SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017
Audition Information Pack
THIS PACK IS AVAILABLE ON AND CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE STAG WEBSITE
LINKS TO AUDITION MATERIALS, INCLUDING SONGS AND CHARACTER DIALOGUE, ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE STAG WEBSITE
stagtheatre.com
SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017 AUDITION INFORMATION PACK
Table of Contents Page
About STAG 3
The Sound of Music - Synopsis 3
Production Team 4
Who to Contact 4
Show Dates and Venue 4
Lead Characters 5
Featured Characters 5
Ensemble 6
The Children 6
Character Audition Links 6
Audition Details 7
Audition Instructions and Notes 7
Audition Dates and Timetable 7
Comments about the audition process 8
If you are lucky enough to be chosen – your commitment and obligations 8
Production/Rehearsal Schedule 9
Audition Form 10
2 SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017 AUDITION INFORMATION PACK
About STAG Shepparton Theatre Arts Group is a non-professional theatre company based in Shepparton, Victoria. In 1975 the Shepparton Dramatic Society and the Shepparton Light Music Company amalgamated creating the group, most commonly referred to as STAG. Since that time STAG has produced over 42 musicals and 130 plays touching the lives of thousands of people from all over Victoria. The group has also presented theatre restaurants, street performances, concerts and revues. Over the last two years STAG has presented twelve shows, seven of these performed at the Bakehouse Blackbox, our very own theatre. STAG’s home is known as the Bakehouse. The site at 17 Wheeler Street was purchased in 1975 and was originally a bakery, hence the name. In recent years STAG has undergone extensive renovations to turn the old bakehouse into what is now known as The Bakehouse Blackbox Theatre. This gives the group more opportunities to produce and create works without the restrictions of time constraints and venue costs. Renovations are still ongoing with a mezzanine being built in the Bakehouse Shed to store costumes which will open the way to create a functioning Green Room for the theatre. Over the years our Company has been fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience amongst its members, not only in the ‘on stage’ areas of song, dance and acting, but also in the unseen areas of stagecraft. Lighting design, set design, makeup and wardrobe are all areas where our company excels, bringing a professional feel to our performances. The challenge for STAG is to continue to entertain our audiences with quality theatre productions while providing our members with a sense of achievement and fellowship. Our mission statement: ‘Creating A Connected Community Through Performing Arts’
The Sound of Music - Synopsis The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music, has become a play beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. The Sound of Music tells the tale of a novice nun Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of Nonnberg Abbey. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the Von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, with laughter, and with music. In the process, Maria wins the hearts of all seven children – and their widower father, Captain Von Trapp. With the Mother Abbess’ blessing, and to the children’s delight, Maria follows her heart, and Maria and the Captain marry. Upon returning home from their honeymoon, Maria and the Captain learn that their beloved Austria has been taken over by the Nazis, and the retired Captain is asked to report for immediate service in the Nazi Navy. When the Nazis show up at their door to take Captain Von Trapp away, it is a family singing engagement (wily navigated by their friend Max) that buys the family time to make their narrow escape. Their Austrian convictions compel Maria, the Captain, and the children to flee over the mountains of Switzerland to safety, taking the words of the Mother Abbess to heart: “Climb Every Mountain… till you find your dream.”
