Thanksgiving Week Update

 

Thank you all for auditioning- what a truly wonderful group of students you are.

Thank you to our outstanding crew members who worked the auditions.

Thank you all for your patience as we work diligently and thoughtfully to release the cast list for FROZEN, JR.  

Our panel of casting directors has been working tirelessly throughout auditions and last week's callbacks and is currently working to expedite a cast list.  It takes a significant amount of time and thought for our audition adjudication panel to review the copious amount of notes from the four days of auditions and callbacks, as well as each actor’s individual audition forms in which any scheduling conflicts and special skills were noted and then produce a finished cast list.  

There is an adage in professional theatre and film that "casting takes anywhere between one hour and three years"- (in reality the average is 4 weeks for theatre and 6 months for film/tv/on-camera). 

Thankfully ours will not take that long! 

Our panel will be like all of you- enjoying time with their families and the Thanksgiving holiday/break,  we strive to have our list out no later than Sunday, December 5th and hope to expedite the cast list before that time. 

We will keep you posted with any and all updates as we have them. 

                  

PLEASE MARK THE FOLLOWING  DATES ON YOUR CALENDARS

Wednesday, December 8th from 3:45 to 5:45 pm for our first official rehearsal and receive more info on our 12/15 Chanukah Secret exchange and play bonding tradition. 

• This day is a table read of the show.  A table read (also known as a read-through) is an organized reading of a script in which the speaking parts, stage directions, and scene headings are read out loud.
• All cast, the stage manager, and the head of crew should attend the 12/8 rehearsal. 
• Other crew may attend if they are free and would like to join this crew optional rehearsal. 
• On Thursday, December 2, you will each get more info on our Chanukah Secret exchange and play bonding tradition. 

Wednesday, December 15th from 3:45 to 5:30 pm

• All Cast rehearsal (vocals, movement, character)
• Chanukah Secret exchange and play bonding tradition. 

Please note there are only two rehearsals in December. The January schedule will be released and posted on the blog after Thanksgiving week. 

We are excited for an incredible adventure ahead with the most wonderful cast and crew members yet!

Happy Thanksgiving and see you next week!

Wednesday Callback Info

Thank you for another fabulous day of callbacks. 

What great energy and professionalism you all displayed again today. 

BRAVO!

Everyone is called back to the Wednesday 11/17 callback. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday), please change again at the end of study hall into comfortable clothes for our last day of callbacks. 

You will take the bus down to the lower school, where you will sign in to the call board, start a 10-minute warm-up, put on a mic, and pin on your callback number. 

We will start the callback material at 4pm sharp. 

Everything happens in real-time if we see what we need to see from each actor to make a decision we will be able to dismiss students throughout the day and not keep every actor until the end of callbacks which end b/t 6:45pm & 7 pm. If you are dismissed before 6:45/7pm, you may stay in the theatre/arts wing of the lower school until your ride is able to pick you up.

Please pack a snack, water bottle, script, and your best energy for tomorrow. 

Tomorrow we will be looking at:

Pages 98- 106

Kristoff Joik, Fixer Upper & Lines

Kristoff, Pabbie, Bulda, Sven, Olaf, Anna & Hidden Folk Soloists

Pages 72-77

Hygge

Oaken

Pages 107-110

Scene (no song)

Hans, Kristoff, Anna, & Olaf

Pages 46-47

Scene (no song)

Anna, Elsa, Weselton, Steward

Pages 2-8, & 9-13

Let the Sun Shine On

A Little Bit of You

Young Anna, Young Elsa, King Agnarr, Queen Iduna

Pages 39-45

Dangerous to Dream 

Elsa, Bishop

Pages 48-56

Love is an Open Door

Anna, Hans

Pages 92- 95

For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)

Anna, Elsa

Tuesday Callback Information- please read to end of entire post! Thank you!

HI EVERYONE!

Thank you cast and crew mentors for your wonderful energy and professionalism on Friday during our first callback day.

This Tuesday, November 18, EVERYONE will be attending the second callback. If you are changing your clothes, please change during study hall. Once you arrive at the LS. Please sign in on the call board and we will start promptly at 3:45 pm. We hope to get everyone out as soon as possible. You will have time to eat snacks in rotations during our callback time so please bring snacks (or bring a light dinner) and a water bottle.

Everything happens in real-time if we see what we need to see from each actor to make a decision we will be able to dismiss students throughout the day and not keep every actor until the end of callbacks which end b/t 6:45pm & 7 pm. If you are dismissed before 6:45/7pm, you may stay in the theatre/arts wing of the lower school until your ride is able to pick you up.

Please remember to take direction, make specific choices, speak slowly, loudly, and clearly, and understand who you are, where you are, what you are saying/singing, and why you are saying singing it. WORK ON CHARACTER-DRIVEN MOVEMENT! Re-watch Frozen the movie or look at clips on YouTube to remember how these iconic characters move about and walk! LOOK AT THE GIFS BELOW! See how they move & use their faces!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR ORIGINAL CALLBACK INTEREST FORM, PLEASE CLICK HERE & FILL OUT THIS NEW CALLBACK CHARACTER FORM before 9:00pm MONDAY.

