By Michael Critchfield
Once auditions are over, and you’ve chosen who you want to play which part, you’ll also need to take some time in preparing an exact rehearsal schedule, which you will use for the months to come. This will take some effort to construct. It will mean reflecting on those of your cast, and estimating how long it might take to learn certain pieces, and certain scenes. When I made my schedule up, I looked at each scene and musical number, and then tried to estimate how many rehearsals and how much time would be needed to prepare the cast in time for the performance.
There will be a certain amount of available time before the show dates, and which then must be appropriately divided, among all areas that need attention and practice. Also, it’s wise to schedule spot-rehearsing to finish a few weeks before the show goes up, so that you can go over any trouble spots, if needs be. Doing this will also allow you to go over the entire play several times, before the actual show dates, which is very important, and very calming for that matter!
In general, the songs, ‘I Love My Things’, ‘Here Waiting’ and ‘Life Could Not Be Better’ for example, require more time to learn, than say, one of the duets. This should thus be reflected in the schedule. Depending on the complexity of the piece (and the raw talent of the cast), I decided to schedule anywhere from 3 to 5, 1-hour rehearsals for the musical numbers. I then scheduled 4 rehearsals for each of Scenes #1, #10 and #12 (scenes involving the majority of the Primary cast). For the musical numbers including complex blocking (‘I Love My Things’, ‘Here Waiting’ and ‘Life Could Not Be Better’), I spent 40% of their allotted time going over ONLY music. The rest of the time was spent on blocking. On blocking days, we’d still go over the music, but only a couple of times. Those pieces that are less complicated and require less time for preparation, were spent mostly on music.
Within each of those 1-hour singing (non-blocking) rehearsal blocks, I scheduled a 5-minute vocal warm-up. After, and, at least in the beginning, we started off listening to the vocal tracks, reviewing the piece 2-3 times. We then switched over to working with the piano. We would go over the music at a speed that the cast members could follow, and spot rehearse the tough parts of the piece, including sections of harmonization. Once the piece was learned fairly well, we switched and began rehearsing using the minus track. After a couple of rehearsals, practicing only music, we moved on and spent the rest of the allotted rehearsals going over the blocking, but being sure to sing to the pieces at the beginning of each blocking rehearsal. Even though blocking rehearsals had less singing, we still added singing and music to the small section of whatever we learned during that hour. So it ended up being kind of a blend of music and blocking, with a fluctuating balance between the two, depending on the area of concentration needed.
On the posted rehearsal schedule, beside each of the scenes and musical numbers, I listed those that were expected to be at rehearsal for that 1-hour block. You can imagine that having the guards and the servants present during the first of the ‘I Love My Things’ rehearsals, wouldn’t really have been necessary, which was why I didn’t schedule them to be there until the times when they were actually needed. This I tried to do with each number, so as to be most effective with everybody’s time.
Amongst these rehearsals, I also scheduled meetings with both the executive committee AND the stage crew (stage manager, props, set, and costume). These meetings were separate to begin with, but as the show date approached, I began to schedule them to meet at the same time, as well as schedule them in greater frequency.
I think it’s important to say that once this schedule was made up, I held myself and everyone else to it. I was very strict at starting and ending on time. I thought it only fair.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
No. 10!
The Murray High School Drama Club in Salt Lake City is the 10th group committing to stage "The First Christmas" this year. I can't tell you how heartened I am to see that two groups (Kanab High School is the other) have the courage to stage this Christmas production in public high schools this year. Merry Christmas, indeed!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Promotional graphics
We have uploaded some promotional graphics that you can use for posters and flyers. They are available in two different formats (PDF and jpg), two different sizes (8x10 and 42x27), and design (with white box at the bottom and with just an empty space at the bottom).
The "without box" option is the poster with a plain background at the bottom for those of you whose computer skills are such that want to put your own text over the bottom. The "with box" option is similar to the above poster, but features a white box at the bottom of the poster that may make it a little easier to insert your announcement (audition notice, general invitation, etc.).
You can view them by clicking on their names below. To download them, you can either save them to your local computer after opening it or you can right click on the links below.
