Frequently Asked Questions – Hairspray, the SUA 2014/2015 Musical

What’s a musical? This is a great question! Many people have been asking me what it means to be a part of a high school musical and I love that people who have never participated in a musical want to give it a try! A musical is a theatrical production. It’s performed on stage with lights, sound, costumes, lots of makeup, and a huge, supportive audience. The SUA musical is performed at the Franciscan Center at Lourdes College. To get into the high school musical, you must audition. At auditions, you will be asked to sing and dance, and maybe read from a script. If the directors want to learn more, you will be asked to audition a second time, at what’s called a “callback.”

What’s Hairspray about? Why is everyone so excited? I LOVE that people are excited! This IS exciting! It is a high-energy, important, and fun musical. My suggestion is to watch the 2007 movie. It’s quite close to the musical and will give you the story, the songs, and possible roles you should consider.

When is it? This year’s musical is January 30, 31, and February 1.

What’s the rehearsal schedule like? It depends on your role. Lead roles can expect to spend about 3-4 days a week after school rehearsing. Chorus members can expect to spend 1-2 days a week after school rehearsing. In December and January, you will be VERY BUSY. Fall sports can be accommodated; winter sports are much more challenging. MLK day (January) is a mandatory all-day rehearsal. During “tech week” (the week before the show), you will be at the theatre very, very late. Musicals are a ton of work and very challenging on the mind, body, and spirit. You must maintain your grades and not miss any school.

I don’t dance! What should I do?!? Musicals need lots of talented people. Hairspray is great because it’s about high school students who dance for fun. The dancing is not overly technical and we need dancers of all abilities! And do not worry if you are more of a singer – we need that, too!

Does it cost anything? Like any extra-curricular activity, being a part of a show costs money. Because we have to rent the space, build all our own sets, and rent the licensing agreement for the production, our costs are very high. SUA covers most costs, and I will do everything in my power to minimize costs for my cast, but there will be expenses. Each cast member will be charged a participation fee (in the past, it has ranged from $25.00 - $50.00) and may have to purchase additional costume pieces. Again, I will do everything in my power to minimize costs, and I encourage my cast to borrow the costume pieces they need from friends and family members as much as possible. I also love Savers, Goodwill, the Salvation Army and consignment stores. Please do not let cost discourage you from auditioning!

Hairspray is about civil rights. How are you going to handle that? St. Ursula has a diverse student body and I am hoping to highlight our talented women of color! In the event that too few actors of color audition, there will not be, under any circumstances, any darkening of skin for this show. Not only is it offensive and representative of a very disturbing time in American theatre history, it is not necessary. We can “separate” groups by creative costuming (similar to how the Sharks are in deep reds and purples and the Jets are in pastel yellows and blues in West Side Story), use students of all nationalities, and include a letter from the writers of Hairspray in the program. The letter informs the audience that directors aren’t always sure who will audition for the show when they choose it, and if the color of the actors’ skin doesn’t match the script to please use their suspension of disbelief and focus on the importance of the message.

“Well, someone told me that someone told them that someone told them that they heard from their cousin that NDA just did it. Is that true?” Notre Dame Academy performed Hairspray in 2010. Any freshmen who performed in that musical graduated last year. More importantly, I think it is so fantastic that both all-female high schools in Toledo get to perform a show that has SO many great female roles. Even better, the female roles in Hairspray are some really powerful, intelligent, supportive, and confident women – seems pretty fitting that both schools get to showcase how the ladies can get it done! Just like our cast will support Oliver at NDA this year, we hope the NDA girls can support our Hairspray!

I’m in the Junior Academy. Can I be in it? I am adding several additional parts to the “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” number. This is the only number that Junior Academy students will be considered for. In some ways, this makes the Junior Academy spots very competitive, but it is a high school musical and needs to be treated as such. If you’re serious about auditioning, please discuss with your parents what this means for you. There will be very late nights during tech week (11:00PM or later) and you must remain on top of your studies. It will be a tremendous responsibility (and honor!) to be a Junior Academy cast member.

What if you don’t pick me? First, do not be discouraged. Every person who participates in musicals often (including your director!) has been cut from a show. (When I was living in New York, I went to eight auditions one week and didn’t even get a callback for any of them! It happens!) Musicals need lots of people. Some people are cast members, some people work on the crew, some sell tickets, some direct! If you’re not cast in this production, you can be a part of our show in several different ways. And you are more than welcome (and encouraged!) to audition next year!

What about bodies? Are you going to pad the girls who are supposed to be heavy? Hairspray is about a positive body image. It’s about loving yourself, being true to yourself, and kind to others. People who are unkind to others about their bodies are a part of life and often, no body type would ever be good enough for bullies like that. We will not use padding. Our focus will not be on the size of the actors; rather, their acting, dancing, and singing abilities.