Freshman-Sophomore Musical Workshop

  • Seussical


    Music by Stephen Flaherty
    Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
    Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
    Co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
    Based on the works of Dr. Seuss

    Direction by Laura Wesslund, Music Direction by Amy Branahl, Choreography by Lucy Riner, Pit Band Direction by Matthew Nix, Technical Direction by Denise Karczewski

    Performance Dates:
    Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:00pm
    Friday, November 22, 2024 at 4:30pm

    Location: Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus

    AUDITION INFORMATION

    Please complete this AUDITION SIGN-UP FORM. You’ll be signing up for a 30 minute timeslot. You must also bring a signed conflict form to the audition in order to be cast. Please see the Seussical Production Calendar  to identify your conflicts.

     

    Please prepare and memorize an excerpt of a song from the production, listed below. Choose material that you feel best presents your voice and demonstrates your skills as a performer and storyteller. Accompaniment tracks are available HERE. All sheet music excerpts can be found HERE, or click on the title below for individual songs. Please choose from the following:

    General Auditions

    Monday, October 7, 2024: (Freshmen only): 4-7pm in E122, Northfield Campus.
    Tuesday, October 8, 2024: (Sophomores only): 4-7pm in W204, Winnetka Campus

     

    Callback Auditions
    Thursday, October 10, 2024:4-8pm  in Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus. Callbacks will include a dance audition and additional songs that will be taught at the callback. Please plan to stay until 8:00pm, although you may be released earlier.

     

    Quick FAQs

    • Acting audition: In the first round of auditions, you will only prepare a song - one chosen from the provided list. You will not perform a monologue. We are looking for your acting in the song. After everyone performs their song, I will also ask each group to participate in 2 improvised acting moments...the first will be jungle animals (think monkeys and birds) and the second will be the Whos crying out to be seen. Students will do this in groups, not on their own, and each improvised moment will simply be 30-60 seconds of improvised sound and movement.
    • Callbacks: Everyone will do the dance call on callbacks day. If you're not called back to sing a specific song after that (this will be sent out in a detailed email on Wed of audition week) you are still very much being considered for the show. Callback time is very limited - we won't be seeing everyone.
    • Double cast: We're planning to single cast. This show has many featured roles and was chosen with that in mind.
    • Cuts: Yes, there will likely be cuts, however we hope to find opportunities for as many students as possible. This show was chosen because it has room for many roles and a large ensemble. Things like conflicts, number of mics, and how many students come to audition all affect whether there are cuts or not.
    • Rehearsal time: This is a short rehearsal process, so while you won't be called to everything, there is a good chance we will have full day Saturday rehearsals.

     

    REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

    All New Trier productions rehearse M – F until 6PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 12PM and 1PM – 4PM. Not all students are called for each rehearsal. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Monday, October 14, 2024. Technical and Dress rehearsals end by 8PM. Please see the Seussical Production Calendar.

     

    WHAT IS THE MUSICAL ABOUT?
    “The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge – not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.” - MTI

     

    WHEN DOES THE CALLBACK LIST GET POSTED AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

    Everyone who auditions will be called back to dance.  Some students will be asked to stay for particular singing and acting callbacks. Details of that schedule will be sent out via email on Wednesday October 9, 2024 by 5pm.  

     

    WHEN DOES THE CAST LIST GO UP?

    The cast list will be emailed to all auditionees on Sunday, October 13, 2024 by 12:00 PM noon.

     

    PARENT/GUARDIAN MEETING

    There will be an in-person parent/guardian information meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 9:00am in the Cornog Auditorium.

     

    CREW APPRENTICESHIP

    All performers are required to fulfill the Crew Apprenticeship Program within one year after being cast in their first production. Please visit www.ntstagecrew.org for more information. 

     

    WHAT IF I'M NOT CAST BUT I STILL WANT TO BE INVOLVED? 

    Stage Crew is a great way to get involved with the productions. All crews are open to anyone interested, and they are a lot of fun - no prior experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the crew, please contact Denise Karczewski (karczewd@nths.net). The crew for this production and the Winter Play will start on Tuesday, October 14, 2024 at 3:45 PM at the Winnetka Campus.

     

    Please see more information on No Questions Asked Improv or upcoming auditions for Winter Play, Freshman-Sophomore Play, Directing Projects and Spring Play.

     

    WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE AUDITIONS?

    Make sure your hair is out of your face. Wear clothes that make you look and feel good. Do not wear costumes. There will be movement at the Call Back audition. Avoid jeans, sneakers, flip-flops, or any shoes that make it difficult for you to move.  

     

    WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?

    Please contact Ms. Laura Wesslund at wesslunl@nths.net or Mrs. James-Noonan at jamesnoa@nths.net or 847-784-6693.

     

    A LETTER FROM THE PRODUCTION TEAM WITH AUDITION FAQ’s:

    We are so excited that you have decided to audition for the Freshmen/Sophomore Musical Workshop: Seussical TYA!  


    We strongly encourage you to get involved in our classes:

    • Freshman: Dance 1, Theatre 1, and Northfield Chorus (It is still not too late if you have 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B study hall)
    • Sophomores: Dance 2, Theatre 2, and Choraliers

    This is not required to be in our show, but as you continue your training in class you will increase your skills for performance.

    Below are some items that might be helpful as you go through the audition process.

    1. Conflicts - When listing your conflicts please make sure that you look through the production calendar, linked on the website.  There are several weekend and evening rehearsals and we need to know in advance if you have any conflicts with these and typical rehearsal times.  Having a conflict does not necessarily affect your casting.  Not everyone is called to be at every rehearsal, so knowing conflicts in advance helps us plan the rehearsal calendar.  We try to work with as many conflicts as we can.  However, it is also important that the entire cast of the production is dedicated to the process, so multiple conflicts a week aren’t always workable.  
      1. Sports conflicts - If you have a recurring conflict because you are on a sports team please add your coach’s name and contact information.  We try to work with coaches to share time and make it possible for you to still participate in the musical.  Each sport schedule is different however and we can’t guarantee the ability to work around regular occurring conflicts. 
      2. Northfield Dance Ensemble - We will collaborate with Ms. Riner to work with conflicts caused by performing in NDE.  Students in NDE will not have too many conflicts to be considered for the musical. 
      3. Tech week and dress rehearsal conflicts - It is extremely important that everyone is present during the tech process.  During tech week and dress rehearsals, when we stay until 8pm putting all the final details of the production together with the production team, conflicts are not approved. 
      4. Unapproved conflicts - Any student that adds unapproved conflicts after being cast or misses several rehearsals without being excused may be removed from the company. 
      5. Conflict sheet - You should turn in your signed conflict sheet on Mon, Tues, or Wed to a Rehearsal Assistant at the auditions.  If you forget, you can send a photo of the signed sheet to Ms. Wes (wesslunl@newtrier.k12.il.us) by Thursday 10/10 at midnight. Anyone without a signed conflict sheet by Thursday at midnight will not be cast.  
    2. Callbacks - Callbacks will be on Thursday Oct 10th.  You will receive an email on Wednesday listing who is needed and at what time.  Everyone will be called to dance from 4-4:30pm in the Cornog. Ms. Riner will teach you the dance combination at that time.  After 4:30, specific groups of students will be asked to perform select songs and scenes. The schedule will be detailed in the Wednesday email.  Music and scenes will be handed out on Thursday.  The best way to prepare is to familiarize yourself with the soundtrack.
      1. Dance Call - Everyone will dance at the dance call so come in comfortable clothing and bring dance shoes or sneakers that you can move in on Wednesday.  Ms. Riner will teach the short combination at 4pm and then you will perform it in small groups.  
      2. Cast Size - Our practice in determining the total number of students cast depends on the total number of students who have auditioned that can commit to the rehearsal process. Our focus is always on creating an ensemble of students who are willing to enthusiastically participate in the chorus, in supporting roles or in featured roles.  Therefore, we seek creative ways to expand what is written in the original score and script!

    If you have further questions you can email Ms. Wesslund at wesslunl@newtrier.k12.il.us. 


    We’re glad you’re here!

    Ms. Wes

    Mrs. Branahl

    Ms. Riner

     

    SEUSSICAL-THEATRE YOUNG AUDIENCES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com