Hillel Academy Tampa presents
Music Man Jr.

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Welcome to the auditions for Hillel Academy of Tampa’s production of Music Man Jr.! Please read the details of this email carefully.

Based on Meredith Willson's six-time-Tony-Award-winning musical comedy, The Music Man JR. features some of musical theatre’s most iconic songs and a story filled with wit, warmth and good old-fashioned romance. The Music Man JR. is family entertainment at its best — a bold, brassy show that will have the whole town atwitter!

Master showman Harold Hill is in town and he’s got “seventy-six trombones” in tow. Can upright, uptight Marian, the town librarian, resist his powerful allure? The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he vows to organize. The catch? He doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, whose belief in Harold’s power just might help him succeed in the end in spite of himself.

Auditions:

When: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 3:20-6:00 p.m.

Who:Students in grades 2-8 (2nd graders do not have to audition)

Where:Hillel Academy (room to be determined)

Auditions will consist of a reading from the play and a singing audition. We are looking for a few things in these auditions. For the acting part of the audition, you will read a scene from the play. For the singing audition, you will learn a short song from the show that you will sing. Below, you will find several “sides” from the play. These are lines of dialogue and songs from the play for particular characters. You should study this prior to the auditions so that you can perform in character. Though not required, it is best to memorize the lines for the character you choose to read for. We are looking for projection (you are loud enough so everyone seated in the theater can hear you), inflection (you have an emotional quality to your voice), and character (you offer something unique to the character you are playing). Please don’t be nervous. Get up there and give it the best you’ve got! No acting experience is necessary, the auditions simply help us find the right character for your child.

PLEASE NOTE: Ms. Jessica will consider all students for ALL roles and makes the choice that benefits the entire cast. It is like a puzzle, all pieces need to fit together to make a bigger picture!

Mandatory Parent Meeting

Wednesday, November 1 from 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom. (Link will be sent via email) At least one parent or representative of every cast member MUST attend this meeting. Cast members are also strongly encouraged to attend this meeting.

Rehearsal Schedule

Thursdays from 3:25 - 5:15 pm and Fridays from 3:25 pm - 4:20 pm. After the time change in March, Friday rehearsals may extend until 5pm. In May, this may increase to 3 days per week. It is very important that your children attend all rehearsals, if something comes up please communicate with the Director.

Participation Fee

The participation fee is a total of $450 for the cast and includes a costume allowance of up to $35, if additional costume pieces are necessary the parent may be asked to provide them. Complete the audition form by clicking the button below.

Tech Crew

The technical crew of a show is responsible for creating the visual world in which the story takes place. We have lots of positions available for students interested in working on the technical side of a theatre production. Please know that if you are selected for this position, you will be held accountable for said duties and responsibilities. There is no participation fee to be a part of the tech crew, but you must complete an application (see button below).

Here is a general list of all tech positions available:
Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Costumes, Sound and Lighting, and Props.

First Rehearsal

The first rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, November 16th from 3:20 - 4:20pm. A complete schedule will be provided in advance.

Performance Date

May 12th, 2024 @ 3PM (doors open at 2:15pm)
Forman Event Center
2020 W. Fletcher Ave, Tampa 33612

Casting Calls

Roles will be assigned on Tuesday, October 31. Each family will receive an email with the cast list. This show is looking for lots of speaking/singing roles. Cast members will be selected by the audition supervisors.

Parental Involvement

If any parents would like to volunteer on the day of the performance or otherwise, please contact Amy Gross at agross@hillelacademytampa.com

The production team is thankful for the chance to work with you and your child! We look forward to seeing your child at auditions.

If you have any questions, please email Anne at agriswold@hillelacademytampa.com