Tentative Show Dates: Fri. July 10th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sat. July 11th at 2:00 PM in the Grace A. Dow Library Auditorium [Likely to change to a later date]

Auditions are likely to be one-on-one phone calls. Check the website once Governor Whitmer lifts the “shelter-in- place” directive

This show is a straight play (non-musical), so no singing at auditions Initial rehearsals are likely to be by phone conference calls. In-person rehearsals will start after the “Shelter-in-place” directive is lifted and groups of 20 are allowed to convene. Live rehearsals will be done in compliance with government guidelines for groups of people Cast Size is a minimum of 12, optimum 16, max 20. http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 1 Summer Stage Theatre Presents: “Robin Hood” The classic tale of of wrong and hero of the oppressed! CoViD-19 disclaimer: All dates, times and plans are subject to change as the CoViD-19 pandemic evolves, but we're gonna give this a shot! The other unknown is schools' adjusted calendars.

Auditions: Most likely these will be one-on-one phone calls (~10 minutes) in order to satisfy social distancing guidelines. Dates/times are “to be determined” once more is known about school calendars and “shelter-in-place”. This is a straight play (non-musical) so no singing required at auditions. Some singing may be added to the show as time allows, but that will be at cast discretion. Cast will be Middle-School kids - those currently in 6th - 8th grade [By old Midland Public School guidelines: birthdays on or between Sep. 2, 2005 and Nov. 30, 2008] Tentative Show dates are: July 10 (2:00 PM and 7:00 PM) and July 11 (2:00 PM) in the Dow Library Auditorium [likely to be delayed]

Audition cuttings are included in this packet. The show consists of two acts and runs a little over one hour. Please be prepared to read all parts in all cuttings. You may be asked to read lines for more than one character at a time.

Rehearsal / Performance schedule: Dates and times are “to be determined”. I am assuming “Social Distancing” will continue to be mandated for most or all of the production run, so we are likely to do early rehearsals by group phone calls. We may be able to do some in-person rehearsals in outdoor settings (like back yards or parks) as government health guidelines allow. First rehearsal and parent meeting will be communicated during auditions. Remaining rehearsals prior to the end of Midland Public Schools (currently June 11) will generally be Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30. We will probably have a few on Tuesday and Thursday to accommodate conflicts, so it is important to fill in your conflict calendar accurately and completely! Although, who knows what will and won't be a conflict?!?

Once MPS dismisses for summer break (currently June 12), rehearsals will be Tues. / Wed. / Thur. with exact timing depending on cast schedules (and CoViD-19). Most-likely timing will be 6:30 – 9:00 each night. Rehearsal locations and format will be communicated as health guidelines evolve.

For the two weeks prior to the performance (currently June 29 to July 9) – we will have rehearsals each day except for the July 4th holiday (July 3-5). Rehearsals on July 7 and 8 will be in the Library auditorium. We will do two dress rehearsals on July 9. There will be matinee performances on Friday and Saturday (July 10 and 11) and one evening performance on Friday, July 10.

Vacations and such: You are expected to be available for all scheduled rehearsals unless you’ve marked them as “prior commitments” on the audition form! We prefer that you miss no more than one full week of rehearsals, but will work to accommodate schedules. All cast members must be available for all rehearsals during Performance Week.

Parent Involvement: There will be plenty of opportunity for parents to help out... you know the drill! TMI shows: “Robin Hood” will be a substantial show for everyone who is cast, so we won't be able to accommodate “dual casting” with other summer theater productions like TMI . See you at auditions! Mr. Heeschen and Mrs. Franjione

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 2 Director Letter Mar 25, 2020 Greetings, everyone!

This summer's show will be quite an adventure with the CoViD-19 pandemic interfering with pretty much every aspect of our lives right now. I'm willing to move forward with this production knowing that there are a lot of unknowns. It will require a TON of flexibility on everyone's part as we work through the health issues being faced by the country. I personally predict that “Social Distancing” will be in full force throughout the production, so our performance may be quite odd: Imagine sword fighting while staying at least six feet apart. We may also end up performing outside – like on the toboggan hill at the City Forest! It is likely that each actor will have to come up with his/her own costume since our costumers won't be able to interact closely with the actors. Worst case, we will have everyone record their own actions at home, then edit a funky movie together and put it on YouTube! Like I said – an adventure!