3 SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017 AUDITION INFORMATION PACK
Production Team Producers David Abbey and Nicky Pummeroy Director Sean O’Brien Assistant Artistic Director Joyce Baker-Dawber Assistant Technical Director Aaron Moor Musical Directors Brian Davis and Sharon Leppard Vocal Coach Renee Rankin Choreography Joyce Baker Dawber, Sean O’Brien and Renee Rankin Set Design Ian Smith, Aaron Moor and Sean O’Brien Stage Manager TBC Marketing and Promotions Amanda Harry and Nicky Pummeroy Costumes Joyce Baker-Dawber Makeup Design Bron Prater Props co-ordinator Debbie Dean
Who to Contact Production and Audition Enquiries Nicky Pummeroy – 0408 361 893 STAG General and Membership enquiries [email protected] STAG Email [email protected] STAG Webpage stagtheatre.com Also check the STAG Facebook page
Show Dates and Venue Westside Performing Arts Centre - Echuca Road Mooroopna • Friday 26th May at 7:30pm • Saturday 27th May at 2pm • Saturday 27th May at 7:30 pm • Sunday 28th May at 2pm • Thursday 1st June at 7:30pm • Friday 2nd June at 7:30pm • Saturday 3rd June at 2pm • Saturday 3rd June at 7:30pm
4 SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017 AUDITION INFORMATION PACK
Characters Lead Characters: Maria Rainer (soprano/mezzo, some dance, 20-35) A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, young, free spirited, warm and kind. She is from the Austrian countryside, an orphan, who has used her resourcefulness, intelligence and inner confidence to overcome the difficulties of her early life. There is a part of her that wants sheltering from the uncertainties of the outside world as well, and that, coupled with her absolute faith in God’s will, is what has led her to seek life as a nun. The actor must have versatility, a powerful voice, great sense of natural humour, ability to move well. Captain Georg von Trapp (baritone, moves well, Late 20s -45) A retired Austrian naval captain. Educated, polished, and military in the way he runs his life, his home and his children’s lives. The father of seven, ranging in age from six to sixteen, he is a widower. When we meet him he is still in mourning over the death of his wife; his unconscious defence has been to push his children away and remove himself from the home that reminds him too much of what he has lost, resulting in a cool, detached exterior; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and as much in need of love himself as are his children. Max Detweiller (baritone, 25+) Charming, sophisticated, enjoys the good life, which he can’t afford, so he avails himself of the Captain’s largesse at every opportunity. He is practical and sees the coming of Nazism as unavoidable, so one must “accommodate”, which brings him into conflict with the Captain. Ultimately, he proves a true and loyal friend to the family. Elsa Schrader (mezzo, moves well, 25-45) A baroness of taste and elegance; she is sophisticated and worldly. Like Max, she will find a way to accommodate the coming Anschluss. She tolerates the children, but would send them off to boarding school, so she and the Captain could spend most of their time in Vienna. She loves the Captain in a measured way; he represents good social standing and a continuation of the comfortable, luxurious lifestyle she enjoys. Mother Abbess (powerful soprano, wide vocal range, 35+, strong actress) Motherly, understanding, authoritative, she is Maria’s guiding light. Her years have brought her wisdom, patience and inner confidence. Featured Characters Three Featured Nuns at the Abbey: Sister Berthe (alto) moves well. Mistress of Novices (20-60) is the more critical, finding all the faults in Maria’s conduct, and may be a little pompous Sister Margaretta (mezzo) moves well. Mistress of Postulants (20-60) has a good sense of humour, and so appreciates what is humorous in Maria’s conduct Sister Sophia (soprano) moves well (20-60) is more inclined to notice the positive aspects of Maria’s conduct. All are frustrated with her inability to settle into the lifestyle of the Abbey. Rolf Gruber (tenor, ideally a strong dancer or very good mover, 16-20) Rolf is a telegraph delivery boy on bicycle, and later drawn into the Nazi youth movement. He and Liesl have fallen in love, and they look for every opportunity to see one another. Franz (non-singing, 30+, strong actor) The von Trapp butler, formerly the Captain’s orderly on shipboard; formal, but not without spirit; his loyalties move very swiftly to the Fascist cause. Frau Schmidt (non-singing, 30+, strong actor) The housekeeper, rather stoic, but with a guarded sense of humour; she knows how to run the household as the Captain wishes it. Herr Zeller (non-singing, 25+, strong actor) Bureaucratic neighbour who becomes an early Nazi official. He is critical of the Captain’s loyalties to the old Austria and ultimately, as an official of the Third Reich, leads the move to take the Captain into Nazi naval service; hard-nosed, inflexible. Admiral Von Schreiber (non-singing, 40+, strong actor) Admiral of the Navy of the Third Reich, he arrives to escort the Captain to his forced commission. He is more flexible and accommodating than Zeller.
