Ridley Drama Group

These pieces have been chosen specifically to test your

• musicality (Can you follow the music, understand the timing, learn the pitches, control your breathing, and use dynamics?)

• work ethic/desire to achieve (We did not choose an easy piece of music, so you'll have to practice. Coming to auditions on the day of, assuming you can learn it then, is a HUGE MISTAKE.)

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We specifically did NOT choose character-driven music, because our belief is that these musicals require a STRONG SKILLS FOUNDATION to even attempt the lead roles. Show us what you can do in terms of control of your voice and body.  Lead music will be posted as part of the callback audition process. 

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CASTING/REHEARSAL INFORMATION:

BEFORE YOU AUDITION, please make sure you understand the following:

• ​RDG is like a sport in its level of commitment, its desire to be great, and its approach to casting.  Like a sport- you may not make this team. We try to find places for people who do not make the cut for cast and crew in other areas of our program. There is always a way to be involved, even if it's not what you at first wanted.

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• We practice almost every day, and on Saturdays.  If you are cast, you may not be called for every practice, but one is most definitely going on. Crew is called in weekly until they become part of the rehearsal process. The more responsibility you take on ( lead role, featured role, specialized dance ensemble, stage manager, etc., equivalent to being a CAPTAIN ), the more time you will spend with us. If you aren't ready to make a commitment to practicing in rehearsal, the show is probably not for you.  We do work with all performing arts groups in our school, and some clubs and sports to make sure as many people as possible can be involved. We also don't start our rehearsals until closer to 4 PM to accommodate music rehearsals and directors who work outside of Ridley. We cannot support constantly missing rehearsal for other activities, though, so be cognizant of putting ALL OF YOUR CONFLICTS on the SHEET. Inquire with the directors about your schedule before your audition if you have questions. 

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• Students are ALSO REQUIRED to spend at least 6 HOURS or more per show at technical worknights helping. 

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• Spots in the musicals are not guaranteed to ANYONE.  Seniors who were cast in leads in previous shows might not get one in this show. **PLEASE TALK TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT THIS.** We will not entertain comments or complaints about the casting process. Students who feel they are "owed" something because of past performances need to adjust their expectations immediately. You benefit immensely from being part of the show and the group and that is all you are entitled to. RDG is not responsible for your perceptions or expectations in this process.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Casting is a complex process that requires considering a GROUP of people and how they will all work together on stage. Many times, ensemble members of the cast are on stage MORE and do MORE in terms of the show than LEADS.  We do not see one part as being more important or better than another. We will always consider talent, and have, at many times over the years, made casting decisions that students/parents questioned. The staff as a whole uses specific rubrics along with their own expertise to cast, and the list is not negotiable. If you cannot handle the process of AUDITIONS, which by definition means that you may not get a part, please do not audition. 

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• Your performance at the audition is taken as the level at which you are capable of performing at this time, both in terms of skill sets and in terms of managing stress and pressure. Both of these are necessary to be on stage. We will not reach back to previous performances in a "benefit of the doubt" moment.  Come with your A game- whatever that is.  Have courage and FUN and do your best. This is not to say that everyone needs to be PERFECT. We are aware that we have jobs for a reason. We want to see you give it your all, be positive, and put in the time and effort we know it requires.  This mindset is part of the audition.

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• Similarly, if you are only interested in being in the show, because you want a lead, you should probably not audition. Striving for a large part is awesome, and you should absolutely challenge yourself. But it can't be the ONLY reason you want to be here. We are only interested in working with people who support the whole show and realize that EVERYONE in the SHOW is EQUALLY IMPORTANT.  Negative undercurrents are counterproductive to the show process we want to create, so we are looking for positive, excited, passionate people who are not focused solely on themselves. We run a TEAM CONCEPT, and we are looking for TEAM PLAYERS. If you don't make it in one part of the team, seek out other places where you can contribute.