Northern Valley Regional High School Musical Productions

1. Why did you pick "THE WEDDING SINGER"?
Following the tremendous success of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" we had two dominant criteria. One was that we knew we needed to find something big that would present new challenges for our cast and our many crews. Two, we wanted to something that was completely unlike the previous year so that but participants and audience would get an experience that defies comparison.

For the cast and crew, "Beauty and the Beast" was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We wanted to find something that could equal that magic, that would be an event, that would be a once-in-a-lifetime event... well, like a wedding.

2. What can I expect from this year that's new?
"The Wedding Singer" is not just a show. It's truly an event. Last year's show had 5 production numbers. "The Wedding Singer" has 10! With tons of costumes and sets, rock concert lighting and sound, and more dancing than we've had on the stage since West Side Story. And it's a rock/pop score!

For the first time, we are also planning on putting together Robbie's band, "Simply Wed", with student musicians. The onstage band will be made up of student rock musicians. That does mean that many of the male leads will need to play instruments. (Three of the male leads have to play guitar. So start practicing! You must have friends who play. Start learning.)

The climax of the show takes place in Las Vegas. Robbie, Glen and Julia are surrounded by celebrity impersonators. We will be having special auditions to give students a chance to show off what 80s celebrities you can impersonate.

Last year we had auditions for children. This year... Grandparents! We are hoping to cast two senior citizens to play Robbie's grandparents.

3. How do I get involved?
On Tuesday September 20, 2011, we will have an information meeting. At that time, you will be able to sign up to audition for the cast or to work on one of the crews. Check this website in September, there will be copies of the sign up forms posted here!

4. Wait, did you say that we have to play musical instruments?

Let me repeat: Six of the male principals make up the fictional band, SIMPLY WED. Robbie is the lead singer who plays guitar, Sammy plays bass guitar, George plays keyboard, Sweet Jim on drums and two more musicians, The Coreys, on whatever instruments they play. If you don't know how to play, start learning. You will have to at the very least be able to fake it convincingly. Robbie has to play!

5. I've seen the movie, what can I know about our production?
The movie is great. Although it's not a true musical, it's a great inspiration. (Though please don't try to do an Adam Sandler impersonation.) As with any show, we want to honor the original but also make it uniquely our own. We want to do surprising and exciting things with this show. Just as we did with Sweeney Todd, we wanted to try and find new insight, new design ideas, new choices. We want people who have seen the movie to feel that they are seeing something fresh and exciting and not just a good recreation of other people's work.

6. How many roles are there?
The cast is huge. This is not a show that features only one or two students. Like "Beauty and the Beast" this is an ensemble show with a massive chorus. It's a great opportunity for singers, actors, and dancers. Check out a complete list of all the roles on The AUDITIONS Page.

7. How can I get more information?
Of course, you can watch the terrific movie that inspired the show. The cast recording is excellent. It really captures the spirit and the energy of the show. And lastly... Come to our Information Meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Anyone interested in joining the cast or crew should attend!

Kayley Collins and Nicholas Russell in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

8. Do I need experience in order to audition or to join the crews?
Absolutely not. This is a perfect year for new people to join the program and get an intensive training and experience in the theater.

9. Is there seniority in casting?
Absolutely not. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, makes no difference to us. If you've been in the All-School before or have never even attended one, you get an equal shot. If you were a lead in "Beauty and the Beast" or you couldn't pick Mr. Housley out of a police line-up, there is no bias in casting whatsoever. Don't believe me? Talk to the underclassmen who got leads the last several shows!

10. How do auditions work?
First, you need to get an audition packet which contains the SONG AND SCENE excerpts you need to learn. You can pick up a packet from Mr. Housley in F206 or at the Information Meeting in September. Then, at the beginning of November, you will need to sign-up for TWO AUDITION TIME SLOTS. Check back HERE for opportunities to sign up.

During the FIRST TIME SLOT you will be taught a dance combination.

The following day, at a SECOND TIME SLOT, you will be asked to perform all of your audition pieces and your dance combination.

You will perform the dance combination in small groups. You will perform the songs alone. You will perform the scenes with a scene partner.

Their will be a professional accompanist playing for you. Also on the stage will be a long table behind which sits the Audition Committee. The committee is made of seven people, both All-School staff and NVOT faculty, who will be taking notes and scoring you in various categories. Those notes and scores will then be tallied. This is to ensure that you get a fair shot at each of the roles.

More will be explained about the cast and crews at our Information Meeting on September 20, 2011. Anyone interested in joining the cast or crew should attend!

11. How do I prepare for an audition?
Learn your music and memorize everything. Rehearse as though you were rehearsing for opening night. Don't just come in and sing or talk your lines. Play the role. Create a character. Stage your songs and numbers. We want to see your personality. We want to see you use all of your talents to create a character and communicate a song. You want to prepared as you possibly can.

12. Is there anything else I can do to prepare for the cast or for the crew?
Treat the musical like a winter sport. You need to train and get in shape. The better health you are in, the better you will audition. You need to be in good health to handle the stamina required for weeks and weeks of rehearsals and performances. And in general, the better you feel and feel about yourself, the better your work will be.

You should learn the 80s. Watch as many classic 80s films as you can. Listen to as much 80s music as you can. Begin to develop impersonations of 80s. One of the key ways to secure a place in the ensemble is to be able to do an impersonation. The script asks for Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Tina Turner, and Mr. T. But we will take any 80s celebrities that you can do and do really well.

Lastly, YouTube 80s music videos. Learn the dances. Watch "Thriller". Learn some moves. The score calls for us to recreate moments from "Thriller", "Flashdance", and more!

13. Do you recommend watching the movie or listening to a cast recording?
Please don't try to mimic some else's performance! Only use these materials to introduce you to the show and to help teach you the audition materials. Don't assume the audition committee is looking for a copy of the original cast. We're not!

As I said above, listen to real 80s music. Study movies and music videos.

14. What is the time commitment?
Again, this is a winter sport. You will need to be available Monday thru Saturday from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the first Monday in March. Weekday rehearsals may run anytime between 3:30pm and 9:00pm. Saturday rehearsals may run anytime between 8:00am and 5:00pm. You will not be asked to be here for all of those hours, but you must be available for those time slots. As we near the performances, your rehearsal commitments will get more and more intense.

Students must also be available for the entire February Break! This is our most important week of work, including dress and tech rehearsals.

15. What happens if I don't get cast?
We are determined to put people in positions where they will learn and where they will succeed. And for 42 students, that will mean participating in the cast. If you want to perform, you should work as hard as you can to earn one of those positions. Students have asked: "If I don't get cast, can I join a crew?" The crews are not consolation prizes. They are as vital to the show as the cast. If you join crew, it is because it is your first choice. It is your only choice. If you happen to have the talent and interest in both on stage and offstage work, you may choose to audition first. But also contact the faculty member that heads the crew you are interested in and let them know that you would like to participate on that crew if your schedule allows. All crew leadership positions will be selected at the same time as casting.

16. How do I get selected for a crew leadership position?
Students interview for all leadership positions. Those interviews happen in late September. You can get information about interviews at our meeting on September 20, 2011.

17. What happens now?
More will be explained about the cast and crews at our Information Meeting on September 20, 2011. Anyone interested in joining the cast or crew should attend! And check back here regularly! We are always updating the website. If you still have questions, email Mr. Housley or stop by F206 to see him in person.