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Ensemble: Men and Women Ensemble members (16-60+ years) To play nuns, monks, priests, Nazis novices, postulants, guests at the Captain’s party, Salzburg citizens, and Contestants in the Festival Concert. The Children: Liesl von Trapp (mezzo, strong dancer, 16-21) The oldest child, blossoming into a woman, and smitten by Rolf. She also has a maternal edge and cares deeply for her younger siblings. Initially she thinks herself too old to need a governess; she discovers otherwise.
Friedrich von Trapp (age 14-18) Proud to be “a boy” in this family of mostly girls, and an often-absent father.
Louisa von Trapp (age 13-17) The trickster of the family, full of mischief.
Kurt von Trapp (age 10-15, some dance) Gentle and a peacemaker. He dances the Laendler with Maria.
Brigitta von Trapp (age 9-14) Smart, reads a lot, always tells the truth, even when it may be inappropriate.
Marta von Trapp (age 7-14) Very much the little princess; pink is her favourite colour. Gretl von Trapp (age 5-10) Very cute, just wants to be loved.
*Age ranges for characters will be treated as a guide only and not strictly enforced *Audition materials for specific, named roles can be accessed through the STAG website and the links in the electronic version of this Information Pack Audition Dialogue – All Roles http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/auditiondialogue-som.pdf
Audition Sheet Music Maria http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/maria.pdf
Captain http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/captain.pdf
Leisl http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/liesl.pdf
Children http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/children.pdf
Rolf http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/rolf.pdf
Max & Elsa http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/maxelsa.pdf
Mother Abbess http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/motherabbess.pdf
Nuns http://stagtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/nuns.pdf
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Audition Details Venue The Bakehouse Rehearsal Venue - front building, 17 Wheeler Street, Shepparton. **Audition Instructions** • All auditionees must first register their arrival at the Bakehouse Blackbox Theatre (rear building) 15 minutes before audition time. • Bring your completed and signed audition form • Your audition form must include a recent head and shoulders photograph of you • Auditionees, including children, will be asked to state their name, the part they are seeking and provide a short summary of their experience at the commencement of the audition • Auditionees for individual roles will be required to sing the relevant song and know the dialogue relevant to the character • Links to audition materials, including songs and character dialogue, are available through the STAG website and links in this document • Auditions for adult roles will be of ten minutes duration • Auditions for children’s roles will be in groups of six auditionees and of twenty minutes duration • Bring water to keep hydrated. **Audition Notes** • Age ranges for characters will be treated as a guide only and not strictly enforced • Audition materials for specific, named roles can be accessed through the links on the STAG website and the electronic version of this Information Pack • We will do our best to ensure the audition process is an enjoyable experience
Dates and Timetable for Auditions Dates: Friday 13th and Saturday 14th January 2017 Children’s Roles Auditions for the children’s roles will be conducted in 20 minute blocks with six auditionees in each group Friday 13th January 9am to 12 noon - Time Slots: 9.00, 9.20, 9.40, 10.00, 10.20, 10.40, 11.00, 11.20, 11.40 1pm to 5pm - Time Slots: 1.00, 1.20, 1.40, 2.00, 2.20, 2.40, 3.00, 3.20, 3.40, 4.00, 4.20, 4.40 Saturday 14th January 10am to 11am - Time Slots: 10.00, 10.20, 10.40
Adult Roles Auditions for the adult roles will be individual auditions of 10 minute duration Friday 13th January 7pm to 10pm - Time Slots: 7.00, 7.10, 7.20, 7.30, 7.40, 8.00, 8.10, 8.20, 8.30, 8.40, 8.50, 9.00, 9.10, 9.20, 9.30, 9.40, 9.50 Saturday 14th January 11.30am to 1pm - Choirs/Chorus/Ensemble 1.30pm to 5pm - adult roles – Time Slots: 1.30, 1.40, 1.50, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, 2.30, 2.40, 2.50, 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.30, 3.40, 3.50, 4.00, 4.10, 4.20, 4.30, 4.40, 4.50