Here are the links:
Option 1: 8x10, no box, jpg (3.7 MB)
Option 2: 8x10, no box, pdf (3.7 MB)
Option 3: 8x10, with box, jpg (3.4 MB)
Option 4: 8x10, with box, pdf (3.4 MB)
Option 5: 42x27, with box, jpg (2.4 MB)
Option 6: 42x27, with box, pdf (2.4 MB)
Option 7: 42x27, without box, jpg (2.5 MB)
Option 8: 42x27, without box, pdf (2.5 MB)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Additional music available now
Additional music for stage versions of "The First Christmas" is now available.
There are 19 music cues available. These can be used in the production to enhance certain moments. Whether you wish to use these in your production, and if so at which points you wish to use them is completely up to you.
We've also uploaded an alternate minus track version of the song, "Everything We Need." This version has more of an intro so the actors have more help in knowing when to come in.
Also, some of you may have received a CD that was missing the minus track version of "Glory to God." We apologize for that. We are also making that available here.
Click here to go to download page.
You can preview any of the tracks by simply clicking on it. You can also download it to your computer by right clicking on it.
There are 19 music cues available. These can be used in the production to enhance certain moments. Whether you wish to use these in your production, and if so at which points you wish to use them is completely up to you.
We've also uploaded an alternate minus track version of the song, "Everything We Need." This version has more of an intro so the actors have more help in knowing when to come in.
Also, some of you may have received a CD that was missing the minus track version of "Glory to God." We apologize for that. We are also making that available here.
Click here to go to download page.
You can preview any of the tracks by simply clicking on it. You can also download it to your computer by right clicking on it.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Flyers, posters
Joe from Tasmania reports that his group has had some walkthroughs with the cast and crew and that the excitement is building. He is requesting some graphics for flyers and posters to get the promotion going.
I will have a graphic designer adapt our poster (the one with baby Jesus' hand reaching up toward the star from the manger). My thoughts are to have him prepare an 8.5 x 11 version that has the graphic towards the top, with a rounded rectangle or some type of space in white below for our groups to add their elements. Maybe another version that is similar, but instead of a white space, has just no details down below for those of you who will want to have a designer to something different. I was thinking of making the above available as a pdf as well as a jpg.
I also thought of having him do another higher-res version that would be a larger file that might work for those who want to have it commercially printed as a 24x36 (or thereabouts) poster. Again, probably a pdf version and jpg version.
How does that sound? Does anybody have any specific requests beyond this?
I will try to get that ready in the next week or so. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Dennis
I will have a graphic designer adapt our poster (the one with baby Jesus' hand reaching up toward the star from the manger). My thoughts are to have him prepare an 8.5 x 11 version that has the graphic towards the top, with a rounded rectangle or some type of space in white below for our groups to add their elements. Maybe another version that is similar, but instead of a white space, has just no details down below for those of you who will want to have a designer to something different. I was thinking of making the above available as a pdf as well as a jpg.
I also thought of having him do another higher-res version that would be a larger file that might work for those who want to have it commercially printed as a 24x36 (or thereabouts) poster. Again, probably a pdf version and jpg version.
How does that sound? Does anybody have any specific requests beyond this?
I will try to get that ready in the next week or so. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
Dennis
More music
Robert from New Zealand reports that rehearsals are well under way and that their church leadership has fully got behind it and booked one of the best Performing Arts Centres here. But he pointed out that there is no backing track on the CD for the song 'Glory to God.'
We appreciate Robert for pointing that out. We will work on making that available to each group. I will be contacting an audio engineer to work on preparing something. That song is tricky, because it starts with just the vocals for the intro. I'll have our engineer work on preparing some type of intro that will give the performers a sense of timing and pitch. But any suggestions from our group would be welcome.
At the same time, I'll have him prepare a variety of musical cues from the movie that our groups can use wherever they see fit, such as when Amelia is sneaking around the Christmas tree or the ending when she realizes she could also be having a brother.
But if anybody has any specific requests, please let me know soon so that I could have the engineer work on those all at once.
