Bound For Broadway

Aileen Quinn - Where Are They Now?

2011-08-11T18:17:00.001-07:00

"Annie" auditions - Equity only

2011-06-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

Annie – Equity Principal Auditions / Children’s Roles

Broadway/Production Contract

Category: Performer

Description:

Broadway/Production Contract Currently $1,653/week minimum.
Producer: Arielle Tepper Madover
Exec Prod/GM: 101 Productions, Ltd.
Music: Charles Strouse
Lyrics: Martin Charnin
Book: Thomas Meehan
Dir: James Lapine
Choreo: Andy Blankenbuehler
Mus Dir: Todd Ellison
Casting: Telsey + Company/Pat Goodwin

1st reh: Late summer/fall 2012. 1st perf/opening TBD.

Seeking (all listed roles are available; all are girls):

Annie:
Girl, 11 years old, any ethnicity. Optimistic, spunky and wise beyond her years. Has a deep-seated longing to find her birth parents, and will stop at nothing to accomplish that goal. Has a heart of gold, despite her share of mischievous situations. Any and every girl can relate to her in some way. She is honest, forthright and has a magnetic personality. Performer must have an excellent singing range, great comedic timing and excellent dance skills.

Molly:
Girl, 6 years old, any ethnicity. The littlest of the orphans. Annie takes it upon herself to take special care of Molly and act as her big sister whenever possible. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

Pepper:
Girl, 11 years old, any ethnicity. The tough cookie of the group of orphans. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

Kate:
Girl, 7 years old, any ethnicity. Almost as small as Molly. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

Tessie:
Girl, 10 years old, any ethnicity. A cry-baby. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

July:
Girl, 12 years old, any ethnicity. Quietest of the orphans. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

Duffy:
Girl, 12 years old, any ethnicity. Eldest and biggest of the orphans. Performer must have excellent singing and dancing skills.

Note from Equity: Equity Principal Auditions for adult roles will be held at a later date, as will Equity Chorus Calls. Watch for notices.

IMPORTANT: ONLY EQUITY MEMBERS WILL BE SEEN AT THIS AUDITION. Please bring your Equity card to the audition.

Audition Information

When: Equity Principal Auditions:
Thursday, June 30, 2011
10 AM - 6 PM
Lunch from 1:30 – 2:30.
Equity Monitor begins sign-up at 9 AM.

Where: Pearl Studios NYC “500”
500 Eighth Avenue, 12th Floor
New York City

Notes/What to bring: Please prepare a brief song from the show or in the style of the show. Bring sheet music in the correct key; accompanist is provided, but may not transpose.

Please bring a current picture & resume, stapled back-to-back.

Auditions for "A Christmas Story" in Chicago

2011-06-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

A Christmas Story, The Musical!, prepares to launch a five-city national tour for the 2011 holiday season, the show's producers, including Peter Billingsley, who starred as Ralphie in the original 1983 film, have announced that they will begin their search for young actors at an open audition for children between the ages of 8-13 at the Chicago Theatre Downstairs (enter just south of the main venue), 175 N. State Street, Chicago, Monday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Talented children, boys and girls, with strong vocal and acting ability are encouraged to attend. Casting directors are seeking to fill the iconic lead role of Ralphie and his troupe of friends and classmates, including: Randy, Flick, Schwartz, Scut Farcus, Grover Dill, Mary Beth, and Jane. Children should be extraordinary actors, singers, and dancers and no more than 4'11" in height. Those auditioning should prepare a brief, rhythmic, classic Broadway song that shows off voice and personality.

A Christmas Story, The Musical! will rehearse in Chicago, October 10 before commencing a five-city national tour: Hershey, PA (Hershey Theatre, Nov. 8 - 13); Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre, Nov. 15 - 27); Raleigh, NC (Memorial Auditorium, Nov. 29 - Dec. 4); and Tampa, FL (Straz Center, Dec. 6-11), before returning to The Chicago Theatre for performances Dec. 14-30, 2011.

For more information about the audition, visit www.achristmasstorythemusical.com/casting.

"Funny Girl" online auditions

2011-06-07T17:47:00.001-07:00

Center Theatre Group and Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher announced today that the search for the next Fanny Brice in the classic romantic musical comedy "Funny Girl" has gone digital. Women, ages 21 to 35, whether they are Actors' Equity Association members or non-members, are encouraged to submit an audition video through CenterTheatreGroup.org/FunnyGirlCasting to be considered for this star-making role.

"Fanny Brice is an extraordinary role that requires an equally extraordinary actress," said Sher. "By adding this open and inclusive online audition system to our more traditional casting efforts we can, in essence, launch a nationwide search into every city and town in America. The ability to see the best talent from all over the country will be of enormous value in our wide-ranging search."

Online casting for "Funny Girl" is facilitated by Let It Cast, an innovative casting technology firm. Let It Cast allows actresses to submit an audition video online and free of charge, while receiving the same level of privacy afforded any actor in a traditional casting session. The videos are only made available to the creative team and producers of "Funny Girl."

Submissions should be no longer than 90 seconds and only one audition video is allowed per performer. Actresses are directed to sing a short song of their choice, preferably something that shows off their personality -- ideally something from musical theatre. The woman who will play Fanny Brice must have an unforgettably thrilling voice with a big range (E below middle C to a high F; Mezzo with a high mix or belt) and great comic skill, masking deep insecurity and pain. She is a once-in-a-generation talent, and must have excellent comedic timing.
More details are available on the casting Web site and they should be read carefully before submitting a video. Audition videos are only being accepted for the role of Fanny Brice. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2011. Applicants must be lawfully and currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
The all-new production of "Funny Girl" opens February 1, 2012, at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Previews begin January 15 and the production continues through February 26, 2012.
"Funny Girl" has music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Isobel Lennart, and direction by Tony Award®-winner Sher, who has reassembled the acclaimed creative team behind his ravishing production of "South Pacific" (the winner of seven Tony Awards and presented at the Ahmanson last summer).

