1
School Version
HHS Musical Productions
The Ultimate Musical Handbook
(to Awesome-ness and Magical-ness!)
♫ Rules, Regulations, and Expectations ♫ Audition Requirements ♫ Audition Process ♫ Specific Songs for Auditions ♫ Important Dates to Save ♫ Helpful Performing Tips ♫ Information Sheet (to be returned) ♫ Audition Form (to be returned)
2
MUSICAL CONTRACT AND PERMISSION FORM
Dear Cast Members, Crew, and Parents/Guardians of HHS,
Highlands Musical Production Staff is pleased to announce the Spring Musical Production for
this year: Grease: School Version. We are very excited about presenting this show with our
talented students! We foresee Grease becoming an instant community hit as we celebrate 50
Years of Highlands High School!
Three performances of the show are scheduled on March 9, 10, and 11, 2018. On
Friday and Saturday, the show will begin at 7:00pm and on Sunday, at 2:00pm (Daylight Savings). Each year, the spring musical generates participation from the students, staff, administration, and community. Our goal is to make this year legendary as we “slick back our hair” with this high energy production!
We are thrilled that you have shown an interest in being a part of this year’s musical. In
order to continue the legacy of high quality productions that Highlands High School has established, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules and regulations. Please have a parent/guardian read this information. Both students and parents need to sign the bottom of the final pages (pages 14 and 15). If you are planning to audition, you must return this signed paper prior to the audition
date: please return by Tuesday, November 7, 2017 by 2:36pm.
Auditions will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017 ONLY.
Callbacks will be at 10:30am on Saturday, November 11, 2017. (Callback list will
be posted online by 7:45pm on Friday, November 10th on the hhsgoldenstars.weebly.com website and also the Facebook page HHS Golden Stars: Mr. Z’s Choral World Cyber Classroom.) The order of your audition is determined by how quickly you return the signed form at the end of this packet. Signed contracts and permission forms should be returned to Mr. Zeiler in Room F106.
Best of luck and break a leg,
HHS Musical Production Staff
3
RULES, REGULATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THIS YEARS MUSICAL
1.) Students MUST attend all rehearsals for which they are scheduled unless there is a valid
excuse. All students are expected to be on time for practices. If the student has 4 unexcused absences, his or her participation in the show will be limited. If a student has more than 4 unexcused absences, he or she will no longer be permitted to participate in the show.
Unexcused absences include (but are not limited to):
Experiencing transportation problems to or from musical practice.
Missing practice to complete school assignments.
Missing practice without legitimate illness.
Working at a job or babysitting during scheduled practices.
Any recreational or social activities that should be arranged for after practice or on the weekends.
Excused absences include:
School sponsored activities.
Illness or injury documented by a physician’s note.
Serious illness.
Death in the family. (Funeral of a family member or relative.)
Religious holiday.
Emergencies and other reasons deemed acceptable and sufficient by the High School Principals.
2.) Communication is key! Communication is essential! Communication is
extremely important! Regardless of the situation, please always communicate an absence
to Mr. Zeiler at [email protected]. Even if a student is absent from school, it is still that individual’s responsibility to communicate their absence. Please always have the mutual respect to email the director or producer (Deb Lehew [email protected]) with any questions or concerns. (Outside of high school, in the “performing arts world,” if a cast member were to not show-up for a rehearsal without any communication to the director, that cast member would immediately be replaced. Please always communicate.)
3.) There will be a MANDATORY Saturday dress rehearsal on March 3, 2018
starting at 9:30am – 6:30pm. If you cannot make this Saturday rehearsal (unless of an
extreme emergency situation) please do not audition for the musical. Some additional Saturday rehearsals may also be necessary. You are expected to be at ALL Saturday rehearsals. Prior notification will always be communicated.
4
4.) Rehearsals will be held after school. Typically rehearsals run from 5:30 – 8:00pm. However, the
week of the show there will be several late night rehearsals. The schedule of
these evening rehearsals will be announced at a later date and time. These evening rehearsals are mandatory as well. Every effort will be made by the director and musical production staff to
inform you of these rehearsals in advance. Please be flexible and understanding
that dress rehearsals the week of the show, may run as late as 10:00 –
10:30pm.
