Spring Play 2008 Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman Informational Meetings 1/8

Winter Musical 2014 – Bat Boy Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this musical about? Bat Boy is about Edgar (Bat Boy) – half bat, half boy – who is discovered in a cave and brought to the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker and the fears that the residents of Hope Falls, West Virginia have about him. At its heart, however, Bat Boy is about not fearing those who are different and embracing your own unique nature.

2. When are auditions? DANCE auditions are Monday, Sep. 16 4:20-7pm VOCAL auditions are Wednesday, Sep. 11th & Thursday, Sep. 12th (with priority going to Seniors for this day) – Vocal Auditions for Freshmen – Tuesday, Sep. 17th (4:20-6pm) VOCAL CALL BACKS will be Friday, Sep. 20th beginning at 4:20pm ACTING CALL BACKS will be Monday, Sep. 23rd beginning at 4:20pm.

3. When are the performances? Friday, February 28th @ 7:30p and Saturday, March 1st @ 2:30 and 7:30pm (Snow Date – Sunday, March 2nd @ 2:30pm)

4. How do I audition? Audition music has been and continues to be available on my website (users.bergen.org/stekap/Production.html). Choose the audition song that best suits your voice. Dr. Finley will offer coaching sessions Monday, Sep. 9th and Tuesday, Sep. 10th (after school). Sign up for a 3-minute audition slot. You should memorize the music and ACT as well as sing the number in your audition. You will be singing to the same accompaniment that is on the website. We may also ask you to sing some scales to determine your range. The singing auditions are private -- you audition in front of Dr. Finley and Mr. Kaplan and the Assistant Director in the choir room.

5. What about dance auditions? Everybody in the show needs to move in some way, though you DO NOT HAVE TO BE A DANCER to be cast in the show. There is a dancing ensemble that has more complicated choreography, but if you can move, you can be in the show. Dance auditions will take place on stage. You will be taught a short dance combination. After learning the combination you will do it in small groups. WEAR DANCE CLOTHES AND JAZZ OR BALLET SHOES OR SNEAKERS IF YOU HAVE THEM -- if you do not have them wear clothing that will not restrict movement -- i.e. shorts and sneakers.

6. When are rehearsals? Please see the Bat Boy contract with all information on rehearsal dates and times. But especially note the rehearsals during the February Break.

7. So do I rehearse every day? No, but you must be available. If you are cast in the show you are registered for MUSICAL THEATRE as an elective for trimester 2. After casting has been completed, you will receive a COMPLETE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE. On days when you are not called, you have a free for mods 25-27 and you go home at 4:10. The overall time commitment is similar to that of playing a sport.

8. What is the rehearsal schedule for the week before the show? Again, please see the attached contract, but the week of tech, beginning February 24th, EVERYONE will rehearse 3:20-9:30pm every night with a dinner break from 4:30-5:15.

9. What is this contract I’ve heard about? Download a contract. In the contract you agree to conduct yourself in a professional manner and to fulfill all your obligations to the company (accept - with enthusiasm - any role you are offered, learn all lines, attend all rehearsals for which you are called, be supportive of all members of the company). You and your parent must sign the contract. It is essential that your parent knows, understands and agrees to the commitment that you must make to be in a main - stage production at BCA. You should bring the contract to the audition. You may not be cast unless I have a signed contract

10. What happens if I miss rehearsals? You are allowed 3 excused absences (illness, religious holiday, family emergency, etc.) If you have any unexcused absences or more than three excused absences you will be dropped from the company. Your grade for the elective Musical Theatre cannot be higher than a C if you are dropped from the show. It could be lower, depending on when and why you are asked to leave.

11. Do I audition for a specific role? No, not exactly. For the singing audition you need to sing a song in your range: whichever audition song you feel most comfortable with. You may say that you wish to be considered for any role or, for an ensemble member only. PLEASE DO NOT AUDITION IF YOU ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE. You will be cast by Dr. Finley, Mr. Kaplan and Ms. Crochet in the role we feel will be best for you and for the show.

12. Who are the characters? Bat Boy requires a larger-than-life and energetic cast. The original off-Broadway cast was only 10 actors that doubled for the parts – we will not be doubling, but we will be casting against gender in some cases.

Men: RICK TAYLOR - A trouble maker who starts off as Shelley’s boyfriend. Must be comfortable rapping and singing in a heavy metal style. (Tenor) BAT BOY (EDGAR) - Found in a cave, Bat Boy, half bat, half human, struggles to find his place in a discriminating society. Just when he finds love it is taken away from him. The role demands physicality, emotion, good moves, great voice and comic timing! (Tenor/Falsetto (large range)) DR. PARKER - A vet, Meredith’s husband and the father of Shelley. A respected man in the society, but we discover he can quickly become quite twisted and insane. Strong actor and singer required. (Baritone/tenor)

Women: RUTHIE TAYLOR - The youngest of the Taylor children. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. SHELLEY - She is a teenager with innocence, a bit of rebellion and not a lot of maturity. Shelly is nice and has the strength to stand up for what she believes in as she grows in understanding through the show. Shelley carries much of the comedy and tragedy in the story. (Soprano) MEREDITH PARKER - Wife of Doctor Parker whose compassionate and loving nature leads her to take in and care for the Bat Boy. However, she has a sad past and can easily stand her ground, which we see as the show progresses. She is good mother but unloving toward her husband. Strong acting required. Must be able to show three clear relationships on stage: one with her husband, one with her daughter and one with the Bat Boy. (Mezzo with belt) MAGGIE (MAYOR) - A bossy and assertive town official who is not afraid to say it as it is. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. (Alto) DAISY - A “ditsy” but lovable schoolteacher. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. LORRAINE - A townsperson who loves committees and making local community events just right. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos.

Any: RON TAYLOR - One of the unfortunate members of the Taylor family—should have excellent comic timing. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. SHERIFF - A local law-man that tries to keep everyone happy at the same time. He is quite concerned with up- coming elections. DILLON/ BUD / NED / ROY /CLEM - Farmer-type, redneck type working class men. Big hearts but not big brains. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. PAN - God of the forest animals who leads the other animals to help unite Bat Boy and Shelley's love. MRS. TAYLOR - Mother of the three children that die tragic deaths. Must have excellent comic timing. Must be able to sing harmony parts and solos. REV. HIGHTOWER - A fire and brimstone gospel singing evangelist. Must be an excellent vocalist with great comic time. (Baritone or Alto (belter)) ENSEMBLE (TOWNSFOLK, ANIMALS, VOICES) - Simple and superstitious, the townspeople are over- the-top representations of rural farmers. Some ensemble members have solo speaking and singing lines and all have lots of opportunities to shine. The ensemble members also play animals in the forest scene ("Children, Children") and the voices in Dr. Parker’s head as he goes crazy.

13. I don’t think I’ll make it. Should I audition? If you want to be in the play, you should prepare for the audition and audition. If you do not audition, I can guarantee you that you will not be in the play!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to visit me in Room 47 during my Office Hours or shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] I am so excited about this production and look forward to the possibility of working with you.