From the streets of New York's Lower East Side to the bright lights of Broadway, "Funny Girl" is the rags-to-riches, road-to-stardom story of legendary entertainer Fanny Brice - a pioneering female entertainer as well known for her oversized personality as she was for her unmatched talent.

A love story packed with unforgettable songs ("Don't Rain on My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star," "I Am Woman, You Are Man" and the international hit "People"), irresistible backstage drama and a heartbreaking romance, this classic musical takes theatregoers back to the Golden Age of Ziegfeld and the height of burlesque. Part show-biz spectacular, part timeless love story, "Funny Girl" is pure Broadway legend.

Tickets for "Funny Girl" are only available by subscription at this time. For information and to charge season tickets by phone, call the Exclusive Season Ticket Hotline at (213) 972-4444. To purchase subscriptions online, visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

Watch "Life After Tomorrow" on Hulu

2011-03-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

You can now watch my film, "Life After Tomorrow" on Hulu.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/174634/life-after-tomorrow

ACT, THE and John Robert Powers scams!

2010-09-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

Beware of companies like ACT (now renamed THE) and John Robert Powers. They are not real casting companies and will only take your time and money.

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/18485603/index.html

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/18494106/index.html

http://www.insideedition.com/n...d-acting-school.aspx

Talent: The Casting Call competition

2010-09-03T00:12:00.000-07:00

Alloy Entertainment, a division of Alloy Media + Marketing, and Jive Records have joined forces in a search for the next teen sensation. The contest from the hit makers behind The Vampire Diaries and Jordin Sparks provides contestants with the opportunity to win a lead role in Alloy’s newest web series, Talent, and receive a recording contract with Jive Records, whose roster includes Usher, Britney Spears, Pink and others.

Girls between the ages of 16 and 24 can upload their singing audition on www.thetalentshow.com now through September 28 for a chance to be considered for Talent: The Casting Call, a reality web series that will ultimately determine which talented singer will appear in the Alloy Entertainment original web series, Talent, airing in early 2011.

Throughout the contest, fans everywhere can rate the auditions to ensure their favorite contestants are top ranked. Each week, one standout performer will be featured in the coveted “Spotlight of the Week” position.

On October 6th, 20 semi-finalists will be announced who will vie for six exclusive spots to participate in Talent: The Casting Call. The six finalists will use their music and acting craft to stay alive throughout the reality series to become Alloy Entertainment and Jive Records’ top Talent. The winner will head to Hollywood for a lead role in Talent the scripted web series and receive a recording contract with Jive Records.

Talent, based on the Alloy book of the same name from The New York Times bestselling author Zoey Dean, tells the story of a young woman whose dreams of becoming a singer are dashed and rises from that disappointment by helping an unlikely girl become a superstar. Talent: The Casting Call and Talent, the web series will be distributed via AlloyTV (www.alloytv.com), a premium, multi-platform digital entertainment network.

YOUR CHANCE AT STARDOM IN THREE EASY STEPS:
1) Choose a song from the song list. Record and upload one song or multiple songs on the list provided. Only one video upload per song will be accepted.
2) Submit your audition video!
3) Vote! Get your friends and family to vote for you by sharing your audition video on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

Please refer to the Official Rules for complete details.

College Theatre Programs

2010-08-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

August 11, 2010
NY Times

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/answers-to-your-questions-about-college-theater-programs/

Answers to Your Questions About College Theater Programs

This week, Mary Anna Dennard, the author of “I Got In!: The Ultimate College Audition Guide for Acting and Musical Theater,” answered readers’ questions about auditioning, getting the right head shot and other topics. Below are answers to selected questions.

Q.
Do you think the type of musical theater performer that colleges are looking for has changed? Are colleges still looking for the ingenue type or more the leading lady and character type? It seems as if the musicals now on Broadway are leading to more modern, except the revivals, of course. — Laurie, Oregon

A.
Yes, I do think that as musical theater types (and also for plays) have evolved, colleges are looking for types that reflect today’s librettos. After all, most of these colleges have a senior showcase, where they are marketing their grads to agents and casting directors. They need to have types who will work. We are seeing more contemporary sensibilities in these young composers and writers of new works: “Bare,” “Spring Awakening,” “Rent,” “Bat Boy,” “American Idiot.”

For an example of a change in type, an actor who did not read as having a masculine neutral presence (to quote Aubrey Berg of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music) might have been something to try to disguise five years ago. But now it is an absolutely marketable type. Chris Colfer of “Glee” and others have changed that. Girls with fierce belt voices are also in demand more than ever. Maybe it’s “American Idol”?

But there will always be a leading lady, leading man and character types. Ever since Shakespeare’s clowns and Molière’s servants who speak truth to power, our theatrical stories need that balance.

Q.
As a former theatrical talent agent in New York for five years, I have to strongly dissuade anyone from spending thousands of dollars on conservatory programs both for undergraduate or graduate. The programs rarely have good relationships with the business side of the theater world, and they do little to prepare students for the realities of making a profession out of acting/directing. The best experience you can get is not a B.F.A. or an M.F.A. but simply going to the best academic program you can get into, studying English or drama or history or what-have-you, doing as much acting as you can at your university or local theater, and then coming to New York to network, meet casting agents and do Off Broadway theater.

