MMS MUSICAL 2018-2019
Parent Handbook & Audition Packet
Memorial School Drama Club
Director: Mrs. Fisher
Music Director: Ms. Dell’Orfano (CRHS Student)
Please go over the information in this packet with a parent or guardian!
Before auditioning, you must be sure you can make a commitment to the cast and
crew of this show. We all need to rely on each other to make this production a
success!
READY...SET...CURTAIN UP!
(Read on)
Dear Drama Club Students & Families,
Congratulations for taking the first step towards joining the cast or crew for
Memorial School’s production of Alice In Wonderland Jr.!
Enclosed you will find all the information you need to know before auditioning
for our musical, including:
- Important dates and times (for meetings, rehearsals, performances, and
auditions)
- Information regarding rehearsals
- A list of character roles in Alice in Wonderland Jr.
- Audition scene (yellow sheet)
-Audition songs (green sheet)
- Student Survey/Cast Contract (purple sheet- needs to be turned in before
audition)
VISIT OUR SHOW WEBSITE: [Link]
Please look over the material with a parent or guardian prior to your audition.
Fill out, sign, and hand in the final page of this packet (there are two sides).
Thank you for taking an interest in this year’s
production! Good Luck!
Mrs. Erica Fisher
Director
efisher@[Link]
Room 12 (across from the office)
AUDITION INFORMATION
Audition Dates & Times
Cast Wednesday, October Music
Auditions 10th 2:45 - 4:30 Room,
6th p.m. Room 8
Graders
Stage Crew Auditions Friday, October 12th Mrs. Fisher’s Room
FLEX Room 12
Cast Wednesday, October Music
Auditions 17th 2:45 - 4:30 Room
5th p.m. Room 8
Graders
Cast Students will be pulled during Mrs. Fisher’s Room
Auditions chorus class or FLEX Room 12
4th They WILL NOT have an
Graders
after school audition
Make-Up October 22- Music Room
Auditions & 26th
Call-backs FLEX
(upon directors’ request)
Parts Posted Tuesday, October 30th Outside of Room 12
Script/CD Distribution Thursday, November 1st- Cafeteria
FLEX
All Cast Read-Through Wednesday, November Cafeteria,
7th 2:45-4:00 Gymnasiu
p.m. m
Audition Process:
Students will remain in homerooms until there is an announcement calling all Drama
Club members to the cafeteria. They will stay in the cafeteria and watch the movie Alice
in Wonderland. Students will be called into a separate room for a private audition with Mrs.
Fisher and Ms. Dell’Orfano.
Scene:
All students must prepare the scene provided in this packet. It does not need to be
memorized! They should practice both parts- the part of Alice and the part of Doorknob.
Although this scene is written for a female character, it was chosen as the audition scene
because it can show the depth in a student’s acting. Boys should learn this scene but in the
roles should think of themselves as a boy who is lost.
They should not try to “act like a girl” because it is written as a female role.
Song:
Those students interested in a large role must also perform the song included in this
packet- Very Good Advice if a girl, Painting the Roses Red if a boy. There are three YouTube
videos uploaded on the website that students should use in order to practice, one music
track and one karaoke version for each song. In auditions, students will sing with the
karaoke track.
*** Every effort will be made to hear all of the students’ auditions during the scheduled
afterschool times, this is why we have extended audition days to go until 4:30. However, in
the event that we are running short on time, some students may be assigned an audition
time either during lunch or FLEX the week of their grade level audition day.
AUDITION EXCEPTIONS:
* Students who want to be a part of the ensemble (also known as chorus- meaning those who
sing and dance on stage together as a group) and DO NOT want to try for a solo or any lines, DO
NOT need to audition! They just need to hand in the “Survey/Cast Contract” to Mrs. Fisher by
October 10th and check off only that they want to be in the “Ensemble”. They do not need to stay
after school on their grade level audition day.
** Students interested in being a part of Stage Crew should read the section on the Character
Breakdown sheet
GENERAL INFORMATION
Alice Jr. Mandatory Rehearsal & Performance Dates
Extended rehearsal with Wednesday, May 1st- 2:45-4:30
Accompanist Thursday, May 2nd- 2:45-4:30
Tech Rehearsals Tuesday, May 7th- 2:45-4:30 Using microphones &
Wednesday, May 8th- 2:45-4:30 props
Monday, May 13th- 2:45-5:00
Dress Rehearsals Tuesday, May 14th- 2:45- 5:00 Costumes Needed!