Dennis
We appreciate Robert for pointing that out. We will work on making that available to each group. I will be contacting an audio engineer to work on preparing something. That song is tricky, because it starts with just the vocals for the intro. I'll have our engineer work on preparing some type of intro that will give the performers a sense of timing and pitch. But any suggestions from our group would be welcome.
At the same time, I'll have him prepare a variety of musical cues from the movie that our groups can use wherever they see fit, such as when Amelia is sneaking around the Christmas tree or the ending when she realizes she could also be having a brother.
But if anybody has any specific requests, please let me know soon so that I could have the engineer work on those all at once.
Dennis
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Director's Notes Act 5: Auditions
by Michael Litchfield
The first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure that people know WHO is needed in this production, not to mention, how they can PREPARE and/or what they need to BRING to auditions. This falls under a facet of advertising. Make sure that once you’ve solidified your audition dates, that you then, at the same time, advertise these details about the auditions.
(It should be mentioned that my church group wanted to recruit from within, at least in regards to performing roles.)
Below is a blurb that I was able to make up to advertise in church bulletins. We ran it, and updated it when needed for about 3 weeks prior to auditions started.
Audition Bulletin Blurb
Millwoods Stake is looking for motivated individuals to be a part of the stake's up-coming musical stage production, Liken’s Nephi and Laban. All are welcome to try out. There are singing and non-singing parts, and casting will be of all ages, though there will be particular need for children (8-10) and youth/young adults. Auditions for performing roles are scheduled to begin Oct 26 and 27 (Wednesday and Thursday) at 6:00pm at the Whyte Avenue chapel (10761 - 82 ave), as well as Nov 2 and 3 (Wednesday and Thursday). There will also be a need for stage people, designers, and managers. Look for a detailed flyer on your bulletin boards outlining specific parts. Otherwise, feel free to contact Mike Litchfield @xxx-xxxx for details.
The ‘detailed flyer’ that we made up to be posted on our bulletin boards contained specific parts, and looked something like this:
LIKEN
For more details, call/contact Shana White @xxx-xxxx
Or contact Mike Litchfield by email at ___@______
SINGING ROLES
Lehi (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - Adult
Sariah (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - Adult
Nephi (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - 18-30 yrs old
Sam (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Laman (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Lemuel (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Nephi's Sisters (2-3) (Chorus) - 10-20 yrs old
Laban (Solo/Duet) - Adult
Zoram (Duet) - Adult
Guards (in Laban's palace) (2-4): Young Adult-Adult
Servants (in Laban's palace) (2): Young Adult-Adult
SPEAKING ROLES
Sister Larsen (Primary Teacher; lrg vocal part): Adult
Sister Hanson (Primary President; sml, but intro vocal part): Adult
Sister Lewis (Primary Chorister): Adult
Spencer (Lead Primary boy; lrg vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
Tanner Anderson (Primary Boy; sml. vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
CTR Girls 1 and 2 (Primary Girls; sml. vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
NON-SPEAKING ROLES
Sister Larsen's Class (Primary Boys: Lehi, Nephi, Sam, Lamen, Lemuel and "Tent";
Primary Girl: Sariah): 8-11 yrs old
STAGE/OTHER HELP NEEDED
For anyone who would be interested in helping out in terms of SET DESIGN, COSTUME DESIGN, STAGE MANAGING, PROPS MANAGING, or being involved as a LIGHT/SOUND TECHNICIAN, please contact Mike Litchfield @xxx-xxxx, or by email: ___@_______
You’ll notice that I tried to have someone else for people to call ask questions, as I had too many other things to do, and didn’t have the time to spend on the phone (delegation!!!!).
As it turned out, we needed to advertise for more than 3 weeks, as we had to add another week of auditions (as already mentioned).
This posted information allowed members of the church group to better understand what the Executive committee was looking for.
As for what the members needed to prepare for their auditions, they were not required to prepare anything specific. Depending on their age group and their singing ability, they would qualify for a various assortment of roles, as depicted above. It was our job to envision them in the role(s) they might fit, and then audition them accordingly. For example, for a child’s audition, I had each child describe to me one of their favorite, most fun experiences they have had. I wanted to be able to see how animated they could become, and thus, place them in their most fitting, and respective roles. I also tested their movement a bit.
