Freshman-Sophomore Musical Workshop

  • Lagniappe-Potpourri Presents: The Freshman Sophomore Musical

    Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka

    Music and Lyrics by
    LESLIE BRICUSSE and ANTHONY NEWLEY
    Adapted for the Stage by LESLIE BRICUSSE and TIMOTHY ALLEN MCDONALD
    Based on the Book "CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY" by ROALD DAHL

    Presented by the Lagniappe-Potpourri Student Board, with Stage Direction by Ryan Dunn, Music Direction by Amy Branahl, Choreography by Lucy Riner, Pit Band Direction by Elizabeth Bennett, and Technical Direction by Anders Jacobson

    Performance Dates:
    Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:00pm
    Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:00pm
    Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00pm

    Location: Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus

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    AUDITION INFORMATION

    Please read the information below on how to sign-up and prepare for this year’s auditions. 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 Wonka Production Calendar to identify your conflicts.

     

    New Trier welcomes the participation of all individuals in our programs, including those with disabilities. If you have an IEP or 504 plan with reasonable accommodations that pertain to this activity, please indicate your request on the audition form. Please indicate your IEP case manager or adviser (504 plan) so we can coordinate any supports deemed necessary.

     

    General Auditions

    • FRESHMEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 3:30-7pm in Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus
      • The 6-7p timeslots need to be for R&J crew and Sophomores in R&J cast
    • SOPHOMORES: Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 3:45-7pm in W215, Winnetka Campus
      • The 6-7p timeslots need to be for R&J crew and Freshmen in R&J cast

    Callback and Dance Auditions: Monday, September 29, 2025 from 4:00-7pm in Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus

    If you have a conflict that impacts your audition availability, please contact Mr. Dunn at dunnr@nths.net or the co-sponsors, Mr. Temple (templem@nths.net) and Ms. Gerhardt (gerhardc@nths.net)

    HOW DO I AUDITION?  

    • Complete the Parent/Guardian Consent/Conflict Form
    • Complete the AUDITION FORM. 
    • Read How to Audition for a New Trier Production from the Performing Arts webpage and the information in this packet carefully.  
    • Prepare a song from the Audition Song Selection below
    • Please come to the audition about 15 minutes before your appointment. We will check you in, and you will present your song for the directors. 

    AUDITION SONG SELECTION

    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. Click HERE for accompaniment tracks. Please choose from the following:

    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 Friday, October 10, 2025. Technical and Dress rehearsals end by 8PM. Please see the Wonka Production Calendar.

     

    WHAT IS THE MUSICAL A BOUT?
    Based off of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka tells the story of the eccentric candy maker, Willy Wonka, who hosts a contest where five lucky children can win a tour of his mysterious factory and receive a lifetime supply of chocolate by finding a golden ticket hidden within Wonka’s famous candy bars. The story follows the impoverished, but kind-hearted Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Joe, as they join the other four ticket winners-gluttonous Augustus Gloop, spoiled Veruca Salt, the gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, and the screenager Mike Teavee-on Wonka’s magical tour.

     

    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 Friday, September 26, 2025 by 5pm.  

     

    WHEN DOES THE CAST LIST GO UP?

    The cast list will be emailed to all auditionees on Saturday, October 4, 2025 by 12:00 PM noon.

     

    FAMILY MEETING

    There will be an in-person parent/guardian information meeting on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 9:00am. Location TBD.

     

    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 Monday, October 6, 2025 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 Mr. Dunn at dunnr@nths.net or the co-sponsors, Mr. Temple (templem@nths.net) and Ms. Gerhardt (gerhardc@nths.net)

     

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

    We are so excited that you have decided to audition for Lagniappe presents the Freshmen Sophomore Musical: Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka!  


    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 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. 
    2. Conflict sheet - You should turn in your signed conflict sheet on Mon, Tues, or Wed to the student producers at the auditions.  If you forget, you can send a photo of the signed sheet to Mr. Dunn (dunnr@nths.net) by Thursday 9/26 at midnight. Anyone without a signed conflict sheet by Thursday at midnight will not be cast.  
    3. Callbacks - Callbacks will be on Monday, September 29.  You will receive an email on Friday listing who is needed and at what time. Everyone will be called to dance at callbacks. Ms. Riner and the student choreographers will teach you the dance combination and specific groups of students will be asked to perform select songs and scenes. The schedule will be detailed in the Friday email.  Music and scenes will be handed out at callbacks. 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 and the student choreographers will teach the short combination 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!
    4. If you have further questions, you can email Mr. Dunn at dunnr@nths.net.


    We’re glad you’re here!


    Mr. Dunn (Stage Director & Mentor)

    Mrs. Branahl (Music Director & Mentor)

    Ms. Riner (Choreography Director & Mentor)

    Mr. Temple & Ms. Gerhardt (Co-Sponsors)

     

    ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com