Audition Information
Signing up for your audition
Everyone will sign-up for auditions by filling out the online Audition Sign-Up Form - link is at the top of this page.
- You'll need your parents/guardians email addresses, and for RJH students, your school email address.
- Please have a list of your CONFLICTS - including potential conflicts - when you sign-up.
- We'll make an announcement via email & on the Home Page of this website when the Sign-Up's begin.
Audition Workshops
Occasionally we will offer Audition Workshops to our students at the school
These Workshops help teach our kids about presenting themselves confidently in front of a group of people while helping them feel more comfortable when preparing for the Live Auditions.
Our goal is to give our young people the best tools we can to succeed in all areas of their lives. Auditions can be enjoyable, but for many, it's a time of great anxiety. These workshops can help the kids to break through the anxiety and stress that often accompanies presenting or interacting with a larger group of people.
Successful auditioning incorporates many valuable life skills, such as:
We'll announce upcoming Workshops via this website and an all-school email.
These Workshops help teach our kids about presenting themselves confidently in front of a group of people while helping them feel more comfortable when preparing for the Live Auditions.
Our goal is to give our young people the best tools we can to succeed in all areas of their lives. Auditions can be enjoyable, but for many, it's a time of great anxiety. These workshops can help the kids to break through the anxiety and stress that often accompanies presenting or interacting with a larger group of people.
Successful auditioning incorporates many valuable life skills, such as:
- Public speaking
- Presenting yourself to a group of people
- Diction and articulation
- Respect
We'll announce upcoming Workshops via this website and an all-school email.
Preparing for your audition
Each student will perform a short monologue or poem, and part of a song, using the guidelines below. For both, we want to see you make choices: about your character, their situation, and who they’re talking to. If your monologue or song is from a show it can be helpful for you to know the context within the story. If not, make up your own story!
NOTE: you do NOT have to choose a song or monologue from our show.
MONOLOGUE
If are not able to attend the In-Person auditions, you may submit a video audition:
NOTE: you do NOT have to choose a song or monologue from our show.
MONOLOGUE
- You may choose from Choose 1 of the 5 monologues using the PDF link below, or select your own short monologue or poem. A good choice is always a Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss poem; you can find many online.
- You should memorize your monologue.
- You may use a printout to reference during your audition, but remember, it's very distracting to you and the directors when you have to "peek" at a printout.
- Each student should prepare a verse and/or chorus of a song. The song can be a pop song or a song from another musical, but we encourage you to listen to the show and choose something with a similar style.
- You may sing a capella or with a backing track (you must bring a CD or an iPod, or a device that can connect to a bluetooth speaker).
If are not able to attend the In-Person auditions, you may submit a video audition:
- Use the above guidelines to choose a monologue & song.
- You may perform them in 1 video, or 2 separate videos.
- The first video should include your “Slating”, where you introduce yourself with name, grade, and what you'll be reciting & singing.
- Please STAND when performing, and ensure adequate lighting and sound quality before sending the final video to us - stand close enough to the camera to be seen & heard.
- Share the videos with us via a shared drive (Google, Dropbox, etc) - please don’t email the videos. Send link to: [email protected].
- The Deadline for video submissions is 5pm on the day of Live Auditions.
Audition Tips
Here are some great tips to follow when you're auditioning:
SUMMARY
- We want you to be present at auditions, so don’t do anything that will distract you or the director (chewing gum, texting, etc).
- Wear something that you can move in. We will be starting the audition with a short dance call; don't let your choice of clothes let you down!
- We encourage you to bring water & a snack.
- Cell phones may NOT be on your person.
- Keep your hair off of your face - we want to see you!
- Remember, we want to see what YOU can bring to the production and we WANT you to succeed!
SUMMARY
- Memorize all material.
- Content should be age-appropriate.
- Give off an energy of confidence.
- Appear natural - show us your personality. We want to see who we'll be working with at rehearsals.
- Well-Rehearsed.
- First Impression.
- Efficient with words - no extra words (um, like, so, etc.)
- Understandable - speak clearly.
- Clear articulation - no mumbling.
- Use your own voice - no accents. We want to hear how expressive your voice can be.
- Tempo - speak at a speed that allows your audience to understand you and process what you're saying - don't rush.
- Volume/Voice inflection - change volumes to match the story.
- Connect with audience - Include everyone (if video, then pretend there's an audience in front and to the left & right of you).
- Keep eyes open.
- Keep eyes up - don't stare at ground.
- Move your focus - don't stare at 1 place; it makes you look scared.
- Be expressive - just like you do when talking to friends.
- Intentional movement on stage - moving around the stage isn’t necessary, but if you do, make it intentional vs nervous wandering.
- No wobbling or rocking.
- Stand square - when not moving on-purpose, stand with feet shoulder width apart.
- Natural movement - Don't be stiff; use arms & hands to help you to tell the story.
- Don’t overuse them, but do use them; it adds life to your story-telling!
Audition Day: How it works
- AUDITION SIGN-UPs: Everyone will sign-up for auditions by filling out an online form. See details under "Sign-Up".
- WHEN: Auditions are held after school.
- WHO: RJH Productions are open to grades 4-8. RES Productions are open to grades 3-4.
- Everyone gets cast in the show. Auditions will help us in assigning roles.
- WHERE: Auditions will be held in the RJH Cafeteria or the RES Gym.
- Everyone should plan on attending the Auditions for the entire time.
- WHAT: Everyone will recite a short MONOLOGUE or POEM, and sing a part of a SONG. Read more about this under "Prepare".
- VIDEO AUDITIONS: Students that are not able to attend auditions In-Person due to travel or illness may submit a Video Audition. Please read about this option under "Prepare".
Casting
- The Cast List will be posted on this website. We'll let you know the time & date of posting at Auditions.
- Casting is done based on:
- the individual's audition
- what the Director's feel will be best for the production
- what the Director's feel is the best placement for each student in order to most effectively tell the story of the play
- If you've decided NOT to participate, please let us know ASAP so we can replace your role before too much time goes by.