AUDITIONS
PRODUCTION DETAILS
To be performed outdoors at
The Cloisters & Plantation Gardens, Norwich
2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th AUGUST 2024
The Wind in the Willows
from the novel by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted by Glyn Maxwell
This amateur production of “Wind in the Willows (Maxwell)” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
In an exciting move, Echo Youth Theatre are producing their first outdoor performance!
The Wind in the Willows (Maxwell) is a stage play adapted by Glyn Maxwell from the much-loved book by Kenneth Grahame.
It is a demanding script and we will be looking to cast talented character actors of all ages who have the stage presence to carry an outdoor performance. We are also looking for three talented actor-musicians to play before and after the show, in the interval and create foley (sound effects) during the performance.
Wind in the Willows follows the story of the “awesome foursome” Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad as they navigate finding their way home and keeping Toad out of trouble. The show comes to a climax as the four friends, alongside Ruby, take back Toad Hall from the WeaselCo gang by force. This play comments directly on the effects of deforestation and “people’s” role in ruining animals’ natural habitat.
All of the characters within our version of Wind in the Willows will be played as anthropomorphic animals. This means that they act as humans do. Each animal will have their own quirk and ways about them that hark back to their animal origins. Using body movement to portray characterisation is a big part of bringing these famous characters to life.
Throughout the script, characters share their inner monologue, as well as directly addressing the audience. As with any outdoor performance aimed at young families, there will be an element of audience interaction as well as ongoing distraction; the audience will be invited to bring a picnic to eat whilst watching the performance.
Echo Youth Theatre is looking for young performers aged 9-18 years old to audition for this show.
Cast Members must be age 9 to 18 years of age on 1st Aug 24.
If over 16, cast members must be in full-time education.
We do not intend to double-cast this show, so you will be required for all shows.
REHEARSAL DETAILS
Rehearsing at St Edmund’s Church Fishergate NR3 1SE
Rehearsals will start Tue 30th Apr 24.
Rehearsals will be:
Tuesdays 6pm to 8.30pm
and
Sundays 10am to 3pm.
We do not routinely call all cast to all rehearsals and you are only required to attend the rehearsals you are called for. A full schedule is available on the link below – this is a draft schedule and subject to change, so we will be expecting good availability for all Tuesdays and Sundays.
During the audition process, you will be asked to let us know of any planned absences – please know your commitments.
We will try to accommodate absences that we know about in advance. Auditionees with excessive absences or who are unavailable for key dates may not be cast, but please come and audition if you are keen to be in the show and discuss any issues you have with us.
Please be honest about any prior commitments. Frequent, undeclared absences could result in being removed from the show during the rehearsal process. If your planned absences have been agreed upon by the team in advance and you are cast in the show, your absence will not be an issue.
AUDITION DETAILS
Auditions will be at St Edmunds Church Fishergate NR3 1SE
Audition applications are now open.
Please make sure you have read all the audition information before applying and understand the rehearsal commitment.
AUDITION DATES
Prior to our auditions, we will be holding an information evening for members and potential members, plus parents. There is no obligation and no need to have already booked an audition, just come along and see and hear what we are about. We will talk about the show, roles, rehearsals and the audition process.
Information Evening
Tue 16th Apr 24 :
6.30 – 8pm
AUDITIONS FOR MUSICIANS
Auditionees who wish to be considered for “The Birds” will need to attend one of the group audition sessions on Sun 21st April and bring their instrument.
To audition for “The Birds” you are asked to prepare two minutes of your most advanced folk-style music on the instrument of your choice. You will audition individually in front of the group and be required to join in the rest of the group audition and script work.
WORKSHOP AUDITIONS FOR ALL AUDITIONEES
Everyone auditioning will need to attend one of three Audition Workshops on Sunday 21st April.
10:00-12:00 – Audition Workshop 1
12:30-14:30 – Audition Workshop 2
15:00-17:00 – Audition Workshop 3
An Audition Workshop is compulsory for all auditionees. During this workshop, you will firstly work in groups on ensemble movement and character scenes.
All auditionees are asked to prepare at least one of the character audition pieces for either Mole, Weasel, Ratty, Toad, Badger, or Ruby. You will perform these in front of the panel and the other auditionees at your workshop. You will be asked to work in pairs and groups and therefore will read in for the other characters in the audition scenes.
Here at EYT we like to challenge auditionees, so be prepared to be asked to try out for other characters.
CALL-BACK AUDITIONS (& additional audition session)
We may need to see those we are considering for the principal roles again and call-backs will be on Tue 23rd Apr 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
For those unable to attend on Sun 21st Apr, you can book to audition on Tue 23rd Apr.
Notes for all auditionees:
Full details on what to prepare for the auditions are in the audition information folder – link below.
In order to fully commit to the audition, you are expected to learn at least one of the audition pieces and be prepared to sight read the others.
Whilst you may only audition for one character, you will be considered for other roles.
ADMIN DETAILS
Cast members must be full time education – sixth form, secondary, middle or junior school and must be aged 9 – 18 as at 1st Aug 24.
The costs for cast are:
- The show fee for cast members will be £60 and this will be required by the end of May 24. If this will cause any difficulties, please speak to us and we can discuss payments in instalments or financial support options from our sponsorship fund.
- All costumes are provided and cast members are not expected to provide or purchase costumes, other than under-garments and possibly footwear.
Agreement to photographic and video consent for internal use and external marketing is a prerequisite for casting.
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