Reminders for LS and MS Casts/Crew

There is no LS rehearsal scheduled for this afternoon. Our next LS rehearsal is in January the week get back to school!

Tomorrow's (Thursday's) afternoon MS rehearsal has been cancelled so that students may study for midterms. NO THURSDAY REHEARSAL THIS WEEK!

Sunday rehearsals begin on January 10th!

The blog will be updated again this Friday with volunteer opportunities, the January MS schedule (including Sundays), additional crew information and the mentor tab!

Have a wonderful winter break all!

Middle School Rehearsal Schedule for Dec 8-17th

Tuesday, December 8th
3:30- 5:00 ALL CAST
MS Cafeteria

Thursday, December 10th
NO REHEARSAL due to Winter Concert

Tuesday, December 15th
3:30-5:00 Lionesses, Young Nala, Nala, Sarabi, Sarafina, Young Simba, Simba, Mufasa, Scar
MS Cafeteria

Thursday, December 18th
3:30-4:30 Zazu, Rafiki, Timon, Pumba

SUNDAY REHEARSALS BEGING JANUARY 10th.

Rehearsal

What a great 3rd - 5th grade rehearsal today! Thank you all!

Reminder our all MS run through from Tuesday continues tomorrow from 3:30 to 5:00. Crew attendance is optional. This is an optional rehearsal, if you have a conflict and cannot attend Hakuna Matata, do not worry!

LION KING MS CASTING

Thank you all for auditioning!! Thank you also to our audition panel who worked tirelessly over the past week and holiday break!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!  

The Lion King, Jr. is a vibrant ensemble show with cast members CONSTANTLY moving in and out of numbers.  The ensemble is the heart, soul, and star of the show. You all are a vital part of bringing The Lion King, Jr. to life! 

You will definitely enjoy the incredible music, choreography, comedy, a great story—and great stage combat, the percussion ensemble, some puppetry, and amazing dancing, with a powerful message and just plain old-fashioned fun that this show offers.

Prepared to be challenged, this journey to the African Savannah and Pridelands is going to be our most ambitious artistic musical journey yet! 

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTES THOROUGHLY!  THE CAST LIST LINK IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

• BE AWARE THAT ALL ACTORS  HAVE MORE THAN ONE RESPONSIBILITY IN THE SHOWS!!!! The casts will be placed into Lion Cast and King Cast over the next 4 weeks of rehearsal.
• ​ UNDERSTUDIES ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
• Several understudy roles will be cast during the first weeks of rehearsals.
• Understudies must memorize lines and be at all rehearsals for the part they are “understudy”-ing! You may be called upon to  go on for actors during dress rehearsals and for the performances...it has happened every year!!! 
• Understudies will also be performing their roles at community events in March.
• We are going to be moving fast—so please treat rehearsal time seriously, and learn your music and lines as soon as possible.
• You ALL are going to be busy—the show moves fast—and we have the challenge of making this ICONIC Broadway musical and animated film come to life. 
• SOME lines, featured solos, ensembles, and featured stage combat, dances,  tumbling, puppetry and extra roles will be assigned during REHEARSALS—it really pays to be at rehearsals working hard and showing off your hard work and commitment! 
• Please trust that you will learn more about your part at rehearsals and DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE IT!—We have cast it to allow everyone to have substantial stage time in which to shine. There is more that what meets the eye on the page of the script books!
• The FIRST MS rehearsal is this Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 in the MS Cafeteria for ALL MS CAST & CREW. Thursday is an all MS cast from 3:30 to 5:00. Crew attendance is optional 
• The full rehearsal schedule will be released this week at rehearsal and on the blog under the forms and schedule tab.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CAST LIST!
LION KING CAST LIST

CAST LIST WILL BE POSTED BY 1pm today!

Thank you for your continued patience.