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…and a few important comments about the audition process Commitment Before you audition, review the essential dates provided. You must be prepared to make arrangements with your family, school, employer, coach, or other extracurricular activity supervisor to be available for these rehearsals. Except for emergencies, we cannot have last-minute absences from essential rehearsals or performances. Timeliness Please arrive early for your audition. We are lucky to have so many eager participants, but that means we are running a very tight schedule. Being on time for your audition is an indication of what we expect from you during rehearsals and performances. Following Directions Following directions is a very important skill in theatre. Carefully read and follow all the directions in this package, as well as directions provided at auditions by members of the production team. This is an indication of what we expect from you in rehearsals. Preparation There is a lot of material in this package! We know, because we made it! We are giving you the opportunity to prepare for your audition so that you can give us your strongest performance. We have provided plenty of resources here, so please take advantage of them. We want to assess what level of time and commitment you have put into this process. Positive Attitude Please treat each other and the production staff with respect. We are not interested in casting people who cannot get along with one another. Building a strong ensemble is essential to a good production and this can only happen with cast members who support each other. Audition Logistics Your audition begins at your designated time. What to expect: 1) You need to arrive 15 minutes before your designated time and quietly take your place and wait for us to call your name. 2) Please wait in the designated area which is the Blackbox Theatre. Do not wander around the buildings. 3) If you are in a group session, you are expected to be respectful and encouraging of fellow auditionees. 4) If you are in the waiting area, you are expected to maintain a polite volume so as to not distract anyone else preparing in the Blackbox. 5) Bring water. 6) Remember that we like you! We have to keep neutral expressions, but we really do want you to do well. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth before you start performing and try to calm yourself down. Give us your best shot in the moment and remember to have fun!!
…and if you are lucky enough to be chosen for a part in The Sound of Music! Rehearsal Commitment The production team and the STAG committee expect that everyone involved in this production will be available for all scheduled rehearsals from the date of their casting through until June. This is only fair to all other cast members. Everyone’s time is valuable and it is vital that rehearsal time is not wasted by the absence of cast members. All known absences at the time of the auditions must be recorded on the audition form. Missing rehearsals without notice may result in cast members forfeiting their place in the production.
Rehearsal Requirements - checklist: All cast must ensure they bring the following to each and every rehearsal between now and the first performance. Use this page as a checklist before leaving home:
1) The Script/Music! Rehearsals cannot run smoothly if we are constantly sharing scripts and music between cast. All cast MUST bring their scripts and music with them to rehearsals.
2) A Water Bottle! - with your name on it. Important! During rehearsals physical exertion will occur in the form of blocking, singing and dancing. ALL cast members must ensure they are properly hydrated. Please bring a water bottle.
3) A Pencil! It is important you are able to make notes in your script during rehearsals to ensure you correctly remember blocking, choreography, script alterations or musical considerations. All cast must bring a pencil. NO PENS are permitted for writing notes as the scripts will be on loan to you and all markings must be removed prior to the books return.
