Welcome to auditions
Well done! You’ve put yourself forward for the opportunity to be in a production and now it’s time for the first step of the process - the audition!
Auditions are open to all children in Y3-5. Children who have signed up for the trip to see Wicked In London on 9th September are required to audition in order to secure their place on the trip, however children not attending the trip are also invited to audition if they would like to. Children who are currently attending the summer term Sefton Spotlights club will benefit from sessions focusing on acting, singing and dancing as well as audition technique, however auditions are open to all children and you do not have to attend Sefton Spotlights summer term club to audition.
With extremely high numbers of auditionees expected this year we will be unable to offer a part to children who have not taken time to prepare both their monologue and their song. We understand and expect that auditionees will make mistakes and may wish to start over or require support and prompting throughout their audition. However, children who arrive at their audition having not learned any of either their monologue or song are unlikely to be ready for the commitment ahead and so will not be offered a part.
Like previous shows we have staged, The Wizard of Oz (Youth Edition) relies on a large ensemble to create a real spectacle. Ensemble roles include tornado dancers, munchkins, crows, talking trees, jitterbugs, Emerald City citizens, Oz puppeteers, winged monkeys and winkie guards. The ensemble are onstage more than most featured roles and will need to learn a large amount of choreography and lots of songs. Whilst they may have few or no lines of dialogue, it is important to emphasise that when we are singing or dancing in the context of musical theatre, we are always acting as well. Ensemble roles require a large commitment and involve lots of stage time and are not just extras. Because the show is very ensemble driven, all roles will require a large commitment, will be needed at every rehearsal and will require lots of homework and rehearsal, including through multiple breaktimes and lunchtimes as the performances approach. Auditions will take place after school between Friday 3rd July and Friday 17th July. Please use the online audition portal on the Sefton Spotlights website, www.seftonspotlights.co.uk/auditions to book an after-school audition slot or visit the school office where a member of staff will help you to book a slot. Children will need to be brought to school by a parent/carer for their audition unless you are happy for them to walk to and from school by themselves; please indicate this when you sign up. Where necessary, callbacks will take place during lunchtimes on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July. Casting will be announced before school breaks up on Wednesday 22nd July. We will not be able to reschedule auditions for no-shows unless there are exceptional circumstances. Children who do not attend their audition will forfeit their place in the autumn club and the production.
What you need to do
Read through the character breakdowns and decide which role(s) you would most like to be considered for.
Choose your audition monologue and begin learning the lines.
Prepare your audition song. Some characters have a specific song listed on their character page. For all other roles, we recommend singing The Merry Old Land of Oz.
Listen to the tracks in the Audition Portal and practise singing with the accompaniment track.
Book an audition slot with a parent or carer using the online booking system.
Attend your audition ready to perform your monologue and song and to learn a short movement sequence.
Believe in yourself and enjoy the process! Auditions can feel nerve-racking, but they are also an exciting opportunity to show us what you can do.