So taking all of that previous paragraph into consideration... We are delighted to invite you to audition for this year’s Summer Stage Theatre show: “Robin Hood”. This is the classic tale of the defender of the down-trodden and oppressed – mostly victims of the sheriff of Nottingham by authority of Prince John who has taken over the throne while King Richard the Lionheart is off on the third Crusade. Lady Merle is in cahoots with Prince John to permanently install him as the king, but Robin – who is loyal to King Richard – has other plans. A chance encounter with Lady Merle's entourage sets the story in action and brings in plenty of opportunities for sword fights and other heroic deeds!

This version of Robin Hood is a non-musical, so our apologies to those who were hoping for the usual SST musical. Between scheduling challenges for the Library Auditorium and the CoViD-19 outbreak, there's just no way we can put on a full-blown musical. If opportunity allows, we may add in a couple of the chorus numbers from the musical version, but it's not likely.

We are planning to select this year's cast from current middle-school students in order to have a cast with similar experience levels. We are using the Midland Public Schools age range as the definition. Basically if you are currently in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, you are eligible. We are stretching it to include “young” 9th graders and “old” 5th graders: birthdays on or between Sept. 2, 2005 and Nov. 30, 2008.

Our goal is to challenge everyone in the cast so that they come away from the show as a better actor/person than when they started the show. We accomplish this through a combination of education, direction and development of new ideas based on the actors' input and unique abilities. Part of the preparation is learning about the time period in which Robin Hood is set (late 12th century) as well as the alternate versions of the Robin Hood myth that have developed over the years.

The character list contains the complete cast as well as the number of lines for each character. Roles will be cast with a gender-neutral approach. There are a few that will only work for male or female portrayals and are indicated with an M or F. Note that cross-casting is an option!! The last time I did Robin Hood, the title role was played by a female...

Finally, be sure to fill in the conflict calendar as accurately and completely as possible – although with C-19, everything is subject to change!

Break stuff, everyone! Mr. Heeschen and Mrs. Franjione.

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 3 PLEASE PRINT

Robin Hood (Audition Information)

Name______Audition Number ______

Age_____ Birth date ______Grade ____ School ______Height ____

E-Mail______

Home Phone_(______)______Cell Phone_(______)______

Address______City ______Zip ______Roles in “Robin Hood” in order of preference (see descriptions later in packet):

1______2______3______□ I will accept any role (trusting that the Director knows best). □ I am available for all tech/dress rehearsals and all performances.

Please list all your rehearsal conflicts on on the next sheet. Please be honest. Conflicts and vacations may not exclude you from the casting pool. Thank you!

Past Theatrical Experience: (acting, singing, dancing, musical instruments, etc.) ______I have listed all my conflicts and if cast, I will commit my time and talent to this production, attending all rehearsals and performances with all the enthusiasm and positive energy I can muster.

Student Signature______

I consent to allow Summer Stage Theatre to utilize any still photographs, video and/or audiotapes of auditions, rehearsals and/or performances when making educational and/ or informational presentations. I allow my child to participate in this production. I am aware of the time commitment and will support my child in this endeavor.

Parent Signature ______

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 4 Conflicts: Please indicate vacations, ball games, music camps, etc. including times! Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday April / May Apr 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 May 1 2 ?one-on-one ?one-on-one ?casting ?scripts auditions? auditions? announcement? mailed? 3 4 5 6 6:30 – 8:30 7 8 9

10 (Mother's 11 12 13 6:30 – 8:30 14 15 16 Day!)

17 18 19 20 21 6:30 – 8:30 22 23

24 25 26 27 6:30 – 8:30 28 29 30 (Memorial Day)

June May 31 June 1 2 3 6:30 – 8:30 4 5 6

7 8 9 (exams) 10 (exams) 11 6:30 – 9:00 12 13 (last day of MPS) 14 15 16 6:30 – 9:00 17 6:30 – 9:00 18 6:30 – 9:00 19 20

21 22 23 6:30 – 9:00 24 6:30 – 9:00 25 6:30 – 9:00 26 27

July 28 29 6:30 – 9:00 30 6:30 – 9:00 July 1 2 6:30 – 9:00 3 No 4 6:30 – 9:00 Rehearsal

5 6 6:30 – 9:00 7 6:30 – 9:00 8 6:30 – 9:00 9 9:00 load 10 11 (Lib. Aud.) (Lib Aud.) 2:00 DR 2:00 show 2:00 show 7:00 DR 7:00 show and strike

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 5 Robin Hood This is the classic tale of good vs. evil in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men (and Women) are bound and determined to keep England together while King Richard the Lion-Hearted is off fighting a Crusade. The evil Lady Merle of Cornwall is in cahoots with Prince John to take over the kingdom and the Sheriff of Nottingham is part of the plan. Alas, Lady Merle plans to force Robin’s childhood sweetheart, Marian, to marry the Prince in an effort to make John more acceptable to the people of England. To arms! It’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the nasty sheriff and secure Nottingham for the king’s return. It’s all done in rousing fashion with plenty of sword fights and archery!

