Audition Details:
​The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes

Here's where you'll find out more details about the audition process for "The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes." This page contains information including:

  • The Audition Process
  • Preparing for the Audition
  • About the Casting Process
  • Tips from Ms. Marney
  • ​Synopsis and Songs from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes

The Audition Process

First and foremost: RPL auditions are always designed to be a fun and empowering experiences for kids of all ages.  We see auditions as an opportunity to get to know each student, and connect with them 1:1 their individual personality.  We love seeing returning RPL performers come back with expanded confidence with each audition, and we also love welcoming new kids and getting to know them in a relaxed, encouraging environment...including kids for whom this is their very first audition.

Things to Note:
* Auditions for Teen Productions are different than typical RPL auditions. Please read through everything thoroughly so you know what to prepare and what to expect.

* Auditions are May 21 and 22. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis via this online registration form.

* Parents will be sent online paperwork to review prior to auditions, to be submitted at the time of audition.  Parents are welcome to ask questions during the audition slot, or can email Marney at any time.
 
Preparing for the Audition
*Auditions are in front of me, and recorded to share with the Casting Committee. More info about the casting committee is below.
​*To audition for the Teen+ Company for The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes, please prepare two songs (16 bars, or excerpts approximately 30-45 seconds each), as outlined below.  Musical Theatre songs lend themselves well to these two categories, but pop songs are acceptable.  Excerpts from the show are given below, but are not required.  

  1. Excerpt 1: an emotion-driven ballad - This should be an excerpt of a slow song (16 bars, or approx 30-45 seconds) that demonstrates conveying emotion through singing.  A good way to prepare for performing this ballad is to ask, "What does this character want?"  and focus on connecting to that desire or yearning as you sing. 
  2.  Excerpt 2: a high-energy, up-tempo song - This excerpt (16 bars, or approx 30-45 seconds) should be something you can really have fun with, and demonstrate energy stage presence. This song is all about high energy and entertainment. Comic songs are a plus. :-)

* We have compiled excerepts from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes for kids who would like to sing an excerpt of a song from the show, but this is not required. At the bottom of this page are a few songs from the show for those interested.

* Kids can sing with a backtrack, or sing a cappella (without accompaniment.)  If you plan to use a backtrack, please have it ready to play on a phone or device  so that your time is not used getting the backtrack read.   Backtracks from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes material will be reaady and available if you'd like.

​*You may be asked to read from the script during the audition as well.  We do have quite a few non-singing roles, so kids who are more interested in acting than singing are very welcome!

About the Casting Process

Casting decisions are based on several factors, including:

1. How well you prepare and follow the audition guidelines on this page
Putting time and effort into your preparation goes a LONG way, and can even be the deciding factor in some cases.

2. Feedback from each member of the casting committee
We use a casting committee for our Teen shows, which increases diversity in points of view and feedback, and also prepares actors for "real world" audition scenarios.  Your audition will take place in front of me and will be recorded by video.  Three other individuals will be watching your videos, and providing input.   Nobody will see the videos except for me and the casting committee.  

The panel includes:

  • -Kelli Hendren (Former Broadway actor, whose family was active in RPL for years)
  • -Carol McAmis (internationally-known vocal coach, who taught Broadway legends Jeremy Jordan, Zachary James, Aaron Tveit, Kerry Butler, Luann Aronson and many more.)
  • -Lisa Moorehead, our dance teacher/choreographer
  • -Ms Marney (that’s me!) 

3. Your schedule availability and any limitations
Actors’ availability for rehearsals will also be taken into account when casting. 

Starting May 28, rehearsals will be at RPL on Thursdays 4:00-6:30 and Friday 4:00-7:00. However, not all roles will be called for every rehearsal, or for the full time each week.  We will work with your schedule as much as possible, but actors' availability for both days will be taken into account when casting.


4. For returning actors I know well, your performance and rehearsal history from past shows
Producing a show with this many pieces in such a short turnaround time requires dedication and strong work ethic. My previous experiences with you are not the only factor in casting, but will play a role.