MS CASTING UPDATE

Thank you for three tremendous days of auditions. Thank you also for your patience in releasing the cast list for Lion King Jr. We share in your excitement!  We are working hard to expedite a cast list, but also want to take the time to get it right rather than released quickly. Our panel is reviewing the copious amount of notes from our three amazing and intensive days of auditions, as well as each actor’s individual audition forms in which any scheduling conflicts and special skills are noted. The cast list will be posted on the blog on Sunday at noon.  Please spend the Thanksgiving break enjoying your family, friends, and rejuvenating time, and we look forward to our journeys to the “Pride Land” beginning in December!

MS Sunday Callback Information

Good afternoon MS auditioners,

Please click on the link below for tomorrow's schedule of callbacks. (The document is two pages & listed alphabetically by grade).
Lion King MS Callback times for Sunday 11-22-15
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes in which you can move. No boots please.
Bring your script, water bottle, and snacks/food.

We will be doing a dance call, percussion, ensemble singing, and scene & solo work throughout the day.

You may arrive 15 minutes before your call time to warm up and get settled in for the callback.

Crew may arrive at 10:15 and will stay until 3:30.

Break a leg!

CREW REMINDER INFORMATION FOR AUDITIONS & FRIDAY CALLBACKS

Crew reminder:

Crew assisting with auditions tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday may arrive at 8:30am to set up and review instructions and assignments for the day.

Crew may come and stay anytime from 8:30am and 2:30pm tomorrow and 8:30am to 4:00pm (Friday)

Please bring your lunch, snacks, and a drink!  

So excited about this crew- you all are amazing!

MS REMINDERS FOR THIS WEEK!

Audition Week is here!!!

REMINDERS:

• Students may practice their audition skills on the stage during study hall A days Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Please make sure if you are auditioning, you have filled out the online audition form and you have signed up for an audition time.

• Please click on this link to review 
•  INFORMATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL LION KING JR. AUDITIONS
•  This info is also available under the MS Cast tab. Make sure you have read the entire MS CAST page/tab.  It includes callback breakdown/what to bring to auditions/callbacks and attire.
• Show Breakdown Links for Audition Preparation are listed below and are on the MS Cast page:
• Lion King,Jr. Character Breakdown Information
• Lion King, Jr. Audition Cuttings, Songs, Characters

• AUDITION REMINDERS
• Thursday Individual Auditions
• Crew helping during auditions should arrive no earlier than 8:30
• Please click and check your audition time here: Audition Time Responses
• Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your audition time to sign in, tell the stage manager what you will be doing, and to warm up, set up your songs.
• The Lion King accompaniment cd will be available in the cafeteria to practice to prior to your audition.
• The Lion King accompaniment cd will also be with the stage manager(s) in the gym for you to sing with during your audition
• You will tell the stage manager what songs you are singing and where you would like for your songs to begin and end.
• The Stage managers will read your scene with you if you need another character to read against.
•  CALLBACKS 
• Friday, November 20
• 9:00-12:00 (Callbacks- ALL)
• 12:30-4:30 (Callback Round 2)
• Sunday, November 22
• 10:30-4:30 (Callback Round 3)
• You will be informed if you have been called back for round 3 during the Friday afternoon callback. 
• Students who are called back will not have to attend all of callbacks unless otherwise asked. 
• Students will be dismissed throughout the 12:30-4:30 Friday callback as needed and again after 1:00 on Sunday on a rolling basis. Students are asked to keep their phones on them, so that they may text or call when they have been dismissed from the callback. Students may sit and wait in the gym until their ride can pick them up. All students must be picked up by 4:30 Friday and Sunday. 
• Crew may attend Friday callbacks from 9:00-4:30. 
• 2-4 crew members are needed during Sunday's callback. 


BREAK A LEG! HAVE A GREAT AUDITION!!!

LOWER SCHOOL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE & REMINDERS

Lower School Lion King Schedule

Please click on the link above for the LS rehearsal schedule. The schedule includes Sunday rehearsals, tech/dress week, and show week! You may also access the link under the forms tab and LS Schedule tab.