Conservatory programs, while they may increase skill level to some degree, rarely translate into a successful career. Instead, they leave students deeply in debt (which shortens the amount of time they have to work minimum wage jobs while auditioning) and without the skills or degree necessary to be successful in another field should they eventually leave the theater. — TalentAgent, New York

A.
I respectfully disagree. First of all, we are talking about getting an education while learning your craft. College is one of the most opportune places to do both. Second, not all conservatories are created equally. Carnegie Mellon, Cincinnati Conservatory, Texas State, DePaul, Pace University, Boston Conservatory, the American Conservatory Theater, Juilliard are all considered conservatories or conservatory-style programs in that their training is rigorous and intense with little or no coursework in general education and electives. However, each of these offers direct relationships with industry professionals. I was a casting director for film and television for 15 years, and I had relationships with and respect for these institutions.

Many of these programs offer substantial scholarships, and even full rides to those who qualify. A majority of the students I coach do get substantial financial aid. The enormous price tag you speak of might actually be the same cost as any typical four-year liberal arts degree. Texas State’s tuition for its musical theater B.F.A. students is $3,700 per semester! And that applies even for out-of-state students.

As far as preparing students for a profession, there are certainly no guarantees, and the families and students I coach understand the liabilities inherent in such a tenuous occupation. But the schools do make every effort to develop intelligent artists as well as introduce them into the professional world.

Rachel Hoffman, one of Broadway’s biggest casting directors, produces the University of Michigan senior showcase, and there are few people better connected to the industry than her. At Michigan the students get a healthy dose of liberal arts, academia and full college experience while training under an intense B.F.A. musical theater curriculum. Kaitlin Hopkins at Texas State and Amy Rogers at Pace have solid industry contacts with agents and casting directors and composers. They use those connections to help their students upon graduation, and even before with four years of master classes and workshops.

Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, a Carnegie Mellon graduate, in “A Little Night Music.”
My former student Hunter Ryan Herdlicka graduated from Carnegie Mellon in May, signed with an agent at his senior showcase, booked his second audition and landed a Broadway role.

He is currently co-starring with Bernadette Peters in “A Little Night Music” in the role of Henrick.

This is a Cinderella story, to be sure, but he will tell you that he would never have been prepared to perform on a Broadway stage without the training he received at Carnegie Mellon.

Let me second what many others have commented, that a college degree is still useful and valuable for whatever field one pursues.

And may I ask, how many of our adult friends are currently working in the field where they got their undergrad degree?

Kent Gash, the new director of the New Studio on Broadway at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, told me:

At N.Y.U., in graduate acting and in the undergraduate Department of Drama, our students are engaged in the specifics of the craft of acting and performance and are also taught and directed by working industry professionals who are also doing the very work in our field that we are teaching the students to do! We are talking about education and learning a lifelong craft as an artist, and making a substantive contribution to the field, not about working as a ‘performer’ in your youth, when you might be most commercially viable. This can be achieved often with little craft, but the lifelong sustainable career as an artist in film, theater and television in musical and non-musical work can indeed still be given a strong foundation in the best actor training programs in the country! How about a little respect for education?

So I will sum it up this way:

1. Getting a college degree is valuable.

2. Learning your craft is essential.

3. A performing arts undergraduate degree is worthwhile no matter what career one ultimately decides upon.

Q.
Curious about your thoughts on the top musical theater directing programs for non-performance majors. Lots of acting choices out there, but I am more interested in directing musical theater. Where will I have the most opportunities to actually work while learning? — DJR, New York

A.
First of all, don’t pigeonhole yourself as a “musical theater director.” Musical theater is simply a style, one of many styles. Great directors can cross over from straight plays to musical theater effortlessly. After all, you need to work!

Carnegie Mellon would have to be at the top of my list for undergrad directing. But actually there are very few undergrad degrees in directing. Most directing opportunities are found in B.A./B.F.A. theater studies, or theater education degrees at the undergrad level.

There are many great grad directing programs where you can have ample opportunity to direct student productions, and even at some undergrad programs.

To gain opportunities for professional work experience, I would recommend an internship at some of the reputable regional theaters or summer Shakespeare festivals around the country. Even to get work as a second or a first assistant director, that would be a great training ground for you.

Example: I have a former student who is a rising sophomore at Carnegie in the directing program. His first summer, he was an assistant director at a summer Shakespeare festival, and this summer he was the first assistant director on the world premiere of the musical “It’s a Bird … It’s a Plane … It’s Superman,” starring Matt Cavenaugh! That’s some great “learning while working experience” and crosses over from Shakespeare to musical theater.

Q.
I’m thinking about pursuing a master’s degree in musical theater, but it’s difficult to find schools that have such a specific program. What are some good schools for this? — Rachel, Minneapolis

A.
There are just a handful of grad programs in musical theater. Some are masters of fine arts and some are masters of music. I will combine the M.F.A.’s with the M.M.’s and include San Diego State, Boston Conservatory, Steinhardt at N.Y.U., Oklahoma City University, Arizona State and Central Florida and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

If your undergrad degree is a B.A., getting an advanced degree could be a valuable enrichment for you. Typically those with a B.F.A. undergrad would not be pursing an M.F.A. in the same field.

Q.
I am a high school theater teacher. What can I do to help kids audition well? — suzi, Pella, Iowa

A.
Buy my book!

Seriously, every high school theater teacher needs this book to guide those students who want to pursue a degree in an audition based B.A. or B.F.A. program. The section with tips from top college auditors gives great advice from those who will actually be auditioning the students. So you can get guidance straight from the horse’s mouth.