Wednesday, May 15th- 2:45-5:00
Night Performance Thursday, May 16th- 7:00 p.m. Call-time 6:15
Daytime School- Friday, May 17th- 9:30 a.m. Call-time 9:00
Wide Performance
Night Performance Friday, May 17th- 7:00 p.m. Call-time 6:15
Rehearsals
Generally rehearsals will be after school on Wednesdays from 2:45 to 4:00 starting in January.
Rehearsals will increase in frequency and length as the production dates near (see above).
Due to the fact that we have almost 100 students involved in this production, in order to
have the most productive rehearsals, not every actor will be called to every rehearsal. A
more detailed schedule will be distributed at the Full Cast Read-Through rehearsal and
posted online. ie. There will be days where only Royal Cardsmen may be called in order to
learn the choreography for Painting the Roses Red. There will also be rehearsals for select
parts, mainly leads, during certain Friday FLEX periods and on certain Mondays after
school. There is room on the audition form for you to write in Monday conflicts.
Communication
All handouts and schedules given to students in rehearsals will also be posted on
[Link]. Email blasts will be used sparingly, mainly for last minute
changes or for individual communications.
Attendance
Each cast member has his or her own unique part in the show. This is a team activity and
every single person is equally important. When a cast member is absent from a rehearsal it
impacts everyone else involved in the rehearsal. Unless a cast member is absent from
school, they are expected to attend rehearsals for which they are scheduled. Students
must also stay at each rehearsal until it’s conclusion. If a cast member has multiple
absences from rehearsals, the director may have to take the following actions which may
include, but are not limited to: reducing a cast member’s part in the show; removing a cast
member from the show.
Pick-Up Policy
Students must be met in the gymnasium and signed out by the adult designated on their
permission slips. Students should be promptly picked up at the time stated on the
schedule. If a pattern develops where a student is continually being picked up late, the
student may be asked to no longer participate in the production.
Behavior Policy
It is to be understood that the Drama Club is an extracurricular activity that the students
are choosing to participate in. Therefore, appropriate behavior and adherence to District
13’s Core Ethical Values are expected at all times, at all rehearsals. If a student
continually demonstrates behavior that is a distraction to the rehearsal process, they will
be asked to no longer participate in the Drama Club.
Costumes
Students and families are primarily responsible for putting together their costumes. The
costumes for our show do not need to be elaborate! Stage crew members will create some,
but not all pieces for the ensemble to wear. More information outlining the specific items
needed for each student will be given after January rehearsals begin.
Snacks
The kids will have a quick snack break right after school, before rehearsal starts. Please
make sure it is not a messy one that could possibly stain costumes and/or props!
EXTRA HELP:
We are always looking for parent volunteers! If you are able to help with any of the
following, please write on the student survey.
★ Costumes- anything from sewing to using a hot-glue gun!
★ Supervising students during regular and/or extended rehearsals
★ Sets/Props- building and supervising students
★ Lobby Display- Help take photos, organize cast photos/biographies to be displayed on show
days
★ Makeup- Assist cast members with applying makeup and fixing hair before performances
★ Tickets- selling before the night performances
★ Cast Party- help supervise students
★ Other- if you have another skill or talent that you would like to share with us
Alice in Wonderland Jr. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
There is more detailed information about each character on our website!
Lead Characters
*** Lead characters need the highest level of commitment to the show. They will have the
most lines and lyrics to memorize. They will be scheduled to attend the most Wednesday
rehearsals, select Monday rehearsals, and select Friday FLEX rehearsals.
Alice Small Alice Tall
Alice Cheshire Cat (3 actors play this
role) White Rabbit
Specialty Parts
*** Specialty parts need to work closely as a group. Line and lyric memorization will be a top
priority for these players.
