OLIVER!
A Playmaker Production
Sacred Heart School
Spring 2013
Parent Handbook &
Audition Packet
For Grades 1-8
Little Players wMain Cast w Tech Team
A Letter from the Director
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to PLAYMAKERS. The Playmakers’ board has been hard at work with continuing
development for the various aspects of our program. A few things have changed—including the
information in this handbook—so please make sure you read everything carefully. We want all actors
to be ready to roll on February 11th when we begin our theatrical adventure.
Whether you are an old pro, or brand new to the program, there are many exciting ways to be
involved. We look forward to working with you on our 5th Broadway show at SHS as Playmakers
creates this year’s production of Oliver!
Kim Douglass
Director – Oliver!
NEW THIS YEAR FROM PLAYMAKERS!
o
o
o
o
The Main Cast Handbook, Little Player Handbook, and Tech Handbook are now combined in
this inclusive document.
The Little Player program (grades 1-2) has been expanded to include 40 students, up from last
year’s limit of 30 students.
Our Main Cast players (grades 3-8) will be broken down into Ensemble players and CORE
players (formerly “leads and supporting leads”). Please see the “audition” section for details.
Our performance dates are AFTER spring break this year: April 26, 27 and 28.
***PLEASE NOTE: Our performance dates of April 26, 27, and 28
will fall on a three day weekend.*** All students are required to attend our Tech
Week rehearsals which begin Saturday, April 20th, as well as ALL PERFORMANCES on the
three day weekend. If you foresee any conflicts with the schedule during the week of Tech
rehearsals and performances you must contact the director PRIOR to registration at
[email protected]
PROGRAM OVERVIEW by Grade Level
Little Players – Grades 1&2 – Little Players involves group work on singing/dancing/acting for two
production numbers. Costumes provided. Students rehearse Tuesdays 2:00-3:15. Tuition - $125
Main Cast – Grades 3-8 – Students may participate at 2 levels. Tuition covers costumes &
materials.
Ensemble: Students rehearse Mon/Wed 3:00-4:15. Placement audition required. Tuition: $150
CORE (formerly lead and supporting lead roles): Students rehearse Mon/Wed/Thurs 3:00-5:00.
Placement audition and callback required. Tuition: $150
Tech Team – Grades 6-8 – Tech Team provides technical theatre support through lights, sound,
sets, and props. Design training and materials provided. Thurs lunch-time meetings. Tuition - $25
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Director ...................................................................................... 2
New this year from Playmakers! ........................................................................ 2
Overview……………. ........................................................................................... 2
Synopsis……………. ........................................................................................... 3
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration and Fees ............................................................................... 4
Important Dates ......................................................................................... 4
Communication ......................................................................................... 5
Volunteer Requirements ............................................................................ 5
Time Commitment ..................................................................................... 5
Costumes…… ........................................................................................... 5
Closed Rehearsals & Chaperones ............................................................ 5
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule ..................................................................... 6
Tech Schedule .......................................................................................... 6
Parent Meeting .......................................................................................... 6
Pick-up and ESS ....................................................................................... 7
Conflicts and Absences ............................................................................. 7
Playmaker Board ....................................................................................... 7
Contact Information ................................................................................ 7
Discipline Policy
........................................................................................... 8-9
LITTLE PLAYERS How does my student become a Little Player? ................ 10
LITTLE PLAYER
Information/Parent Agreement Form ............................... 11
TECH TEAM
How does my student become a Tech Team Member? .. 12
MAIN CAST
How does my student audition for the Main Cast? .......... 13
CORE
How does my student audition for CORE? ...................... 14
MAIN CAST AUDITION INFORMATION
Character Breakdown .............................................................................. 15
Audition Songs ........................................................................................ 15
Dance Auditions ...................................................................................... 15
Monologues for ENSEMBLE ................................................................... 16
Monologues for CORE ............................................................................ 17
Audition Form ......................................................................................... 18
SHOW SYNOPSIS
Oliver! is a British musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon
the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. It premiered in the West End in 1960, enjoying a
long run, became a successful Broadway production in 1963, and was made into a musical
film in 1968. The story is a classic tale of an orphan who runs away from an orphanage but is
caught and sold to an undertaker after asking for more dinner at the orphanage. Escaping to
London, he is taken in and apprenticed to a gang of child pickpockets. After a pickpocket
lesson gone bad, Oliver is wrongly accused of a theft. But in the process, he meets a kindly
gentleman who takes him in and offers a permanent home free from the crime of the street.