I will sum it up in these three phrases: Be brave. Be joyous. Be yourself.

The college auditors want to see the student’s personality. Keep the audition material simple and age appropriate. A wonderful resource for audition material is Karen Kohlhaas’s book “How to Choose a Monologue for Any Audition.”

Q.
Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, N.Y.U., Boston University — how do their programs differ? These are colleges that I am looking at in my quest for a college to attend. It is overwhelming. I love dramatic acting and musical theater. I am told that I have to make a decision. Do I? — JNJ, Boston

A.
Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon are conservatories, and N.Y.U. and B.U. are not. That’s the first big difference. There are many other differences in philosophies and curriculum, campus life, intellectual environment, etc.

I suggest you attend the National Association for College Admission Counseling Performing Arts College Fair, meet with the reps of these schools and ask specific questions. Go to nacacnet.org for a fair near you. The fair is free to the public and an excellent source for accurate information on these training programs. More than 80 colleges and universities attend.

You absolutely do not have to choose between acting and musical theater. You need to get the training that will give you the most competitive skill set when you begin professional auditions. Don’t limit your opportunity for employment. You need to be an actor first. Studying voice and dance will only enrich your talents and make you more hireable.

Interview about acting with Fred Savage

2010-05-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Really helpful 3-part interview with former child actor/now director, Fred Savage, ("The Wonder Years") on the SAG website.

http://www.sag.org/sag-young-performer-interview-fred-savage-part-1

http://www.sag.org/sag-young-performer-interview-fred-savage-part-2

http://www.sag.org/sag-young-performer-interview-fred-savage-part-3

COMMON CAUSES OF HOARSENESS & FATIGUE IN SINGERS

2010-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

COMMON CAUSES OF HOARSENESS & FATIGUE IN SINGERS

At a recent all-day health seminar hosted by The Recording Academy®, voice therapist Susan Miller, PhD of Voicetrainer, LLC gave attendees the following list of things singers should avoid in order to maintain vocal health:

1. Speaking at too low a pitch level and "on" your vocal folds. You should speak at basically the same pitch level as you sing, but do not use an affected speech tone. Just as your singing voice resonates in the mask, so should your speaking voice;

2. Letting your breath drop at the end of a sentence. Maintain breath support throughout the end of an utterance. Articulate the last word;

3. Talking nonstop. If you are in a vocally demanding profession such as sales or teaching, schedule 10 minutes of vocal rest per hour;

4. Yelling and loud talking at parties, work or on your cell phone. Focus your voice properly and use breath support if you must project. Use one ear plug to monitor the loudness of your voice in noisy settings;

5. Constant throat clearing and coughing due to sinus problems, allergies, asthma or a dry environment. Sip water and use a dry swallow or "silent cough" if you must cough. If you use an antihistamine or a steroid inhaler, drink at least 80 plus ounces of water and consider Humidbid or Guaifenesin, medicines that increase and thin mucus. Use a steam inhaler for five minutes in the AM and PM. Perform nasal irrigation in the shower - make your own saline solution. Don't gargle with Listerine and/or mouthwashes containing alcohol;

6. Aspirin products. Singers should avoid using aspirin products at all times. This includes Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Aspirin, etc. especially on the day of a performance. If coupled with excessive voice use, these agents thin your blood and can predispose you to a vocal fold hemorrhage. Tylenol is acceptable;

7. Frequent heartburn, a bitter taste in your mouth, lump in your throat or excessive mucus may indicate acid reflux, which may irritate your vocal folds. Excessive thoracic pressure typical of singing may cause reflux. Avoid mints, fatty foods, nuts, chocolate, eating late at night and eliminate spicy or high-acid foods. Take Pepcid AC and elevate the head of your bed with a wedge or bricks under the bed legs. Eat three hours before sleeping at the latest; if you can't avoid eating late, eat light and no-fat;

8. Alcohol and caffeine. You must drink an extra glass of water for each caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink to prevent vocal fold dehydration.

9. Physical fatigue. Try to get eight hours of sleep each night and eat balanced meals;

10. Do not smoke cigarettes. Smoke is detrimental to vocal fold tissues and limits your ability to breathe deeply. Smoking marijuana is twenty times worse than cigarettes.

Dr. Miller also gave the following website addresses for further reference:
National Center for Voice and Speech - www.ncvs.org
University of Pittsburgh Voice Center - www.upmc.edu/upmcvoice
Voice and Speech Trainers - www.vasta.org
National Association of Teachers of Singing - www.nats.org
Estill Voice Training System - www.evts.com

Stagedoor Manor profiled in "Theatre Geek" book

2010-05-04T06:37:00.001-07:00

I attended Stagedoor Manor for 3 summers as a teenager and was also recently interviewed for this book. Stagedoor is a magical place that brings together kids who all have the same love of theatre and performing.

Documentary about actors and auditioning

2010-04-20T10:17:00.001-07:00

Check out this new documentary being made about actors and auditioning, called "Showing Up."

http://www.showingupmovie.com/clips/

Getting Your Child Into Show Business on Today Show

2010-04-15T17:44:00.001-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

"Glee" audition online

2010-03-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the online auditions for "Glee."

http://www.myspace.com/gleeauditions

IMDb to Add Web Series Category, So What's a Web Series?

2010-03-20T12:38:00.001-07:00

IMDb to Add Web Series Category, So What's a Web Series?