A reminder about carpool after LS rehearsals at the Lower School:

• At 4:30 students will be dismissed through the carpool lobby.  Please form a single file line wrapping around the carpool lanes, and please be patient as we dismiss the play and after school program kids at the same time.

If you missed this week's first rehearsal, scripts and Cds may be picked up Monday from Mrs. G in her music room.

Thank you all fora GREAT first rehearsal! :)

REMINDER FIRST LS REHEARSAL TODAY!

The first all LS cast rehearsal is today Wednesday, November 11 from 3:20 to 4:30 in the LS Media Center. We will run a regular carpool at 4:30.

All scripts, CDs and rehearsal schedules will be distributed on Wednesday, November 11^th  at the first rehearsal and the full LS schedules will be posted here on the blog Wednesday as well.  The schedule will be posted this afternoon on the blog.

We are excited to welcome all of our Lions to our show pride! :)

LOWER SCHOOL REGISTRATION & FIRST REHEARSAL REMINDER!

The Lower School Registration deadline is tomorrow for our LS Lion King participants. Make sure your little lion will be joining us on stage for this amazing experience!

The first all LS cast rehearsal is this Wednesday, November 11 from 3:20 to 4:30 in the LS Media Center. We will run a regular carpool at 4:30.

All scripts, CDs and rehearsal schedules will be distributed on Wednesday, November 11^th  at the first rehearsal and the full LS schedules will be posted here on the blog Wednesday as well. 

We are excited to welcome all of our Lions to our show pride! :)

Audition Sign UP- view form with your name and confirmed time

View your confirmed audition time here!
Middle School Students' Audition Sign Up with Names and Confirmed Time

MS Audition Workshop is  tomorrow (Tuesday, 10th) from 3:30 to 5:30 in the MS cafeteria.

BREAK A LEG!

How to sign up for the Musical Reminders!

Middle School Cast & Crew

• ALL cast and crew members must read the information packet, print out and send in a play registration and production contract with a completed parent signature and activity fee. These are handed in to the MS front desk in an envelope marked LION KING JR., attn: Business office. Please do not address or hand in to Ms. Kendrick.
• MS auditioners also must fill out the audition form and audition sign up time form which are online only.
• MS Crew also must complete the online sign up form.
• The links for all items listed above are located under the forms tab to the right of this post.

Lower School Cast

• ALL cast participants please print out and send in the play registration and production contract with a completed parent signature and activity fee. These are handed in to the LS front desk in an envelope marked LION KING JR., attn: Business office.
  

LS CAST REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

Welcome LS performers to our (Davis) Lion King Pride!

It’s our Bar Mitzvah year of musicals & the “last stage”

as we close out 13th years of musicals in the MS gym, 

before the “next stage” begins!

Our Lower School Cast is the heart and soul of our show 

and we just can't wait for all of our young performers 

to be on stage at Pride Rock!!!

The Lower School Information Packet and Registration 

is located under the forms tab, to the right of this post.

The Registration form should be returned with the play activity fee

for each cast member as outlined in the information packet.

Registrations are considered complete when the form 

(with all information entered, including t-shirt size) 

and the activity fee have been submitted to the business office.

Remember to mark your calendars with the show dates!

SUNDAY, March 20, 1:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, March 20, 7:00 p.m.

MONDAY, March 21, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, March 22, Morning Show

Questions?

Please contact Mr. Frank at dfrank@davisacademy.org or Ms. Kendrick at kphillips@davisacademy.org

Here's to the circle of life and a show that celebrates L'Dor V'Dor!!!

