Springfield Regional Arts Council

Auditions for SLT Youth Performance Troupes 2008-2009

Thursday, May 15, 2008

CASTING SEARCH FOR AREA YOUTH
2008-2009 Springfield Little Theatre Young Artists, Youth Players, and Y.E.S. Troupe

AUDITION DATE:
For Y.E.S. Troupe—Monday, August 5, 5:30 p.m.
For Youth Players and Young Artists—Tuesday, August 6, 5:30 p.m.

PLACE: Landers Theatre
311 E Walnut

For the serious student who aspires to pursue a career in theatre, the SLT Education program functions as a formal training ground, a springboard and a home base. SLT now hosts four auditioned training groups/performance ensembles: Y.E.S. Troupe (junior and senior high school students), Junior Varsity Y.E.S. Troupe (freshman and sophomore high school students), Youth Players (middle school students) and the newly formed Young Artists (elementary students). All four performance troupes, in addition to performing on the Landers stage, entertain at birthday parties, corporate functions, holiday parties, etc.; act as mentors at educational workshops for young children; participate in numerous community festivals and fundraisers; and are leaders in multiple areas of school and community. (Their impressive schedule has included performing at the Founders Park Brown Bag Lunch Series, the Bank One Variety Show featuring the students of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, Cider Days, the Alzheimers Walk, a fundraiser for Crosslines, the Montclair Retirement Center, the Festival of Lights kick-off event, Springfield on Display, the Sertoma Club holiday party for the Boys and Girls Club, First Night, the Greater Ozarks Arts Tour, Artsfest, Youthfest, Zoobilee, Snowfest, and multiple variety shows on their home stage.)

Auditions for the 2008-2009 Young Artists and Youth Players will be held Tuesday, August 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Landers Theatre, 311 East Walnut. Auditions for both Y.E.S. Troupes will be held Monday, August 4, at 5:30 p.m.

2nd-5th grade students are invited to audition for SLT Young Artists. They are asked to prepare a one-minute vocal selection and a monologue (short cutting from a play or story book). They will be led through creative movement/dance and improvisational exercises at the audition.

For Youth Players, students should be going into their 6th- 8th grade years of school and in High School for Y.E.S. Troupe. In addition each student should prepare the following:

· 1 minute vocal selection, bring sheet music. A piano player will be provided. Broadway music preferred.
· 1 letter of reference from a teacher and copy of school transcript.
· A 500 word essay explaining your interest in the arts.
· A recent photograph.
· A one minute monologue
· Wear clothes and shoes that will allow you to move freely. If you have dance shoes of any kind, please bring them.

All four performance troupes will rehearse one week during the summer and weekly during the school year. Additional weekend and evening performances will also be expected. Students will receive training in acting, voice, musical theatre dance, and improvisation.

Y.E.S. and Junior Varsity Troupe Commitments:
ARTSFEST, CIDER DAYS, First Night, Spring Show, G.O.A.T. Tour Performances, KRAFT Show, Youthfest Talent Showcase, Holiday Performances
Various additional weekend and evening commitments for performance and rehearsal
Y.E.S. Troupe Rehearsal every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
2 excused absences per semester
1 unexcused absence per semester
Encouraged to maintain a B average at school
Y.E.S. Troupe camp Monday, August 11-Thursday, August 14, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition payment of $25 per month September-June due on the 1st of each month

Youth Players Commitments:
ARTSFEST, CIDER DAYS, Spring Show, G.O.A.T. Tour Performances, First Night, Holiday performances during run of The Nutcracker
Youthfest Talent Showcase
Various additional weekend and evening commitments for performance and rehearsal
Youth Players Rehearsal every Thursday from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
2 excused absences per semester
1 unexcused absence per semester
Encouraged to maintain a B average at school
Youth Players camp Monday, August 18-Thursday, August 21, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuition payment of $25 per month September-June due on the 1st of each month

Young Artists Commitments:
ARTSFEST, CIDER DAYS, Spring Show, Holiday performances during run of The Nutcracker
Youthfest Talent Showcase
Various additional weekend and evening commitments for performance and rehearsal
Young Artists rehearsal every Thursday from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
2 excused absences per semester
1 unexcused absence per semester
Encouraged to maintain a B average at school
Young Artists Camp Monday, August 25-Thursday, August 28, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuition Payment of $25 per month September-June due on the 1st of each month

Y.E.S. Troupe/Youth Players/Young Artists Expectations:
Attend every rehearsal and performance
Be prompt for rehearsals
Come prepared for work having rehearsed material at home
Cheerfully accept constructive criticism
Be a cheerleader for others
Be patient and courteous
Be quiet and attentive to instruction
Leave your personal baggage at the door
Give your best at all times
Be a glowing ambassador for Springfield Little Theatre in your community

Contact SLT Education Director Lorianne Dunn at 869-3869 x21 for more information.