Cast: Minimum of 12 if some roles are doubled. 16 listed in script. 20 max! Number of lines is given in parentheses () with the asterisk * denoting leading roles. If the role must be portrayed as Male or Female, it is indicated with [M] or [F]. Note that the actor's gender may not match the character's gender...

Good Guys: *Robin [M] (101) – outlaw and hero of Sherwood Forest Beth [F] (40) – Member of Robin’s band Mother Meg [F] (43) – (Beth’s Mom) Member of Robin’s band Little John (31) - Member of Robin’s band Old Widow [F] (19) – Victim of Sheriff who joins Robin’s band Will Scarlet (23) - Member of Robin’s band *Friar Tuck [M] (66) – joins Robin’s band *Maid Marian [F] (94) – ward of King Richard (part of Lady Merle’s entourage) *Annabel [F] (56) – servant and friend to Marian (part of Lady Merle’s entourage) Stranger [M] (23) – Journeying through Nottingham (King Richard in disguise!!)

Bad Guys: *Lady Merle [F] (160) – in league with evil Prince John *Sheriff [M](105) – of Nottingham. Bully to the weak, but whimpers at thought of Robin Hood Soldier #1 (7) – in the service of the Sheriff Soldier #2 / Kaspar (14) – an expert bowman in the service of the Sheriff *Sheriff’s Wife [F] (80) – an inept social climber *Salome (62) [F]– Sheriff’s clumsy daughter (Wife and daughter are comic relief in show)

The show should run about 70 minutes if we add back in a couple of the Company songs. There is a County Fair scene where “special skills” will be needed (jugglers, minstrels, magicians, etc.).

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 6 CUTTING #1 Setting: Friar Tuck stumbles onto a clearing with Robin and his band

FRIAR TUCK: (singing) I've a bag for meal, and a bag for malt and a bag for barley corn; A bag for bread, and a bag for beef And a bag for my little small horn ROBIN HOOD: (motioning to band to hide) Quick – hide! FT: Why is it that the sun is always hot and never cool? RH: (steps out, stringing an arrow to his bow) You're a philosopher, my overstuffed friend FT: (holding staff at the ready) Be warned! If your purpose be robbery, it's useless. I have taken the vow of poverty. And if your purpose is not robbery why have you strung your arrow? RH: You've a quick mind. I could use a fellow like you. (to offstage) I'll test his mettle. FT: (nervous) Who are you talking to? RH: The woods are full of spirits. Watch out or they'll get you! (jumps at FRIAR TUCK) FT: Oh! Oh! Oh! You're a crazy person. That's what you are! RH: Crazy, am I? (points to audience) You see that swift-running stream? FR: (squints) Aye. RH: I would cross it, but have no wish to get wet. FT: What's that to me? RH: You, of the round belly, will carry me. FT: Eh? (Outraged) I am no man's donkey! My staff will teach you some manners, you arrogant pup! YOU will carry ME! (he takes a swing at ROBIN who jumps aside) RH: Missed (FRIAR TUCK swings again and ROBIN jumps again) Missed again! FT: I'll teach you to make sport of me! (More swinging and jumping. Robin's BAND comes out laughing) RH: Quick, Will Scarlet, your staff! Take my bow! (WILL and ROBIN trade) Now who carries whom over that stream. (battle ensues with FT finally knocking ROBIN down) FT: Puppy, if you so much as burp I'll crack your skull like a melon RH: Nay, nay, good Friar. I know when I'm beaten (Jovial). I may have no match with the bow and arrow, but you need take second place to no man with that staff!

