaranteed selection for your desired roles, but will be matched to whichever role or position Mrs. Sullivan and the audition committee deem the best fit. All cast and crew members will be selected from th th th the 7 ​ through 8 ​ grade choir, but preference will be given to qualified 8 ​ grade ​ ​ ​ students. Students need to be available for Wednesday morning rehearsals from ​ 8:00-9:00 from April 15th to May 13th and After school rehearsals the week of May 11th.

I agree that, if selected for a part in “Once Upon A Mattress”, I will work hard to meet the expectations for my role. I will be at all required rehearsals (unless previous arrangements are made with Mrs. Sullivan) and play my role to the best of my ability.

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

I give permission for my student to audition and be possibly cast for a production role in “Once Upon A Mattress”. I will support them and help them when they may need it. I will do my best to ensure they are present at all required rehearsals.

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______

For TDMS Music Department use only:

Rated on a 1-10 scale; 1 being poor and 10 being perfect

Speaking Audition: Clarity (diction, pronunciation, enunciation) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Volume (projection, screaming? whispering?) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Emotion (facial expression, body language, tone) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Vocal Audition: Tone (pitch, rhythm, articulation) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Emotion (facial expression, body language) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Staging: Entrances and Exits (confident, on cue) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Uses the Stage (movement within character) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Stage knowledge (knows staging concepts) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

For support crew auditions only: Leadership abilities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Organizational Skills 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Notes: ______

Production Role(s):

______

Cast and Crew Contract (Please initial each line)

⎯ I am aware of the rehearsal schedule and I commit to being on time to each rehearsal that involves my character (Wednesday mornings in April and May and after school rehearsals DAILY May 11-15, 2020).

⎯ I understand that ALL mandatory rehearsals are MANDATORY! This means they come before all other extra curricular activities, including sports (track, softball, baseball, etc).

⎯ I will bring my script and a pencil to each class rehearsal.

⎯ I will work diligently to memorize my lines AND music and will have them fully memorized by April 24th. There will be no scripts allowed on stage ​ ​ from this date on.

⎯ I will keep a good attitude and not be a complainer.

⎯ If I run into conflict with anyone in the cast or crew, I will go to that person and try to be reconciled. If we are not able to resolve our issues ourselves, I will go to Mrs. Sullivan and make her aware of the situation.

⎯ I will not speak poorly about others but will always look for the best in them.

Student signature: ______Date: ______

Parent signature: ______Date: ______