With a new school year comes a new SJS production, and as we eagerly await the announcement of this year’s musical on September 15, students can start preparing for the upcoming auditions. With the help of Ms. V and Mr. Walker, we’ve put together the top tips for nailing your audition. You may even find a few clues as to this year’s production…
Know Before You Show
Students in Grades 7 to 12 are invited and encouraged to audition. No previous experience is required and there are a variety of roles to consider in the large ensemble cast.
The full audition schedule will be posted on the board outside the Drama Studio. Any and all students interested in joining the production are asked to attend the Information Session on Monday, September 8 at Lunch for the details and audition package.
Audition Schedule:
- Dance Auditions: Sunday, September 21, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Auditions Day 1: Monday, September 22, 3:00–5:30 PM
- Auditions Day 2: Tuesday, September 23, 3:00–5:30 PM
- Callbacks: Wednesday, September 24, 3:30–5:30 PM
- Cast Reveal and First Rehearsal: Thursday September 25, 3:30–5:30 PM
Students in Grade 7 to 12 interested in gaining production and theatre experience without being on stage will have the opportunity to apply for the stage crew. Applications for stage crew positions will open up later in the year.
Can you find it in your heart to join the musical? Here are the key tips and tricks to help you nail your audition.
Setting up for Success
It is important to know the source material. Knowing the specific characters and tone of the show will help improve your audition. To help students prepare, Mr. Walker and Ms. V will be hosting a lunch-time showing of the movie adaption on Thursday September 18 and Friday September 19 in the Drama Studio.
Preparation leads to almost paradise. Practising your audition ahead of time helps to build confidence, which makes for a stronger audition. Though not required, it may also help to memorize your audition material. Having your audition memorized frees up your hands and face during the audition so you can focus more on the audience and less on your notes.
Auditioners should come ready to take direction. You may be asked to repeat your audition, change your style of delivery or sing something different. The directors want you to succeed and these notes are to help showcase your best performance, so listen closely. No two auditions look the same.
During your audition, focus your gaze on a spot at the back of the room just above the directors’ heads. This mimics looking out at an actual audience and will help you better connect with the directors.
And of course try your best! Remember that mistakes are normal. You’re still rockin’!
If you are being considered for a specific role you may be asked to return for a callback. This is a second, more in-depth audition that will include performing sections of the script and a song or two from the show. Make sure to know your character and song list well, ahead of time, to be prepared.
Let’s Hear it for the Community
Spectacular musicals like last year’s Urinetown are only possible when cast, crew and community all come together. Regardless of the role you may fill, be it on stage, behind the scenes or in the band, every contribution is important for putting on an exceptional show.
The SJS production is made possible by the generous support of Annual Giving, providing exceptional opportunities to our students to participate in theatre productions of this calibre. We also want to acknowledge the incredible parent volunteers who build sets, source costumes and support the students throughout the process.
We can’t wait to see our community come together for another great year of musical theatre. If you have any questions, stop by the Drama Studio to talk to Mr. Walker and Ms. V.
Break a leg, performers!