WHAT ARE WE DOING ON TUESDAY?

ON TUESDAY, WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THE FOLLOWING

 CHARACTERS, PAGES, & SONGS:

Pages 16 -18
King Agnarr, Queen, Pabbie, Bulda
The First Joik Song & Lines


Pages 19- 24
Young Elsa, Young Anna, Middle Elsa, Middle Anna, King, Queen, Bishop, & Townpersons 1-4.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? and lines from the song.


Pages 29-39
Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, Hans
Part of For the First Time in Forever & lines after the song


Page 46-47
Anna, Elsa, Weselton, Steward
Scene (no song)


Page 60-70
Kristoff, Sven, Anna, Olaf
Reindeers Are Better Than People, In Summer and lines.


Pages 71-77
Oaken, Kristoff, Anna, Olaf, Oaken Family
Hygge


Pages 98- 106
Kristoff, Pabbie, Bulda, Sven, Olaf, Anna & Hidden Folk Soloists
Fixer Upper & Lines


Pages 107-110
Hans, Kristoff, Anna, & Olaf
Scene (no song)

If there is any additional time left on Tuesday, we will look at Dangerous to Dream, First Time in Forever Reprise, and Let the Sun Shine On. We will for sure be looking at these on Wednesday.

 

Callback Information & Important Preparation Information

 

WE ARE SO PROUD OF EACH & EVERY ONE OF YOU! 

Thank you for your courage, joy, and professionalism yesterday! 

We are looking forward to seeing more tomorrow and having a great time together on our Frozen journey!

Now...

PLEASE READ THIS POST IN FULL, FULLY THINK ABOUT  THE ADVICE SECTION TOWARDS THE END OF THE POST! 

ALL AUDITIONERS PLEASE CLICK HERE & FILL OUT THIS CALLBACK INTEREST FORM before 9:00pm TODAY. 

ALL Auditioners are asked to attend the first callback.

Tomorrow, Friday, November 12th 

12:00pm-4:30*
(Callback Round 1)

*From 12 to 12:30 pm, students will eat lunch and once finished eating may warm-up/additional practice for those who want to review any songs/material on their own before official callbacks begin. 

It is important to the audition and casting process that all students remain for the duration of the first callback. 

All students should take the bus down to the theatre.

We will dismiss students promptly at 4:30 pm to the carpool lobby doors (the first set of double doors under the awnings that say Cone A, Cone B, etc....)

Tuesday, November 16th 

3:45pm to 6:45 pm 

(Callbacks Round 2)

Wednesday, November 17th 

ONLY IF NEEDED

3:45pm to 6:45 pm  

(Final Callback)

Callbacks

• A mandatory callback for ALL students auditioning will be held Friday, November 12 from 12:00 to 4:30pm. Details are outlined in the information packet. Please pack a lunch/snacks.

• Not every actor will need to stay for the duration of the entire Tuesday callback. The first wave of auditioners will be dismissed around 5:45pm.

• Auditioners are advised to keep their phones with them so they may inform their rides when they are finished.

• A Final callback will be held Wednesday, November 17 from 3:45 pm to 6:45 pm only if needed. We will announce this around 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 16.

• At callbacks, we will be looking at all script cuttings, movement pieces, and songs from the JR. version of the musical.

• There will be a fun group dance audition, improv scenes, singing: (solos, in duets, trios, & groups) and a rhythm call as well.

• You will be called up to read for multiple parts in the show and will be redirected to try your scene/characters in different ways. So please be familiar with/have knowledge of the majority of the characters and songs. 

Attire

• Please pull hair back from the face.

• Please pack an extra mask.

• You may change out of your uniforms upon arriving at the lower school. Wear comfortable but appropriate attire that is memorable and shows your personality and creates a great first impression.

• Do not wear any clothing that will cause you to fidget with it or that hides your hands. 

• Ladies, no jewelry or items on wrists, please. 

• You will need to be able to move in callbacks, so please wear or bring shoes in which you can move/dance. NO UGGS, BOOTS, FLIP-FLOPS, or CROCS. Sneakers, closed toed slip-ons, flats are great. If you have dance shoes (jazz, ballet, lyrical, character shoes), please bring them or wear them.

WHAT TO BRING TO CALLBACKS

• A water bottle
• Your phone
• Your script (if you have already registered and received one)
• A pencil
• A snack (and lunch or the Friday callback)
• A great attitude! :) 

PREPARATION LINKS: 

PLEASE READ THIS LINK BEFORE THE CALLBACK TOMORROW!!!  

FROZEN JR SCRIPT VIA E-READER

Frozen Jr Instrumentals

SONG ANALYSIS & SINGING IN CHARACTER

There is a whole list of links under cast actor resources on the blog that are there to help you create the best audition and performance ever.  USE these resources to bring out the theatre and acting side of your musical theatre performance. Don't just focus on singing- ACTING is the heart of musical theatre.