3 GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION and FEES
Playmakers tuition fees include all production costs (costumes, sets, props, scripts) plus:
Show t-shirt, invitation to the closing party, and a group picture.
•
•
•
Little Player (Gr. 1 & 2)
Fee - $125.00 **Limit 40 actors – please note: slots fill quickly
Main Cast (Gr. 3-8)
Fee - $150.00 **Limit 70 actors
Tech Crew (Gr. 6-8)
Fee - $25.00 **Limit 10 Crew Members
Online Registration opens January 14th and closes January 28th or when all slots are filled.
Actors must be registered in order to audition.
If a student decides to withdraw from Playmakers the following refund schedule will apply:
Withdrawal by February 18th = 100% refund
Withdrawal by March 4th = 60% refund
Withdrawal by March 5th or after = no refund
*** Playmakers supports all students at Sacred Heart School. No student will be prevented from
participating because of financial need. Scholarships are available so please contact Connie Gray
[email protected] if you are in need of assistance.
IMPORTANT DATES
February 11 or 12
February 13 & 14
February 15
February 18-22
February 25
February 25
February 26
March 14
March 18
April 1-5
April 8
April 20
April 23
April 24
April 26
April 27
April 28
April 28
April 29
MAIN CAST Placement auditions - REQUIRED
CORE
Callback auditions - By invitation only
Cast List
Posted online
Winter Break NO Playmakers
ALL
Weekly Rehearsals Begin (Tech Team begins March 14th)
5:00-5:30
PARENT MEETING – MAIN CAST ONLY
3:15-3:30
LITTLE PLAYER PARENT MEETING
TECH TEAM Begins lunch meetings
MAIN CAST Act One lines and lyrics Off Book
Spring Break NO Playmakers
MAIN CAST Act Two lines and lyrics Off Book
MAIN CAST & TECH TEAM – Tech Day
FULL PLAYMAKER RUN THRU – 2-6 - ALL - Main Cast, Tech Team,
**Little Players dismissed at 4:00
FULL PLAYMAKER FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL 5:00-9:00p.m. ALL
**Little Players dismissed at 8:00
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A THREE DAY WEEKEND***
Attendance is required for all performances
OPENING NIGHT
7:00 pm curtain – see full schedule for details
PERFORMANCE #2
7:00 pm curtain – see full schedule for details
CLOSING MATINEE
2:00 pm curtain – see full schedule for details
CLOSING PARTY
Immediately following final curtain for matinee
NO SCHOOL
4 (GENERAL INFORMATION continued)
COMMUNICATION
The Playmaker website, http://sacredheart.org/Playmakers, will be our primary means of
communication. Please check the website often. We will use the contact information that you
provided with your online registration for all Playmakers communications. E-mail blasts will only be
used for last minute changes, additional information, such as costume and tech week updates, or for
individual contacts.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
It takes a small army to make these productions! That’s where our parents come in. Playmakers
requires parents from each family to sign up for a volunteer position as agreed to in the online
registration packet. If you have a special area of expertise where you would like to offer help, please
let us know. We would love to find a special job for you. All volunteer sign-ups will happen through
our Sign-up Genius web account. If you have questions regarding volunteer positions, please
contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Patti Cook at: [email protected]
MAIN CAST – Parents with actors in grades 3-8 are asked to sign up for two volunteer
jobs, one pre-production job and one performance production job.
LITTLE PLAYERS and TECH TEAM – Parents with only a Little Player or Tech Team
member are asked to sign up for one job, either pre-production or performance.
TIME COMMITMENT
The Playmakers Team is dedicated to providing a quality educational and artistic experience to as
many students as possible. Since we all have many time obligations and family commitments we are
striving to give you detailed information on rehearsal schedules so you can make informed choices for
your student and your family. We will do our best to honor the schedule we present by making as few
or no changes to the schedule and by always starting and stopping on time. We ask that you do the
same with prompt pick-up at the end of rehearsals and communication on potential conflicts or
absences.
COSTUMES
Costumes will once again be designed by our fabulous costumer, Terri Ericson. Little Player
costumes will be purchased for each actor and Little Players may keep their costumes at the end of
the production. Terri will also be providing major costume pieces for each character in the Main Cast.
Individual students will be asked to provide appropriate undergarments and shoes. All costume
pieces for the main cast are borrowed or rented and must be returned to Playmakers on the day of the
last performance. Tech Team will be wearing their specially designed t-shirts for performances.
Additional information on costumes, make-up, and hairstyles will be sent out prior to Tech Week.