5.) As per past practice, it has always been the performing mentality of all cast and staff members that NO ONE misses after Valentine’s Day. From February 15th until opening night of the show ALL CAST MEMBERS are expected to participate in every rehearsal. Only an extreme “once in a
lifetime” excused absence will be granted if properly and professionally communicated. It is
essential that EVERY CAST MEMBER is present from February 15th
until
opening night at all rehearsals.
6.) As per past practice, it is the student’s choice when choosing to attend rehearsals and practices
with other sports and activities. Students are encouraged to share or split their time so that they do not miss too much practice from any other school activity. Therefore, your presence at each
rehearsal is required for at least half the time if you are involved in another activity. These
arrangements must be made with the director (Mr. Zeiler) in advance.
7.) All participants must remain eligible according to the school policy for extracurricular activities. (60% cumulative GPA per class) Also, participants must maintain regular school attendance and must be a student in good standing in regard to their student behavior. Any severe behavior or misconduct will be communicated and handled directly by the high school principals and dean of students.
8.) YOUR ACADEMICS COME FIRST! Develop good time management skills and take
advantage of your free time! Please use the time between 2:36 - 5:30pm to study, complete assignments, or even get tutoring from a teacher. Furthermore, F101 is be designated a “quiet homework – study room.” If any students need to focus and concentrate on their academics, they are welcome to take advantage of this room during rehearsals.
9.) Students are also expected to be on their best behavior at rehearsals and performances,
and must treat all staff and other students with respect. Failure to do so will result in their removal from the production.
5
10.) Practice an environment of positivity and encouragement! We do not want an
environment that spawns negativity, gossiping, degrading or demoralizing others. The musical must always remain a positive part of your high school and must always carry on a high caliber reputation among our community. Students who choose to be negative, post inappropriate comments within “cyber world,” or abuse their privilege of being a part of this wonderful production will result in their removal from the musical.
11.) Students will be responsible for some of their own props and costumes, which must be approved by the musical production staff. Mrs. Davis is our Fashion Designer. Please communicate all creativity and concerns with her. We are all here to help you “look good on stage.”
Additionally, each cast member will need to pay a $50.00 NON-
REFUNDABLE participation fee. Checks can be made payable to
Highlands Musical Productions. We are asking that all fees are paid by the end of
January 2018. If there are any financial conflicts, please communicate them to our Producer, Mrs. Deb Lehew. If participation fees are not paid by the end of January, we will assume that you do not want to participate within the musical production as a cast member. Again, your participation fee is NON-REFUNDABLE once payment has been submitted.
12.) Regardless of your grade, age, or role in past productions, your role selected for Grease:
School Version is based on the quality of your audition. There is no purpose in
having auditions if the judges simply select roles according to prior year’s performances. Each musical season all students begin with a “clean slate” so to speak. Prior musical casting decisions will not factor into this seasons audition process. Please take auditions seriously and professionally. Arrive on time for your audition, be prepared, have your material memorized,
and conduct yourself in a professional manner. We expect you to be prepared,
animated, and mature. Once again, please understand that no matter
what role you had last year, it does not guarantee you a role for this year.
These rules and regulations are very basic. Although we do not foresee any problems, we want to make sure everyone is on the same page. The musical has been a very positive experience for many students in the past and we want to make sure that it continues to be in the future! Thank you for sharing your talented children with us! Together, we have built a very successful program. Let our names “live forever!”
6
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
We need you to be uninhibited and animated – you are re-creating a part of musical history that truly was iconic and essential towards the development of musical theater. So have fun, make us laugh and enjoy the process as much as possible. (Feel free to come dressed as your favorite character.) Each character’s personality within the show is dramatically different from one another.
There is NO SMALL PART of this show. An ensemble member is JUST AS IMPORTANT as a lead/supporting character. Ensemble members will be expected to play multiple roles requiring your utmost strength and flexibility. Most of these parts contain solo singing, dialogue, as well as featured dancing. By accepting this role, you will be part of a featured ensemble that will require your hard work, dedication and perseverance. Roles will NOT be determined by student’s grade level, but rather assigned based on the quality of their audition.