WATCH CLIPS FROM FROZEN AND THE FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL SO YOU CAN SEE THE CHARACTER MOVEMENT, GESTURES, WALKS, POSTURE, & MANNERISMS THAT ARE REQUIRED OR NEEDED FOR EACH ICONIC CHARACTER.

MUST-READ ADVICE

• Being prompt and listening to directions is an important aspect of auditioning.

• Use your best theatre etiquette.

• Don't worry if you make a mistake, own it, and act like you meant to do it! We will never know if you made a mistake or were nervous if you own the stage and "fake it 'til you make it!"

• Opportunity favors the prepared mind!

• PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!!! We are expecting fully rehearsed, prepared, dazzling audition selections. Your audition should be BETTER than an actual show performance. 

• So practice, practice, practice. HAVE FUN! BE BOLD AND CONFIDENT! Be open-minded. Take Creative Risks, these are iconic characters! BE LOUD AND PROUD! Show us your presence and style!

• Use your full voice and energy. Do not hold back. This is YOUR chance!

• Be prepared to show us you can take direction!

• Don't get stuck on reading for one part/role. Every part/role is amazing and we are going to place you where you will best shine and be the star you are! 

• DON’T ask for feedback during the callback. Feedback comes from acting classes, lessons, workshops, and training, not auditions. Work with a coach/teacher/director/family member/person prior to your audition and ask them for feedback. Come prepared with the material ready to give your best performance and don’t expect to get anything but a “Thank you” at the end. If you get more that is great! The casting directors are looking to cast the actor who best embodies the character from head to toe at the time of auditions for the parts they are casting. It is not the casting directors' job to give feedback to all the actors at callbacks. It is the job of the actor to come in prepared with all the emotion ready to give the best performance.
  
  
  
• Have fun at the audition! We want you to do well. :) 

WHAT ARE CALLBACKS?

• 
  
• They are NOT a list of people who have been cast in the roles for which they are call-backed. Call-backs are to see things we didn't have a chance to see during individual auditions.

HOW DOES CASTING WORK?

Many factors play a part in how a show is cast such as confidence/presence on stage, ability to be heard and understood, scheduling conflicts & rehearsal availability, academic good standing, energy, and chemistry between actors and how they look together, sound together, what vocal ranges or acting demands a part requires and if that actor fit those demands/ranges, (e.g. in Lion King, Young Nala must look and sound younger than Nala who is older, wiser, and sings in a lower alto and a mezzo soprano power belt, while both Nalas need to have similar movements/tones/mannerisms/looks on stage, Young Simba and Young Nala need to look about the same age, as do Simba/Nala, so if an actor "goes out" for Young Nala but is the tallest and oldest looking actor auditioning in the group of all Nalas, this wouldn't be believable to an audience, these things are out of an actor's control and an actor shouldn't worry about what he or she can't control in an audition or in casting)

So what can an actor control in an audition?

Every actor has an equal opportunity to show what he/she can do. An actor can make sure he or she gives the best audition at the moment he/she needs to deliver it most, which means at the time of the individual audition and throughout callbacks. If an actor shows on stage that he/she gives an outstanding, fully prepared, and dynamic audition for the role he/she most is interested in at the time of auditions by taking risks, making specific character choices, voices, movements, and expressions, then he/ she has given himself/herself the best chance at getting that part. It is about being prepared, memorable, being heard, and being expressive! Also, it is about taking directions from the audition panel and making changes immediately in a character when asked. (e.g. If the panel consistently keeps asking an actor to be louder or use facial expressions, every time the actor is on stage, the actor is having difficulty applying direction. So be loud and expressive the very first time when asked! And you will wow all! :)

The basics matter!

Don't Upstage yourself. Cheat out! SPEAK SLOWLY, LOUDLY, and CLEARLY.

The more fun you have, the more fun the audition panel will have. Remember this is in your control to have a blast and enjoy performing and entertaining a crowd!

When you sing your song, remember you are giving a performance, you MUST use your body, face, and eyes to convey emotion and your character. 

This is Musical THEATRE so the emphasis is on acting and conveying character through song.

At the end of the day, remember the audition panel is made up of Davis staff and industry professionals who have years and years of experience casting and placing performers in roles where their talents best fit and will shine best, where they will have the most wonderful experience, and where all will shine brightly on stage. 

Theatre is a collaborative team experience that relies on the efforts of everyone in the cast and on the crew. EVERY PART is equally important to the success of the show. 

The old adage rings true "There are no small parts only small actors" or as my favorite quote from theatre says, "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art" which is really a fancy way of saying if you really love theatre and being on stage, you love it no matter what you part you play, because theatre is a part of you. It is not the part that matters, it is what you do with your part that makes all the difference! 

A great example is the amazing actor Dame Judi Dench who won an Academy Award for a total of 8 minutes of screen time in the 2 hours 17-minute movie Shakespeare in Love. She upstaged the entire movie and all of the other characters because she was that memorable and entertaining! 

WE ARE LOOKING SO FORWARD TO ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY TOGETHER!!!

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