MS CREW INFORMATION

INFORMATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL LION KING JR.
Crew 

How to Sign Up 

• You do not need to audition to be on crew. Simply fill out a production contact form with activity fee and turn in the front desk.
• Auditions are on Thursday, November 19, on stage in the gym, during Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Crew may work the auditions as stage managers. 
• PRODUCTION CONTRACT- All Cast & Crew
• Please download the MS Lion King Production Contract, fill it out with parent signature and activity fee and return to the MS front desk (not to Ms. Kendrick) in an envelope marked "Lion King Production Contract, Attention: Business Office"
• Once your registration form with activity fee is received, you may pick up your script and full cd to prepare for the audition & callbacks. The script and CD are yours to keep. ALL Cast and Crew members receive these materials plus a show shirt.
• If you would like to work as a stage manager during auditions, please see Ms. Kendrick.

FAQs

When does crew attend rehearsals?

• Crew attends Sunday rehearsals beginning in January for any duration of the day they can attend and work productively. 
• Crew is required to attend the first read through in December and all rehearsals the two weeks prior to the opening of the show plus the show performances (if on running crew) and strike.  
• Crew may also attend weekly optional rehearsals as needed and are invited to help with stage management of auditions.

Can Crew participate in sports and the musical?

• Yes! There are no winter sports conflicts with the play only a few rehearsals that overlap with Spring sports. Please read the information packet for more details or contact Ms. Kendrick.

What if I am not sure if I want to be on crew or on stage?

• Go ahead and audition and then we can figure out where you will shine best!

What crew positions are needed?

• Running crew help which assists all aspects of the show during its performances from curtain openings/closings, to setting up the sets/scenes, props handling, getting characters into positions, assisting with special effects like fog machines, and more!
• During the rehearsals, help is needed with organizing all costumes, props, inventory, as well as assisting with making costumes, getting sizes, writing down stage directions, helping with running music, making prompt books, and more.  Being a self-directed leader and a collaborative team member who takes direction well is a huge plus! 

MS Audition and Registration Information

INFORMATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL LION KING JR.
AUDITIONS

How to Sign Up 

• Please sign up for an audition sign up time under the forms section.
• Please complete the audition form located under the forms section.
• You do not need to audition to be on crew.  Simply fill out a production contact form with activity fee and turn in the front desk.
• Auditions are on Thursday, November 19, on stage in the gym, during Parent-Teacher Conferences. 
• PRODUCTION CONTRACT- All Cast & Crew
• Please download the MS Lion King Production Contract, fill it out with parent signature and activity fee and return to the MS front desk (not to Ms. Kendrick) in an envelope marked "Lion King Production Contract, Attention: Business Office"
• Once your registration form with activity fee is received, you may pick up your script and full cd to prepare for the audition & callbacks. The script and CD are yours to keep. ALL Cast and Crew members receive these materials plus a show shirt.

Auditions & Callbacks

• Individual Auditions 
• Please prepare  16-32 bars (about 30-45 seconds) of:  TWO songs from Lion King Jr. OR ONE song from Lion King Jr. and ONE pop  or musical theatre song of your choice. You may sing with CD accompaniment/mp3 backing track or acappella. No guide vocals please.
• Some characters sing solos, some in small groups, some "speak-sing", and everyone sings in group numbers. We are interested in seeing your personality and how you act/express your song in your individual audition. Show us what you've got!
• Callbacks
• A mandatory callback for ALL students auditioning will be held on Friday, November 20. Times are in the MS Lion King information packet.
• A second callback will be held later in the afternoon of Friday, November 20.  
• Not every actor will need to stay for the duration of the entire afternoon callback. 
• Auditioners are advised to keep their phones with them, so they may inform their rides when they are finished.
• A Final callback will be held Sunday, November 22 from 10:30am-4:30pm
• At callbacks, we will be looking at all script cuttings, movement pieces, and songs only in the musical.
• There will be a fun group dance audition, improv scenes, singing: (solos, in duets, trios, & groups) and a rhythm call as well.
• You will be called up to read for multiple parts in the show and will be redirected to try your scene/characters different ways. So please be familiar with/have knowledge of all of the characters and songs. 

