The Avondale Theatre Company

The Avondale Theatre Company Avondale High School 2800 Waukegan Auburn Hills MI 48326 (248) 537-6210 www.avondaledrama.com Edmond R. Guay, director [email protected]

INFORMATION PACKET FOR YOUTH ENSEMBLE OF THE AVONDALE THEATRE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF The Music Man

This packet includes just about everything you’ll need to know about being a part of the Avondale Theatre Company (ATC). Some of this you’ve heard a dozen times, some might be new; in any case…hang on to this packet – it will serve you well!!

Remember, anytime you need to know anything, you can always contact that the ATC by phone (248) 537-6210 or at our website at www.avondaledrama.com . We will use the website to post all information. Just click on The Music Man logo.

GENERAL INFORMATION

 Audition date: MONDAY, MARCH 1ST @ 6:30pm  Location: On Stage at Avondale High School, 2800 Waukegan, Auburn Hills  We’re sorry for the short notice, but it’s a busy time of year!!  Auditions will take about two hours in total.  What to wear: comfortable clothing…something easy to move around in.  What am I auditioning for? The ATC is seeking an ensemble of 3rd through 8th graders to become a part of the ensemble, the children of River City, Iowa, who get swept up in the all the fun during the summer of 1912 when Harold Hill comes to town hoping to start a boys’ band. All auditionees will go through the full tryout – dancing and singing. So, stage presence, charisma and a good, positive attitude will help greatly!!!  Who may audition? Any student presently enrolled at Auburn , Graham, Deerfield, Woodland, Meadows or Avondale Middle School, grades 3-8  Do I need to prepare anything? Not really. Everyone will be taught a very simple dance sequence from the show to see if you can learn quickly, have energy, can smile a lot, and have fun (all easy things to do). In addition, everyone will be taught the music attached at the end of this packet. Short singing sequence for everyone. All auditions for the ensemble will be in groups.  How many parts are available? We haven’t determined how many students we will select, but four of you will get a big opportunity!! The show needs four children to portray WINTHROP and AMARYLIS, two of the major characters in the play. Following the ensemble tryouts, some students will be pulled aside for tryouts for these roles, too. Obviously, these roles will require a bit more commitment, but also include more stage time, lines of dialog, and solos!!!  What is the rehearsal schedule? Good question…in fact, the best question of all! Since we’re doing such a large show in such a short time, being able to make the practices is very, very important. All practices will be held at Avondale High School  Sundays: March 14, 21, 28 from 2-4pm at Avondale  Technical/Dress Rehearsals: exact dates for Casts A and B are not determined, but please check the following dates and times for the big practices leading up to the performances. Students will be required to be at half of the practices listed below, whichever rehearsals are assigned to Casts A and B. Once again, not everyone will be required to be at everyone of the practices listed here:  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, April 13, 14, 15 from 4-7pm  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, April 19, 20, 21 from 4-7pm  Wednesday, April 28th – brush practice both casts – 4-6pm  What is Cast A and Cast B? This show will split the ensemble into two equal size casts (although sometimes we ask MS students to do all four shows). The make up of Cast A or B will be dependent on which school you come from, family connections (don’t want to split sibs up), and conflicts. This A and B split also goes for the roles of Winthrop and Amarylis  When is the show? Another good question. The Music Man runs Fridays and Saturdays, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1. Each Cast will get two performances. And that schedule is still pending.  What is expected of me? Another phenomenally good question!!!  If you are cast in The Music Man you are almost guaranteed to have a really fun time during the practices and shows.  You will become a member of the company and be able to participate in all the regular company functions and activities (all of which are chaperoned and parent-approved).  You will be expected to attend all the practices listed above, showing up on time and staying through the rehearsal. You are allowed to miss only (1) Sunday practice throughout the entire run. You cannot miss the mid-week practices since these involve adding the youth ensemble to the full production and practicing on the set and under the lights. Attendance at practices is the most important part of being in a company!  You will be expected to memorize all the songs and staging scenes —although we give you plenty of time at rehearsal to study and have fun while doing it!  You will be responsible for working with our crew and your parents in supplying the details of your costume. This will NOT involve a major expense, but it will require some time in putting things together. This detail is still in development, so more to come on this.  But above all, you will be expected to maintain good grades in school and good behavior at all times, both at school and at rehearsal.  If you think you can do all the things listed above, then give this tryout your best shot!!!

FILL OUT THE AUDITION FORM ON THE NEXT PAGE, STUDY THE MUSIC, CALL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS…. AND COME READY TO SING AND DANCE YOUR HEART OUT!!!

VISIT THE ATC WEBSITE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE SHOW WWW.AVONDALEDRAMA.COM

Or write Mr. Guay via the internet at [email protected] Or call the theatre at 248-537-6210