AUDITION INFORMATION LETTER

PAIGNTON PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS

HON. SECRETARY / DIRECTOR - IAIN DOUGLAS

FLAT 1, VAUGHAN HOUSE, 4 LISBURNE CRESCENT, TORQUAY, TQ1 2LA

TEL 01803-290371 (MOBILE 07880543719)

This letter is intended as information for those interested in auditioning for the 2008/09 Paignton Pantomime “ALADDIN” We will be on the look out for performers and helpers to join the cast of the show in all capacities as detailed below.

THE SOCIETY Paignton Pantomime is arguably one of the best-known amateur pantomime societies in the South West, and presents South Devon’s 2 nd major panto behind the professional show at the Princess Theatre. We play at the palace Theatre in Paignton. Our support from the public varies, but is usually between 3100 and 3900 patrons each year. Our shows cost about £28,000 to stage.

GET TOGETHER AND AGM We are holding our Annual Get Together on FRIDAY JULY 25 th atST. LUKES CHURCH HALL, SHEDDEN HILL, TORQUAY commencing at 7.30pm. The production team will be on hand to answer questions, and audition pieces will be available. The annual AGM will take place first, but this is just a formality which has to be held, and will take no more than half an hour at most, then it is on to the important business of the evening !! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF THIS YEARS PANTOMIME IT IS IN YOUR INTERESTS TO ATTEND THIS MEETING OR IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND BUT ARE STILL INTERESTED, TO TELEPHONE IAIN DOUGLAS ON 01803-290371 TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST.

PRODUCTION TEAM : We are using our highly successful and tried and trusted regular production team. IAIN DOUGLAS will be directing, ELAINE JOHNSON and AMANDA COOTE will be joint choreographers. JOHN AMERY will be Musical Director.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE The show will run at PALACE THEATRE PAIGNTON from Monday December 22 nd 2008 until Saturday January 3 rd 2009. The performance schedule is as follows:

This entails 13 performances spread over 2 weeks. Some days there are only matinees (you get the middle Sunday night off !!) Cast MUST also be free for technical/dress rehearsals in the theatre from December 17 th onwards. The final dress rehearsals WILL be on Saturday December 20 th and Sunday December 21st evenings. If you are not free on either of those days then we cannot accommodate you in the cast.

THE PRINCIPALS The full details will be given at the get together when audition pieces are handed out, but there is Aladdin (Can be male or female, but prefer male), Wishee Washee (Comedy role), Widow Twankey (Dame), Princes Mandarin (Principal girl), So-shy (Princess’ handmaiden – much larger role than usual), The Emperor (could be Empress if needs be), The Chinese Policemen – Yu-Dun-Wong and Hu-Dun-Pong (Can be male, female or one of either), Abanazer (the baddie), Spirit of the Ring (female), Genie of the Lamp (Male).

THE DANCERS As usual we require a team of senior dancers. In the past we have had 2 males in with the team, and if any male dancer wishes to audition they may do so. The team will consist mainly of females. They MUST be at least 5ft tall. There is no age requirement, but height will dictate minimum age to a degree, and the more mature looking the better. VERY GOOD TAP ABILITY is a must (for the females – males will not need tap ability), but there is no requirement for ballet ability. Judging by previous year’s routines, the dancers must also be able to perform fast jazzy modern routines to a VERY HIGH standard and also be able to pick routines up quickly. Also, due to the need to have a similar looking line up, and also the difficulty in costuming in “sets”, uniformity of appearance and size will greatly influence the final selection of dancers. The audition will be carried out as a group, gradually breaking the auditionees down into smaller groups. The audition will feature a modern and a tap session.

THE CHORUS We are looking for an adult chorus of men and women, Age is not an important factor, although the minimum age would ideally be around 14/15ish but it all depends on how mature the person is and how tall. We are not looking for children for the chorus. The chorus must be able to move in song and dance and work as a team. They will be required to audition individually for the production (for singing), and as a group (for movement). The chorus will have extensive rehearsals to ensure the end standard is high, and there will be the requirement to learn about 8 routines during the rehearsal period. Previous dance experience is not essential but would help. The choreographers will work closely with the team to ensure routines are learnt to a high standard.