Attire

• Please pull hair back from face.
• Wear comfortable but appropriate attire that makes you memorable, shows your personality and that creates a great first impression.
• Do not wear any clothing that will cause you to fidget with it or that hides your hands.
• Ladies, no jewelry or items on wrists please. 
• You will need to be able to move in callbacks, so please wear or bring shoes in which you can move/dance. NO UGGS, BOOTS, FLIP-FLOPS, or CROCS.  Sneakers, closed toed slip-ons, flats are great. If you have dance shoes (jazz, ballet, lyrical, character shoes), please bring them or wear them to your audition.

What to bring to auditions & callbacks

• A headshot or recent picture of yourself (to your initial audition)
• A water bottle
• Your phone
• Your script (if you have already received one)
• A pencil
• Snacks and a lunch (at callbacks only)
• A great attitude! :) 

Advice

• Being prompt and listening to directions is an important aspect of auditioning.
• Use your best theatre etiquette.
• Don't worry if you make a mistake, own it, and act like you meant to do it! We will never know if you made a mistake or were nervous if you own the stage and "fake it 'til you make it!"
• Opportunity favors the prepared mind!
• PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!!! Please be EXTREMELY familiar with the scripts and songs from the Lion King Jr. You have 6 weeks to prepare your audition selections. We are expecting fully memorized, rehearsed, prepared, dazzling audition selections. Your audition should be BETTER than an actual show performance. 
• So practice, practice, practice. HAVE FUN! BE BOLD AND CONFIDENT! Be open-minded. Take Creative Risks, these are not human characters! BE LOUD AND PROUD! Show us your presence and style!
• Use your full voice and energy. Do not hold back. This is YOUR chance!
• Be prepared to show us you can take direction!
• Don't get stuck on reading for one part/role. Every part/role is amazing and we are going to place you where you will best shine and be the star you are! 
• Have fun at the audition! We want you to do well. :) 

Show Breakdown Links for Audition Preparation 

• Lion King,Jr. Character Breakdown Information
• Lion King, Jr. Audition Cuttings, Songs, Characters
• Lion King, Jr. Show Synopsis

FAQs

Who can audition for the spring musical?

• Auditions are open to middle school students. There are group roles for our elementary students that vary by grade level.

Do I have to sing, dance and act during the audition?

• Yes! It's a musical! And it's fun!

How can I prepare for my audition?

• Come to the Audition Workshop on Tuesday, November 10 from 3:30 to 5:30.
• Practice every day, and in front of everyone you meet, get feedback!
• Learn your song and scene well so you feel confident.
• Prepare at least one song from the show that suits your singing voice and shows off your acting skills, personality, and range.
• Prepare one acting scene from the show (plan verbal and physical things for your scene, but don't need to memorize).
• You can't prepare the dance, because it's a surprise! Wear clothing comfortable for dancing in.
• Warm-up your bodies and mentally prepare for your audition. Auditions are like applying for a job: make a good impression!

What are call-backs?

• They are NOT a list of people who have made the musical or have been cast in the roles for which they are call-backed. Call-backs are to see things we didn't have a chance to see during auditions.

Can athletes audition for the musical?

• Yes! Please refer to the information packet for more specific details, but remember your role/character in the play will be limited by the amount of other commitments you have indicated. 

What if I am not sure about my conflicts and schedule?

• Go ahead and audition, and then we can figure out if your schedule will work with the parts for which you are being considered! But please remember to take into account how many commitments to other activities you have as well as your academic workload.

What if I am not sure if I want to be on crew or on stage?

• Go ahead and audition and then we can figure out where you will shine best!

What crew positions are needed?

• Running crew help which assists all aspects of the show during its performances from curtain openings/closings, to setting up the sets/scenes, props handling, getting characters into positions, assisting with special effects like fog machines, and more!
• During the rehearsals, help is needed with organizing all costumes, props, inventory, as well as assisting with making costumes, getting sizes, writing down stage directions, helping with running music, making prompt books, and more.  Being a self-directed leader and a collaborative team member who takes direction well is a huge plus! 