Obviously, auditioning for the ‘Primary Cast’ (all those involved with Primary classes) was different than auditioning for the ‘Ancient Cast’ (those acting out Spencer’s dream sequence). If the person auditioning could be used in the Primary Cast, then it wouldn’t make sense for that person to be tested in their singing abilities (other than for Sister Larsen, who has a little blurb to sing in ‘I Love My Things’). However, if the person could fill several roles, in either of the casts (‘Ancient’ or ‘Primary’), then I tested them in both capacities, which would allow me to decide later. As for anyone who might qualify as a potential member of the Ancient Cast, I had them sing and tested their dance movement, and with the exception of the guards and the servants (which weren’t big singing roles), for the most part, I tried to seek out those that could sing fairly well, with little training (this would obviously decrease my rehearsal workload).
Those that I could envision as Sister Larsen or as Spencer, I had them read the dialogue in Scene 1 between Sister Larsen and Spencer (where Sister Larsen is explaining to Spencer to ‘Liken’ the scriptures). In Spencer’s case, I also had the auditioning boy recount a fun experience, so that I could see how animated he could become when he’s not reading from a script. I found that some kids had a tougher time reading than others, but didn’t want to disqualify them from a particular role solely because they weren’t skilled readers. So to be able to see what potential they might have, by having them re-count a story, seemed like a good way to allow them the opportunity. As it turned out, our ‘Tanner’ had a tough time reading, but when he was aided in his memorization of the part, he was magnificent! Had I simply heard him read, I might have discounted him as being able to fill that role. Basically, you have to find a way to bring out all the great stuff that’s within these great kids.
During auditions, I also had people fill out the information sheet on the following page:
Liken’s Nephi and Laban
Auditions
Name_________________________________________ Phone #____________________________
Auditioning for a specific part? NO / Yes → which one?__________________
Would you consider being a part of backstage? Stage Manager, Set/Design, Costumes, etc? Y / N
If asked, would you accept a silent stage role? Y / N
Vocal/Speech/Singing (S A T B?)
Please list your experience_________________________________________________
Acting/Movement
Please list your experience__________________________________________________
Theatre (general)
Please list your experience__________________________________________________
Rehearsals for this production are scheduled for:
Saturday @10am - 12pm (Up to Christmas);
and; Friday @5:30-7:30pm AND Saturday @10am – 12pm (After Christmas)
Available for Rehearsals? Y / N
Now, it may be important to know what the ranges will need to be for the various roles you are casting for. Below I have listed the ranges needed for the various roles – notes that your actors will have to hit with relative ease.
Ranges:
Nephi: C (below middle C) → A (above middle C) (…with ease)
Lehi: G (second G below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Sariah: G (below middle C) → D (second above middle C)
Sam: A (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Laman: A (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Lemuel: G (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Sisters: D# (above middle C) → G (second above middle C)
Laban: C (below middle C) → E (above middle C, poss. ext. to G, above mid. C)
Zoram: E (below middle C) → F# (above middle C)
Guards: E (below middle C) → E (above middle C)
Servants: E (above middle C) → E (second above middle C)
Sister Larsen: B (below middle C) → G (above middle C)
I should mention here that Nephi especially should be able to hit his high notes with relative ease, as he is often in the higher end of that particular range. Lehi and Sam should also be able to hit their higher notes at a medium volume, not just at a loud volume. Laban should be able to go to his E with a medium volume, and to a G with a loud volume. Laman will be chasing his high notes at a louder volume. (A quick note, Laman does a bit of scatting in “Here Waiting”, which, at least in the DVD, brings him up to the second D above middle C!...needless to say, that’s high! Our Laman couldn’t hit that, and so didn’t scat in the same way. The only suggestion I would give, is to have your Laman scat in his own falsetto (head-voice)…it just sounds better.) Most of the others, their higher notes will be sung in a group/chorus setting at a medium volume, so keep that in mind.
