Cinderella CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME 2024

Written by Chris Hannon. Directed by Matt Aston.

Choreographed by Louise Denison. Musical Direction by Jim Lunt.

Open Auditions for Chorus: Sunday 8 September 2024

Performed: Tuesday 26 November 2024-Sunday 5 January 2025

Ages: Boys 9-17 (aged 17 or under until final show)

Girls 9-15 (aged 15 or under until final show)

AUDITION INFORMATION

Introduction

Our annual pantomime is the biggest event of the year at Theatre Royal Wakefield. 2023’s production of Sleeping Beauty was a hit with audiences and critics alike, playing to over 25,000 people. We are delighted to be able to bring panto back to Wakefield with this year’s production of Cinderella which will be directed by Matt Aston and choreographed by Louise Denison. The musical director is Jim Lunt and our very own Dame, Chris Hannon, has written a fantastically funny script.

We are looking for 9-15 year old girls and 9-17 year old boys (must be at least 9 by opening night and no older than 15/17 until the final show) who can dance, act and sing to be part of the chorus in this production. The chorus will play a crucial role, working alongside a professional cast, in making the show spectacular.

The schedule is tough and requires commitment and discipline but it is also a brilliant opportunity to perform alongside and work with a professional cast and crew.

We want ensure that the young people’s panto experience goes as smoothly as possible while also keeping pressure on pupils and schools to a minimum. We ask that parents and young people think carefully before signing up to audition as there will be a requirement of a few days off school each week. Schools must give permission for your child to take part in the pantomime and this may not be possible if there have been a number of absences already or if anyone is struggling with school work.

AUDITIONS

When are the auditions?

The auditions are taking place at The Mechanics Theatre, Wakefield College, Wood Street, Wakefield onSunday 8 September 2024, 9.30am-4.30pm.

We will begin with opportunities for everyone to sing and dance in groups (a short song will be given out to everyone on the day or sent in advance) and, as the day progresses, there will be moments when some are sent home having been unsuccessful this time. A detailed schedule of the day will be sent out nearer the time to everyone who has signed up by filling in our web form.

We ask parents to ensure they are contactable throughout the day as finish times will vary.Please note: children aged 13 and under must be signed out by parent/guardian before they can leave for the day.

What is the process for registering for auditions?

If you would like to attend the audition then please fill in the web form link below by Friday 6 September or let Janine know if you need the form sent as a Word document in good time for you to be able to return it by Friday 6 September.

LINK TO AUDITION REGISTRATION WEB FORM:Click here for registration form please note this is a different form to the initial sign up one.

You can contact Janine by email if you have any questions at janine.johnson@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk We will let you know of any changes to timings etc and can pass on any further information you may need nearer the time.

When will rehearsals be?

**Everyone is needed for the chorus costume fittings as it is essential to see each team together in the costumes we have. The three teams will be staggered and not needed for the whole 3 hours.

When are the performances?

The shows run from Tuesday 26 November 2024 until Sunday 5 January 2025.

We will split the groups into three teams so your child will be in a third of the performances but please make sure for now you are available for the whole performance period. Some of the performances take place in the daytime and so time off from school/ college will be a requirement.

See image below:

How is the chorus made up?

We are looking for three teams of six performers. The three teams will be given names but for now they are RED, BLUE and YELLOW.

What are you looking for?

We are looking for 9-15 year old girls and 9-17 year old boys (must be at least 9 by opening night and no older than 15/17 until the final show) to be part of the chorus in this production. The chorus will play a crucial role, working alongside a professional cast, in making the show spectacular.

We are looking for male and female performers who have strong classical dance technique, can act with character and personality and sing.

All performers will be required to sing as an ensemble during the musical numbers as well as dance so please be aware that a basic vocal audition will take place for all.

A complete commitment to the rehearsals and performances is essential. This is a large-scale production and its success depends on everyone dedicating themselves to its delivery.

You will need to be available for all rehearsals and performance dates.

When will I know the outcome?

We hope to be able to let you know the outcome the day after the auditions (Monday the 9 September) as the first rehearsal is on Friday 20 September. We will need successful participants and their families to help us by getting any forms we need post-audition filled in quickly. In addition to those actually cast there may also be a short stand-by list in each category. If you are on this list then you are, in effect, reserves in case anyone drops out.

Please note that we will not be able to give individual feedback after the audition.

What might I need to bring?

You should bring plenty of water and snacks with you as some of the sessions will be quite physical.

Please have a notebook and pencil to hand.

Louise asks that you take all dance shoes that you have with you to the audition (ballet shoes, tap shoes etc) so that you are fully prepared. Everyone should also make sure that you are wearing appropriate dance wear, and nothing too baggy.

Please wear your hair neatly and a light stage make-up for those aged 14+.

What do I do during the auditions if I am a parent?

We will be using Wakefield College’s Mechanics Theatre on Wood Street for the audition and we believe it will be filled with participants so parents will not be able to stay during the audition.

We ask all parents to be contactable during the day and that they are available to pick up their children when required. Any child aged 13 or under must be signed out by a parent/guardian before they can leave.

Anyone aged 14 and 15 can leave on their own as long as a parent/guardian has made this clear on the permission form. Please read the form carefully and fill/tick all relevant boxes.

Why do you need to take photographs at the audition?

During the audition process we may take some photos to help us put a face to an audition number or so we can remember a group together. If you are not successful at audition we will delete these pictures.

My child didn’t get in and is disappointed

Please be aware that there will be a high volume of people auditioning, and unfortunately not everyone will be successful. It is therefore really important that parents and carers work with the theatre to manage children’s expectations. Please help us to reiterate that auditions can be exciting and an enjoyable experience, even if they aren’t successful.

If you are successful at the audition...

REHEARSALS

When and where do we rehearse?

Please see the rehearsal schedule at the beginning of this document.

What clothes do we need for rehearsals?

You need to have clothes that are easy to move in and appropriate dance shoes.

Do I need anything else?

We work fairly intensively, so bring with you whatever you think you need in the way of refreshments for the duration of the call – likely to be between 3 and 6 hours. This must include bottled water to ensure that you maintain hydration during physically demanding periods.

PERFORMANCES

What is the performance schedule?

The production opens on Tuesday 26 November 2024 and closes on Sunday 5 January 2025. There are 67 performances which include mornings, afternoons and evenings. Each of the three chorus teams will perform in roughly a third of these performances.

How big is the cast?

There are 7 professional actors and a chorus of 6 for each performance, plus three musicians in the pit.

What happens between performances?

You will often be playing 2 performances in one day. In the break between shows (approximately 1.5 hours) you cannot leave the theatre as you will be licensed and under chaperone supervision so we suggest you bring food with you so you can remain in the building with your chaperone.

What costumes will I be wearing?

You will have multiple costumes, each reflecting what is required for the various scenes in which you will be taking part, which we provide. All we ask you to provide are the shoes and we will tell you what is required.

What if my question hasn’t been answered?

Please contact Janine Johnson on Janine.johnson@theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

DON’T FORGET TO FILL IN THE AUDITION REGISTRATION WEB FORM:Click here for registration form

(please note this is a different form to the initial sign up one)