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Where to watch your favorite movies and TV shows online

2010-03-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

WHERE TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES & TV SHOWS ONLINE

ABC.com Video Player
Amazon Video on Demand
Blockbuster Online
Bravo Videos
Cartoon Network Video
CBS Video
Comedy Central Video
Crackle
Criterion Online
The CW Video
Discovery Channel Videos
Disney Video
Epix
EZTakes
Fancast
Film Fresh
Fox on Demand
FX Networks Video
Hulu
iMDb Video
iTunes
Jaman
Jaroo
Joost
MovieFlix
MTV Video
myLifetime Video
NBC Video
Netflix Watch Instantly
Nick.com Videos
PBS Kids Go! Video
PlayStation Store
Road Runner Video Store
Roxio CinemaNow
Showtime Previews
SlashControl
Sling
South Park Episode Player
Superpass
TBS Videos
TheWB
TNT DramaVision
TV.com Video
TVLand Video Player
USA Network Full Episodes
VH1 Full Episodes
WebMovieNow
Xbox Live Marketplace
Zune Video

The Life and Death of Corey Haim

2010-03-11T18:16:00.001-08:00

ACT ads on the radio - beware

2010-03-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

Beware of this scam. These classes will not teach your child anything useful. Click on link below to watch the "Inside Edition" story.

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyID=4074

Chasing the dream of show biz on Nightline

2010-03-03T09:10:00.001-08:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/star-search-9994520

"Glee' picked up for another season and casting 3 new performers

2010-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

The hit Fox TV show, "Glee," will be conducting a nationwide search for 3 new cast members for their new season.

http://www.fox.com/glee/audition/

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid49778468001?bctid=61034193001

Practice Makes Perfect

2009-10-08T02:02:00.001-07:00

Enroll Yourself in the Genius Factory

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Billy Elliot auditions

2009-09-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

BILLY ELLIOT AUDITIONS

New York Auditions
This audition is for boys (Thursday, September 24th and Friday, September 25th) and girls (Sunday, September 27th)
New York, NY
Chelsea Studios
151 w. 26th St, 5th Floor
We are casting boys and girls age 9-12 for the National Touring production of Billy Elliot.

* All ethnicities are encouraged to attend

Thursday, September 24th for the role of Billy
Boys: dancers, age 9-12
Sign up at 4PM
Strong dance, ballet, and /or tap. Unbroken voices
Maximum height: 4'10".
Wear comfortable clothes & sneakers, and bring ballet, tap and jazz shoes.
Please prepare an uptempo/comedic song and bring a headshot and resume
Equity principal audition rules will be in effect

Friday, September 25th for the role of Michael and Small Boy
Boys: Dancers age age 6-12
Sign up at 2PM

Role of Michael: age 9-12. Maximum height 4'10"
Strong dance, ballet, and /or tap. Unbroken voices.
Wear comfortable clothes & sneakers, and bring ballet, tap and jazz shoes.
Please prepare an uptempo/comedic song and bring a headshot and resume

Role of Small Boy: age 6-7. Maximum height 3'7"
Ability to listen on stage, concentrate, and not fidget.
There is no prepared material for this audition.
Equity principal audition rules will be in effect

Sunday, September 27th
Girls: Ballet Dancers, age 9-12
Sign up at 10AM
Maximum height: 4'10".
Strong dancers with good tap and strong ballet. Some girls may be required to do pointe work.
Seeking a variety of sizes, shapes and types, with expressive character and lots of personality, not the traditional ballerina.
Please come warmed up and ready to dance, wear dance clothes and bring tap, jazz, and ballet shoes.
Bring a recent photo and resume as well as sheet music to sing.
Equity chorus call procedures will be in effect

Contest to appear in Grinch in Los Angeles

2009-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Do you have what it takes to be “A Who”?
If you're 9-14 years old, no more than 5 feet tall, and you've got talent,
YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO PERFORM ON THE PANTAGES STAGE!
Application deadline:
All tape submissions must be received no later than
5:00 PM PST on Friday, September 25, 2009.

How To Apply:
Step 1: CREATE 2-MINUTE DIGITAL VIDEO
Only digital submissions are allowed. Acceptable file types are:
MPEG-4 (.mp4)
QuickTime (.mov)
Windows Media Video (.wmv)

What to include in your TWO MINUTE videotape:
Show us why you should be a “Who” on stage at the Pantages.
At the beginning of the tape, state your name, age, height and phone number.
Show us a quick clip of you dancing. If you don’t dance, you may do gymnastics or some sort of trick.
Also show us a sample of your singing – you may sing a song or a part of a song.

Just remember, you must keep the entire tape under 2 minutes!

Once you've created your video, come back to this site to complete steps 2 & 3 below.

Step 2: FILL OUT THE APPLICATION (http://www.broadwayla.org/who/)
This type of file allows you to type information into all fields.
When you are done filling out the form, SAVE IT TO YOUR OWN COMPUTER.
You will need to attach that completed document to your final email application.

Step 3: EMAIL YOUR AUDITION SUBMISSION MATERIALS
IMPORTANT! THE TOTAL SIZE OF YOUR EMAIL,
INCLUDING ALL ATTACHMENTS, MUST BE LESS THAN 10MB.
Address your email to: TheGrinch@BroadwayLA.org
Put these words in subject line: I Want To Be A Who
Attach ALL of the following to your email:
Digital Video (under 2 minutes) as described above in Step 1
Application – The version you completed and saved to your computer in Step 2
Headshot or Photo of yourself
Resume (If you don’t have a resume, in the body of your email, just list any voice, theatre, or
dance jobs or training that you have had.)

