CAST Audition Information

DearStudentsandParents,

Thankyouforyourinterestinthisyear’sproductionofTheLittleMermaidJr!Asalways,we’reconfident

that this year’sproductionwill beanenjoyableand rewardingexperience thatwill reinforce the important

valuesofteamwork,commitment,responsibility,cooperationandfun,alongwithteachingandreinforcingthe

basicsofthedramaticandmusicalarts.

Auditionsforthisyear’smusicalwillbeheldonDecember2ndand3rd(Studentswillsignupfora1-hour

slot).TechnicalinterviewswillbeheldonJanuary3rdforanystudentwhowishestobeapartofthetechnical

crew for this year’s production. Rehearsals for castmembers and stagemanagers will begin on Thursday,

January2nd,andwillgenerallybeheldintheafternoon,withtheexceptionof“ShowWeek”(theweekofMarch

9th),whenrehearsalsmayrunintotheevening.Rehearsalswillnotbeheldduringschoolvacationweeks.Most

technical crewswill not be needed until the last 3weeks of the process. (A full schedulewill follow). The

performancesareMarch12th,13thand14th- thismeansthatwehave justovertwomonthstoproducethis

challengingandexcitingmusical.Whilethismaysoundlikealotoftime,itreallyisnot,especiallywithafew

major holidays and school vacations in the mix. Therefore, it is extremely important that you attend all

rehearsalsandmeetingsscheduledforyourroleand/orjob.Therehearsalsduringthefollowing2weeksare

MANDATORYforallcast&crew(withtheexceptionofhair/makeup/lobby/ushers/concession,allofwhomwe’ll

needtheweekoftheshow):March2nd–March6th&March9th–March14th.

Itwill be required for you to sell aminimumofonebusiness ad forourprogramadbook,which is

necessaryinordertoraiseenoughfundstoproducethisshow.Thespecificsofadsaleswillbediscussedatour

firstfullcastandcrewmeetingonFriday,January10th.

Pleasereadalltheinformationinthispacket(includingtheinformationonthereverseofthisletter)and

carefullyconsiderthecommitmentinvolvedinbeingapartofthisproductionbeforefillingouttheaudition/tech

formandshowcontract.TheseformsMUSTbesignedbybothaparentandthestudentinordertoauditionor

interviewforatechnicalposition.Weareextremelyexcitedaboutthisyear’sproductionandlookingforward

toworkingwithallofyou! Stephen MacDonald Jenny DiMuzio Nancy Katz Stone Director/Producer Music Director Choreographer

ImportantDates

Thursday,11/14:2:45-4:00–Cast&CrewInformationalMeeting

Monday12/2,Tuesday12/3:2:45–Auditions(1HourSlots)

Friday,12/6:2:45–Callbacks(Manypeoplewhomakethecastwillnotbecalledback)

Thursday,12/11:2:30–Castlistpostedonmusicbulletinboard

Friday,12/13:2:30-Pickupscriptsinauditorium

Thursday,1/2:2:45–Dailyrehearsalsbegin!

Friday,1/3:2:45–Techinterviews

Friday1/10:2:30-3:30-CastandCrewMeeting(mayletoutearly)

Tuesday,1/21:7:00–ParentInformationalMeeting

Thursday,2/13:2:30-3:30-CastandCrewMeeting,AdsandT-Shirtordersdue

Wednesday,3/4:ProposedMandarinFundraiserDate

Wednesday,3/11–2:00pm-DressRehearsal

Thursday,3/12(6:30pm);Friday3/13(7pm);&Saturday,3/14(2pm)–Performances!

NOTE:Pleasealsohold3/14at7pmforapossibleadditionalperformance.

Auditions Initialauditionswillconsistof3things:

A. Singingafewwarm-ups&amusicalselection(seeattached)forMr.MacDonald&Mrs.DiMuzio.SeetheParkerDramaPageforrecordedmusiclink.

B. Reading/Performingoneofthemonologuesincludedinthispacket.Wewillbelookingforafluentpresentationwithgooddiction&projection,aswellasexpression&interpretation.

C. Choreography–groupwithMrs.Stone.Pleasewearsneakersordanceshoes.

SigningUpForAuditionsorTechInterviews STEP#1:Readallpaperworkandmakesureyouunderstandthecommitment STEP#2:Auditiontimesandtechinterviewtimesarepostedonthemusicbulletinboardnearthemusicroom.Signupontheappropriatesheet.(auditioneeswillhavea1-hourslot). STEP#3:Fillouttheauditionform/contractforcastauditionortheinterviewform/contractforcrewinterview STEP#4:BringsignedContractandAudition/InterviewSheettothedate/timeyousignedupfor.

Rehearsals WewillbegindailyrehearsalsonThursday,1/2fromapproximately2:45-4:45.Ourgoalistosetuptherehearsalschedulesothat,especiallyforthemonthofJanuary,studentswillnothavetostayuntil4:45eachday,butratherwillhavecertaindayswherethey’reoffcompletelyorwhichwillatleastbeshortened.

OTHERINFO: *Thereisanactivityfeeforallcast($50)andcrew($25)members.Moreinfowillfollowwhencastandcrewlistsareposted. *Allstudentsinvolvedinthemusicalareexpectedtosellatleast1adfortheprogram.We’llguideyouthroughthatinJanuary. *Theshowisalargeundertakingrequiringmanydifferentskillsandprovidingtheopportunityforpeopleofallagestoworktogethertowardacommongoal.Weaskthatparentsofallstudentsinvolvedwiththeshowhelpoutbyvolunteeringforatleastonejob.ThedescriptionsofthosepositionswillbepostedonthePortalduringDecember,&volunteerformswillbegivenoutattheparentmeetingonTuesday,January21st.WelookforwardtoworkingtogetherwithstudentsANDtheirparents!

[Forshowinfo/updates,gotoParker’shomepage,clickon‘Students’tab,then‘clubsandactivities’thenclickon‘ParkerDrama’]

Character Descriptions Ariel Ariel, the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human. Looking for a strong singer and dynamic performer in this role. Ariel has some beautiful solos but must be able to convey meaning through gesture once she loses her voice. Character Gender: Female Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3 Prince Eric Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart. Looking for a charming performer with a sensitive nature. Prince Eric has a few small solos, but it is more important to be a strong actor in this role. Character Gender: Male Vocal range top: D5 or D4 Vocal range bottom: B3 or B2 Sebastian Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Looking for a strong singer who can also handle Sebastian's emotional range. Character Gender: Any Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Flounder Flounder is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in "She's in Love." This may be a wonderful role for a younger performer who is ready to take the next step into the spotlight. Character Gender: Any Vocal range top: Db5 Vocal range bottom: G3 King Triton King Triton rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singing role needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent. Looking for a mature performer who feels comfortable playing father to Ariel and the Mersisters. Character Gender: Male Mersisters The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel's siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters. Character Gender: Female Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Ursula Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Looking for a mature performer who can bring out this villain's humor while finding texture in Ursula's complexity. Character Gender: Female Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: F3 Tentacles The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair. Looking for six or eight performers who work well together and can move as a unit. Character Gender: Any Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: C4 Flotsam and Jetsam Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so we are looking for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Character Gender: Any Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: C4 Scuttle Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat. Looking for a performer with good comedic timing who is willing to have fun with Scuttle's eccentricities. Character Gender: Male Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: B3 Gulls The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany "back-up singers" who help explain human stuff to Ariel. Character Gender: Any Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: B3 Grimsby Grimsby is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. While Grimsby does have some singing to do, strong acting trumps singing ability for this role. Character Gender: Male Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: E4 Chef Louis Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer. Character Gender: Male Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: A3 Chefs The Chefs are Chef Louis' assistants who sing in "Les Poissons". Character Gender: Any Carlotta Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally. This non-singing role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome. Character Gender: Female

Princesses The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of them possesses the voice Prince Eric is searching for, we are looking for actresses who can create an exaggerated and comedic personality through song. Character Gender: Female Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: E4 Pilot The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. This nautical expert who entertains the sailors with wild tales of the sea presents an opportunity to highlight a developing performer. The Pilot has a few speaking lines, but his singing voice is most important. Character Gender: Male Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3 Sailors The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric's ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm. Character Gender: Any Seahorse The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton. This non-singing part is a good role for a performer with a clear speaking voice. Gender: Any Sea Chorus The Sea Chorus is responsible for creating each world within the show. Look for performers who can move gracefully and are capable of being part of a scene without drawing focus. Gender: Any Sea Creatures The Sea Creatures are the ensemble underwater animals in King Triton's court. Gender: Any Merfolk The Merfolk of King Triton's Court. Gender: Any Lagoon Animals The Lagoon Animals try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. Gender: Any

Audition Monologues (Choose One)

URSULA: Flotsam my pet! Jetsam my darling! Come to me my little sea spies! Mama’s feeling...woebegone – banished to the nether regions of the sea. No food, hardly any company...I’m simply wasting away! Use a little black magic to help out a few merfolk, and this is the thanks that I get! Well now it’s time to turn the tides on Triton. We just need to find his Achilles heel...a weakness that will crack his armor...Of course! Ariel! You two find out what that girl really wants then lure her here to my lair. Once we have her trapped, Triton will rush to her rescue. And then the trident, crown, and throne will be all mine!!

TRITON: As a result of your careless and reckless behavior, the entire celebration was ruined! Completely destroyed! Ariel, listen. You’ve been given a gift...your mother’s voice. It’s a wondrous talent, one that demands stewardship and care. So please, dear child, for the sake of her memory...what? You went up to the surface?? You could’ve been seen by one of those barbarians! They’re dangerous – nets, harpoons! That’s the last time you’re ever swimming to the surface! Understood??

