Lake Mills High School AUDITION PACKET

AUDITION DATES: Friday, September 4, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. RESULTS POSTED September 11 @ 3:00 p.m.

Performance Dates: November 6-8, 2015

Friday, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday 1:30 p.m.

Audition Workshop Sunday, August 16

2:00-4:00 p.m. at LMHS Auditorium

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Music BY MARY RODGERS Lyrics by MARSHALL BARER Book by JAY THOMPSON, DEAN FULLER and MARSHALL BARER

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is presented through special arrangement with R & H

Theatricals: www.rnh.com.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Synopsis: If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Cast Requirements: Princess Winnifred Prince Dauntless Queen Aggravating King Sextimus the Silent (mute throughout most of the musical) Lady Larkin Sir Harry Jester Minstrel Wizard Pantomime Characters Sir Studley Sir Luce Princess No. 12 1st Knight 2nd Knight 3rd Knight 1st Lady-in-Waiting – Rowena 2nd Lady-in-Waiting – Merrill 3rd Lady-in-Waiting – Lucille Kitchen Wench Emily Lady Mabelle Ensemble – Ladies-in-Waiting, Soldiers, Servants, etc. SPECIAL TO THIS SHOW: WE WOULD LIKE 2 FEMALES AND 1 MALE DANCER TO OPEN THE SHOW WITH A BALLET VINETTE. THE 2 FEMALES MUST HAVE BALLET EXPERIENCE (preferably with toe shoes), THE MALE DOES NOT NEED EXPERIENCE (although it may be helpful).

Character descriptions:

Princess Winnifred the Woebegone is down-to-earth and without pretensions. Unlike what you might expect from of a princess, Winnifred is just an ordinary, high spirited girl. Having grown up in the swamps, she doesn't conduct herself in the formal way the others in the castle do. It is her natural, ingenuous quality that sets her apart from the other Ladies of the kingdom and makes Dauntless fall in love with her.

Prince Dauntless the Drab, as his name implies, is kind of a sad-sack and somewhat listless. Although his overbearing mother controls his life and he is an obedient son, he still has hopes of someday finding a girl to marry of whom his mother will approve. Like Winnifred, he is honest and sincere. She gives him confidence in himself and within the course of the musical, we see him grow in self-assurance until he is finally able to confront his mother.

Queen Aggravain, as her name suggests, is extremely vain, believing that her way of doing things is the only way. She is devoted to her son, Dauntless, and has no intention of ever allowing him to leave her or to have another woman in his life. She selfishly dominates everything that happens in the castle, never considering the feelings of others.

The Silent King has been brow-beaten by the Queen and is very passive. He has learned that it is easier just to let the Queen have her own way than to fight her. Because he has not been able to speak for so long, he has learned to communicate through pantomime, or gestures. He loves his son and sympathizes with him but realizes he can do little to help him. Despite his frustrations, he is extremely good natured.

Lady Larken is a sweet girl but, perhaps because she is in love but unable to marry, she tends to be oversensitive. She is extremely frustrated that she can't marry Harry, but also extremely excited at the opportunity to be Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Winnifred. Of all the Ladies, it is Larken who most hopes that Winnifred will pass the test.

Sir Harry is a regular guy and, like Larken, is eager for Dauntless to find a bride so that he and Larken can marry. He is brave and dedicated enough to venture on a "perilous journey" in hopes of finding a genuine princess whom the Queen will find suitable as a bride for Dauntless.

The Minstrel and Jester are court entertainers and they have a great sense of joy in what they do. They sometimes serve as narrators and are assured in their ability to tell the story with authority. There is also something playful and mischievous about them. Either role may be played by a boy or girl.

The Wizard is the Queen's confidant, her only friend and therefore the only person she can really talk to. However, he, like everyone else in the kingdom, is apprehensive of the Queen and would never have to courage to contradict her.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AUDITIONS:

You will audition in front of 3 or 4 adults in the LMHS auditorium. There will be every attempt made to have a third party (non-school/musical related) person to add an impartial perspective in the audition process. There will be a CD recorded accompaniment available for the purchase of $1.00 on Aug. 16 that you must use in the audition. You may not audition a cappella (without an accompaniment). You should expect to sing all songs for your gender and you will need to be ready to recite all the lines for your gender (one character at a time of course) You can/should audition with a partner for the lines and song duets. There will be a form to fill out before your

audition in the auditorium lobby that you need to bring in to your audition. You will enter through the Lobby doors when the person ahead of you is finished.

Stay calm and have fun! We are cheering for you!

Mandatory Meeting for Parents of Cast & Crew

Monday, September 14, 2015 6:00-7:00 p.m.

In the High School Auditorium

All high school cast and crewmembers have a mandatory meeting that same night, Sept 14 from

7:00-9:00 p.m. in the auditorium

Requirements to participate in this musical:

1. Rehearsals are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from September 14 until the performance dates. Generally rehearsals begin at 7:00 pm. A DETAILED REHEARSAL

SCHEDULE WILL BE HANDED OUT ON Mon. Sept. 14. Not everyone will be required to be at every rehearsal – make sure you reference the detailed rehearsal schedule, you must

attend if you are not participating in an athletic game. * Because each role relies on everyone else in the cast to have a productive rehearsal, you are expected to ask off of work for rehearsals when you know them ahead of time. Some resource and weekend

rehearsals will be scheduled as needed.

2. ATTEND THE ALL CAST AND CREW MANDATORY MEETING – Monday, September 14, 7:00-9:00 pm.

Important information will be handed out at this meeting.