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 7 CUTTING #2 Setting: Lady Merle and Sheriff have just been fleeced by Robin Hood's Band. Sheriff is standing in his long underwear

SHERIFF: Did you see that, Lady Merle? Maid Marian offered her hand. What can it mean? LADY MERLE: To me, a great deal. To you, nothing. SH: I don't understand. LM: Understand this: I want the head of Robin Hood on a pike. SH: Easier said than done. In this forest, he's always safe. LM: He must leave the forest. SH: He'll never do it. LM: You will announce a county fair. SH: A county fair? LM: Everyone loves a fair and Robin Hood will turn up. SH: I doubt it. LM: You forget one thing. SH: Oh? LM: Is he not reputed to be the finest archer in the county of Nottingham? SH: In all of England, some say. LM: In that case, his vanity will lead him by the nose. I know how to deal with such men as Robin Hood. SH: I wish I knew what you were talking about. LM: This day he's as good as in my trap. (LADY MERLE starts to leave. Turns back to sheriff.) Sheriff. SH: Yes m'lady? LM: (snarls) You look ridiculous. (exits) SH: (trips over own feet) Oops.

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 8 CUTTING #3 Setting: Getting ready for the county fair. Sheriff's social-climbing wife and dim-witted daughter are preparing when Lady Merle walks in.

SHERIFF'S WIFE: Ooooooooh. So much to do. Busy, busy, busy. It's not easy being a grrrrreat lady. A grrrrrrreat lady never has time to rest. Being wife to the Sheriff of Nottingham is a grrrrrreat responsibility. (consults her list) Let's see, we'll have an apple dunking contest, a Morris dance, a greased pig frolic, a hot cider booth, a joust and – oh, yes – an archery contest. Busy, busy, busy! SALOME'S VOICE: (from offstage) Yoo-hoo, Mama! Mama! Yoo-hoo! SW: I'm over here, Salome, precious. SALOME: Where? SW: (looks where she's standing) Here! SALOME: Here I come, ready or not! (Salome enters laughing. She laughs with a high- pitched, horse-like squeal and is wearing a hideous dress and looking ridiculous.) SALOME: A county fair. I just love a county fair. I'm so happy Papa thought of this wonderful idea. Lots to see, lots to eat. Yumyumyum. SW: (Patiently) Salome, dear. SALOME: Yes, Mama? SW: With any luck, some nobleMEN will attend the fair. SALOME: Men. NobleMEN, yes. Good. SW: It's time you were thinking of marriage. SALOME: Who's marriage? SW: Concentrate... (Salome thinks and thinks – finally the bulb lights) SALOME: Oh, you mean me! SW: Naturally, I mean you. Be on your best behavior. Try not to talk too much and whatever you do – try not to laugh. Promise? SALOME: You mean I shouldn't do this? (Salome laughs her unforgettable horse neigh. Wife is shaken) SW: (Motherly voice) Don't do that anymore, precious. SALOME: Whatever you say, Mama. (Curtsies) Mama knows best. (small horse laugh) LADY MERLE'S VOICE: (from off-right) Sheriff! Sheriff of Nottingham! SALOME: It's Lady Merle. SW: (grabs Salome and primps her at Center) Listen carefully, Salome. You must win Lady Merle's favor. She's a grrrrrreat lady. She's powerful at the court of Prince John. She knows all the best people. If anyone can arrange a good marriage for you – it's Lady Merle. SALOME: She doesn't like me. SW: What does that matter? You must charm her.

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 9 SALOME: You make her sound like a snake. SW: Hush! She might hear you. LADY MERLE: (enters. She has no use for Sheriff's wife or Salome) Where is your husband, woman? SW: (curtsies) Your High Personship. LM: (to audience) Another bumpkin to contend with. The countryside is infested with them. SW: You know my daughter, of course. I call her “Salome The Precious” Isn't she lovely? So sweet, so graceful. (Uncontrollably, SALOME laughs, cursies. SW and LM recoil at the sound. The curtsy is so awkward that SALOME falls to the ground.) Have you noticed – she's of marriageable age. LM: With that laugh the only thing she should marry is a hyena. (Salome struggles up) SW: Hyena? Hee hee. How droll, how witty. Hee hee. What a sense of humor you have Lady Merle. LM: One needs a sense of humor in Nottingham. SW: Someday, some lucky man will have Salome for a wife. LM: Lucky if he has weak eyes and poor hearing. SALOME: (pouting) I told you she didn't like me. SW: (snaps) Be quiet, Salome. (Cheerfully) Not only is Salome beautiful... LM: (insultingly) Beautiful for Nottingham, perhaps. SW: Beautiful – and skillful, too. LM: (doubtfully) Skillful, you say? SW: Yes, skillful. She makes her own clothes. LM: (eyeing the awful dress) She shouldn't.

“Robin Hood” Audition Packet (http://billheeschen.com/Summer_Stage_Theatre ) 10