So, once everyone has come and tried out, and you feel you have ample people to fill all the roles necessary, then it becomes your job to put people where they need to go. There’s not much I can recommend here…just, do your best!...and make sure people know of the time commitment to this project.
Next: Act 6 - Exact Rehearsal Schedule
The first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure that people know WHO is needed in this production, not to mention, how they can PREPARE and/or what they need to BRING to auditions. This falls under a facet of advertising. Make sure that once you’ve solidified your audition dates, that you then, at the same time, advertise these details about the auditions.
(It should be mentioned that my church group wanted to recruit from within, at least in regards to performing roles.)
Below is a blurb that I was able to make up to advertise in church bulletins. We ran it, and updated it when needed for about 3 weeks prior to auditions started.
Audition Bulletin Blurb
Millwoods Stake is looking for motivated individuals to be a part of the stake's up-coming musical stage production, Liken’s Nephi and Laban. All are welcome to try out. There are singing and non-singing parts, and casting will be of all ages, though there will be particular need for children (8-10) and youth/young adults. Auditions for performing roles are scheduled to begin Oct 26 and 27 (Wednesday and Thursday) at 6:00pm at the Whyte Avenue chapel (10761 - 82 ave), as well as Nov 2 and 3 (Wednesday and Thursday). There will also be a need for stage people, designers, and managers. Look for a detailed flyer on your bulletin boards outlining specific parts. Otherwise, feel free to contact Mike Litchfield @xxx-xxxx for details.
The ‘detailed flyer’ that we made up to be posted on our bulletin boards contained specific parts, and looked something like this:
LIKEN
For more details, call/contact Shana White @xxx-xxxx
Or contact Mike Litchfield by email at ___@______
SINGING ROLES
Lehi (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - Adult
Sariah (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - Adult
Nephi (Chorus and Solo/Duet) - 18-30 yrs old
Sam (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Laman (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Lemuel (Chorus and Solo/Quartet) - 18-30 yrs old
Nephi's Sisters (2-3) (Chorus) - 10-20 yrs old
Laban (Solo/Duet) - Adult
Zoram (Duet) - Adult
Guards (in Laban's palace) (2-4): Young Adult-Adult
Servants (in Laban's palace) (2): Young Adult-Adult
SPEAKING ROLES
Sister Larsen (Primary Teacher; lrg vocal part): Adult
Sister Hanson (Primary President; sml, but intro vocal part): Adult
Sister Lewis (Primary Chorister): Adult
Spencer (Lead Primary boy; lrg vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
Tanner Anderson (Primary Boy; sml. vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
CTR Girls 1 and 2 (Primary Girls; sml. vocal part): 8-11 yrs old
NON-SPEAKING ROLES
Sister Larsen's Class (Primary Boys: Lehi, Nephi, Sam, Lamen, Lemuel and "Tent";
Primary Girl: Sariah): 8-11 yrs old
STAGE/OTHER HELP NEEDED
For anyone who would be interested in helping out in terms of SET DESIGN, COSTUME DESIGN, STAGE MANAGING, PROPS MANAGING, or being involved as a LIGHT/SOUND TECHNICIAN, please contact Mike Litchfield @xxx-xxxx, or by email: ___@_______
You’ll notice that I tried to have someone else for people to call ask questions, as I had too many other things to do, and didn’t have the time to spend on the phone (delegation!!!!).
As it turned out, we needed to advertise for more than 3 weeks, as we had to add another week of auditions (as already mentioned).
This posted information allowed members of the church group to better understand what the Executive committee was looking for.
As for what the members needed to prepare for their auditions, they were not required to prepare anything specific. Depending on their age group and their singing ability, they would qualify for a various assortment of roles, as depicted above. It was our job to envision them in the role(s) they might fit, and then audition them accordingly. For example, for a child’s audition, I had each child describe to me one of their favorite, most fun experiences they have had. I wanted to be able to see how animated they could become, and thus, place them in their most fitting, and respective roles. I also tested their movement a bit.
