We’d love to be able to give every one a chance to join our productions but the size of our stage and budget issues restricts us to around 40 chorus and principals.
So, every September WOW holds auditions for the next show to be staged in the following year. Shows typically run during the February half-term week.
Before we get to the audition we hold two “Pre-Audition Rehearsals” usually on a Sunday and Thursday prior to the Sunday auditions. The idea of the Open Evenings is to give prospective and existing members the chance to:
- Get a feel of what the next show is about
- Meet the production team
- Find out about the story, the characters and the music
- Rehearse the audition pieces; and of course,
- To have a good time!
Parents have their own separate meeting to give them an idea of what’s involved: rehearsal schedules, likely costs; standards of conduct and most importantly, the opportunity to get involved with the production team either front of house or back stage. We always need volunteers to help with ticket and programme sales, running the bar, chaperones and so on.
During the week leading up to audition day, there is usually an opportunity to go over songs and dance routines before the big day. The Audition Panel is made up of the Director, Musical Director, the WOW Chairman and possibly one or two other members of WAOS.
The normal day for auditions is Sunday. Having already decided which parts you wish to go for – lead parts or chorus – the stage is set! Time slots are allocated to different characters in the show and you go by these times accordingly. If you want to go for a number of parts be prepared for a long day. It’s usually a good idea to bring a drink and snack and something to read while you wait.
At the end of the day the audition panel will decide who will play what parts. You will be informed if you were successful during Sunday evening, or occasionally it may be the day after.