THE JUNIOR DANCERS We are looking for 2 teams of little girls. Each team will play 6 shows each, and at auditions, once the teams have been chosen, a draw will be done to see which team plays extra performance to make 13. The minimum age is 7 yearsas at the date of the audition. We are not stipulating a maximum height. Clearly junior dancers will need to be shorter than the smallest senior dancer and as the seniors will have been chosen earlier in the day we will then know just how high we can go with the juniors. As usual all little girls will require BASIC TAP ability. If you cannot tap, it is no use auditioning, as you will probably not be chosen. There must also be the ability to move in lively song and dance routines, the ability to pick up routines quickly, and we are looking for bright smiles, and bright personalities. NOTE : There will be rehearsals on Sunday mornings, and if these cannot be attended regularly then we cannot hold a place in the show.

AUDITIONS FOR ALL NAMED PRINCIPAL ROLES will take place on SUNDAY AUGUST 17 th at ST. LUKES CHURCH HALL, SHEDDEN HILL, TORQUAY, commencing at 2.30pm

AUDITIONS FOR DANCERS, AND JUNIORS AND CHORUS will take place on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7 TH atST. LUKES CHURCH HALL, SHEDDEN HILL, TORQUAY commencing at 10.00 am for DANCERS, 11.30 am for JUNIORS, and 2pm for CHORUS.

THE SCRIPT We have chosen a modern professionally written script by ALAN FRAYN. The script was written last year, but has just been updated and we are presenting the brand new version. The script includes lots of business, and excellent audience participation. This should lead to a fast paced, lively, modern pantomime, but ensuring that the traditions of pantomime are maintained. SCRIPTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GET TOGETHER (PRICED AT £8). PAYMENT MUST BE MADE TO OBTAIN A SCRIPT. THESE MUST BE RETURNED AT AUDITIONS. IF YOU FAIL TO BE CAST, YOUR MONEY WILL BE RETURNED.

REHEARSALS As usual, music rehearsal will commence sometime in October for all the company . There will be 4 or 5 music rehearsals. Dance rehearsals for the chorus will commence in October, and continue at a more intense pace through November and December on various nights. Dance rehearsals for juniors and dancers will commence in October and continue through November and December. Please note there will be Sunday morning rehearsals certainly for juniors, and sometimes for dancers. Principal’s rehearsals will commence in Mid October for blocking about once or twice a week to fit round everyone’s commitments, but continue at a more intense pace in November and December. Most cast members should be prepared to rehearse on at least 3 times a week (sometimes more) in November and perhaps more in December. EVERYONE MUST BE FREE TO REHEARSE MOST NIGHTS BETWEEN DECEMBER 17 TH AND 21 st . Please also note that there will be Sunday evening rehearsals throughout November and December, at which most of the company will be called. Juniors and Dancers should also be prepared to rehearse both Sunday morning and evening on some Sundays. Absence is permitted for work or illness (unless it means missing a lot of rehearsals - in which case it is pointless doing the show), but cast should be prepared to work other commitments of a less important nature around pantomime rehearsals. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT THE USUAL REHEARSAL ROUTINES AS STATED HERE - DO NOT AUDITION.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR CAST

1 – Comply with the rehearsals schedule (as above). Its hard work (but enjoyable).

2 - Sell lots of tickets for the show

3 – Provide at least one person to help sell programmes or draw tickets – hopefully !!

4 – Support any society social events and fund raising events

BACKSTAGE AND HELPERS We are always on the lookout for helpers backstage and front of house for a multitude of tasks. If you are interested please come along to the get together and register your interest with a society official. WE DESPERATLY REQUIRE FOLLOW SPOT OPERATORS AND AT LEAST 3 PEOPLE BACKSTAGE ON SCENERY. ANY OFFERS ?