Obviously, auditioning for the ‘Primary Cast’ (all those involved with Primary classes) was different than auditioning for the ‘Ancient Cast’ (those acting out Spencer’s dream sequence). If the person auditioning could be used in the Primary Cast, then it wouldn’t make sense for that person to be tested in their singing abilities (other than for Sister Larsen, who has a little blurb to sing in ‘I Love My Things’). However, if the person could fill several roles, in either of the casts (‘Ancient’ or ‘Primary’), then I tested them in both capacities, which would allow me to decide later. As for anyone who might qualify as a potential member of the Ancient Cast, I had them sing and tested their dance movement, and with the exception of the guards and the servants (which weren’t big singing roles), for the most part, I tried to seek out those that could sing fairly well, with little training (this would obviously decrease my rehearsal workload).
Those that I could envision as Sister Larsen or as Spencer, I had them read the dialogue in Scene 1 between Sister Larsen and Spencer (where Sister Larsen is explaining to Spencer to ‘Liken’ the scriptures). In Spencer’s case, I also had the auditioning boy recount a fun experience, so that I could see how animated he could become when he’s not reading from a script. I found that some kids had a tougher time reading than others, but didn’t want to disqualify them from a particular role solely because they weren’t skilled readers. So to be able to see what potential they might have, by having them re-count a story, seemed like a good way to allow them the opportunity. As it turned out, our ‘Tanner’ had a tough time reading, but when he was aided in his memorization of the part, he was magnificent! Had I simply heard him read, I might have discounted him as being able to fill that role. Basically, you have to find a way to bring out all the great stuff that’s within these great kids.
During auditions, I also had people fill out the information sheet on the following page:
Liken’s Nephi and Laban
Auditions
Name_________________________________________ Phone #____________________________
Auditioning for a specific part? NO / Yes → which one?__________________
Would you consider being a part of backstage? Stage Manager, Set/Design, Costumes, etc? Y / N
If asked, would you accept a silent stage role? Y / N
Vocal/Speech/Singing (S A T B?)
Please list your experience_________________________________________________
Acting/Movement
Please list your experience__________________________________________________
Theatre (general)
Please list your experience__________________________________________________
Rehearsals for this production are scheduled for:
Saturday @10am - 12pm (Up to Christmas);
and; Friday @5:30-7:30pm AND Saturday @10am – 12pm (After Christmas)
Available for Rehearsals? Y / N
Now, it may be important to know what the ranges will need to be for the various roles you are casting for. Below I have listed the ranges needed for the various roles – notes that your actors will have to hit with relative ease.
Ranges:
Nephi: C (below middle C) → A (above middle C) (…with ease)
Lehi: G (second G below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Sariah: G (below middle C) → D (second above middle C)
Sam: A (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Laman: A (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Lemuel: G (second below middle C) → G (above middle C)
Sisters: D# (above middle C) → G (second above middle C)
Laban: C (below middle C) → E (above middle C, poss. ext. to G, above mid. C)
Zoram: E (below middle C) → F# (above middle C)
Guards: E (below middle C) → E (above middle C)
Servants: E (above middle C) → E (second above middle C)
Sister Larsen: B (below middle C) → G (above middle C)
I should mention here that Nephi especially should be able to hit his high notes with relative ease, as he is often in the higher end of that particular range. Lehi and Sam should also be able to hit their higher notes at a medium volume, not just at a loud volume. Laban should be able to go to his E with a medium volume, and to a G with a loud volume. Laman will be chasing his high notes at a louder volume. (A quick note, Laman does a bit of scatting in “Here Waiting”, which, at least in the DVD, brings him up to the second D above middle C!...needless to say, that’s high! Our Laman couldn’t hit that, and so didn’t scat in the same way. The only suggestion I would give, is to have your Laman scat in his own falsetto (head-voice)…it just sounds better.) Most of the others, their higher notes will be sung in a group/chorus setting at a medium volume, so keep that in mind.
So, once everyone has come and tried out, and you feel you have ample people to fill all the roles necessary, then it becomes your job to put people where they need to go. There’s not much I can recommend here…just, do your best!...and make sure people know of the time commitment to this project.
Next: Act 6 - Exact Rehearsal Schedule
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