Audition for
the Midwinter Revels
Chorus auditions are by appointment. Please email us at [email protected] to schedule.
We are currently casting African-American singers and actors for the Chorus.
We are currently casting African-American singers and actors for the Chorus.
Please carefully read the information below before setting up an audition appointment.
Rehearsal information is for the chorus.
Principal actors' rehearsals will be scheduled according to the needs of the script at the director's discretion.
Rehearsal information is for the chorus.
Principal actors' rehearsals will be scheduled according to the needs of the script at the director's discretion.
Hip hip huzzah!! You (or your child/children) are thinking about auditioning for The Midwinter Revels! This Christmastime, help us tell a story inspired by Seneca Village, an integrated community founded by African Americans in 1825, New York. The story, written by Michelle Matlock, is a joyous and thoughtful interpretation of the Village in the years before it was taken over by Central Park. Join the Chorus and be a part of the magic of Revels! Puget Sound Revels has been a mainstay of the Tacoma area for 30+ years, celebrating traditional arts through song, dance, and story.
Performing in The Midwinter Revels is a big commitment, so please make sure your Fall activities can accommodate the schedule. Rehearsals start in September and include weekly weeknight rehearsals as well as FIVE all-day Saturday rehearsals and several Sunday afternoon rehearsals. In December there are 8 weeknight rehearsals before the show opens. When we open, you'll be happy for all the rehearsal time and proud of what we'll have created together! The Midwinter Revels runs for 5 performances over 5 days. Please make sure you can commit to the schedule (none of the rehearsals are optional). As in all choirs, every member is important. If someone is missing, the group as a whole is different, so please be present and on time. This honors everyone's time and efforts and makes for an excellent show |
GENERAL INFORMATION
While Revels uses a number of professional performers in its productions, its volunteer adult and children's choruses form its core. There is no "standing" Revels production chorus; we audition each cast anew for each show. OUR CRITERIA
Revels cast members are people who love to sing, who sing vigorously and accurately with a good sense of rhythm and who can hold their own part in a choral context. Some are experienced choral singers, some are not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text, along with being pleasant to be around, are. We look for a variety of ages, heights, personalities, theater experience (or not), and racial and ethnic backgrounds to create our on-stage "village". |
A HEALTHY CAST
For the success of the show and the safety of all, we ask that if you or someone in your household/workplace is experiencing cold/flu/COVID symptoms that you take precautions and test for COVID before coming to rehearsal. If you are well enough, but at risk of sharing, we can zoom you into rehearsal so that you don't get too far behind. Because we have a limited number of places in the chorus, we will have a waiting list.
If a singer is unable to fulfill their duties, we will call up a singer from the list. |
ADULT AUDITIONS
We schedule groups of 3 adults in 20-minute blocks. During your audition time you will sing a short audition piece of your choice without accompaniment. Because of the kind of music we present in The Midwinter Revels, we recommend you choose a traditional song, carol, classical piece, or folk song. Often a simple song well sung is more effective than a more complicated one; it helps when you're sure of the words! Don't try to impress us with something difficult -- just sing something you love and know well. In the interest of time, we will probably stop you after a verse or two rather than hear the whole song. We may ask you to sing some scales to get an idea of your vocal range. We will then teach a simple round for you to sing with the other prospective cast members in your group. You also may be asked to read something and/or join others in some simple folk dance steps. Those auditioning for principal roles will be contacted with information on what to prepare. |
CHILDREN'S AUDITIONS
and expectations for young singers Children will audition with a small group of other potential cast members. Your child (children) should be prepared to sing (solo, unaccompanied) either Happy Birthday, Silent Night or America the Beautiful (their choice). Singers may be asked to sing playful vocal exercises to get an idea of their vocal range. We will then teach a simple round for them to sing with the other prospective cast members in the group. The Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus is comprised of about 15 singers (ages 6 - 12). In choosing cast members we consider a variety of factors, including quality of singing voice, energy level, ability to focus and follow directions, and general courtesy. We want to create the best possible performance and have fun along the way. Singers accepted into the chorus will receive over 25 hours of professional music, theater and dance instruction at no charge. Children's Chorus rehearsals involve learning and memorizing songs, dances, and stage blocking. They begin promptly at 5:00pm and end promptly at 6:00pm. |