AUDITIONS
Auditions are open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and will be held on August 19 and 20 from 3:15-5:15 PM. Auditionees should only come to audition on one of those dates. Students need to have a completed audition form signed by a parent. If you did not receive one at school you can download a copy here: AUDITION FORM.
What is Super Duck about? It’s the beloved tale of The Ugly Duckling with a super-powered, action-packed twist! When a strange egg falls from the sky and lands near the duck pond, a mother duck decides to let it hatch and raise the strange looking creature as her own. Cluck quickly becomes an outcast at swim school. He looks weird and swimming is impossible because the water burns his skin and all the other ducks make fun of him. Certain that he’s not a duck at all, he sets out to find his real family. Along the way, he discovers he has super powers when he rescues a flock of migrating geese and a crazy chicken who are being terrorized by the evil feline genius, Dr. Tabby Clawslice, and her sidekick, Squishy the Worm.
What are the show dates? Super Duck will be performed September 22 & 24 at 7:00 PM in the Clark Fine Arts Center. There will also be a 1:00 PM performance scheduled on Wednesday, September 23. To audition for this play you MUST be available for all performances.
When are the auditions? Auditions will be held Wednesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 20, from 3:15-5:15 PM. Auditionees should only come on ONE of those days and plan to be there for the entire time. Occasionally the auditions finish a bit early, but most years we barely finish in time.
How many roles are available? There are 22 named characters with individual lines and numerous ensemble roles.
Are there pre-determined roles for each grade level? All roles are open to all grades. That being said, 5th graders are often cast in the majority of the speaking roles because of their maturity and previous experience in FPD Theatre productions. However, I have used 3rd and 4th graders in speaking roles in previous productions.
Do I have to do anything special or have something prepared to audition? No! All you need is a filled out form signed by a parent/guardian!
Do I have to know how to sing or dance? No, Super Duck is not a musical.
Can my parents, family, or friends watch the auditions? No, the auditions are closed. People watching auditions can be very distracting for the performers and keep them from doing their very best. All rehearsals however are open to visitors!
Do I have to provide a costume? No, costumes are provided by the theatre department. You may be asked to wear pants or shoes of a certain color for the show, but all specialty pieces will be provided.
When will the cast list be posted? The cast list will be posted by Sunday evening, August 23.
Where will the cast list be posted? In five places: in the window of the Fine Arts Building lobby, on the FPD Theatre Callboard (by the entrance to the black-box theatre), on Mr. Strickland’s office door, the elementary school office, and on the internet at http://www.fpdtheatre.org (Look for the Super Duck links!) If the cast list is posted during the weekend, it will go up on the website first. You may also subscribe to FPD Theatre’s Twitter feed to receive updates on casting and rehearsals. Our Twitter name is FPDTheatre.
When will the first rehearsal be? Monday, August 24, 3:15 – 4:00 PM in the auditorium. Students will receive a script and rehearsal schedule at this time. I realize this is the same day as MS/HS Open House and will keep the meeting as short as possible. Parents are encouraged to attend this first rehearsal!
When will rehearsals take place? Rehearsals for Super Duck will be held after school from 3:15 – 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. No rehearsals are held on weekends. The week before the show we will rehearse until 5:30 every day (including Friday but still no weekends) and have at least one evening rehearsal. Not every child is called to every rehearsal. I only schedule students for rehearsal when they will actively be needed! However, students with many after-school activities may not have the necessary time to commit to this production.
If I’m not cast can I work backstage? The backstage positions will be filled by middle and high school students this year. However, I will be looking for elementary students who are willing to welcome people to the theatre and hand out programs during the performances.
If I’m not cast does it mean that I’m horrible or that Mr. Strickland doesn’t like me? No! I sometimes have many more talented actors than I am able to use. If you are not cast PLEASE audition again. Nothing makes me more miserable than not having a role for an interested student!
The Elementary Play:
SUPER DUCK by Brian D. Taylor
Performances: September 22-24, 2015