3. Saturday, October 31 – MANDATORY REHEARSAL FOR ALL CAST & RUN CREW All-day rehearsal from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. (lunch is provided)

4. You must be available for the ALL CAST/CREW calls the

3 weeks before the show opening night.

5. There will be some Sunday rehearsals for some specific roles. Details will be provided at initial meeting on September 14.

6. Because performances tend to be well attended we will be performing 4 shows this year (two on Saturday). Students should expect to stay through the afternoon for group

photos. Yes, it is a long day but we will have a “down time” to relax as well. More details will be announced, as we get closer to the time.

7. There will be a fundraiser held on Sunday, November 1 from 2-4:00 p.m. All main roles are expected to attend as well as many of the cast and crew. Details TBA. Some cast and

crewmembers will need to be there early to get dressed and set up for the event.

*If you have a sport event/game you are expected to come to musical rehearsal as soon as you are done with the event/game. Bring supper or have someone bring you supper on these nights so you can stay. AUDITIONS – Everyone interested in the musical should go through the singing & speaking audition. No one from the high school will be “cut” from the production but the audition is used to determine specific roles.

Those interested in a principal role will need to learn all the songs and speaking lines intended for your gender. It is not required to have it memorized but it will help you to audition “full out” if you do. Sign up for a 25-minute time slot with a partner. Take the time to practice the scenes and songs with your partner before your audition day. We need to see your ability to be flexible with different roles.

If you are interested in a small role or chorus part you will only need to audition with one song and one speaking part. If that is the case, you should try to sign up with a group of 3 or 4 people in the one 25 minute time slot.

Sign up sheets are posted by the HS music room door.

PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SIGN UP TO AUDITION!!!! It will not help you to wait and often the times get filled up.

Audition Dates:

Friday, September 4, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Tentative Callbacks will be Monday September 7 @ 7:00-9:00 p.m.

in order to work around sporting events.

AUDITION WORKSHOP FOR ALL INTERESTED CAST MEMBERS WILL BE SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Plan to attend! It is very helpful to you.

BRING $1.00 for a CD and THIS AUDITION PACKET TO THE WORKSHOP

We are looking for people who are prepared and are able to show great character development in auditions. This will include facial expressions, body language, confidence, poise, vocal clarity, competent and confident singers, and being willing to take a risk at playing someone else. The main roles are not only lead characters, but will lead as examples for the entire cast & crew and set the tone for the entire musical experience. However, any performance is only as good as the smallest role. There are NO insignificant parts and each and every person is needed to create something great and memorable. Audition pieces and scenes are attached. These represent some of the main characters in the musical but will help us determine ALL of the character placements.

EVERYONE WHO AUDITIONS should sing Many Moons Ago in a small group. This song has some small solos indicated – divide them amongst your group. Everyone in the group should be prepared to speak the small amount of lines as well. Sign up to audition as a group if you only want a small role.

THOSE INTERESTED IN A PRINCIPAL OR SUPPORTING ROLE THIS YEAR OR IN THE

FUTURE, NEED TO ALSO PREPARE THE SONGS AND LINES BELOW with a partner. (If there are not enough boy/girl combinations available you can act out any role).

WOMEN

• Happily Ever After – Princess Winnefred Solo • Sensitivity – Queen Aggravain (with the Wizard)

ALL GUYS AND GIRLS NEED TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUET:

• In a Little While – Lady Larkin & Sir Harry (with lines leading up to it) MEN

• Man to Man Talk – Prince Dauntless sings and talks while King Sextimus performs good comedic pantomime – this is extremely important!!

• Very Soft Shoes – Jester solo WITH AN IMPROV DANCE BREAK

CALLBACKS There are often so many good auditions that we need to set up an additional callback time for some people. Due to the way Labor Day falls this year on the calendar, we will unfortunately have to meet Monday, Sept. 7 in order to find time when students are not involved in an athletic game. Hopefully by meeting later in the evening from 7-9:00 p.m. it will avoid most conflicts. Callbacks will consist of: The Minstrel, the Jester, and I – learn ALL parts Shy – Winnifred – We are NOT looking for “belters” just good, expressive, strong singers/actors. Queen’s monologue – (or at least part of it) It may also include the songs that you needed for your original audition. You will get a text Saturday night letting you know if we need to see you for callbacks. If you get a text, make sure you respond so we know you got it.

This is an all-school production, any member of the HIGH SCHOOL student body interested in participating in the musical are encouraged to join the cast and crews. Encourage your friends to try it. They will thank you! It takes a cast and crew of varied talents and interests to produce a successful show. A Separate Tech packet is available for students interested in crew duties. STUDENTS ARE NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS…

ACTORS, SINGERS, PROP COORDINATORS, DANCERS, SET BUILDERS AND PAINTERS, STAGE CREW, CURTAIN TECHNICIAN, LIGHT CREW, COSTUME/SEWERS, HAIR/MAKEUP CREW,

SOUND CREW, etc…

AUDITION RESULTS WILL BE POSTED AFTER SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 (3:00) OUTSIDE THE HS MUSIC ROOM DOOR

If you have any questions feel free to ask Mrs. Heimstreet at Linda.heimstreet@lakemills.k12.wi.us 648-2355 ext. 316

Break a Leg!

Mark your calendar now....

Mandatory Meeting for ALL PARENTS of Cast & Crew Monday, September 14, 2014

6:00-7:00 p.m. In the High School Auditorium

All high school cast and crewmembers have a mandatory

meeting that same night, Sept 14 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the auditorium