After all of the above taken into account, the Casting Committee will discuss to create a final cast list. 
​
Audition Tips from Ms. Marney

* If this is your first audition: Congratulations on challenging yourself to do something new! Yes, you can do it!  Our audition environment is very relaxed and encouraging.  Don't worry about picking the "perfect" songs - just pick two songs you like that fit into the above criteria.  It's normal to be nervous, but please know that my goal will be to help you relax. The focus is more about getting to know you, rather than judging your ability skill.  Plus, since we have two weeks of masterclasses before casting the show, you'll have more time to learn and get more confidence.  Mostly, I'm just excited to welcome you to the world of musical theatre -- it's such a great outlet for creativity, working with others, and having fun! 

*If you are a more experienced performer, but new to RPL:  I am so looking forward to meeting you!  When selecting your two excerpts, pick things you love to sing, because your passion is what I'm most looking forward to seeing.  This could be a good opportunity to take a risk and try an audition song that you've never used before, perhaps paired with one of your comfortable standards!  Regardless, do think about providing contrast between the two selections, so I can enjoy getting two know two different sides of you!  Also, if you are more comfortable with acting rather than speaking, don't worry - we have plenty of non-singing roles, and we can discuss your preference at your audition.

* A word to "RPL veterans":  As this is for our Teen Company, this audition is more structured than typical RPL auditions, so be sure to read through the details of what is required for your two song excerpts. I encourage you to use this opportunity to show me something new...perhaps a side of your singing voice that we haven't heard on our stage, or a type of character that is new for you.  You already know that our auditions are fun and easy, so take this chance to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone.  You might stretch yourself to learn one of the songs from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes and experiment with developing a character.   A well-prepared song in auditions that demonstrates your at-home effort definitely makes a difference....for us, and for you!

 Click here to reserve an audition spot!

Synopsis of The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes

A crime has been committed, and Sherlock Holmes should be on the case!  But…author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is suffering an emotional breakdown, his characters are disillusioned and exhausted, and Sherlock’s inner song-and-dance man is bursting to emerge!

Sherlock sheds his detective persona and persuades his associates to leap off the page and finish the story themselves, with colorful twists, unexpected romance and, naturally, fabulous production numbers.  Seeing unrecognizable pages before him, Doyle believes he is going mad, until Sherlock himself meets Doyle face to face, to force a battle of wits and finally determine who’s really in control.

CHARACTERS* include:
  • SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE: The renowned author facing a psychological crisis. 
  • LOUISA DOYLE: Doyle's wife, 
  • SHERLOCK HOLMES: The brilliant, calculating & emotionally detached detective, longing to be a suave, debonair song-and-dance man. 
  • JOHN WATSON: Holmes’ friend and faithful assistant, willing to stand by Holmes, but truly wishes to be a pastry baker. 
  • MARY WATSON:  A typical housewife, married to John Watson, who knows she is capable of being Lead Detective and solve the crimes herself. 
  • MRS. HUDSON: Holmes’ landlady and housekeeper. An enthusiastic matchmaker, she would do anything to find Holmes a suitable wife. 
  • BILLY: The young street urchin working as Holmes’ page, who dreams of becoming a scientist. 
  • IRENE ADLER: A passionate Bohemian opera singer, the only person who has ever outsmarted Sherlock Holmes. She is also known as MILLICENT MALLOY when Doyle recycles her character in another story. 
  • JAMES MORIARTY:  The criminal mastermind, and Holmes’ nemesis, who wishes he could just be a nice guy.
  • THE HEROINES: Various heroines from Holmes' mysteries, who wish they could be villains
  • THE COUNTESS OF MORCAR: The melodramatic victim-turned-jewel-thrief-turned-sufragette
  • MRS. RUNDLE: A landlady from another story, who joins the Countess in becoming a sufragette
  • INSPECTOR PETERSON, the frantic policeman
  • MR. RYDER, the anxious suspected thief
  • THE KING OF BOHEMIA, royalty with a secret, desperate for Holmes’ help
  • THE MAID and BUTLER, the “real world” employees in service of Arthur Conan Doyle

*The above cast list is from the 2023 Teen Production, which had several new characters written into the show. Some actors may play more than one character.

Songs from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes​

Here are some 16-bar excerpts from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes, for those who would like to select one or both of their excerpts from this material.  However, this is not required.

​Go here for the song excerpts