Auditions will begin promptly at 5:00pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017. Please plan to arrive
no later than 20 mins prior to your audition. If called back, you will be expected to attend call-backs on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 10:30am. Please be prepared to stay all morning and into the afternoon. If not called back, please do not panic or stress. It simply means you had a great audition, and we may already have a spot for you.
The order of the auditions is determined by the order in which the applications are received.
Audition forms and contracts must be turned into Mr. Zeiler, Room F106, by Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 2:36pm. The order will be posted Thursday. All students interested in ONLY ensemble parts and a featured dance audition will tryout with their vocal song first. ONLY students interested in being in the ensemble may tryout in groups of three, with the understanding that no one will be selected for a speaking or singing role. All audition material must be memorized. Featured dance auditions will occur starting around 9:00pm on Thursday.
All students interested in being a cast member of this musical production for a specific character
must audition with a vocal song individually. You will be judged in the following areas for your vocal audition:
♪ Tone/Pitch (10 pts) ♪ Projection (10pts) ♪ Rhythm Accuracy (10pts) ♪ Expression/Stage Presence (10pts) ♪ Preparedness (10pts)
**No sheet music permitted. Please come prepared with your music rehearsed or memorized.
7
AUDITION PROCESS
Vocal auditions will take place first. Every student auditioning must partake in this process. Please come to auditions properly rehearsed and memorized, with a selected song requested from the Accompaniment Track.
Characters with Three Audition Selections
Students must prepare all three songs for auditions.
♫ Sandy = Summer Nights
Page 6 – 10
m35 – end
♫ Sandy = It’s Raining on Prom Night
Page 1 – 8
m4 – end (include spoken dialogue)
♫ Sandy = Sandy Dee Reprise
Page 1 – 6
m1 – end
♫ Danny = Summer Nights
Page 6 – 10
m35 – end
♫ Danny = Alone at the Drive-In Movie
Page 1 – 7
m1 – end
♫ Danny = All Choked Up
Page 1 – 3
m1 – m16
8
Characters with Two Audition Selections
Students must prepare both songs for auditions.
♫ Johnny Casino = Shakin’ At The High School Hop
Page 1 – 4
m1 – m25
♫ Johnny Casino = Born to Hand Jive
Page 1 – 4
m1 – m23
♫ Teen Angel = Beauty School Drop Out
Page 5 – 11
m32 – m79
♫ Teen Angel = Beauty School Drop Out – Reprise
Page 1 – 3
Characters with One Audition Selection
Students must prepare this song for auditions.
♫ Doody = Those Magic Changes
Page 5 – 8
m33 – end
♫ Marty = Freddy, My Love
Page 4 – 10
m21 – end
♫ Kenickie = Greased Lightnin’
Page 1 – 7
m2 – m51
♫ Patty = Rydell Fight Song
Page 1 – 2
mD – 16
9
♫ Roger = Mooning
Page 3 – 7
m24 – end
♫ Jan = Mooning
Page 4 – 6
m25 – m47
♫ Rizzo = Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee
Page 2 – 6
m1 – end
♫ Radio Voice (Frenchy) = It’s Raining on Prom Night
Page 1 – 8
m1 – end (include spoken dialogue)
♫ Cha-Cha = Born to Hand-Jive
Pick any version of the song “Born to Hand-Jive” for a dance audition.
Create a one minute improv dance that illustrates the dancing performance
of this character. Please stay true to the integrity of this character.
Please bring your song with you to auditions (or you may communicate to
the judges a YouTube link you used).
♫ General Ensemble = We Go Together
Page 1 – 5
m1 – m48
= If you are interested in JUST BEING IN THE CAST ENSEMBLE, you may
audition THREE students at a time within your callback time.
= All THREE members must return their contract form at the same time.
= By auditioning for JUST AN ENSEMBLE CAST MEMBER, it will be
understood that you WILL NOT have a speaking or solo singing role.
Dance Auditions will follow vocal auditions on Thursday. They will begin around 9:00pm.