THIS IS A PAYING JOB!
If chosen, you must be in the Los Angeles, California area full time from Sunday, October 4, 2009 through Sunday, January 3, 2010. On Sunday & Monday, October 4th & 5th, you will be required for rehearsals and the live audition. You will be given very short notice to arrive in Los Angeles. Additionally, if you are selected to be in the cast, you may be needed for preparatory appointments between Tuesday, October 6th - Sunday, October 11th, and you will need to be available to the production from October 12th, 2009 – January 3rd, 2010 and reside in Los Angeles or vicinity during that time. In addition, if you are selected to be in the cast, you will be required to enter into an Actor's Equity Association contract with the production, and you may be required to become a member of Actor's Equity Association.

1945 Code of Ethics for working in the theatre

2009-09-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

While appearing on Broadway in her Tony-nominated role of Jeanette in The Full Monty in August, 2001, Equity member Kathleen Freeman died of lung cancer. Equity Councillor Jane A. Johnston, a longtime friend and executrix for Ms. Freeman’s estate, later discovered among Ms. Freeman’s papers a document containing A Code of Ethics for Theatre Workers. Ms. Freeman was a daughter of a small time vaudevillian team. Her childhood experience of touring with her parents inspired this Code of Ethics, Ms. Johnston writes. She also notes: “What is particularly interesting about this list of dos and don’ts for the theatre is that it was written in 1945 when Kathleen was establishing one of the first small theatres in Los Angeles and she was 24 years old. I wish I had been told some of ‘the rules’ when I was a young actress instead of having to pick them up as I went along.”

The theatre was the Circle Players (with Charlie Chaplin among its backers), which later evolved into the Players’ Ring. Although there is no record that either company used an Equity contract (they certainly pre-dated the 99-Seat Code in Los Angeles), Ms. Johnston confirms that all the participants were professionals.

Foreword to the Code
“A part of the great tradition of the theatre is the code of ethics which belong to every worker in the theatre. This code is not a superstition, nor a dogma, nor a ritual which is enforced by tribunals; it is an attitude toward your vocation, your fellow workers, your audiences and yourself. It is a kind of self-discipline which does not rob you of your invaluable individualism.

“Those of you who have been in show business know the full connotation of these precepts. Those of you who are new to show business will soon learn. The Circle Players, since its founding in 1945, has always striven to stand for the finest in theatre, and it will continue to do so. Therefore, it is with the sincere purpose of continued dedication to the great traditions of the theatre that these items are here presented.”

The “rules” follow:

1. I shall never miss a performance.
2. I shall play every performance with energy, enthusiasm and to the best of my ability regardless of size of audience, personal illness, bad weather, accident, or even death in my family.
3. I shall forego all social activities which interfere with rehearsals or any other scheduled work at the theatre, and I shall always be on time.
4. I shall never make a curtain late by my failure to be ready on time.
5. I shall never miss an entrance.
6. I shall never leave the theatre building or the stage area until I have completed my performance, unless I am specifically excused by the stage manager; curtain calls are a part of the show.
7. I shall not let the comments of friends, relatives or critics change any phase of my work without proper consultation; I shall not change lines, business, lights, properties, settings or costumes or any phase of the production without consultation with and permission of my director or producer or their agents, and I shall inform all people concerned.
8. I shall forego the gratification of my ego for the demands of the play.
9. I shall remember my business is to create illusion; therefore, I shall not break the illusion by appearing in costume and makeup off-stage or outside the theatre.
10. I shall accept my director’s and producer’s advice and counsel in the spirit in which it is given, for they can see the production as a whole and my work from the front.
11. I shall never “put on an act” while viewing other artists’ work as a member of an audience, nor shall I make caustic criticism from jealousy or for the sake of being smart.
12. I shall respect the play and the playwright and, remembering that “a work of art is not a work of art until it is finished,” I shall not condemn a play while it is in rehearsal.
13. I shall not spread rumor or gossip which is malicious and tends to reflect discredit on my show, the theatre, or any personnel connected with them-either to people inside or outside the group.
14. Since I respect the theatre in which I work, I shall do my best to keep it looking clean, orderly and attractive regardless of whether I am specifically assigned to such work or not.
15. I shall handle stage properties and costumes with care for I know they are part of the tools of my trade and are a vital part of the physical production.
16. I shall follow rules of courtesy, deportment and common decency applicable in all walks of life (and especially in a business in close contact with the public) when I am in the theatre, and I shall observe the rules and regulations of any specific theatre where I work.
17. I shall never lose my enthusiasm for theatre because of disappointments.

In addition, the document continued:

“I understand that membership in the Circle Theatre entitles me to the privilege of working, when I am so assigned, in any of the phases of a production, including: props, lights, sound, construction, house management, box office, publicity and stage managing-as well as acting. I realize it is possible I may not be cast in a part for many months, but I will not allow this to dampen my enthusiasm or desire to work, since I realize without my willingness to do all other phases of theatre work, there would be no theatre for me to act in.”

All members of the Circle Theatre were required to sign this document. And they must have-because the theatre, and the group into which it evolved, was successful for many years.

Maranda Finney at the Kentucky Opry

2009-09-01T02:26:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Maranda Finney for performing at the Kentucky Opry.

Private coaching for "Annie" auditions

2009-08-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Julie Stevens has been busy coaching students all over the country for the upcoming "Annie" auditions in New York. Good luck to her students Maranda Finney, CJ Fam, Annabelle Kempf, Alexa and Drew Freeman, Madeline Hubel, Allie Schnacky, Kennedy Miller and Mary Peeples.