ARIEL: If only I could make my father understand. I just don’t see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be so bad. I want to spend all day in the sun, warm on the sand. I want to meet all of the people and ask them all of my questions. I want to explore...but my father just doesn’t understand. No one does...Oh! Sebastian! What are you doing here?? These? They’re...just a few knick-knacks I’ve collected. You’re not going to tell father are you? Oh please Sebastian, he’ll never understand!

PRINCE ERIC: Hey, what have we got here? Miss, are you alright? You – you seem very familiar...Of course! It’s you! I’ve been looking for you everywhere! What’s your name?...What is it? You’re hurt? No, no, you need help? Oh, sore throat? You don’t speak at all? Oh I see...I’m sorry, for a moment I mistook you for someone else... Never mind that now though. I know just what you need! A warm bath and a hot meal. Come on now, the palace isn’t far.

SEBASTIAN: Out of the frying pan and into the fire! The things I do for you, young lady! Now I should march you right back home to your father...so that you can be miserable the rest of your life...it’s true, I got no backbone. Alright child, I’m in. But we got to get that boy to kiss you before it’s too late! Now, a few pointers from a clever crab to a little mermaid. You gotta bat your eyes – like this. Then you gotta pucker your lips – like this...Oh, that’s good! You put those two things together tomorrow and you got that boy in the palm of your hand!

Auditio

nSong

CBSon

g-TrebleVo

ices

CBSon

gCh

angedBo

ys

CBSon

gTreb

leVoices

Please attach a

small headshot for reference while casting. Thank

you!

AUDITION FORM NAME_________________________________

AGE______GRADE______HEIGHT_________

NAMES OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS_______________________________________________

HOME PHONE____________________PARENT CELL PHONE_________________________

PARENTS’ E-MAIL(S)___________________________________________________________

ALLERGIES/MEDICAL INFO_____________________________________________________

NAME OF ROLE(S) YOU’RE INTERESTED IN (if known):______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

If not chosen for the above part(s), would you accept another role? Y N

If not chosen for the cast, are you interested in a technical position? Y N (Technical Interviews will be held on January 3rd)

Being cast in this show involves a large time commitment. Rehearsals will generally run Monday through Friday from 2:45 until 4:45, although particularly in January, we will stagger rehearsals so that most people will not need to be there the entire time each day. You may get out early different days or have a day off completely (particularly if you’re cast in the ensemble). On Monday and Tuesday of show week, (week of March 9th) students can expect to be in rehearsal until 6:00, & we will have a dress rehearsal on Wednesday at 1pm following the early release. By signing below and continuing with the audition you AND YOUR PARENTS agree to commit yourself to this schedule. NOTE: any school/rehearsal absences during the last 2 weeks of the rehearsal process (3/2-3/14) may be a cause for dismissal from the show. The show dates are Thursday March 12th, Friday March 13th and Saturday March 14th. Please list the titles of any plays/musicals you have previously been in, your role, and the school, camp, etc., which produced the show. Also, please list any music/dance/gymnastics experience you have and/or any special talents.

On reverse, please list any other clubs, sports, dancing schools, or other activities in which you are involved, with the DAYS and TIMES you participate in them. (We will make every effort to have the rehearsal schedule work around your other conflicts, but we need to know the exact days and times of your other commitments in order to try to make that work.)

________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________ _

______________________________________________________________________________

Contract Participation Conditions: • I agree to abide by all rules and restrictions set forth by the directors that pertain to my being part of this production. • As a member of the company, I agree to help with the general maintenance of the production work areas and to promote the production in every possible way. • I will attend all mandatory company meetings and all rehearsals required of me. • I will sell at least one business ad for our program ad book. • I will not have any conflicts during the last 2 weeks of this production (3/2-3/14) so that I may fully participate and fulfill my obligations to the rest of the company. Signature of participant: ____________________________________________________ We ask that interested students discuss your participation in this production with your parents. If they

understand the nature of your commitment and approve of your participation, ask them to sign below.

You will need your parents’ permission to become part of this company.

Parents: There will be a Parent Information Meeting on January 21st at 7pm. Parents of

all cast/crew members are asked to attend.

I understand the commitment and responsibility to this production for my son/daughter, and I will encourage

and help him/her to fulfill all requirements (Including the Reading Public Schools User Fee, 1 Local

Business Advertisement for the Program Book and Attendance Requirements). I also understand that we

ask all parents to assist in some way with the show which will be discussed at the Parent Informational meeting

mentioned above. I give my son/daughter, __________________________________________ permission to

participate in Parker Middle School’s 2020 Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.

Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: _________________

For any questions prior to the audition/interview process, please feel free to e-mail Stephen MacDonald

at Stephen.MacDonald@reading.k12.ma.us. Thank You.