After each student auditions on their vocal song, a short dance routine will be taught to a song within the musical. Once the routine is learned and all vocal auditions are complete, you will then perform the short dance piece for the judges. Your audition is to showcase your dance ability, technique, and training. Dancers will be judged in the areas of:
♪ Technique/Cleanliness (10 pts) ♪ Expression (10 pts) ♪ Stylistic Appropriateness (10 pts)
♪ Rhythmic Mobility (10 pts) ♪ Preparedness (10 pts)
10
Callbacks will be on Saturday, November 11th from 10:30 – 6:00pm. (Please save this entire day for a callback auditions and please pack a lunch.) Callbacks will consist of three performing categories:
1.) An Animation Audition
= Students will be expected to improvise, act, and dance out a scene. You will be given guidelines on what is expected. Each character in the show is expected to be extremely animated and showcase a unique personality. We expect you to do the same from the very start!
2.) Dry-Read Through
= Students will be expected to read from the script. You will be given multiple chances to read for different characters. No matter the character you are assigned, give the reading “your all!”
3.) Vocal Audition
= Students will be expected to re-sing their vocal audition plus be asked to sing for other characters within the show. ** Please check the HHS Golden Stars: Mr. Z’s Choral World Cyber Classroom Facebook page and the hhsgoldenstars.weebly.com website on Friday, November 10, 2018 by 7:45pm if you received a callback for Saturday.
The Afternoon of Callbacks:
If you are called back for the afternoon session, this could be perceived as a “round three” of auditions. If asked to stay after the animation audition and the dry read-through, it is because we need to see you audition for more than one role. We want to see how diverse you are, your willingness of learning a new part, and to see if you would be a better fit than what you originally auditioned with. Remember, there is only ONE cast member per role. There are only so many lead roles to be assigned.
If you make it into the final round of callbacks, often times the judges cannot compare numerical scores anymore. Usually these final students have scored the highest and we need to observe other performance qualities and traits. Unfortunately, we are forced to “chip away at goodness” and really start “picking at flaws” that would make a student not suitable for a role. If there are multiple cast members that could be assigned the same role, this is what the judges are observing, reflecting upon, and looking for:
Your tone quality. Does your pitch and singing parallel the style of the “role of the
character?”
Your acting and animation. When reading, are your lines delivered with energy and
intensity? Do they match the personality of the character you are auditioning for? Can we hear and understand your dialogue?
11
Your rhythmic mobility. Can you “move like” and “dance like” the character?
Your chemistry. Does your acting, singing, and dancing “gel” with other cast
members? Is it sincere and realistic?
Artistic Integrity. By stepping into this role, will it be believable to the audience? Are
you staying true to the integrity of the character and the script’s description of the character?
Your grades and attendance. Ultimately if two students are “neck ‘n neck” where
the show could be casted with either person, these three R.A.M.S. factors will be strongly considered:
1.) first nine weeks grades
2.) attendance, both school days and class periods
3.) discipline record and behavior (both inside and outside of the classroom)
** could all be the final deciding factors if you receive the role or not.
CAST LIST POSTING
On Wednesday, November 22, 2017, the musical cast list will be posted on the HHS Golden Star Facebook Page and HHSgoldenstars.weebly.com.
Once the cast list is posted, all results are final. There will be NO requests honored to meet with the staff, the judges, or the director regarding your role or the audition process.
Parents and students, we are sincerely asking for your professionalism and respect once the cast list is posted. Unfortunately, not everyone will receive a character with speaking lines. There is only ONE role for ONE student.
Be appreciative of the opportunity you have been given and embrace the adventure you are about to experience. Remember, being on stage in a privilege, it is not right.
Any behavior displayed or reported that conflicts with school conduct (bullying, social media retaliation, threats, etc.) will result in an immediate meeting with staff and administrators to discuss recasting and dismissal from the production.
Support. Care. Praise. Be supportive of each other, be kind to each other, and praise the success of being able to showcase your talents within such a high caliber musical production.
No matter what role a student is assigned, you WILL have an amazing experience! The next three months will be such a rewarding process, with memories that will last a lifetime.
