PAYSON HIGH THEATRE
IMPORTANT DATES
TARZAN is a musical based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1999 film of the same name. The songs are written by Phil Collins with a book by David Henry Hwang. The musical follows Tarzan, who is raised by gorillas in West Africa. He meets Jane, a young English naturalist, and falls in love, unknowing that Jane's entourage plans to kill the gorillas.
The original Broadway production opened in 2006, directed and designed by Bob Crowley with choreography by Meryl Tankard. The production ran for 35 previews and 486 performances. Subsequently, the show has been staged in several other countries and by regional theatres.
The show received positive reviews. A review of the North Show Music Theatre production said the show took "a serious look at the deepest human emotions, setting its story to Collins’ vibrant score", and added that "this is a show that holds you and doesn’t let go."
TARZAN AUDITIONS
Sept. 7-Mandatory Production Student and Parent Information Meeting starting at 6pm in the auditorium. Make sure you sign in when you get there. If you can't make it, please email me for the information missed, but please TRY to be there in person.
Sept. 8- Audition Clinic and Stage Crew meeting from 3-6 pm.
During the audition clinic we will be watching a few clips of the musical, talking about the characters, and what the director's are looking for in auditions. We'll also be doing some acting activities as part of the audition process. The last part of Clinic day is being taught the Dance Audition for tomorrow's Audition. During auditions, students can sign up for their vocal, singing audition time held on the 9th.
Stage Crew will be doing a conversation about the show's Technical needs and going through the basement to see what we can recycle and use for set and props for the show.
If you are in need a of assistance, need help with a song, or have questions, please e-mail Rock White, Marilyn Morgan, Jamilah McMurdie, Steph Degraffenreid, and Kevin Dennis (the directors for this production).
Students must audition with 16 bars or 1 minute of a Broadway Song in the style of the role from the musical you are auditioning for. A piano player WILL NOT be provided. If you have sheet music, you must bring your own accompanist. An Ipod/phone aux chord will be provided for your phone. You may use a minus track/karaoke/pre-recorded piano acc., etc. This means NO VOICES on the audition song- just music! DO NOT SING ACCAPELLA (with no music)! We want to hear how you follow and stay on pitch with the music.
Sept. 9- Audition Day and Tech Day 2 from starting at 3 pm.
You have to be in attendance for the first hour, to dance audition, but then only need to come back at the time of your singing audition. Remember, you'll be signing up for a time during the clinic. You will be auditioning in front of a panel of adults, joining forces to cast this production. This keeps everything fair and professional. We'll post the callback list by the next day online, and on the drama and choir room doors. Also, just a reminder that students must be in a drama and choir class during the rehearsal and performing process of the show, in order to be seriously considered for a lead role. This assures us that the students are getting the vocal and acting training needed to take on a large role. There are occasional exceptions to this, but for the most part, we expect students to support this policy. See Mr. White if you have questions.
Tech/Stage Crew will continue brainstorming and mapping out a Tech schedule. This includes organizing days to work on the set, props, lighting design, sound during the rehearsal process. You will also be making a master stage crew list of who's doing what backstage.
Sept. 14- Callbacks starting at 3 pm.
A smaller group of students will be "called back" to another audition. If you're called back, you must take the time needed to learn the song or lines from the play instructed on the callback list. See Mr. White or Mrs. Morgan if you have any questions. Please do not ask to leave early, we'll let you know when we've seen enough. If you are not called back for a specific role, this does not mean you haven't made it in the play. It just means we need to look at specific students who we are considering for lead roles. The final cast list will be posted sometime during the weekend or the beginning of the next week. This is a big process and takes time, so be patient with us.