Bound For Broadway on Facebook

2009-08-05T23:22:00.001-07:00

Please join the Bound For Broadway Facebook group

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58851426512

Emma Rowley in Bye Bye Birdie

2009-08-03T14:29:00.001-07:00

Julie is very proud of student, Emma Rowley, who is in rehearsal for the Broadway revival of "Bye, Bye Birdie," starring John Stamos. Emma is on the far right in the photo and in the purple dress in the video.

Great Female Singers

2009-06-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

If you are a female singer, it is important to expand your repertoire and learn from the best. I have compiled a list of artists that I think are worth exploring, especially if you are looking for audition material. If you would like to add names to this list, please feel free to email me.

Female Pop Singers of the 60’s/70’s
Cyndi Lauper
Pate Benatar
Laura Branigan
Diana Ross
Deborah Harry (Blondie)
Teena Marie
Donna Summer
Katrina and The Waves
Kim Carnes
Olivia Newton-John
Sioxie & The Banshees
The Pointer Sisters
Patti Smith
Linda Ronstadt
Carly Simon
Annie Lennox (Eurythmics)
Janis Joplin
Bette Midler
Dusty Springfield
Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship)
Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
Kate Bush
Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders)
Kim Wilde
Joan Jett
Sheena Easton
Bonnie Tyler
Juice Newton
Heart

Folk Singers
Joni Mitchell
Carole King
Janis Ian
Helen Reddy
Joan Baez
Karen Carpenter
Phoebe Snow
Peter, Paul & Mary
Judy Collins

Country Singers
Crystal Gale
Tammy Wynette
Dolly Parton
Patsy Cline
Emmylou Harris
Anne Murray

Jazz/Blues/R&B
Tina Turner
Aretha Franklin
Ella Fitzgerald
Dina Washington
Etta James
Patti LaBelle
Gladys Night
Gloria Gaynor
Roberta Flack
Shirley Bassey
Dionne Warwick

"Annie" audition workshop

2009-06-01T01:37:00.000-07:00

Annie Audition Workshop (for children ages 6-13)
To book this workshop in your school or camp, contact Julie Stevens at boundforbroadway@sbcglobal.net

Does your child dream of being in the musical, ‘Annie”? If so, this is the workshop for you. Taught by former “Annie” cast member (original Broadway production), director of Award-winning documentary film, “Life After Tomorrow,” creator of popular fan site Annieorphans.com, and renowned Los Angeles acting/singing coach, Julie Stevens. This workshop will prepare your child to audition for any production of “Annie,” including the current National Tour. Workshop will include:

* How to correctly sing/perform the songs from the show
* What to expect at an audition
* What makes a good headshot and how to write a resume for your child.
* A constructive critique of your child’s audition
* Learning the dance combination for “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”
* Q&A with Julie Stevens and special guest

What to bring:
* Know the lyrics and melody to “Tomorrow,” “It’s The Hard Knock Life,” “Maybe” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and be prepared to sing.
* Current Picture and Resume (if available)
* Dance shoes (jazz shoes or sneakers) and comfortable clothes
* Bottled water and a snack

Sheet Music

2009-05-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to Sheet Music Plus (http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/a/teacher.html?id=393935), my preferred sheet music store. Sheet Music Plus offers the largest selection of sheet music and music books and is a reliable company with very good prices. Any music that I ask you to buy will be available on their website. You may also enjoy browsing their selection for new music to play.

Sheet Music Plus has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and staff available to help by phone or email if you have any questions. They also offer budget shipping - just $2.99, no matter how much you buy!

To shop at Sheet Music Plus, just click the link below:

http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/a/teacher.html?id=393935

You may wish to bookmark the web address to keep it handy for whenever you need to order sheet music.

Sincerely,

Julie Stevens

Musical Theatre Scene Study Workshop

2009-05-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Musical Theatre Scene Study Workshop (ages 15-25)

taught by Julie Stevens

Ongoing, every Saturday
$40 a class (2 hours)
Location - West Hollywood

Students will be assigned a scene and song from a different musical each week. Scene and song will be emailed a week prior to class, so that the student has time to prepare the material. Musicals will range from classical to contemporary, however, the roles the students will be assigned will be age appropriate.

Students will be expected to research assigned show, character, composer/lyricist, genre, and (if they are super ambitious) watch the movie adaptation (if available). Students will be given feedback, direction and encouragement.

Students will learn how to break down a scene, analyze a character, understand place and setting, discuss different musical genres, discover their "type," both musically and physically, work on auditioning skills, learn how to dress to get the part, and begin to build their musical theatre repertoire.

Students should bring sheet music and their audition book each week, however, they will be singing to pre-recorded piano tracks in class. The tracks will be in the key from the score. If the student need the song to be transposed into a different key, I will provide a list of local pianists, as well as online services, that can produce a new track, at student's expense.

Kara Stribling on "Jonas" show

2009-05-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kara Stribling for her guest starring role on JONAS on Sunday night, May 17th at 8:00 p.m.

Kailey Swanson in "Big"

2009-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kailey Swanson who will be appearing in the West Coast Ensemble's production of the musical, "Big." Check out her website at kaileyswanson.com.

Opens May 8, 2009
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:00pm
Previews May 5, 6 and 7 at 8:00pm
http://www.westcoastensemble.org/

Emma Rowley at Carnegie Hall

2009-04-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Emma Rowley on being cast in the Broadway revival of "Bye, Bye Birdie." This is Emma's second Broadway show - she played Baby Louise in last year's revival of "Gypsy," starring Patti Lupone. Emma also recently performed 3 songs at Carnegie Hall in a tribute to composer, Charles Strouse. Check out Emma's My Space page.