Tweedle Dum Flowers: Rose Mad Hatter
Tweedle Dee Petunia March Hare
Mathilda Lily Queen of
Hearts
Caterpillar Violet King of Hearts
Doorknob Daisy Dodo Bird
Ensemble
*** The Alice in Wonderland Jr. ensemble has several big numbers to learn
including: Lobsters & Fish- The Ocean of Tears, The Caucus Race
Tea Party Guests- The Unbirthday Song, I’m Late
Royal Cardsmen- Painting the Roses Red
Backstage Crew
Stage Crew members design and create the props and sets for the play. During
performances, stage crew works backstage and only appears onstage to perform the
finale with the entire cast. Those students interested in being a part of stage crew will meet
with Mrs. Fisher during FLEX on Friday, October 12th in Room 12. They need to be able to tell
why they should be chosen for it. Due to limited space backstage, we will only need a small
amount of students (about 6-8 kids). Those students not chosen are encouraged to be a
part of the chorus! Stage crew members will meet on select Fridays during FLEX in Mrs.
Fisher’s Room (Room 12) and after school once we are closer to the performances.
Audition Scene
ALICE
This is where the White Rabbit went. I have to get
in. (Alice tugs on the Doorknob, which yelps in
pain.)
DOORKNOB
Yeeooowwww! Leggo my schnazzola already!
ALICE
Oh, I’m sorry. I have to find the White Rabbit.
DOORKNOB
Who taught you to go around pulling on people’s proboscises...essess...ss
ALICE
You’re not a person, you’re a piece of housing material.
DOORKNOB
Well, doorknobs have feelings too.
ALICE
I’m very sorry I pulled on your proboscis, but I have to find the White Rabbit.
DOORKNOB
You’re far too big to enter Wonderland
ALICE
Oh no, no! But I just have to get in, I just
have to! (Alice starts to cry)
DOORKNOB
Don’t cry, please don’t cry. Maybe if you drank some of the magic potion in that
convenient, floating-nearby bottle, you might fit in.
(Cheshire Cat brings out a bottle with a large label that says “Drink Me” and floats it in front
of Alice)
ALICE
Remember, Alice: Look before you leap. I really don’t know what’s in this bottle, but it
looks so pretty. But it could be poison, or mayonnaise, or floor polish, or a frothy
combination of all three! But I have to find the White Rabbit. Oh well, if you don’t explore,
you’ll never discover. Bottom’s up!
Alice in Wonderland Jr.
STUDENT SURVEY
* PLEASE GIVE THIS TO MRS. FISHER IN ROOM 12 or RETURN
TO THE OFFICE BEFORE YOUR AUDITION DAY*
Name: Grade:
Roles I would like to be considered for: (check all that apply)
ENSEMBLE..........................................................................................................................................
SPECIALTY PART- Lots of Line Memorization, no solos………………...……..………………
LEADING ROLES- Biggest Time Commitment…....................................................................
BACKSTAGE CREW............................................................................................................................
I would like to be considered for the part(s) of:
Theatrical Experience: List ANY experience including- acting, singing, dancing, gymnastics,
other- that should be considered. Brag about yourself!
Conflicts: Please list any after school commitments/conflicts on Mondays (for lead
characters), Wednesdays (regular rehearsals), and for the “Mandatory” extended rehearsal
dates:
Please turn over
CAST CONTRACT
As a member of the cast:
★ I agree to attend all rehearsals for which I am scheduled
★ I will remain at rehearsals until the rehearsal is completed or I am excused
★ I agree to meet “off book” deadlines by having lines memorized
★ I will bring my script and a pencil to each rehearsal
★ I understand that I am part of a team effort, so I must have a positive attitude, even on days when I have
a million reasons to not be open-minded and willing to work.
★ I understand that this show requires collaboration, and I agree to contribute my ideas and energy at
appropriate times.
★ I understand that the Director will make final choices pertaining to my role(s)
★ I agree to do all that I can to make rehearsals the best they can be
★ I understand that during rehearsals I am to remain quiet until my part begins onstage
★ If I cause problems by disrupting the cast or the Director during rehearsal, I understand that I may lose
my role in the show
★ I understand that all rehearsals and shows are a school function; thus, all school policies will be strictly
enforced.
Student Signature:
For Parents Only:
Please write down any ways in which you might be able to volunteer and/or any questions
or concerns you may have.
Throughout the year, I will be taking pictures and videos of the kids to submit to the Town Times,
post on the Memorial website and Facebook page, and on the Drama Club website. Please sign below
if you approve of this.
I give permission for pictures or videos of my child to be posted on the areas listed above
Parent Signature
* Due to the fact that almost 100 kids are participating in this production, the majority will be in
the ensemble which will then be broken into smaller groups in order to make rehearsals more
manageable. If you carpool with another family, please list below the name(s) of the other student
with whom you wish your child to be grouped.