CLOSED REHEARSALS AND CHAPERONES
Playmaker rehearsals are considered “closed” rehearsals. Siblings staying after school who are not in
the show must sign into ESS. Family and friends are asked to wait outside of the rehearsal area for
Playmaker students. This keeps our noise level and distractions to a minimum. However, if you
would like to observe rehearsals, we encourage you to become a rehearsal chaperone. You can sign
up for one or more rehearsals, depending upon your availability. Chaperones will be asked to help
monitor noise levels and student activity during rehearsal times, as well as supervise daily clean up.
5 (GENERAL INFORMATION continued)
WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE - February 25 – April 18
Monday:
3:00-4:15
4:15-5:00
ENSEMBLE/CORE (Gr. 3-8)
CORE only
Tuesday:
2:00 – 3:15
LITTLE PLAYERS (Gr. 1&2)
Wednesday:
3:00-4:15
4:15-5:00
ENSEMBLE/CORE (Gr. 3-8)
CORE only
Thursday:
12:30-1:15
3:00-5:00
TECH TEAM (beginning March 14th)
CORE only – Check weekly schedule
TECH WEEK SCHEDULE – no conflicts allowed with the following dates
***Please note that April 26-28 is a 3-day weekend***
April 20
Saturday
Saturday
12:00 – 4:00
10:00 – 4:00
MAIN CAST
TECH TEAM
April 22
Monday
3:00 – 6:00
ENSEMBLE, CORE AND TECH TEAM
April 23
Tuesday
2:00 – 6:00
ENSEMBLE, CORE, TECH TEAM &
LITTLE PLAYERS dismissed at 4:00
April 24
Wednesday
5:00 – 9:00pm ENSEMBLE, CORE, TECH TEAM
LITTLE PLAYERS dismissed at 8:00
April 25
Thursday
3:00 – 5:00
CORE TBA
April 26
FRIDAY
OPENING
5:00 CALL
6:00 CALL
7:00 CALL
8:00
MAIN CAST and TECH TEAM
LITTLE PLAYERS
CURTAIN
LITTLE PLAYERS dismissed end of Act 1
April 27
SATURDAY
EVENING
5:00 CALL
6:00 CALL
7:00 CALL
8:00
MAIN CAST and TECH TEAM – photo call
LITTLE PLAYERS
CURTAIN
LITTLE PLAYERS dismissed end of Act 1
April 28
SUNDAY
MATINEE
1:00 CALL
1:00 CALL
2:00 CALL
2:00
4:00ish
MAIN CAST and TECH TEAM
LITTLE PLAYERS
CURTAIN
LITTLE PLAYERS dismissed/optional “bow”
Closing Party
**** The Closing Party immediately follows the matinee. It usually runs for about 45
minutes. During the party, parents help with STRIKE (cleanup of the set and gym area).
Everyone stays until all spaces are cleaned up and ready for school.
PARENT MEETING
Our parent meeting is a great time to meet the Teaching Team and Board Members, to watch the
students perform a sneak preview, and to ask any questions regarding the Playmakers program.
MAIN CAST
Meets Monday, February 25th 5:00-5:30pm
LITTLE PLAYERS Meets Tuesday, February 26th 3:15-3:30pm
TECH TEAM
No parent meeting for Tech students – Information sent via e-mail
6 (GENERAL INFORMATION continued)
PICK-UP and ESS
All students need to be picked up promptly when their call time or rehearsal time ends. Students will
be exiting rehearsals through the double doors outside of the Moore Theatre. Students who are not
picked up within 10 minutes of the end of rehearsal will be sent directly to ESS.
CONFLICTS/ABSENCES
Rehearsal conflicts and absences are difficult on everyone, and every Playmaker is important to the
process. If an unexpected conflict arises, please make sure to notify the director as soon as possible,
but absolutely NO LATER THAN 30 MINUTES PRIOR to your scheduled rehearsal time.
([email protected] or the front office: 425-451-1773). All Playmakers must fill out potential
absences on the information/audition sheet and turn it into the front office by the first rehearsal.
o All absences approved by the director prior to the start of rehearsals are considered “excused”
o All absences due to illness or injury are considered “excused”
o All other absences are unexcused
o All Playmakers who have 3 or more unexcused or unreported absences will be put on probation
and will require a parent/director conference to determine his/her ongoing role in the show.
