FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RFKT MAINSTAGE AUDITIONS
Q: My child doesn't have a headshot - do we need to get one for the auditions?
A: No. Any recent snapshot or school picture is fine.
Q: My child doesn't have a resume - what should I do?
A: Don't worry about it - there is a form you can fill out at the auditions.
Q: What should the resume have on it?
A: The most important part of the resume is your child's name and phone number! Make sure to also include address and height. Then add any relevant experience or training.
Q: Do you need to have prior experience to audition?
A: No.
Q: If my child is not called back, does that mean that he/she will not be cast in the show?
A: No.
Q: If my child is not cast, is it appropriate for me to call the theater to find out why?
A: No. Questions of this nature should be sent via email only to anyawallach@gmail.com
Q: Does my child need to dress up for the audition?
A: No. Children should dress however they feel most comfortable. They should either wear or bring footwear that they can dance in (i.e. sneakers, jazz shoes, ballet slippers).
Q: Can I watch my child audition?
A: No. Parents are asked to please wait outside in the waiting area while their children audition. We have found that parents inside the audition room are distracting to both the children and to the casting directors.
Q: What kind of dance will be taught at the audition?
A: A short musical theater/jazz combination.
Q: Does my child need to prepare a dance routine for the auditions?
A: No.
Q: Will there be an accompanist?
A: No. Children will sing to taped music, kareoke style.
Q: If my child is called back, what should he/she be prepared with?
A: Just the sides - or lines from the script - that you can pick up in the lobby. Additional music may also be given out.
Q: If my child is called back, does she need to memorize the lines from the sides that he/she is given?
A: No.
The Wiz
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
There are many, many wonderful roles in this show. The Wiz offers countless features for singers, dancers and actors. When you audition, keep in mind that many of the characters are larger than life. High energy and a sense of humor are important. Several of the roles (noted) can be played by men or women. In casting for most of the parts, we are less concerned with the way you look and more concerned with your acting/singing/dancing. This show is a fantasy and, thus, most roles are “ageless,” meaning that the age (or size) of the actor is not so important.
DOROTHY – A young farm girl who is quite independent and loves adventure. Strong singer (mezzo) and dancer.
SCARECROW – A kind and caring friend who, although brainless, is quite intelligent. Innocent and good natured. Could be played by a boy or girl. Strong singer (tenor) and dancer.
LION – A cowardly, clingy and confused beast, who intensely desires courage. Could be played by a boy or girl. Must have very strong comedic timing. Strong singer and must move well.
TIN MAN – A gentle yet suave woodsman who longs for a heart and the ability to feel emotion. Could be played by a boy or a girl. This role demands very strong dancer (tap a plus) and singer.
ADDAPERLE – The oldest of the three witches. She is clumsy but very sassy! She is the Good Witch of the North. Strong singer (mezzo) required and some dancing.
EVILLENE – The horrid Wicked Witch of the West. She must be a strong singer (alto), strong character actress and must be able to move well.
GLINDA – The beautiful and kind Good Witch of the South, who is also a glamorous show girl. Think Wicked! Strong singer (alto) who moves well.
WIZARD – A man from Nebraska, posing as a powerful wizard. Must be a very strong actor, singer (tenor) and dancer.
YELLOW BRICK ROAD – A group of four female performers who are strong singers and – especially – dancers (tap a plus). They lead the four friends through the entire first act and serve as back-up singers.
AUNT EM – Dorothy’s kind Aunt. Strong actress and strong singer required. She sings the show’s first song, a lovely mezzo ballad.
FOUR LEAD MUNCHKINS – Great speaking, character parts with strong singing and dancing. They are Addapearle’s back-up singers.
UNCLE HENRY – Dorothy’s kind Uncle. Strong actor. No singing required.
HIGH LORD UNDERLING – Evillene’s sniveling top henchman and servant. Strong actor.
HEAD MONKEY – Evillene’s chief monkey. Has a speaking part and must be able to move well.
ROYAL GATE KEEPER – The rude guard of the Emerald City. Great comedic acting role.
CROWS – A group of strong singers and dancers who antagonize the Scarecrow.
MUNCHKINS, EMERALD CITY CITIZANS, WINKIES, POPPIES, FIELD MICE, GLINDA’S ESCORTS – These are ensemble roles. Many characters will have featured speaking and/or singing lines. Many of these roles will be assigned in rehearsal.
AUDITION PREPARATION and MATERIALS:
Please bring a recent picture, resume, comfortable clothes you can dance in.
