Audition Details:
The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes
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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:
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Helpful Links for Summer '23
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About 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.
Auditions are required to be in the Teen Company. However, note that roles will not be cast until after the first two weeks of workshops, which allows to company to learn valuable performance skills in acting, singing and dance, while also getting to know one another and becoming more familiar with the show.
Auditions are required to be in the Teen Company. However, note that roles will not be cast until after the first two weeks of workshops, which allows to company to learn valuable performance skills in acting, singing and dance, while also getting to know one another and becoming more familiar with the show.
Things to Note:
* Audition reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis via this online registration form.
* Audition times are conveniently scheduled before and after our Free Workshops on May 31, June 1 and June 2.
* Attendees to the Free Workshops will be welcome to audition after those who have signed up are complete. If you want to guarantee a timeslot, we recommend signing up to audition ahead of time.
* 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
*To audition for the Teen Company, 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 you are welcome to select pop songs if you prefer.
You can perform with a backtrack or a cappella (no background music.)
*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!
* We have compiled some of the songs 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 all. 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. Backtracks from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes material will be available if you'd like.
* Audition reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis via this online registration form.
* Audition times are conveniently scheduled before and after our Free Workshops on May 31, June 1 and June 2.
* Attendees to the Free Workshops will be welcome to audition after those who have signed up are complete. If you want to guarantee a timeslot, we recommend signing up to audition ahead of time.
* 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
*To audition for the Teen Company, 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 you are welcome to select pop songs if you prefer.
You can perform with a backtrack or a cappella (no background music.)
- 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.
- 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. :-)
*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!
* We have compiled some of the songs 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 all. 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. Backtracks from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes material will be available if you'd like.
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. We'll have two weeks of masterclasses before casting the show, so I'll have plenty of time to get to know you and observe the range of your abilities, so that pulls some of the pressure off the audition itself. 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!
* 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. We'll have two weeks of masterclasses before casting the show, so I'll have plenty of time to get to know you and observe the range of your abilities, so that pulls some of the pressure off the audition itself. 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:
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.
- 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
- 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
Songs from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes
Here are some songs from The Whimsical World of Sherlock Holmes, for those who would like to select their excerpts from this material. However this is not required.
Go here for the song excerpts
Go here for the song excerpts