PLAYMAKER BOARD
The Playmaker Board is governed by a hard-working group of volunteers who oversee all aspects of
our Playmaker program. Listed below is our Current Board for the 2012-2013 School Year.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Director – Kim Douglass
Co-Presidents – Heather Cooney and Leigh Floyd
President Elect – Catherine Deasy
Secretary – Leigh Floyd
Treasurer - Dee Huff
Communications Director – Kim Schliesman
Volunteer Coordinator – Patti Cook
Little Players Advisor – Catherine Deasy
Tickets and Photography– Tom Anderson
Web Master and Marketing - Marika FitzGerald
Accounts Payable – Patti Cook
CONTACT INFORMATION
For the quickest response to your Playmakers questions please contact the following people:
For questions regarding: Casting, Schedules, Absences, Roles, Production & Tech Team
Kim Douglass – Director – 425-378-8340 [email protected] For questions regarding: Costumes
Terri Ericson – Costumer – [email protected]
For questions regarding: Finances, Reimbursement
Dee Huff – Treasurer – 425-241-3879 [email protected]
For questions regarding: Little Players
Catherine Deasy – 206-794-7110 [email protected]
For questions regarding: Volunteer Jobs
Patti Cook – [email protected]
For all other inquiries: Communications
Kim Schliesman – [email protected]
7 (GENERAL INFORMATION continued)
PLAYMAKER DISCIPLINE POLICY 2013
REHEARSAL GUIDELINES/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Playmakers follows the same rules of conduct as students are expected to follow during the school
day, as outlined on the SHS website in the Code of Conduct document. Expectations for rehearsal
etiquette and proper treatment of our facilities will be presented at the first rehearsal, at the parent
meeting, and reiterated during all announcement sessions. For daily rehearsals, the Playmakers
Teaching Team and chaperones will implement the following guidelines based on respect for program
resources, teachers, and fellow students.
□
□
□
RESPECT FOR RESOURCES – Playmaker rehearsals and performances use several
spaces in the school and many different kinds of equipment. All students are expected to
respect the theatre equipment at all times (i.e.: curtains, lighting instruments, sound
equipment, scripts, props, sets, and costumes). It is imperative that students only use
equipment that is specifically assigned to them including, but not limited to, all of the above
items. Additionally, students may not use any of the following equipment during rehearsals
unless specifically requested by a Playmaker teaching team member or supervising adult,
including any other teaching equipment for drama or other subjects (i.e.: musical
instruments, sports equipment, computers, phones, and any other items stored in the
classrooms or on the stage).
RESPECT FOR TEACHERS and CHAPERONES – The Playmaker Program includes
many adult instructors and supervisors, such as additional professional teachers and
parent chaperones. Students are expected to respond to requests from all adults with
proper vocal responses, appropriate language, and cooperation.
RESPECT FOR FELLOW STUDENTS – Playmaker Participants are expected to show
their support of fellow students in three important ways:
1. Verbally – All students should use proper language and tone of voice when interacting
with fellow students during rehearsals and performances, both on and off of the stage.
2. Physically—Unless students are specifically rehearsed and instructed to be physically
combative on stage, no student should interact with fellow actors through pushing,
hitting, kicking, or any other aggressive physical behavior at any time on or off of the
stage.
3. Emotionally – Working as a performing artist requires emotional vulnerability. All
students need to support the artistic work of other actors through supportive
comments, encouragement, and positive feedback. Only the director or teaching staff
is allowed to give “notes” (constructive criticism) to other actors. Heckling, teasing, or
provocative comments are strictly prohibited.
8 (GENERAL INFORMATION continued)
(PLAYMAKER DISCIPLINE POLICY 2013 continued)
THREE STRIKES “YOU’RE OUT”
Playmakers will issue “strikes” for students who are not following the rehearsal guidelines. A “strike”
is a reminder to the student that their behavior does not meet Playmaker expectations. A strike may
be given by any member of the teaching team or a daily parent supervisor. Strikes will be tallied for
each rehearsal by the director. Each student is allowed up to three strikes for each rehearsal before
further disciplinary measure are taken. In this way, a student who is feeling challenged one day may
start with a clean slate at the next rehearsal.
Depending upon the severity of the behavior, the following additional disciplinary actions may be
taken:
• Parental Notification – A parent will be notified by phone if a student receives more than
three strikes during any one rehearsal or if a student “strikes out” at any two consecutive
rehearsals. Additionally, any one of the following behaviors may result in immediate probation:
improper vocal responses or language, inappropriate physical interactions with fellow
students, blatant disrespect for facilities or Playmaker resources, or an ongoing lack of
participation in the program.
• Probation - Students who receive parental notification are expected to adjust behaviors by the
following rehearsal and to continue to follow the behavior guidelines for subsequent
rehearsals. Failure to meet rehearsal expectations may result in suspension from the
program.