What if I cannot attend auditions or callbacks due to a conflict?

• You will need to schedule a time with Ms. Kendrick one to two weeks prior to auditions to have your audition taped. You will need to sing two songs from the Lion King and read one full scene from the show which is fully memorized. You will have one chance to rehearse your audition and the second time will be taped. We will make every effort to take into account your taped audition at the callbacks, but please remember at callbacks we are looking at the energy and interaction between characters and actors, as well as how they look together/act off of and with each other, and how they sing/blend together.  

How does casting work?

• Many factors play a part in how a show is cast such as: confidence/presence on stage, ability to be heard and understood, scheduling conflicts & rehearsal availability, academic good standing, energy and chemistry between actors and how they look together, sound together, what vocal ranges or acting demands does a part require and can that actor fit those demands/ranges,  (e.g. Young Nala must look and sound younger than Nala who is older, wiser, and sings in a lower alto and a mezzo soprano power belt, while both Nalas need to have similar movements/tones/mannerisms/looks on stage,  Young Simba and Young Nala need to look about the same age, as do Simba/Nala, so if an actor "goes out" for Young Nala but is the tallest and oldest looking actor auditioning in the group of all Nalas, this wouldn't be believable to an audience, these things are out of an actor's control and an actor shouldn't worry about what he or she can't control in an audition or in casting)
• So what can an actor control in an audition? Every actor has equal opportunity to show what he/she can do.  An actor can make sure he or she gives the best audition at the moment he/she needs to deliver it most, which means at the time of the individual audition and throughout callbacks. If an actor shows on stage that he/she gives an outstanding, fully prepared and dynamic audition for the role he/she most is interested in at the time of auditions by taking risks, making specific character choices, voices, movements, and expressions, then he/ she has given himself/herself the best chance at getting that part. It is about being prepared, memorable, being heard, and being expressive! Also, it is about taking directions from the audition panel and making changes immediately in a character when asked. (e.g. If the panel consistently keeps asking an actor to be louder or use facial expressions, every time the actor is on stage, the actor is having difficulty applying direction. So be loud and expressive the very first time when asked! And you will wow all! :)
• The basics matter!  Don't Upstage yourself. Cheat out! SPEAK SLOWLY, LOUDLY, and CLEARLY.
• The more fun you have, the more fun the audition panel will have. Remember this is in your control to have a blast and enjoy performing and entertaining a crowd!
• When you sing your song, remember you are giving a performance, you MUST use your face and your eyes to convey emotion and your character. We are looking for dynamic performers to cast in these iconic roles, not lifeless faces! 

• At the end of the day, remember the audition panel is made up of  Davis staff and industry professionals who have years and years of experience casting and placing performers in roles where their talents best fit and will shine best, where they will have the most wonderful experience, and where all will shine brightly on stage. Theatre is a collaborative team experience which relies on the efforts of everyone in the cast and on the crew.  EVERY PART is equally important to the success of the show. The old adage rings true "There are no small parts only small actors" or as my favorite quote from theatre says, "Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art" which is really a fancy way of saying, if you really love theatre and being on stage, you love it no matter what you part you play, because theatre is a part of you.  It is not the part that matters, it is what you do with your part that makes all the difference! A great example is the amazing actor Dame Judi Dench who won an Academy Award for a total of 8 minutes of screen time in the 2 hour 17 minute movie Shakespeare in Love.  She upstaged the entire movie and all of the other characters because she was that memorable and entertaining! Now that is ACTING! :)

The 2016 School Musical is Revealed!

Let's "SHOW" our RUACH & our DAVIS LION'S PRIDE by all playing a part in this tremendous KEHILLAH and by participating in the Davis Academy's BAR MITZVAH YEAR of Musicals!

 Our 13th year of musicals comes full CIRCLE as we close out our last musical in the middle school before we return to the lower school campus for the NEXT STAGE of musical productions! 

More Information & details on registration will be released next week.

GO LIONS!