I know that none of you know this blog exists, but starting next week, you will!
I am just sending "thinks" trough the air at this point.
Back to school for all of us! I am so looking forward to seeing all of you and to hear about your fun summer antics and see how much everyone has grown. For the time being, most of this blog will be for the Seussical auditions, but very soon, we will have something for everyone to come and check out. I will post all of the dates of our children's K-5 performances this year. I am hoping this will be a resource for everyone.
See you all on Thursday evening at open house!
5th Grade Seussical update:
Audition date - Friday August 15th afterschool until 4:30 p.m.
Lead Rehearsals will be Mon. and Thurs. until 4:00 p.m. beginning August 21st.
I will be passing out permission forms the 1st week of school, along with audition scripts.
You will need to have the entire script memorized. The singing portion will be with music and I will teach you what you need to know. It is the memorization and the personality of the cat that you will need to create yourself! ALL lead parts sing solos in this show.
Here is a link to a place that has a recording of exactly what you need to know. http://www.broadwayjr.com/store/showkitproduct.asp?oid=18 The recording is on the left side, with a small earphone and says "Oh, The Thinks you can Think!"
Only worry about what I have given you for the audition. Feel free to explore the entire page though, as lots of hints as to what the individual characters are like. The section marked AUDITION CETRAL has all the details. There are also examples of some of the other songs for you. This is an excellent way to prepare for the audition.
Memorize for confidence.
Aspects of a strong audition:
- Speaking strongly wth confidence - If I can not hear you, I can not understand what is happening in the show. Seussical is full of crazy and new words, so delivery is essential..
- Performing the script with emotion and correct delivery of desired message - You have to have the ability to memorize. This is a difficult aspect of theatre. Memorize, with emotion. the audience needs to understand the message that is being delivered through the words you are saying.
- Singing strongly with confidence - Sing out! I want to hear that beautiful strong voice. if you are too loud, I will let you know. But if i can not hear you, you can not be cast as a lead in this show. Every lead character needs to be able to sing a solo.
- Singing on pitch - OK guys, this is essential, but something that we can work on together. yes, I need you to sing the correct tune. Listen well in class and you will do fine. Some of us struggle with pitch and that is something personal we will continue to work on together as a group. Let someone at home listen to you and help you match pictches to the tune. (You can find ALL the Seussical songs on youtube - have your parents help you)
- Behavior and cooperation with the rest of the group dring the audition and in class - Behavior is the key to success, not just with me, but in life. People want to be around people who are nice and supportive of them. they don't want to work with people who make them feel uncomfortable. This means no talking, whispering, or even funny looks while anyone is auditioning.
If you are prepared, it will fall nto place. remember, everyone auditioning wants the same thing. Yes, it is a competitive thing. there is no way getting around that. But, I have found that the better prepapared you are, the more supportive you are of everyone, the better I end up doing. With that said, not everyone can earn a lead part, there are only so many characters to be cast. The students who auditon for our lead cast are usually my most talented students, kindest students, and love music. Casting a lead cast in one of our shows is the hardest thing I do all year as a teacher, but a decision that must be done to move toward our goal. Please know I understand people who are upset about not getting what they desired. It is something we learn about it life. We don't always get what we think we deserve and yes, it has happened to me many more times than I would like to remember. But, my overall motto has become "Life is about playing the game with the cards you are dealt." We don't always get a "re-do", so we need to become a success with what we are given. It is how we play the game with those alternative cards that makes the difference in our own future. So we will pick up are cards and move on with whatever happens in the audition process. Everyone will be cast in the chorus, if not a lead part. The show is an amazing show, for everyone!!!!!
Parts that will be cast from the auditions:Cat In The Hat
Gertrude
Horton
JoJo
Mayzie
Mr. Mayor
Mrs. Mayor
Sour Kangaroo
Yertle the Turtle
4-8 Bird Girls (girls ensemble)
4-8 Wickersham Brothers (Boys/girls ensemble)
The chorus will play roles as the Whos of Whoville, Fish, and Jungle Citizens.
