Paper Mill Playhouse Announces 2009 Summer Musical Auditions

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce auditions for the 2009 Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory. Paper Mill Playhouse's Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory (June 29 to August 1, 2009) offers the unique opportunity for gifted and talented young performers to work at their own level and challenge themselves to achieve new goals and learn new skills.

The Conservatory is grouped into three companies, allowing each student to work on material that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Key to the curriculum is the development of self-discipline, respect and a commitment to excellence that will serve these young artists throughout their lives. This five-week program of rigorous study allows students to enhance their individual performance potential while also developing a broad base of theatre experience and knowledge. Students participate in demanding singing, acting, dance and improvisation classes and attend guest artist workshops led by professional actors, directors and casting agents.

The end of the Conservatory month is devoted to rehearsals for the NEW VOICES CONCERT, performed annually on the Paper Mill Stage. Industry professionals are invited and attend the New Voices Concert, the theme of which for the summer of 2009 is "Thoroughly Modern Musicals", a look at the past 10 years of Broadway's new musicals and revivals. The New Voices of 2009 concert will take place on July 31 & August 1, 2009. Tickets are available at the Paper Mill Box Office (973) 376-4343 or on www.papermill.org.

Entry into the program is through an audition process and students are placed in the Conservatory according to ability, potential, and demonstrated talent. Auditions will take place on February 7 & 14 at Millburn Middle School. Auditions are not open calls and an appointment is required. To schedule an audition appointment, please call 973-379-3636, extension 2133.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

DATES: Saturday, February 7, 2009 & Saturday, February 14, 2009
LOCATION: Millburn Middle School, 25 Old Short Hills Road, Millburn, NJ 07041 (one block from Paper Mill Playhouse)

The audition panel is looking for vocal skill, dance ability, and personality/presentation skills.

PART ONE: VOCAL AUDITION

· Students should select a portion of a song from a musical (no more than one verse and chorus or 32 measures/bars) that best demonstrates vocal range, musicality and acting/interpretive skills.

· Students will not have the opportunity to sing an entire song. Starting in the middle or stopping before the end is permissible.

· Selection must be well-rehearsed and memorized and demonstrate personality and presentation skills as well as musical and vocal ability.

· Sheet music must be in a binder or single sheets taped together that contains full piano accompaniment and not just chord symbols.

· Music must be in the appropriate key.

· Students may not perform to CD accompaniment.

· An accompanist will be provided.

PART TWO: DANCE AUDITION

· Everyone will be asked to dance.

· Students will be taught a dance combination which will then be performed in small groups and evaluated based on potential and the ability to "pick-up" the routine, as well as evidence of previous dance training.

· Students must wear clothing that that allows for ease of movement (nothing too tight and nothing too baggy or loose.)

· Students must wear jazz shoes or other appropriate footwear (sneakers, character shoes, or ballet shoes.) No open-toe shoes are permitted.

For more information about auditioning, including form download, please see our website at www.papermill.org.

IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION:

· Students who are not prepared or who arrive without sheet music will not be allowed to audition.
· Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time to allow for paperwork and photography. To save time, download the forms from our website at www.papermill.org and fill them out and bring them with you.
· All students will have their picture taken regardless of headshot/resume availability. If the student does have a headshot and/or resume, please feel free to bring it along, but it is not required.
· All students must bring one (1) document proving age and identification (i.e. copy of: birth certificate, student report card, student ID, passport.)
· Parents will not be permitted into the audition room.
· Videotape auditions are accepted only for prospective students who live out of state. Tapes must contain a singing performance of a Broadway song with accompaniment and a dance combination (ballet, jazz or tap) performed to music.


TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION APPOINTMENT
CALL (973) 379-3636, EXT. 2133