The Little Mermaid: Ariel Auditions Following our auditions, the production has now been cast – with the exception of the principal role of ‘Ariel’. Therefore, we are re-opening applications for the role of Ariel. Ariel Audition Date Sunday 4th August 10am-12pm* *Please note that this audition is for the part of Ariel only, as the rest of the production has already been cast. There are no other roles (principal or ensemble) available. Auditions will be held at Theatricool studios, 3 Chandlers Row, CO1 2HG and are open to those aged 16+, with a playing age between 16 & 25 years. To be cast in the show you must be available for all rehearsals once we get into the theatre (Sunday 26th Jan-Thursday 30th Jan 2025) and all performances (31st Jan-9th Feb 2025). How to register If you or anyone you know wishes to audition for this role, you/they must complete this form by Midday 27th July**. Auditionees must be available to attend this audition in person. **This date has been brought forward from the 1st August due to the significant level of interest in the role of Ariel. On this occasion, we don’t require auditionees to be a paid member of the Society before auditioning – but please note that you must be a Member of COS (this costs £10 for the year 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025) to perform in this show. This is payable if you are cast (unless you are already a member). Please be aware that if you are cast you will need to pay an £85 Show Fee before rehearsals start in September (NB-a bursary is available for show fees and details will be shared with those cast and on request). This contributes to our rehearsal and costume costs. We welcome new members to audition. Information about Membership and the Audition Process can be found on our website. Ariel character description: Gender: Female Age: 16+ Playing Age: 16 to 25 Ariel is a strong-willed teenaged mermaid who longs to be human. She possesses a keen curiosity for the world both under and above the sea – much to the chagrin of her father, King Triton. Big-hearted, she’s more accepting of and delighted by others’ differences than most of her fellow merfolk, but she also has a rebellious streak than can get her into trouble. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, Ariel must be able to move well in order to clearly convey meaning once she loses her voice. Should be prepared to be flown in a harness, have daytime availability during the tech rehearsal process, and to work in Heelys or rollerskates (details tbc). Audition material: You will need to access the audition material and prepare for these auditions in your own time. A link to access audition material can be found within the audition form or you can contact our secretary directly (secretary@colchesteroperaticsociety.co.uk) to request to be sent the link. You will need to prepare Ariel’s dialogue and the 3 vocal pieces for the audition. We are using backing tracks for this production, and we encourage auditionees to use these now to help with preparation. Instructions for how to access these can be found on our audition material online drive or you can contact our secretary directly (secretary@colchesteroperaticsociety.co.uk) to request to be sent the link. Creative Team: Director: Adam Woodhouse The creative team of Adam, Laura & Neil have a proven track record with COS and CO2 shows over the last decade. Many of their productions, including “Legally Blonde”, “Annie”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Shrek” have won multiple awards and have received critical acclaim. They couldn’t be more excited to be sharing this special year with COS and bringing this amazing musical to the Mercury Theatre for the first time. Director’s Overview: Strip “The Little Mermaid” of its fantastical elements – mermaids, sea witches and talking crabs – and what’s left is the simple story of a young woman struggling to come into her own. There’s a little bit of Ariel in all of us: headstrong, independent, insatiably curious, and longing to know the world in all its glory, mystery, and diversity. A young woman who passionately pursues her dream, Ariel makes decisions that have serious consequences, all of which she faces with bravery and dignity. Her choice to live in the human world breaks down a fear of difference that is deeply imbedded in her undersea culture. By leaving home, she opens up the eyes of her fellow mermaids and human friends, who learn to accept and appreciate one another. The Little Mermaid musical follows the same story as the beloved 1989 animated Disney classic, including all the much-loved songs, plus many more vibrant, exciting numbers for the entire company. We are exploring various technical effects to enhance the production, including video screens, projected animations and flying, all of which will make this, COS’s centenary production, as amazing as possible. Rehearsals Rehearsals are on Monday and Thursday evenings, and some Sundays. The majority of rehearsals will be held at Philip Morant School, Q Theatre Block, Rembrandt Way, Colchester CO3 4QS (we will notify cast in advance of any other locations for rehearsals once we know more). We expect a high level of commitment to all rehearsals, including being punctual. However, it’s important to let us know when you can’t attend, as it affects everyone involved in the rehearsal process. Known absences can then be planned for if possible. It is therefore important that you detail any known absences on your audition form. All cast must be able to attend the rehearsals once we are in the theatre and all performances(see yellow highlighted dates in schedule). “Get-in” happens throughout the day on Sunday 26th January and all adult cast members will be expected to help with this (more details will be shared with those cast and nearer the time). The “dry tech” will be on Monday 27th January and will involve whoever is cast as Ariel. The initial rehearsal schedule is detailed here for your information. Whilst not everyone will be called to all rehearsals, you should assume that you will be unless told otherwise, as the schedule is subject to change during the rehearsal process. |
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