Darcy Rose Byrnes as Annie

2009-04-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Julie coached 10 year-old Darcy Rose Byrnes for her performance as "Annie" in The Red Chair Children's Production Company's ANNIE JR, at The Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA on April 17, 2009.

Darcy will be guest starring as "DREW STANTON" in an episode of GHOST WHISPERER on May 1st. Episode title: "CURSED" 8:00 PM ET/PT (CBS). Check out Darcy's You Tube video page.

Musical Theatre Audition advice from Stephen Schwartz

2009-03-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Musical Theatre Audition Advice from Stephen Schwartz
(Composer/Lyricist of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin):

The art of auditioning is, as you know, not something that can be fully discussed in a brief email. There are books written and classes taught about it. What you most want to do is to present who you truly are and to show your skills to their best advantage. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Know something, if you can, about the role or roles for which you are auditioning, and pick appropriate material to show. For instance, if you’re auditioning for Carousel, don’t sing a rock song from Rent, and vice-versa. The same holds true for what you wear to the audition — you don’t want to come in a costume, obviously, but you want the auditioners to be able to envision you in the show. Thus, you wouldn’t wear a punk “streety” outfit to an audition for The Sound of Music, nor look like a cheerleader if you go in for Hair. I know these things seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t consider them.

2. Beyond the above, don’t try to second guess the auditioners. Just go in and do your piece to the best of your ability. Be focused and as in-the-moment as you can.

3. Be REALLY well-prepared with your material, if possible. Remember, you’re likely to have an accompanist who can’t play it perfectly, and you will be nervous, which will be distracting. So be ready to the extent you can.

4. Don’t try to sing beyond your range or riffing ability. You would be surprised how many good singers decrease the effectiveness of their auditions by adding a higher note than they can hit comfortably or a riff that they are not good at, when they don’t need to do either. Know what you’re good at, and stay within it.

5. Never apologize for anything. As I said before, try to seem (and feel) as relaxed, confident, and focused as you can. Just be true to yourself, and you will impress people, at least in my experience.

Sammi Hanratty and Billy Unger in "The Lost Medallion"

2009-02-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Two of Julie's favorite students, Sammi Hanratty and Billy Unger, are starring together in a new feature film, "The Lost Medallion," currently filming in Thailand. Congrats Sammi and Billy!!

Taylor Tracey in "Light In The Piazza"

2009-02-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

Julie is very proud of Taylor Tracey for her role in the recent production of "Light In The Piazza" at the Covina Center For the Performing Arts. Taylor also auditioned for the lead role of Ariel in the Broadway musical, "The Little Mermaid."

Alexandria Basso on "iCarly"

2009-02-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Alexandria Basso on her upcoming appearance on the TV show, "iCarly."

Annalise Basso and Hannah Montana

2009-02-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Annalise Basso for her amazing role in the upcoming Hallmark movie, "Love Takes Wing," directed by Lou Diamond Phillips, her upcoming episode of "True Blood,"

and for her very cool Walmart commercial

Melissa Mitchell in top 3 at LA's Next Great Stage Star 2009

2009-02-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Melissa Mitchell on winning 3rd place in LA's Next Great Stage Star competition and getting signed to an Equity agent. Melissa also recently auditioned for the lead role of Ariel in the Broadway musical, "The Little Mermaid."

Watch Julie's documentary, "Life After Tomorrow"

2009-02-18T16:32:00.001-08:00

This is a documentary feature that I produced and directed, called "Life After Tomorrow."

Cop Dog

2009-01-19T12:52:00.001-08:00

Julie Stevens worked with the talented Billy Unger and Cassi Thomson on the film, "Cop Dog."

Madison Kerth as Annie

2009-01-08T00:08:00.000-08:00

A big congrats to Madison Kerth for taking over the lead role of Annie in the NETworks National Tour. Madison has been playing the role of Kate and understudy to Annie and has just taken over the role this week. "Annie" will be at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood from January 13th - 18th.

Shane Cambria on Jimmy Kimmel

2008-12-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Shane Cambria for his appearance as "Young Ryan Seacrest" on Jimmy Kimmel.

Julie is proud of Emma Rowley

2008-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Julie is proud of Emma Rowley, who recently completed the Broadway production of "Gypsy," as Baby Louise. Emma did a beautiful job singing "Tomorrow" from "Annie" at Julie's press event for her film, "Life After Tomorrow."

The Gold Retrievers

2008-11-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Julie Stevens worked with Noah Centineo and Courtney Biggs on the feature film, "The Gold Retrievers."

Laurel Bryce stars as young Christina Ricci in After.Life

2008-11-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Laurel Bryce played young Christina Ricci in a new film called "After.Life." She recently completed a run as Young Cosette in the musical, "Les Miserables," at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. For more information, visit her website at www.laurelbryce.com.

Congrats to Madison Kerth, Ivy Moody and Mackenzie Aladjem

2008-11-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

Julie Stevens coached Madison Kerth, Ivy Moody and Mackenzie Aladjem for the NETworks tour of "Annie" and all 3 children were cast as orphans in the National Tour (http://www.annieontour.com/main.html).

Magic

2008-11-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Julie Stevens worked with Sammi Hanratty (http://www.sammihanratty.com/) on a feature film, "Magic," which has yet to be released. Sammi can currently be seen in the lead role as Chrissa in the new American Girl feature, being released on DVD in January, 2009.

Children's Hospital

2008-11-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Taylor Tracey worked on the new WB web series, "Children's Hospital," starring Rob Corddry and Megan Mullally. Check out Taylor in the last few seconds of the trailer (1:09). Taylor is currently appearing in the musical, "Light In The Piazza" at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts.