INFORMATION
INFORMATION


No callbacks are needed at this time.

If any callbacks become necessary, I will contact you individually.

Thanks again for three wonderful days of auditions.  The cast list will be up late Tuesday night.




Standard Auditions
Wednesday, December 6   -   3:45 – 6:30 PM
Friday, December 8   -   6:00 – 9:00 PM

Ensemble-Only Audition
Thursday, December 7  -  3:45 – 6:30 PM

Li’L ABNER  AUDITION INFORMATION

LI’L ABNER is a hysterical hillbilly musical with named roles for more than 40 people!  Actors, singers, and dancers needed!  You do not need experience to be an important part of this production.  If you have ever wanted to try being in a musical, this is the perfect show in which to start!

WHY ARE THERE TWO DIFFERENT AUDITIONS?

The standard auditions are for people who want to be considered for all of the roles in the show, including the leads.  People at these auditions will be required to sing a prepared song (30-60 seconds), do a movement audition, and read from the script.  They will have the option to take part in an advanced dance audition as well.  Auditionees only need to come to one of the two standard audition days.

The ensemble-only auditions are for people who want to be in the musical but are just getting started.  The only singing done at this audition will be in groups.  No prepared song is required.  The people at this audition will also do the movement audition and a short reading.  They too will have the option of doing the advanced dance combination.  These auditionees will only be considered for the smaller ensemble roles.

WHAT SONG DO I NEED DO SING FOR THE STANDARD AUDITIONS?

It can honestly be anything with which you are comfortable.  The best choices are songs from musical theatre (nothing from Li’l Abner please!), but anything that shows off your voice is great.  Praise and worship songs, Christmas carols, Happy Birthday, I’m a Little Teapot…they’re all fine!  We will have an accompanist at auditions.  If you have piano music for your song, please bring it.

I’VE NEVER DONE A SHOW BEFORE.  WHY SHOULD I AUDITION?

This is the prefect show to start on.  The musical is incredibly fun, full of comedy and great music.  There is not much dancing, and what is there is not hard (nothing like the difficulty of Cats!).  It will show off the abilities of our trained dancers, but be easy for everyone else.  There are also a TON of roles in this show – lots of chances to develop a character and get some lines or solo singing parts.  You will not have to rehearse every day until the last few weeks before the play.  Only actors whose scenes are being worked on are called to rehearsals.


Frequently Asked Questions


What’s LI’L ABNER about anyway? The hillbilly town of Dogpatch, U.S.A., has been chosen by the government to be the latest test site for a nuclear bomb.  The citizens of the town try desperately to prove that their town in necessary in order to save their beloved tradition of Sadie Hawkins Day.  On Sadie Hawkins Day

Do I have to be a hillbilly to audition? No, but it can’t hurt.

How many roles are available?  40+ named roles and a large chorus. 

Do I have to do anything special or have something prepared to audition? Yes, you need to have a prepared song to sing.  If you don’t have anything ready – don’t panic!  Sing something you already know – “Happy Birthday”, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “Amazing Grace”, “I’m a Little Teapot”…whatever!  Other than the song, just fill out a form and be prepared to take part in the activities. We will warm up together, sing, dance (just a little), and read from the script.  There will be an optional advanced dance audition at the end for those of you with dance training.  I will be asking you to show off your turns, leaps, and any other fabulous moves you have learned.

Do I have to know how to sing or dance? Well, it is a musical.  Most roles sing – at least in a group.  You don’t have to be a fabulous singer or dancer to get a part, but those abilities are obviously very important.  Dance is not as prevalent as in Cats, but is still used in several songs. 

Will I be permanently scarred by my audition experience?  No.  I work hard to keep my auditions fun and as low-stress as possible.

Will there be callbacks?  Most likely. I may need to call some actors back to have them sing from the actual score or to read more from the script.  I will contact you individually if this proves necessary.  You will then sign up for a time on my office door.

When will the cast list be posted? Tuesday, December 12 in the evening.

Where will the cast list be posted? In three places: in the window of the Fine Arts Building lobby, on Mr. Strickland’s office door, and on the internet (Click CAST LIST button above.)  The list will be posted first on the internet!  I may post some on the bulletin boards in the high school building too.  I want the school to know about your accomplishments!

When will the first rehearsal be?  Wednesday, December 13, 3:45-5:45 PM.

If I’m not cast can I work backstage?  Yes!  Just come to the first rehearsal to sign up.

If I’m not cast does it mean that I’m horrible? No! I often have many more talented actors than I am able to use.  If you are not cast PLEASE audition again.  Nothing makes me more miserable than not having a role for an interested student!   I am actively trying to use everyone who auditions, so this should not be a worry for anyone.

Can you tell me all those dates and things that were on the form I filled out? 

Li’l Abner will be performed March 22-24, 2006.  To audition for this play you MUST be available for all performances.

Rehearsals for Li’l Abner will primarily be held Monday through Thursday from 3:45 – 6:30 PM.  There will be a few rehearsals held in the evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 PM – more if these times are particularly convenient to the cast.  I will design a schedule around conflicts of cast members, but there will be generally be 3-4 rehearsals each week.  I only require actors to attend the specific rehearsals at which I will be working with them.  Unlike previous musicals (Cats), everyone is not in every scene this time.


Have a wonderful audition!  Remember to breathe well, use good vocal energy, and “sing to the back row.”  Throw yourself into the movement audition.  Don’t worry about not being a good enough dancer or singer – just give it a lot of energy and heart and you will do fine!  FPD Theatre students are very supportive – expect to be applauded and praised for your work today!

Thank you, as always, for sharing your God-given talents with FPD Theatre and me.