And More Rehearsal Stuff

From blocking , to extra choreo and music rehearsals, each rehearsal from now until show time is an important one. Here's what to expect over the next few "Musical" months and a tip or two on taking good care of yourself so you'll be your stage ready best!

I touched on this a bit earlier, but rehearsals will generally begin slowly, usually with a cast read through or two, then increase to the all important push during show week, which we will mention in a bit. Keep in mind at the beginning you will be required to do a lot of music rehearsals with your director or music director, learning the songs, perfecting them, working with your co star or co stars if you are featuring duets. There will also be chorus or ensemble rehearsals.

I can’t emphasize enough how important these rehearsals are. You will work with accompaniment, developing a singing style for your character. Yes, acting is important even while you are singing. Also, ironing out any other difficulties that may come up. Perhaps having to rearrange music to work more with your range. So music rehearsals are very important.

Likewise, choreography rehearsals. Your choreographer may hold after school practice for leads and for ensembles, especially for the all important production number.

Now for the dancing. I know from my own high school musical experience singing was my forte, dance…not so much. For some high school musical performers’, choreography is a difficult part of any musical. My advice to leads, however, is to try and make it look like you’re having fun, and you can dance. Most school choreographers will create pieces that take into consideration the level of talent he or she has to work with.

I’ve seen so many good characters suddenly get marked down once the choreo begins. Why? They suddenly look disinterested. If you’re finding parts of your choreo challenging, ask to work with your choreographer after school or on weekends. Work with your fellow cast mates if you have to. I had a drama teacher friend who brought her Captain and Maria in every day for a month till they could perform a kick ass Laendler. Choreo is as important as singing so work on perfecting both.

You need to be present for blocking rehearsals –actual rehearsal of your scenes where you will learn where to stand and where to enter and exit, among other things. From my high school musical days and from other students I speak to, they are the most tedious rehearsals but the most important.

There will be a lot of sitting around and waiting around but blocking is the core of the show and without it, there wouldn’t be a show. So be patient with your director. They are working to put together a good show. Pay attention, and be tolerant. When blocking is set and everyone is comfortable with scenes, it’s time to run through entire acts along with corresponding songs and choreography.

Also, depending on the size of your school, smaller schools often have smaller budgets, you may help paint scenery, build sets, design programs, tickets, posters, and serve as publicity person, too.

Make sure to take care of yourself. No doubt, you already know this but spring shows come slap in the middle of flu and cold season. Your directors probably tell you, but rest and take care of those voices, and you. Many schools do not work with second casts or understudies. They are depending on you. And with all that hard work, you don’t want to get sick at the last minute and miss the show. If you are committed to the musical, commit to it. Time with your friends, parties and other activities should come secondary and the show commitment first.

Ready...Set...Rehearse

The show is cast and you have that special part. It’s now serious musical time. In our next few blogs, we’ll be covering some good rehearsal tips to keep you in your best rehearsal mode, and help you and your cast mates create the BEST show ever.

The show is cast. Parts are assigned and it’s time to take part in your high school musical. Fasten your seat belt and get ready for a fantastic ride. Oh, there will be a few bumps along the way, but I can promise you it will be quite the journey, and one you'll want to repeat again and again. Once you take part in your first high school musical, you’re hooked.

Most directors hold a general meeting with the cast and ensemble once the show is cast. This is where scripts and a printed detailed rehearsal schedule are distributed. Some schools even invite parents to this meeting just to let everyone know the amount of time it will take to get the show off the ground, and note any scheduling conflicts.

You will receive your scripts and musical score at this time. This is important. 

You’ve probably heard that your school buys rights to perform your musical each year. The scripts come from the musical theater libraries where the rights were purchased. They are only on loan. Your director will emphasize this over and over DO NOT lose them or destroy them. If you need to make director's notes light pencil only and keep them to a minimum. I actually like to see actors buy a small notebook that fits in a back pack for director's notes. They are not expensive and you can take more detailed notes. 

Directors will also set a time limit at first meeting when they want their cast off book-that means knowing all your lines. My advice is get cracking on learning those lines ASAP. You can work with fellow cast mates especially if you have mutual scenes together. Other student actors I know record the last line or two of their fellow cast mates’ lines and that helps prompt them with their own dialogue when memorizing at home.

Your director may have other ideas for learning lines, but the bottom line is you are going to need to learn them so the sooner you start the better, and whatever method works for you, use it. Likewise, your music. Many shows have a “karaoke” version that features the show’s instrumental accompaniment. An excellent way to practice songs when at home.

As soon as you get your rehearsal schedule, check it over carefully. Make sure there are no conflicts on the dates you need to be at rehearsal. Rehearsals begin slowly. As scenes reach blocking, however, and if you are one of the leads, there is a chance you will need to be at almost every rehearsal. It is imperative that you clear any conflicts with your director from the get go. Check doctor appointments, family vacation plans or any other school conflicts, school testing, school events, etc.

I touched on this a bit earlier but one of things I notice about my nominated musicals, the cast is so engaging. They draw in the audience and make you feel like they want to perform their very best for you. Mostly, they look happy and they look like they want to be on that stage right there at that very moment, more than any other place in the world.

When you accept a part in your musical, from lead to chorus, the number one word you need to adopt is commitment. I know high school students lead busy lives. You have lots of after school activities you belong to, sports, year book, prom committees, and other clubs. Not to mention events outside of school. There are dance lessons, piano lessons, karate. I could go on forever. You get the picture.

Your high school musical is going to eat up a huge amount of your after school time. In the beginning, there will be rehearsals and a read through, musical numbers and choreo rehearsals. You’ll be required to attend after school rehearsals when it’s time to stage and block your scenes.

However, as it gets closer to the show, about a month away, there will be full run through, and then tech and dress rehearsals, not to mention rehearsals with the pit. You will most likely be rehearsing every day after school, weekends and toward opening night, many nights. Commitment.

My advice to you is that if you really want to be a part of this show, if you want to do everything to make it the best show ever, by lending your time and talent, then, go for it. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

If however, you don’t want to let go of other activities, temporarily, and you’re not sure you can devote the time, let your director know. Directors want students that give themselves 100 percent to their musical. If you can’t, they understand. But you need to let them know-at the beginning.

My other piece of advice is to be a team player. Do I notice the casts that don’t seem to work well together? Yep, it’s obvious. Check egos at the door guys. Leads, welcome the newbie’s. Newbie’s, study your leads. Lend your best efforts to EVERY scene. At a recent performance, I saw an ensemble lend so much to a supporting player’s comedic scene. It truly made the scene the hysterical mishmash it was supposed to be. The supporting actor then managed to get the entire ensemble and him in a rousing tap dance number. Perfection. If that wasn’t team work, I’m not sure what is.

Another word you need to embrace is respect. Respect for your director and music director and choreo first and foremost. They’ve been doing this a long time. Listen to their suggestions. Listen to their advice. Does that mean you can’t suggest something that you think might fit your character? Absolutely, not. A costume suggestion, accent suggestion, and the way you walk and deliver a line. Directors love creativity, but always approach in a polite way.

Arrive on time at rehearsals ready and prepared. If something comes up and you can’t make a rehearsal, hey, things happen, it’s understandable. Just make sure you seek your director out to let them know. As you know musicals involve exchange among cast members whether in dialogue or song, so a missing person can upset the entire apple cart.

Make sure you are available for costume fittings (often these are mom volunteers) and they don’t have hours each day to work with your schedule. Likewise, extra music and choreo rehearsals. Remember guys, commitment is the word.

Respect also goes for your fellow cast mates. 

Instead of criticizing, offer to help them get acclimated. Get together with other cast mates and study and feed lines. It helps, believe me. It will make all the difference and shouts “this is a group that works as one awesome unit”.

The Production Number… Time to Knock Their Socks Off

One of my very favorite things to judge in high school musicals is the production number.

I’ve seen so many over the top, phenomenal, fantastic,  knock’ em dead production numbers I can’t list them all.

It is also the perfect part of the show for ensemble players to shine, and for show newbie’s to show their directors that they can give all they’ve got and are worthy of considering for future roles.

So here is my take on production numbers and some tips you can keep in mind as you and your fellow actors work to create that “show stopper”. Production numbers not only leave your audiences in awe but they are a wonderful way for leads to work with the ensemble and make your musical the talk of the town. So, while rehearsing your show stopper, consider the following.

Several years ago, I judged a high school production of Les Mis. They ended up winning best musical and I firmly believe their production number One Day More played a great part in that. It was a ten. Why was it a ten?

First, their entire ensemble. Yep, chorus people I’m talking to you. As a group, their voices were phenomenal and loud. I could HEAR them. Every single word. Actually, we should be able to put every high school musical ensemble in Radio City Music Hall and hear them. Sadly, however, I’ve judged many schools where the chorus sounded more like a group of church mice. Choruses you need to work on singing to the rafters. That’s number one.

Second is choreography. Your choreographer is not going to give you moves you can’t do and they know what your limits are, but, don’t be afraid to push the envelope. If you have a special talent, gymnastic flips, ballet on Pointe, or splits, let your choreographer know. They are looking for the wow stuff to place in that production number and you might just be the person to do it. Make sure you note this on your audition sheets, please.

If you want a production number like no other, you as a student have to be able to take a creative risk. Over the past few years, I’ve seen tons of schools attempt a tap dancing number. Impressed? You betcha. I am also willing to bet that nearly half of these kids never put a pair of tap shows on until they joined their show.

Energy, Exuberance and Excitement. The Three E’s. A fantastic production number has all three E’s. The ensemble and characters don’t just shuffle along, singing as if they are just rolling out of bed. At a recent production of 42^nd Street, the chorus girls in “We’re in the Money” had smiles on their faces from the second they started tapping. They showed the audience they were having fun and the audience had fun too.

Excitement. Yes, this is your production number. Watch us audience. We’re going to knock your socks off. Keep that energy from the second your music begins to the very last note, and I can guarantee 100 percent you will have the BEST production number ever.

Ensemble? Chorus? Yes, Please!

Question often considered by high school musical student. If passed over for a lead part, should I take an ensemble or chorus role?

Ok, so what is that old saying? “There are no small parts. Only small actors”. Well, that’s somewhat true.

I am always interested in hearing about upcoming musicals, and often ask high school students, “What part will you play?”

Many times, I will receive this answer.
“I’m just in the chorus. I’m just in the ensemble.”

Ok guys, first words to go, “I’m just.”

Let’s talk about this chorus that you’re “just in.”

The high school musical chorus or ensemble is perhaps the most important ingredient in your total show recipe. Here’s why.

Yes, your leads and supporting leads do their part, and hopefully they do them well, delivering perfect solos and duets. But it’s the ensemble pieces I notice because it’s the ensemble that can knock your socks off.

Production numbers could not exist without a powerful ensemble. Ensembles often open and can set the tone for a show, whether it’s going to be phenomenal or just mediocre. Chorus can also be fun. Just because you don’t have any lines or a song of your own doesn’t mean you can’t create a fun character of your own.

Study the show, the period or the songs you will be performing. Hello Dolly? Pick a beautiful formal gown with large hat and parasol to demonstrate your Sunday best. Thoroughly Modern Millie? A cute beaded flapper costume and don’t forget a feather for your hair. Fiddler on the Roof? Men explore prayer shawls and beards. Ladies, shawls and costumes of that period. You get the idea.

Obviously, you want to sound your best and dance your best but I also look for presence in chorus members. Do you engage with one another? Do you make it look like you are “in” this play, or are you just standing there because “you’re just in the chorus.”

A few years back I had a student approach me. He tried out for his upcoming musical, but did not get a lead, supporting role or speaking role. He received chorus and dancer.

This student had two days to accept his assigned “part”.

“Honestly Mrs. J, I don’t know if I want to devote so much time for just a chorus role.”

Here was my answer.

“Do you love musical theater? Do you love and enjoy spending time with your friends who are also part of your high school musical? Do you aspire to getting that lead or supporting role someday? My answer is you MOST DEFINITELY want to take a chorus part. Hands down, it is the best jumping off point”.

As an underclassman, chorus roles are the BEST way to learn what it takes to put together a musical with your fellow cast mates. You’ll learn perfect harmony and choreography. You’ll learn blocking, set design, scenery and costumes. You will learn every step of how to put together a successful musical performance. You’ll be able to study your show’s leads. What makes their performance special? Take mental notes and perhaps next year on opening night you will be standing where they are.

In the mean time, chorus and ensemble is the glue that holds your musical together. Know that show stopping production number? Chances are ensemble members are part of it. We’ll talk a bit more about production numbers later.

I love chorus parts especially for theater newbie’s because it introduces you to high school musical theater. You might give it a try and find it’s not for you, and that’s fine. However, I guarantee you’ll have the time of your life and learn what real teamwork can achieve.

My young friend also received a dancing part. Turns out, he had a show stopping dance sequence with two other boys during a phenomenal production number. He was already a fantastic dancer, a talent he didn’t know he possessed till the show’s choreographer brought it out of him.  I am sure I’ll see him in a lead soon.

Your High School Musical: Welcoming New Performers

I originally wrote this blog for high school musical directors, but high school musical students this includes you as well. In fact,when it comes to welcoming new students to musical theater, you're the one to make a difference. Here are some great ideas to make the "newbies" feel right at home, and make your cast feel like family in no time. 

Spring, 1977. I was a shy, high school kid in a brand new school, a huge consolidated Catholic school of over 500 students. I so missed my tiny, inner city Catholic school where everyone in my class knew every student’s name. Suddenly, here I was a small fish in a big pond. How would I ever make one friend let alone see my old friends, many who went on to other schools when our school closed?  Where was my place in this big, scary new school?

You can probably guess what I’m going to say next. I discovered high school musical theater-and it changed my life. A new friend at my new school joined our cast of “The Music Man” that spring and encouraged me to do the same. “We need chorus people," she said. Because I loved theater, and always “dreamed” what it would be like to be on Broadway someday, I said “yes”.

It was the BEST newbie welcome ever, and BEST decision I ever made. Suddenly there were many new and wonderful friends and they all loved theater, just like me. And if you can believe it, we are still friends today. Check my Facebook page and you’ll see. My love of musical theater introduced me to friends who are still near and dear to me some 40 years later.

As director, I’m sure you love seeing new kids join your  musical each year. Most directors are glad to see new students at auditions and want them to do well. You want people involved in your shows and love when new people join because news flash, the high school musical career is a short one, about four years, six years if you welcome 7^th graders. As seniors and last year’s leads graduate there is always the need for new cast members. So it goes without saying, you want to welcome new performers.

The key is once you get the kids, you want to keep them through senior year and you want their high school theater experience to be great one, one they’ll remember the rest of their lives. Wouldn’t it be great if they were still friends with their fellow cast mates some 40 years later? Welcoming your new theater kids is easier than you think and your seasoned and veteran performers, your returnees, are a huge help in this department.

New performers usually come from the lower grades, chorus or ensemble members, or the occasional student with the awesome voice who finally was brave enough to audition and won a feature role. It could also be a person new to your school that was active in theater at their old school but new to your theater program and your musical kids. The wonderful thing about new performers, they greatly add to your high school musical experience.

AS a high school musical awards adjudicator do I notice the casts that don’t seem to work well together? Yep, it’s obvious. Encourage your students from day one to check egos at the door. Leads, welcome the new people, and new people study your leads and veteran cast members. Everyone should lend his or her best efforts to EVERY scene.

At a recent performance, I saw an ensemble lend so much to a supporting player’s comedic scene. It truly made the scene the hysterical mishmash it was supposed to be. The supporting actor then managed to get the entire ensemble and him in a rousing tap dance number. Perfection. If that wasn’t team work, I’m not sure what is.

As a director, you and your students can actually with a few fun activities, begin to bring your cast together, especially the newcomers, from day one.

After you announce your cast, have a pre- show cast party. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can even schedule it after the first read through. Pizza parties and soft drinks work great and make sure to leave plenty of time for the kids to mingle.

After the party, gather the kids in a circle on stage and have them go around and introduce themselves ,and mention the part they will be playing. Maybe they can add a bit about their high school musical experience. Keep it informal and fun. Playing the score in the background  is always a great idea, too. Singing along, definitely encouraged.

One drama teacher friend does a variation on this, and gives the kids name tags with a big question mark on them and the kids have to go around and guess the part each person is playing. The person gives his or her real first name and a “clue” about their part. Fun.

If your show also happens to be a movie, have movie night with snacks, and show the film. Recently two parent volunteers offered their home for just this activity during their daughter’s production of “Grease”. Simple snacks, and John Travolta and Olivia Newton John on a large flat screen TV. Great success. Kids were laughing, talking, dancing and singing the score by the end of the night.

Another director I know assigns cast buddies. He takes his veteran performers, students who have performed in past musicals, and assigns them a new cast member. The new person can rely on their buddy for rehearsal information, and the buddy can teach them about their upcoming musical.

Newcomers always have questions. What does the term blocking mean on rehearsal schedule? What is show week like? How do you deal with nerves on opening night? Just having someone remind you to be sure to pack extra snacks and bring plenty of homework to work on, during “hell week”, is a great help.

A cast buddy immediately becomes for the newcomer, a new theater friend. They are a familiar and friendly face during musical. Best of all when you become friends with a cast buddy you become friends with all of his or her friends- so instant new theater friends. My director friend usually has a buddy sign up sheet available the same time he posts cast list and NEVER lacks for volunteers. The kids are always happy to help.

Feed me the lines groups. This is another goodie. The kids can organize small groups to study lines together (feeding is a huge help). For chorus or ensemble kids,  they can put together extra dance or vocal practices.

Get the kids involved in set building, publicity and ticket sales. Painting sets is always fun and it introduces kids to the entire theater experience. Working on publicity, maybe selling tickets after school, or working on the program book is another fun activity. One school I know holds a contest for cast members to see who can sell the most ads. The winner gets all kinds of great gift cards.

With just a little creativity, every kid, old and new will feel like a true musical theater kid before show time, and a cast that feels like family by opening night, will truly shine on stage.

Ten Shows: Oldies but Goodies You'll Love to Perform

We all love today’s popular high school musicals. Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Addams Family.  You probably could add many more.

There are so many wonderful classic musicals to add to this list, however,oldies but goodies, and the great news is many high schools are still performing them today.

So, in no particular order, here are some  timeless musicals you will love to perform. Is your 2018 school musical on this list?

West Side Story- The Great composer Leonard Bernstein would have been 100 years old this year. His beautiful musical is timeless. Who would have thought Romeo and Juliet brought to the New York City Streets. And the score...”Tonight” “America”. Simply the best.

The Music Man- We all love the story of professor Harold Hill and Miss Marion the Librarian. I have a special place in my heart for this one. Was my first high school musical. The score is a blast, “76 Trombones”  “Till there was you” and it’s a great ensemble musical, so perfect for newbies

Grease- Who can forget Sandy, Danny and Rizzo and you just got to love doing the Hand Jive and remembering those summer nights. Great bit parts too. I personally love the teen angel. You can have a blast with that one.  Grease is just Fun, Fun, and Fun.

The King and I- Love this musical as an all school project because you can incorporate your lower grades as well. It also has two wonderful acting opportunities in Anna and the King, Both strong characters and a real stretch for high school students, but amazing to parts to play. Don’t forget the showstopper number “Shall we Dance”.

South Pacific- Another special musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Great songs (“Some Enchanted Evening”, “I’m in Love with a wonderful Guy”) but it’s the haunting story of prejudice, and the horrors of war that touch your heart. Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals always make you think, and this one surely does. A timeless classic.

Hello Dolly- LOVE this show for their over the top production numbers especially at the Harmonia Gardens (“Hello Dolly”) but it also has the most kick ass ensemble pieces. Sunday Best, Before the Parade Passes By. Great show for a female lead that has LOTS of stage presence and a booming voice. Dolly is simply a hoot to play.

Anything Goes-  Fun score, “You’re the Top” Friendship” and” Blow Gabriel Blow” but this musical also has some fun supporting  players and also serves as another great ensemble piece. Note you could work some tap dancing in there too. If you’re a dancing fanatic, this one is for you

42^nd Street- Dancers also love 42^nd Street. This musical, not as well known, is still a great high school favorite. Peggy Sawyer is a fun first role for any musical theater student looking to “try for that lead” this year. And the score? “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway”. Get those character shoes out and get tapping.

Fiddler on the Roof- Love this musical for its acting. The lead character of Tevye is probably as challenging as any role. But what a role to bring out your best singing and acting abilities. The supporting characters from mother Golde to the three daughters tug at your heartstrings as well. Throw in a wonderful score, “Sunrise Sunset”, “Matchmaker” and this is a real winner.

Sound of Music I saved my personal favorite for last. It’s probably one of the best loved musicals and performed in hundreds of schools each year. Ask any high school musical alum and chances are they were in this musical. What can you not like? So many wonderful and different parts from a zest for life Maria, to a strong willed Captain, seven precocious children, a bevy of nuns, a rich baroness…well you get the picture. The score? Bet you can sing every song (always the sign of a great musical) and a heartwarming story of courage as well. SOM is the whole package and a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.

Please Call Back

It’s the call you’ve been waiting for, and you’re summoned to call backs. Here are a few things about call backs you should know.

Usually within a few days to a week later directors announce call backs. In some rare cases, usually very small schools, is the cast decided from initial auditions. Most schools use call backs especially if the director will double cast, performing the show at least two weekends in a row with a different cast each weekend. Also, directors want another look at you.

Call backs are usually posted, or through e mail. You may get a request to return for a call back without mention of a role. That is because again, the director may have you in mind for another role. For instance, once inside, he or she may ask you if you would consider playing the Baroness instead of Maria, or the Mother Superior instead of Liesl.

This is where you have to be honest, guys. My advice is to say “yes”, absolutely! They may then give you another piece of music to sing, or have you recite another piece of dialogue. Unless you are opposed to playing this character and know you couldn’t possibly give it your all, my advice is jump on it. Directors have been doing this for years and they see something in you that maybe you don’t see in yourself and something wonderful you can bring to this character.

Also a character you didn’t see yourself playing can actually open doors to wonderful character exploration and acting skills you didn’t know you had. Characters can be fun, quirky, and silly and many times, it’s just the ultimate trip to play someone so opposite of whom you are.

The part I finally got in Gypsy? The young, kooky chorus girl, Agnes. I had the time of my life with Agnes. Maybe about six lines but the delivery, the choreography and singing, it was magical. I had actually tried out for Baby June. My director saw something more in me. I went on to play lots of kooky, ditsy characters in my high school and community theater career. You get the picture.

When the final cast is posted this is the time you MUST let your director know if you are going to accept or reject your role. You need to let them know as soon as possible because they need to move someone else up if it’s a no.  

One more word.

Also, when the final cast list posts, this is important. Look for your name. Check your assigned part, and say NO MORE. Nothing positive or negative. Walk away. This is not the time or place to vent if you didn’t get the part you want, or to be over celebratory and gloating. Remember, there could be someone else left out.

Also, this is a biggie. No social media. No venting on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet. If you didn’t get the role you wanted or maybe no role at all, it doesn’t mean the director didn’t like you. Maybe they felt you didn’t quite fit into that particular musical.

When you’re done having a good cry, and throwing a few things (at home, please) and the dust settles, ask to meet with the director or send them an e mail and ask why you were passed over. It may be singing skills need a bit more work, or mediocre delivery of lines.

Most directors are willing to offer constructive criticism. My advice is, take it and run with it, and if you’re serious about next year’s musical, get working on becoming the best high school musical actor you can. Get involved in your high school chorus; take voice lessons or sign up for a dance class. Summer classes in theater arts are plentiful. We’ll touch on some later, but the point is, if you really want this, work at it.

Take a deep breath and say there is always next year. Volunteer for something else musical. Paint sets, sell tickets and hand out programs or work with the backstage crew. You’ll show this director that you really love theater. You’ll get to observe the actors who got parts, and see what sets them apart and why they were chose. You’ll also see the way a play works. The director will also notice that you’re a devoted theater kid. And next year I guarantee you’ll be ready and a part will be waiting for you

Audition Day is Here

You've been practicing for weeks. You know every monologue line, and everyone in your household including the family dog can sing your audition song. That's how many times you've been practicing. You are now ready to show your high school musical director what you've got. 

The day of auditions, which are usually after school or sometimes early on a school night, make sure you’re on time and dress neatly and comfortably. Bring a pair of shoes or sneakers you can move in. often the choreographer is present and will put you through some small dance steps to see how well you move.

Don’t panic if you’re not the world’s best dancer. Again, directors take into account the entire package and dancing and moves learned along the way. Don’t believe me? I judged a high school production of 42^nd Street a few years back and up until musical, none of these kids knew what a pair of character shoes looked like. They tap danced their hearts out and got a production number nomination.

When you arrive at auditions, fill out your paperwork and list all theater or performing experience you’ve had. Even if it’s just piano or voice lessons, dance lessons, recitals or maybe you volunteered for a community theater production. Even if you’re a first timer, you can find things to list for theater experience.

You will also list the part or parts you’re auditioning.Your director may also ask what role or roles interest you. Go for the role you want but be open. What may look like an obvious role to you may look differently to your director. They have been doing this a long time and may see something in you that thoroughly fit another character. Case in point, during my high school production of the Sound of Music a friend wanted the part of Maria. She got the Mother Abbess. Why? She could hit an amazing high C. Think Climb Every Mountain. Always, always be open.

Act your heart out. Many of the dialogue snippets the director chooses are very emotional scenes. Take the scene and run with it. Also, I know this is hard, but look right at your director when you’re reciting. Again, many students memorize the dialogue so they can enhance their acting experience- and impress the director that they can memorize lines.

Try not to be nervous. I know this is easier said than done. If you are active in your high school music department through chorus or band you probably already know your musical director or directors. It’s just Mr. Johnson. It’s just Mrs. Smith. A familiar face. During auditions you will come in, sing, and read for the director, music director and choreographer.

Don’t get flustered when you see them sitting at a table, taking notes. Again they are looking at you for several roles not just the one you are reading for. Lots of writing doesn’t mean they hate you. I learned this during a community theater audition for Gypsy. I was in my mid 20s and looked 16. The director was writing tons of notes on my page. I thought for sure they hated me. When I finally saw my sheet, he wrote, “Wow, she could play any of the teen girls. Great face.” You never know.

I will also tell you that your director is glad to see you. They want you to do well. They want people  involved in their shows each year and love when new people join spring musical because news flash guys, the high school musical career is a short one- four to six years if you begin in 7^th grade. As seniors and last year’s leads graduate there is always the need for new cast mates. So they will be rooting for you. You need to root for yourself.

My best audition advice? Know your director’s drill, the song or songs they want to hear, the dialogue and how they conduct auditions. The more prepared you are, the better. So, do your very best and "show ‘em what you got kid".

Auditions Part II. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

I've worked in the sport of figure skating for over 20 years. One thing that always amazed me about our skaters, is how they can easily skate a program on a National, International or Olympic ice and manage to pull it off...Most of the time. Nerves are still a great factor, but the skaters who have the best success? The ones that know their programs, backwards, forwards and upside down. Many will say they can pretty much see their performance from beginning to end, or can even "walk" through it off ice. So when they hit the ice, the muscle memory kicks in and they can skate a decent program.

The same is true for a high school musical audition. The better prepared you are, the more you know your song, your dialogue, and anything an everything you can about your upcoming musical and soundtrack, the better off you will be...and the better you will be to handle the nerves.

So here we go. Part II on how to prepare for auditions. 

When you sign up for auditions the director may ask you what part of parts you would like to audition. If you are a newbie, here is my first piece of advice. You can mention a particular role if you have one in mind, but also note that you would be open to playing other roles.

I mention this because a lot of high school students limit themselves and think if I don’t get that part I don’t want to be in it. Nothing is further from the truth and if you really want to enjoy and embrace your high school musical experience you will take and embrace any role given to you including ensemble. We will touch on that a little later. But for now, it’s OK to dream big and shoot for a lead or supporting lead.

Practice, Practice, Practice that song leading up to auditions. If you study voice, have your teacher work with you on your number. If you are working through this on your own, you may want to have someone accompany you on the piano, as it gets closer to auditions day. A friend who plays, someone in your music department at school or local college students are often willing to work with you. I mention this because you will probably be singing with piano accompaniment at the audition.

You can also search on line for musical theater piano accompaniments, used for audition purposes. You Tube is a good place to start. Some directors may have you sing a Capella-no accompaniment. Word to the wise, make sure you know the accompaniment the director will use so you will be the best prepared as you possibly can.

For dialogue, you may or may not have to memorize your piece, but again this is worth clarifying too. I know of a couple directors who require memorization (clues them in on to how well you would be able to handle pages of dialogue for the final show). Want to stand out in your audition? Memorize the scene. It shows you really want a role in this musical.

Study the character that you would like to play. Here again is where a movie or watching a stage production comes in handy. No doubt, you’re familiar with the musical, but if you’re not, you’ll want to learn a little more about it and the possible characters that speak to you.

Again, using the Sound of Music as an example, if you’re auditioning for Maria you want to understand her from beginning to end, a shy postulant who had a zest for life at the beginning to a strong woman who put her family first, at the very end. Understanding your character will help you deliver your best auditions ever and shows your director that you are made for this role, and that you can act.

Another acting tip, make sure to have someone listen to your dialogue and make sure you speak clearly and enunciate. No mumbling and please, please no looking down. It’s a nerves thing but it will look awful, and when you are looking down and talking it’s hard to hear you.

Weeks before auditions, start taking care of you. Rest that voice. Do not get overtired or overdue the extracurricular activities. Eat well and go to bed early. You don’t need a cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection to trash your audition. Don’t chance it. The better you feel the better you’ll perform. 

We'll talk about the big audition day in our next blog, Auditions Part III.

Back to School Means Auditions Aren't Far Behind

Summer days are are slowly fading away and it won't be long before the new school year!

For high school musical students the new school year means MUSICAL!! Some schools announce their upcoming musical even before school begins Others hold auditions in late fall for a spring musical. 

Whatever your schedule, auditions are a major part of the high school musical experience. We'll be touching on the audition process in our next few blogs.

  Go for It….

The musical, announced. Audition dates, set. For months you’ve been singing show tunes with your peeps. You secretly wonder what it would be like walking across that stage with the spotlight on you. Congratulations, the theater bug has bitten you. This is it. This is the year! You’re going to take part in your high school musical.

I can’t tell you it will be easy. I can’t tell you that you won’t have to put a ton of work or hours into the production. I can tell you that you will be in for one of the best, and most fun rides ever. Guaranteed.

If you’re a theater newbie there are a few tips that can make your first high school musical experience a little easier, and a lot less scary. Because after all theater and performing is well...fun. But admittedly, sometimes a little scary.

I’ve learned, talking to students over the years, that the audition process is probably the scariest. But there is a way to get through that too, and make it fun. Yes, I did say fun.

Once the show‘s decided and audition dates set, your director will post a list of songs from the musical that you will be asked to perform at auditions- one for male leads and one for females. They may also provide a handout with a short dialogue from the musical, as well. This is to judge your acting ability.

Get the handouts as soon as possible when you sign up for auditions, and immediately get familiar with the music and the show. Let’s say, for instance, that your show is The Sound of Music. Watch the movie, or better yet, check the numerous high school productions posted on You Tube. Also familiarize yourself with the show’s score.

Listen to the soundtrack. Always make sure it is the stage version not the film. Film versions of musicals tend to be a little different, with different songs. Especially, get comfortable with the audition song or songs.

Occasionally, a director will have you sing a given selection from the show with no advanced warning what the song is. For instance, if your show is Mary Poppins, he may have everyone sing a few bars of Chim Chimney. That’s why it’s important to know the show’s score, so you’ll be familiar with the songs.

We'll be talking more about auditioning for a particular part in our next blog.That role you've always dreamed of can be yours! So check back in for Auditions Part II.

July 12 was the birthday of the great Oscar Hammerstein. I take note of this because he is the composer of my all time favorite musical "The Sound of Music", and so many more wonderful classics. "The King and I".. "Oklahoma". "South Pacific". I could go on.

I also mention this because as a high school musical student I hope you are privileged one day to participate in one of his shows. Talking with high school students, I know you love to perform the new and modern day musicals." Grease". "Les Mis"." Phantom", and of course, all the Disney classics too numerous to mention. They are truly special and exciting musicals to perform, and I am so proud to see schools taking on such incredible shows- and knocking them out of the park.

What many students don't realize is that Rodgers and Hammerstein are perhaps the reason today's musicals exist. As far back as the early 1940s through the 1960s these composers were taking on such topics as the Nazi threat in World War II (Sound of Music) to prejudice (South Pacific)and a changing political dynasty (King and I). Not to mention the beautiful scores in each and every one of their musicals.

A long time ago I was told by a high school musical director that the great sign of a good show is that you come out humming nearly every song. To this day, I find that to be true with and R & H musical.  I can easily hum two, three or even four of the songs from each of their classics. These two special men set the bar a long time ago, and brought musical theater where it is today.

So dear students, my wish for you is this. If by chance in your high school musical career, you are given the great honor of participating in one of their shows, consider it a great honor. You are reading the words, and singing the songs of two men who probably are part of the greatest influence in musical theater. If by chance to you have the opportunity to do a community production by these composers, I hope you will consider it, and embrace it.

I can promise you will have a special influence on your high school musical career and future theater performances.

Welcome High School Musical Students, Directors and Everyone who Loves High School Musical Theater

Welcome high school musical students, directors, and everyone who loves high school musical theater! We're glad you're here.

Right now, you, like most high school students, are enjoying summer vacation, and returning to school and preparing for your musical are probably the last thing you're thinking about...maybe. Or, perhaps you've been spending Summer vacation perfecting your voice through lessons, taking a dance class, acting class or participating in a summer musical camp. Maybe you're performing in a summer musical production.

Back in my high school days, our annual musical was never far from my thoughts, even during summer vacation. I was a proud "theater kid" back then. We're talking late 70's guys. I was a pretty shy kid in a new school setting and wondered how I would "fit in".

You can probably guess what I’m going to say next. I discovered high school musical theater-and it changed my life. A new best friend at my new school joined our cast of The Music Man that spring and encouraged me to do the same. “We need chorus people," she said. Because I loved theater and always “dreamed” what it would be like to be on Broadway someday, I said “yes”.

It was the BEST decision I ever made. Suddenly there were many new and wonderful friends and they all loved theater, just like me. And if you can believe it, we are still friends today. Check my Facebook page and you’ll see. My love of musical theater introduced me to friends who are still near and dear to me 40 years later.

Although I performed in some community theater after college, the real world set in with job and family commitments. I chose a wonderful career as a figure skating journalist and love covering my skaters. I even published a skating book series. Skating and theater are actually a lot alike, in many ways. No surprise I chose to follow this wonderful sport.

Of course, my bucket list includes beating the boards again someday, but until then I am able to share the joy of high school musical theater, this time as a judge for my local high school musical theater awards.

That’s where you come in. You’re the students and you perform the shows I judge. I thank you. Over the years I have seen the most amazing high school productions. Schools continually pushing the envelope and performing musicals we wouldn’t have even dreamt about 40 years ago. I remember the first time I saw a high school perform Phantom. It took my breath away.

If you are reading this, and considering taking part in your musical this year I would encourage you to go for it with great gusto. I guarantee it will be the best, most fun experience of your high school life, and you’ll learn some neat things about theater too. Not to mention make a few new and wonderful friends along the way.

Over the next few months, we'll share everything from preparing for auditions, finding the perfect part, ensemble roles, production numbers, rehearsals, opening night and much more. We also LOVE students' and directors' input, so, along the way, we'll be asking for you to share everything from audition tips to sharing your favorite role. We also hope you will share information and photos of your upcoming musicals.

So grab those character shoes and get tapping. We’ve got a show to put on.