Auditions for Chicago: High School Edition
Synopsis
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
Written by the legendary team of Kander and Ebb, and originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, the musical is based on a play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she reported on. The story satirizes corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal". The original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards. The current Broadway revival is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
Characters
This is a large-cast show, with multiple principal and supporting roles, as well as a dancing and singing ensemble, who may have additional lines. There will be opportunities for featured dancers within the ensemble. Some roles may be double cast. You can see a complete description of characters below, as well as a link to the complete script.
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
Written by the legendary team of Kander and Ebb, and originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, the musical is based on a play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she reported on. The story satirizes corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal". The original Broadway production won seven Tony Awards. The current Broadway revival is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
Characters
This is a large-cast show, with multiple principal and supporting roles, as well as a dancing and singing ensemble, who may have additional lines. There will be opportunities for featured dancers within the ensemble. Some roles may be double cast. You can see a complete description of characters below, as well as a link to the complete script.
Pre-audition dance workshop
Mrs. Wise, the choreographer, will be holding a pre-audition dance workshop on Wednesday, December 4 from 3:30-5:30pm in the choir room (1046). This is not required for auditions, but you are encouraged to attend if possible. She will be going over the choreography basics of the dance style being used in Chicago. Wear comfortable clothes and character shoes (women) and hard-soled dress shoes (men) if possible. Athletic shoes will work also.
Mrs. Wise, the choreographer, will be holding a pre-audition dance workshop on Wednesday, December 4 from 3:30-5:30pm in the choir room (1046). This is not required for auditions, but you are encouraged to attend if possible. She will be going over the choreography basics of the dance style being used in Chicago. Wear comfortable clothes and character shoes (women) and hard-soled dress shoes (men) if possible. Athletic shoes will work also.
Auditions
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, December 10 at 6:00pm and Wednesday, December 11 at 3:15pm in the drama room (1054). You only need to come to ONE of those audition times. Everyone auditioning should prepare 30-40 seconds of a musical theatre song that best shows off their vocal and performance abilities. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in the correct key with the cuts clearly marked. If you are not auditioning for one of the roles listed below, your song becomes your primary acting audition as well, so make sure you are performing it with intent and focus.
Everyone will also go through an extensive dance audition. Please wear comfortable clothes and character shoes (women) or hard-soled dress shoes (men), or athletic shoes. Bring water!
Actors auditioning for Billy, Amos, Velma, Roxie, Mama, Mary Sunshine, Liz, Annie, June, Hunyak, or Mona should ALSO prepare one of the monologues below. There are three female and three male monologues from which to choose. You will be considered for any of these roles (if you choose) by performing just one monologue.
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, December 10 at 6:00pm and Wednesday, December 11 at 3:15pm in the drama room (1054). You only need to come to ONE of those audition times. Everyone auditioning should prepare 30-40 seconds of a musical theatre song that best shows off their vocal and performance abilities. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in the correct key with the cuts clearly marked. If you are not auditioning for one of the roles listed below, your song becomes your primary acting audition as well, so make sure you are performing it with intent and focus.
Everyone will also go through an extensive dance audition. Please wear comfortable clothes and character shoes (women) or hard-soled dress shoes (men), or athletic shoes. Bring water!
Actors auditioning for Billy, Amos, Velma, Roxie, Mama, Mary Sunshine, Liz, Annie, June, Hunyak, or Mona should ALSO prepare one of the monologues below. There are three female and three male monologues from which to choose. You will be considered for any of these roles (if you choose) by performing just one monologue.
You may also be asked to cold read from the script.
The cast list will be posted at 3:00pm on Friday, December 13. Costume measurements will be taken during 26 Pebbles rehearsals on Sunday, December 15.
A final rehearsal schedule will be completed before Christmas break begins.
Rehearsals will start January 18. Performances will run two weekends from March 27 - April 4.
Forms for Auditions
You will also need to fill out an audition form and a conflict calendar, either in advance or the day of auditions. The conflict calendar lists all POSSIBLE rehearsal times. We use it to try to build a schedule that has a minimal amount of conflicts for rehearsals. Please make sure you list on your audition day ANY conflicts you have with any of those times. There can be NO absences, including excused absences, starting Sunday, March 22.
There is also a parent permission form below that your parent/guardian will need to sign prior to your audition.
The cast list will be posted at 3:00pm on Friday, December 13. Costume measurements will be taken during 26 Pebbles rehearsals on Sunday, December 15.
A final rehearsal schedule will be completed before Christmas break begins.
Rehearsals will start January 18. Performances will run two weekends from March 27 - April 4.
Forms for Auditions
You will also need to fill out an audition form and a conflict calendar, either in advance or the day of auditions. The conflict calendar lists all POSSIBLE rehearsal times. We use it to try to build a schedule that has a minimal amount of conflicts for rehearsals. Please make sure you list on your audition day ANY conflicts you have with any of those times. There can be NO absences, including excused absences, starting Sunday, March 22.
There is also a parent permission form below that your parent/guardian will need to sign prior to your audition.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Wegner via email at twegner@kimberly.k12.wi.us. Break a leg!