•
***LITTLE PLAYER PROBATION ***
If a Little Player is put on probation they may only return to the program if accompanied by
a parent during ALL subsequent rehearsals and/or performances.
Suspension – Students who fail to meet behavior expectations during probation may be
suspended from the Playmaker program until a parent/director conference can be held to
discuss a student’s ongoing participation. Consequently, student participation in the program
may be limited by the director, including changing of roles and/or line load, participation in
certain scenes and songs, or limited backstage access. Pro-rated tuition refunds may be
granted for students who do not continue with the program. Due to production costs, no
refunds will be granted for any students who leave the program after March 29th, 2013.
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL
KNOW YOUR STUFF
Memorizing lines, lyrics, and cues is one of the major responsibilities of all performers. We’re in this
together! Performers who struggle with the material make it difficult for the entire cast to rehearse.
Playmakers who are not actively working on memorization or cues by the following due dates may be
asked to meet with the director to discuss the continuation of their role.
LITTLE PLAYERS – Must know lyrics and choreography by April 16th
MAIN CAST – Must know lyrics, lines, and blocking for ACT ONE by March 18th
MAIN CAST – Must know lyrics, lines, and blocking for ACT TWO by April 8th
TECH TEAM – Must know job assignments and have notation for cues by April 22nd
9 So…..
How does my student become a
LITTLE PLAYER?
...Just follow our checklist below!
A Little Player must currently be in 1st or 2nd grade.
Read through all of the information in the handbook before making a
commitment to our Playmaker Production. Please note in particular our
rehearsal and tech schedule, our discipline policy, and volunteer requirements.
Register through the website online. All Little Players are required to
register. Online Registration opens January 14th and closes January 28th.
There are a total of 40 Little Player slots this year and they fill up quickly!
Students will be included in the cast on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Print out your Information/Parent Agreement form. Fill it out and turn it
in to the FRONT OFFICE (e-mail submissions not accepted) no later than
February 26th (this is the first rehearsal date). The Teaching Team must
receive information on all conflicts, as well as the costume sizing information by
the first rehearsal. Little Players do NOT audition for the program.
Little Players come to our first rehearsal on February 26th and prepare to
have fun! Our parent meeting is from 3:15-3:30 directly following our first
rehearsal.
More LITTLE PLAYER Information
Rehearsals:
Little Players will meet on Tuesdays from 2:00 – 3:15 on February 26,
March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 9 and 16. Little Players will join the rest of the cast the week of April 22.
Start to Finish:
We will meet your children in the Primary hallway near Mrs. Dennehy’s 3rd
Grade class at 2:00 and walk them over to the Music Room, which is located adjacent to the Moore
Theater. Please pick up your child at 3:15 from the Music Room. All children not picked up within 10
minutes of the end of rehearsal will be walked to ESS for sign in at the library.
Snacks:
We will have 15 minutes at the beginning of each rehearsal to enjoy a snack. Please
send a snack to school with your Little Player that they can eat at the beginning of rehearsal
time. They will need that little energy boost to get them through all of our singing and dancing! We
will have water for the kids to drink during rehearsal. If your child has any food allergy, please let us
know.
10 LITTLE PLAYERS
INFORMATION/PARENT AGREEMENT FORM
OLIVER! - SPRING 2013
Little Players Name:________________________________ Grade:_________
Parent’s Name(s): ___________________________________________
Parent/Student Agreement for Little Players
We want every student to have a fabulous experience as part of the Playmaker
Process. With that in mind we ask that you read this handbook and discuss the overall
commitment and behavioral policy with your child. Double check all of our dates, especially
for Tech Week and performances. Your child’s attendance is extremely important for their
success and for the overall presentation of our production.
Please return this signed page to the FRONT OFFICE before the first rehearsal on
February 26th. If you have any questions contact Kim Douglass at 425-378-8340 or
[email protected].
Parent’s Signature:______________________________________________
Child’s Signature:_______________________________________________
Date:______________
Please provide the following costume information for your
Little Player:
Shoe______
Pant ______
Shirt______
Dress______
Please list any food allergies:
_____________________________________________________
11 So…..
How does my student become a
TECH TEAM MEMBER?
…….. Just follow our checklist below!
Tech Team members must currently be in grades 6, 7 or 8.
Read through all of the information in the handbook before making a
commitment to our Playmaker Production. Please note in particular our
rehearsal and tech schedule, our discipline policy, and volunteer
requirements.
Register through the website online. All Tech Team members are
required to register before tech meetings begin on March 14th. Online
Registration opens January 14th and closes January 28th. There are a total
of only 10 Tech slots. Students will be included in the Tech Team on a “first
come, first serve” basis. Tech Team members do NOT audition.
Come to our first lunch meeting in the Moore Theatre on March 14th
and fill out a “job assignment” form.
Please note that Tech Team members can NOT earn service hours for
working on the Playmakers production. But, read the following information
and you’re all set to go!
Even More TECH TEAM Information!
Job Assignments:
There are many backstage jobs to fill for Oliver! We need light
board operators, sound operators, deck crew, props masters, and many more helpers to put
on our show. All students who sign up for our production program will be “cross-training” for
the various backstage jobs. Individual assignments will be made prior to Tech Week.
Schedule Conflicts:
It is important that production students attend our scheduled
training sessions so they will feel confident fulfilling their backstage roles. Make sure to
double check the schedule and note that no conflicts are allowed for actors or Tech Team
members during Tech Week and performances.
12 So…..
How does my student audition for
THE MAIN CAST?
…….. Just follow our checklist below!
Actors in the Main Cast must currently be in grades 3-8.
Read through all of the information in the handbook before making a
commitment to our Playmaker Production. Please note in particular our
rehearsal and tech schedule, our discipline policy, and volunteer
requirements.
Register through the website online. All Playmakers are required to
register before audition. Don’t wait too long to register. Space is limited to
70 members in our Main Cast. Students will be included in the cast on a
“first come, first serve” basis.
Print out your Audition Form. Fill it out and turn it in to the FRONT
OFFICE no later than February 1. (E-mail submissions not accepted) After
an actor turns in their audition form, they will be assigned one of the
following audition days:
Monday, February 11, 3:00-5:00
OR Tuesday, February 12, 2:00-4:00
If an actor has a conflict with the assigned audition day/time, he may request
to audition on a different day, based on availability. All Main Cast actors are
required to perform a Placement Audition. Actors should plan on staying at
the audition for the entire two hour time period.
Prepare for the audition using the information provided in the audition
section of the handbook – monologues and songs included.
All Actors who complete Placement Auditions are automatically cast in
the Ensemble for the show. The complete cast list will be posted on Friday,
February 15th, after 7:00pm.
13 So…..
How does my student audition for
CORE?
CORE is a new enhancement on our program for the Lead and Supporting Lead
roles in the show. Students must be in at least FOURTH grade and in good standing with the
Drama Department in order to audition. After completing a Placement Audition, CORE
members will be invited to a callback audition for the various speaking parts in the show.
…….. Just follow our checklist below!
Actors in the CORE must currently be in grades 4-8.
Read through all of the information in the handbook before making a commitment to our
Playmaker Production. Please note in particular our rehearsal and tech schedule, our
discipline policy, and volunteer requirements.
Register through the website online. All Playmakers are required to register before
auditions begin this year. Don’t wait too long to register. Space is limited to 70 members in
our main cast. Students will be included in the cast on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Print out your Audition Form. Fill it out and turn it in to the front office no later than
February 1. After an actor turns in their audition form, they will be assigned one of the
following audition days: Mon., February 11, 3:00-5:00 OR Tues., February 12, 2:00-4:00
If an actor has a conflict with the assigned audition day/time, he may request to audition on a
different day based on availability. All Main Cast actors are required to perform a Placement
Audition. Actors should plan on staying at the auditions for the entire two hour time period.
Prepare for the audition using the information provided in the audition section of the
handbook – monologues and songs included.
All Actors who complete Placement Auditions are automatically cast in the show.
Callbacks for CORE will be posted on the SHS Playmaker website on Tuesday evening,
February 12th by 6:00p.m. No additional audition preparation is required.
CORE auditions will be held Wednesday, February 13th AND Thursday,
February 14th, 3:00-5:00 for those actors who are called back.
The complete cast list will be posted on Friday, February 15th, after 7:00p.m.
14 MAIN CAST AUDITION INFORMATION
OLIVER! CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
CORE CHARACTERS
Oliver Twist
Mrs. Sowerberry
Mr. Bumble
Charlotte
Widow Corney
The Artful Dodger
Noah Claypole
Fagin
Mr. Sowerberry
Nancy
Bet
Bill Sykes
Old Sally
Mrs. Bedwin
Mr. Brownlow
Dr. Grimwig
Fagin’s Gang
ENSEMBLE
***All other supporting & cameo roles will be cast during the first two weeks of rehearsals. Ensemble
members will be playing Orphans, Orphanage Workers, Citizens of London, Vendors, and Pick Pockets
AUDITION SONGS
Please be familiar with the following songs for the Placement Audition. We will only be singing a few lines of
each and we will rehearse them together as a group first.. You can find many examples of the tunes by looking
them up on the internet.
Consider Yourself
Consider yourself at home
Consider yourself one of the family.
We’ve taken to you so strong, It’s clear, we’re going to get along….
Where is Love
Where is Love? Does it fall from skies above?
Is it underneath the willow tree
That I’ve been dreaming of…..
Pick a Pocket or Two
In this life, one thing counts
In the bank, large amounts
I’m afraid these don’t grow on trees
You’ve got to pick a pocket or two
You’ve got to pick a pocket or two…. Boys…. You’ve got to pick a pocket or two.
DANCE AUDITIONS
All students will learn a dance or a movement piece to perform together as a group at auditions. Please make
sure your uniform choice is comfortable and flexible so you can move. Tennis shoes are a good choice for
footwear. Dancing in boots or loose shoes is not recommended.
15 (Audition Information – continued)
MONOLOGUES for ENSEMBLE
***if you are interested in auditioning for CORE, you must choose one of the
monologues listed for CORE only. The following monologues are for Ensemble use,
grades 3-8. All monologues must be memorized. All parts may be read by either boys
or girls. Please keep in mind that simply because you select a certain monologue does
not necessarily mean that you will be considered for that particular role. The text in
parenthesis is information about what happens in the scene at that moment.
Widow Corney: (a caretaker at the orphanage)
You’re a fool boy! You know you have no mother or father and were brought up free by the parish.
You’re an orphan. I hope you pray each night for the good Christian souls that feed you! (to another
worker) Why is he crying?
Mrs. Sowerberry: (the undertaker’s wife—she is a very unpleasant person who raises her voice…..
a lot….) (Yelling offstage) Charlotte! Fetch the cold bits we put back for the dog. He ain’t come
home since this morning so tonight he goes hungry. (to Oliver) I dare say, you’re not too dainty to
eat them?
The Artful Dodger: (the smartest member of Fagin’s pick-pocket gang—he has just met Oliver on
the road) My eyes, how green! But I guess you’ll be needing some lodgings. I know a ‘spectable
ol’ gentlemen what’ll give you lodgings for nothing. What’n I introduces you. My name’s Jack
Dawkins, though my friends never say it. They say “Artful Dodger”. Just follow me, mate.
Fagin: (the mentor for the boy’s pick-pocket gang—he is a master thief! He compliments Oliver on
his pick-pocket skills after giving him a little test) Clever boy, clever boy. I never saw a sharper one.
Here’s a shilling for you which I will put into the bank for safe keeping. If you go on this way you’ll be
the greatest man of all time.
Vendor: (he owns the bookstall and he witnessed the episode where Oliver was unjustly arrested)
I will not be turned out. I will speak what I know. I own the bookstall and I saw it all. The boy did not
do it.
Nancy: (pleading with Oliver to come back home to the gang… her real motive is to kidnap him!)
I’ve found you! Oh Oliver, you naughty boy…. To make me suffer such distress on your account.
Come home, dear, come home.
16 (Audition Information – continued)
MONOLOGUES for CORE
***if you are interested in auditioning for CORE, you must choose one of the following
monologues. All monologues must be memorized. All parts may be read by either boys or
girls. Please keep in mind that simply because you select a certain monologue does not
necessarily mean that you will be considered for that particular role. The text in parenthesis is
information about what happens in the scene at that moment.
The Artful Dodger – (meeting Oliver for the first time in the street and trying to recruit him for Fagin’s
Pickpocket Academy) “I suppose you want some place to sleep tonight, don’t you? Are you
accommodated? (Oliver shakes his head.) Then accommodated you shall be, me old mate. There’s a
certain house-and I know a respectable old gentleman lives there who’ll give you lodgin’s for nothing, and
never ask for the change. If I interduces someone its alright, on account of I happen ter be a pertickler
favourite of Mister Fagin. . .that’s his name—Mister Fagin. My name’s Jack Dawkins – better known
among me more hintimate friends as the Artful Dodger. Come to think of it – I ain’t got no hintimate
friends. Still, what’s the difference, me old pork sausage, you’re coming with me!”
Nancy – (telling a lie in a crowd of onlookers to try to convince Oliver to come back with her) “I’ve found
him! Oliver, oh, Oliver! My dear little brother! Where have you been? We’ve been worried out of our
heads! Come home, dear, come home! Oh, I’ve found him, thank goodness gracious heavens, I’ve found
him! Oh, he ran away two weeks ago from his parents who are hard-working respectable people, and
went and joined a set of thieves and bad characters—almost broke his mother’s heart. Please make him
come home. Oliver, it’s me!! It’s me!! See, he knows his sister. He can’t hide that. Oh, make him come
home to his mother and father!”
Mr. Bumble—(talking sternly to Oliver who has locked himself inside a coffin and refuses to come out)
“Oliver? Do you know this here voice Oliver?! And ain’t you afraid of it Oliver?! Ain’t you a-tremblin’ while
I speak Oliver?! It’s not madness madam. It’s meat! Meat, Madam, meat! You’ve overfed him
Madam. You’ve raised an artificial spirit in the boy unbecoming of his station in life. If you’d kept him on
gruel madam, this never would have happened. The only thing that can be done now that I know of is for
me to take him back for a day or so, till he’s a little starved down. I’ll keep him on gruel.”
Fagin- (preparing to examine the loot that the young pickpockets have gathered for the day)
“I hope you’ve all been hard at work today, my dears. (Looks at the loot the boys have gathered.) Good
boys! Good boys! So, what’ve you got, Dodger? (Takes wallets from Dodger and examines
them.) Hmmm, not as heavy as they might be. But very nicely made! Yes indeed! Ingenious workman,
ain’t he, Oliver? (turns to Charley) And what have YOU got my dear? (Charley hands him 2 silk
handkerchiefs.) Well, they’re very good ones, very! Yellow and green! (Checks out the embroidery.)
We’ll have to pick the intials out with a needle tho’. You’ll need to learn how to do this too Oliver my dear,
won’t he boys? Just do everything that Dodger and Charley do. Make ‘em your models my dear—
especially Dodger.”
Mrs. Sowerberry (introducing Oliver and getting him some food)
“Charlotte! Charlotte! Bring up some of the cold bits we put out for the dog. It hasn’t been in all day, so it
can go without ‘em. I daresay the boy isn’t too dainty to eat ‘em, are ya boy? Charlotte love, this is the
new boy. . .give them to him. (They watch Oliver hungrily polish off the scraps.) Have you done boy? I’m
glad to hear it. C’mon Charlotte. Don’t just stand there gawking. Now then, Oliver Twist, your bed’s
under the counter. You don’t mind sleeping among the coffins, I suppose? But it doesn’t much matter
whether you do or don’t, you can’t sleep nowhere else!”
17 OLIVER!
AUDITION FORM - SPRING 2013
attach
school
photo
here
Actor’s Name:________________________________ Grade:_________
Parent’s Name(s): ___________________________________________
th
Placement Auditions – February 11 OR 12
th
CORE Auditions – February 13 AND 14th
th
Rehearsals – February 25 – April 25
Performances – April 26, 27, and 28
ROLES I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR: (check all that apply)
**Keep in mind that showing interest in a lead role does not necessarily mean an actor will be
cast as a lead part. It only means that the actor is interested and available for rehearsal times.
Most lead roles will be cast from grades 5-8 only.
ENSEMBLE – Mostly Group Work & Character Parts
(rehearses Mon & Wed) .................................................. ________
Please provide
some basic costume
measurements for
your actor
CORE ROLES – Leads and Supporting Leads
(rehearses Mon, Wed and Thurs).................................... ________
Shoe: ________
I will ONLY take a LEAD ROLE in the show ........................ ________
Dress:_______
I will take ANY ROLE in the show ........................................ ________
Shirt:________
Pant:________
I am a girl but I am willing to play a BOY part ...................... ________
CONFLICTS:
– Our program runs from Feb. 11 – April 28. Please list all conflicts. This helps us group actors together.
**Standing Conflicts - These are weekly recurring appointments such as lessons or clubs. (Please write “NONE” if you
have no standing conflicts on a given day).
MONDAY________________________________________________
TUESDAY_______________________________________________
WEDNESDAY____________________________________________
THURSDAY______________________________________________
FRIDAY_________________________________________________
***Main Cast Students with standing conflicts on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays cannot participate in our CORE group. Students with “standing” conflicts on both M ondays and Wednesdays cannot participate in the Playmakers program. **Long Term Conflicts or Individual conflict days -- These include conflicts that span several days or a week, i.e.:
vacations, sports tournaments, etc. Please write “NONE” if you have no long-term conflicts (on rehearsal days only).
________________________________________________________.
**The CORE List will be posted on the website on Tuesday evening, Feb. 12th at 6:00pm
**The Cast List will be posted on the website on Friday evening, Feb. 15th at 7:00p.m..
18