8 SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ 2017 AUDITION INFORMATION PACK
4) Production/Rehearsal Schedule THE FIRST MONTH ONLY IS DETAILED A FULL SCHEDULE WILL BE HANDED OUT TO CAST MEMBERS AT OUR FIRST REHEARSAL SUNDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY 9th February – 7pm Cast Meet, Information Night, Fitting All Cast & Production Team 16th February – 6.30 – 9pm (First Rehearsal) (Singing) – Maria, Captain, All Children 19th February 1.30-4pm 21st February 6.30-9pm 23rd February – 6.30-9pm (Blocking) (Singing) (Singing) – Maria, Captain, All Maria, Captain, All Children All Nuns, Maria Children *Note: workshop date for children and Nunns 26th February 1.30-4pm 28th February 6.30 -9pm 2nd March 6.30-9pm (Blocking) (Singing) (Singing) Maria, Captain, Liesl, Maria, Captain, All Children All Nuns, Maria Rolf, Max, Elsa 5th March 7th March 6.30 -9pm 9th March 6.30-9pm
12th March 14th March 6.30-9pm 16th March 6.30 – 9pm
19th March 1.30-4pm 21st March 6.30-9pm 23rd March 6.30-9pm
26th March 1.30-4pm 28th March 6.30 -9pm 30th March 6.30-9pm
2nd April 1.30-4pm 4rd April 6.30-9pm 6th April 6.30-9pm
9th April 1.30-4pm 11th April 6.30-9pm 13th April 6.30-9pm
16th April 18th April 6.30-9pm 20th April 6.30 -9pm Easter – No Rehearsal 23rd April 1.30 – 4pm 25th April 6.30-9pm 27th April 6.30-9pm
30th April 2nd May 4th May (Note There will be Time Changes from Here) 7th May 9th May 11th May
14th May (Mothers day) 16th May 18th May
21st May - PRODUCTION WEEK – Bump in - Rehearsal Times TBC
• The von Trapp children will be required to attend a two day workshop on the 23rd and 24th of January from 9am to 12 midday at the Bakehouse Rehearsal Venue
• Members of the Nuns’ Chorus will be required to attend a two day workshop on the 23rd and 24th of January from 7pm to 9pm, also at the Bakehouse Rehearsal Venue *ALL cast members are required to help with Bump in and Bump Out!! All cast and crew must be financial members of STAG and adhere to STAG’s Code of Conduct
9 STAG’s The Sound of Music 2017 SHEPPARTON THEATRE ARTS GROUP - AUDITION FORM
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name:
(If under 18 years) Name of Parent or Guardian:
Mobile: Home Phone:
Street Address:
City: State:
Postcode: Email: (Please attach a passport sized photograph of DOB: Age: Height: yourself above) PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
DO NOT FILL OUT: Vocal range: Bass Baritone Tenor Alto Mezzo Soprano
DO NOT FILL OUT: Vocal style: Belter Classical Lyric Trained Untrained
Previous experience:
Previous dance experience:
ROLE AUDITIONING FOR LEAD: (Please Specify One) –
FEATURED (Please Specify One) -
CHORUS
IF SELECTED BY THE PANEL ARE YOU WILLING TO PLAY ANOTHER CHARACTER? - (please circle) YES NO
OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST
Please circle if you are interested in being involved in any of the following areas (includes parent or guardian if applicable):
Production Management Stage Management Front of House / Ushering Advertising / Promotion
Are here any dates you will be unavailable?
CONDITIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I AGREE to accept the decisions of the Audition Panel which decisions are final and binding. I acknowledge that no correspondence will be entered into regarding the decision making process. I acknowledge that if not given the decision of the Panel at my audition, I shall be informed by email or by telephone. I acknowledge that if selected it is a condition of participation in the Sound of Music that I am a member of STAG and that I will comply with the STAG Code of Conduct.
Signature of auditionee: Date:
PARENT/GUARDIAN’S CONSENT FOR AUDITIONEES UNDER 18
I give permission for my child to audition for the Sound of Music and I acknowledge and accept the above conditions. I consent to my child performing in the Sound of Music if selected. I acknowledge it is my responsibility to ensure my child attends rehearsals and performances as required for this production. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the STAG Code of Conduct and that I will comply with its terms.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date:
Aaron-David Palmer 18/12/2016