12
IMPORTANT DATES TO SAVE ON YOUR CALENDAR!
Thursday, November 9, 2017
= Musical Auditions @ 5:00 – 9:30pm = Arrive 20 mins prior to your report time = Featured Dance Auditions after all vocal auditions are finished (estimated time 9:00pm)
Saturday, November 11, 2017
= Callbacks @ 10:30am – 6:00pm = pack a lunch, bring snacks
Monday, November 20, 2017
= Musical Parent Meeting @ 6:00pm HHS Café = All parents of cast members who auditioned, please plan to attend
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
= Cast List will be posted after 4:00pm
Monday, December 11, 2017
= Caroling in the Community Musical “Tag Day” @ 6:30 – 8:30pm
Saturday, January 20, 2018
= Meet ‘n Greet Alumni and Musical Cast Rehearsal @ 12noon – 2:00pm
Friday, February 2, 2018
= Cabaret Concert Dress Rehearsal @ 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
= HHS Musical Alumni and Cast Cabaret Concert @ 7:00pm = HHS 50th Anniversary Celebration!!!
Wednesday, February 15th
Sunday, March 11th
2018
= No excuses for missed rehearsals unless an extreme emergency situation! = EVERYONE is EXPECTED to be at every rehearsal!
Saturday, March 3, 2018
= MANDATORY Musical Marathon Full Dress Rehearsal 9:30am – 6:30pm = bring snacks and drinks
** If you cannot make this Saturday rehearsal (unless of an extreme emergency situation)
please do not audition for the musical.
13
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
= Closed Dress Rehearsal @6:00pm
Thursday, March 8, 2018
= Open Dress Rehearsal to Parents @ 6:00pm = Only performance that video recording and cameras are allowed of the production
Friday, March 9, 2018
= GREASE: School Version @ 7:00pm
Saturday, March 10, 2018
= GREASE: School Version @ 7:00pm
Sunday, March 11, 2018
= GREASE: School Version @ 2:00pm (Daylight Savings)
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER:
If selected for a lead role, cast members will be expected to purchase some of their own costuming. Accessories appropriate for your individual character. Ensemble Costumes Cast T-Shirt / Cast Hoodie / Cast Track Jacket Donations for Cabaret Baskets Donations for Concession Items Lunch for Saturday Rehearsals Any additional Souvenir Programs aside from the 1 free program given to each cast member.
Helpful Hints to being an amazing performer!
Concentrate on “Proper Singing Technique!” Practice like you will perform! Be animated and have expression! Be larger than life on stage! Make the audience believe the lyrics to your song! Have passion in your heart and a beat in your soul!
14
---------------------------(Detach and return page 14 and 15 only.)----------------------------------- (Please keep pages 1 through 13 as a reference for this year’s musical.)
Order # Received: _____________
Please return this form to Mr. Zeiler in Room F106
by Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 2:36pm
**By signing this form, we acknowledge that we have read the above rules, regulations, and expectations regarding the musical and agree to abide by them.
Students Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________
(please print and sign)
Contact Number: ________________________ Email: ________________________________________________
Grade: ________________ Homeroom # and Teacher: ____________________________________________
Voice Part: _________________________ Musical Ensembles: ______________________________________
Parents/Guardians: _______________________________________________________________________________
(please print and sign)
Contact Number: ________________________ Email: _________________________________________________
Address:
15
GREASE: School Version Audition Form Audition forms must be turned into Mr. Zeiler Room F106 by
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 2:36pm
Name: ________________________________________________ Grade: __________ I am interested in the following 2 roles: ______________________________________ AND ______________________________________
Roles will NOT be determined by student’s grade level, but rather assigned based on the
quality of their audition. We expect you to be prepared, be animated, and be mature. Once
again, please understand that no matter what role you had last year, it does not guarantee
you a role for this year.
Interested in ONLY CAST ENSEMBLE: YES or NO (please circle) (If yes, students may audition up to 3 at one time.)
Interested in Featured Dance Auditions: YES or NO (please circle)
Voice/Theater/Dance Experience:
