AUDITION PACK

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 we are requesting that auditions are done via digital means. These are usually called self test auditions. Self test auditions are simply a filmed video of your child singing, dancing and acting the required audition material. These can be filmed using your iPhone, Camera, even your laptop if it is of high quality. In your self test we ask that your child auditions for us as if we are in the room. More tips and audition details will be outlined below.

DANCE CALL Holly will upload to the PYP Facebook Page a short video of the audition dance. It is expected that your child learn the audition routine from the provided video(s). Record yourself/ your child performing the routine with as much characterisation as possible.

(TIP: Perform every dance step with the same energy and expression as the character you’re auditioning for would).

SINGINGJuniors: We ask that our Juniors learn the first 19 bars of ‘Oh The Things You Can Think’ from Seussical. This is from the first section of singing “Oh the things you can think’ until ‘Seuss!’. This is the first song of the show and the sheet music will be sent along for you and your children to look at. This song is also on YouTube for you to listen to and learn.

Intermediates and Advanced: The children in these classes are able to choose their own song. These songs must be from a Disney film or from a musical. We would prefer a song that is not from either Seussical but you will not be marked down if you do choose to sing a song from these shows. Please record yourself performing 30 seconds to 1 minute of the song that you choose.

MONOLOGUEIf you are auditioning for a specific character or would like to be considered for multiple characters please record yourself performing the character monologues outlined below for those characters. You do not have to memorise these monologues for your audition, just make sure you know them well enough to properly portray the character of your choice.

(TIP: Even if you don’t think you want to go for a named role - record a monologue anyway... it’s fantastic practice and you might be just what we’re looking for!)

Deadline APRIL 20 - 9PM

Here are a few tips on how to film your self test and ensure it is of the best quality so that the production team can see and hear your child performing as clearly as possible.

• Have as clear a background as possible, up against a wall is probably best.• Ensure the lighting is not harsh or causing too many shadows in the background. This

can be avoided by using as much natural light as possible.• Ensure that for the dance call we can see from head to toe of your child performing all

the moves. • For the singing and monologue portion if you decide to move your camera in closer

please ensure they still have head room. There should be a decent amount of space above their head as well as either side. (Camera Tip: position the bottom of the frame sit under the rib cage, this should give your child the amount of room they need to perform and for us to see without it being too close).

• Just because the camera is static doesn’t mean your child cannot move around and use their body for their performance.

• Have your child have a focal point when they are singing or performing their monologue, that can be either straight down the lens or off to one side of the camera as if they are speaking to someone off to that side. (If using an Iphone, have them looking on the side the camera is on)

• Ensure that both the music for the dance call and singing portion is loud enough to hear but not over the top of the performance of your child.

We ask that at the beginning of the video they state the following things: • Their name • Which role they are wanting to go for (this includes even if they just want to be ensemble

or just part of the show) • What song they are singing and where it is from (Disney Film/ Musical) • What monologue they have chosen to do

We would also like to make our parents and students aware that if you require or would like feedback on your audition process and how your child performed, we are more than happy to provide feedback and any pointers we can see that will improve your next audition. These will not indicate which role you will be receiving but more notes on how to make the most of your audition experience and what to keep practising and working on. We will be able to give you this feedback via email in the days following the audition submission deadline.

Seussical Kids weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Despite all odds, Horton and Gertrude band together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool.

Seussical Kids teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs!

JOJOJoJo is a Who and is the only child of the mayor and his wife. A “Thinker”--a smart child with a wild im-agination. A little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid. Strong singer/actor.

CAT IN THE HAT (POSSIBLE 3) The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again. Is the host of the evening. Strong singer with strong movement skills and comic ability.

HORTONAn elephant and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Gentle, big-hearted, appealing. He is very imaginative and believes in the world’s goodness. Strong singer/actor with good comic timing.

GERTRUDE MCFUZZA bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self-conscious, shy, and nervous at first, she grows into a kind and caring protector. Is in love with Horton and does what she can to get his attention. Strong singer/actor with good movement skills and comic timing.

MAYZIE LABIRDA bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Selfcentered, selfish and vain. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants, but she isn’t all bad. Strong singer/actor with strong movement skills. Very comic.

SOUR KANGAROOA kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She isn’t really sour at all. She’s just got a lot of attitude. She’s loud, brassy and a lot of fun. Is the main antagonist and the cause of all Horton’s trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing.

WICKERSHAM BROTHERSThree monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are not bad guys! They’re simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others’ expense. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing, much like a hip hop group.

MR MAYORA Who. The Mayor of Whoville and JoJo’s Dad. He and his wife try hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Strong singer/actor.

MRS MAYORA Who. The Mayor’s Wife and JoJo’s Mom. Her and her husband try hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Strong singer/actor.

YOUNG KANGAROOA baby kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She is the Sour Kangaroo’s daughter and does whatever her mother does. She’s very sassy with lots of attitude. Good singer/actor with comic ability.

JUDGE YERTLEA turtle and citizen of the Jungle of Nool. He is the King of the Pond and thinks he is more important that what he really is. Presides as the Judge at Horton’s trial. Strong singer/actor.

THE WHOSCitizens of Whoville on the Planet of Who. They’re a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. They live in fear that their planet is in trouble. Strong singer/actors.

JUNGLE CITIZENSJungle animals and other characters that live in the Jungle of Nool. They all side with the Sour Kangaroo on her campaign against Horton. Strong singer/movers.

TALK SHOW HOST

VLAD VLADIKOFF

MARSHAL

JOJONow that is a very unusual hat. I wonder what’s under a hat such as that? It could be a creature they call the Gazat. Who balances things on his head ‘cause it’s flat. Or a stripe-loving pipester from Upper Mount Bat. Or a sort of a kind of a hat wearing . . . CAT! Are you a very large “think” or a genuine cat? I can’t say I’ve ever met a cat in a hat.

CAT IN THE HATI can see that you’ve got quite a mind for your age! Why, one Think and you dragged me right on to the stage! Now I’m here there is no telling what may ensue with a Cat such as me and a Thinker like you! Our story begins with a very strange sound the drums of a jungle beginning to pound. An unusual story will soon be unfurled of an elephant trying to save a small world. (Talk show voice) Our topic today is “Psychic Elephants who hear voices”. Whaddaya think folks, is the elephant off his trunk?

HORTONI’ve been guarding this clover for over a week, getting laughed at for thinking a dust speck can speak. Well, let them all laugh I’ll try not to mind, for I have found something that they’ll never find. Hello. Hello? Who’s there? You say it’s JoJo the Mayor’s son? I’m Horton, the elephant. Are there more than one? Wow, JoJo you say that there’s a whole town? I’ll guard this speck carefully I won’t let you down. I meant what I said and I said what I meant an elephant’s faithful one hundred percent.

MAYZIEHey Horton, would you maybe sit on my nest? I’m bored and I’m tired. I’m due for some rest. I won’t be gone long, kid, I give you my word. I’ll hurry right back, ‘cause I’m that sort of bird. Oh Horton, I promise I’ll fly back real soon. I’d only be gone for say, one afternoon. I’m sad and I’m cranky sitting day after day. I need a vacation. I need to get away. Don’t worry yourself about your friends down in “Who”. I’m off, thanks a million! Bye bye, tootle – loo!

From the Phoenix Ensemble Board:Thank you so much for all of your help and co-operation in these unprecedented times. COVID-19 has truly created a different world and we are looking forward to normality resuming.

The PYP shows were initially scheduled to be at the end of Term 3 (September 18, 19 and 20), but depending on the length of these shut downs, we may have to look at moving these shows to the end of Term 4 (probably December 4, 5 and 6).

We will keep in as much contact as we can to ensure we keep everyone involved in decisions, but in these uncertain times, we ask for your continued support and co-operation as we navigate these uncharted waters.