AUDITION PACKET Gallia Academy Vocal Music Department Presents
Originally produced on Broadway by Pierre Cossette, SFX Theatrical Group & Bomurwil Productions, Kathleen Raitt, Jujamcyn Theatres Book and Lyrics by FRANK GREGORY JACK WILDHORN BOYD MURPHY Music by FRANK WILDHORN
March 22nd & 23rd Gallia Academy High School Holzer Center for the Performing Arts Helen P. Newman Johnson Stage
Welcome to the GAHS production of
This is the audition contract for GAHS production of THE CIVIL WAR. This contract must be filled out and signed by both parent(s)/guardian(s) and student before the actual audition. This contract contains a character list, synopsis, required material to be performed, musical numbers and application. By signing the contract, you agree to attend all rehearsals, accept duties of the position you are applying for, and follow the Code of Ethics for rehearsal and performance. Any conflicts must be approved and cleared in advance by Mrs. Wills. In addition, an activity fee of $90.00 is paid by each member of the cast. Checks will be made payable to the Gallia Academy Choir Boosters by the given due date.
Auditions for the show will consist of a prepared portion of the script from THE CIVIL WAR and a cutting of one of the musical numbers. The decision of the judges is FINAL.
STUDENT SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: __________________________________
CAST BIO Name: __________________________________________________________________ Character:
TO BE COMPLETED FOLLOWING AUDITIONS
Voice Part: ______________________________________________________________ Grade: __________________________________________________________________ PAST PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION OR SHOW TITLE (CHARACTER). PLEASE LIST IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER STARTING WITH THE MOST RECENT. 1.______________________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________________ 4.______________________________________________________________________ 5.______________________________________________________________________ 6.______________________________________________________________________ 7.______________________________________________________________________ MUSIC ACTIVITIES (SCHOOL & COMMUNITY) 1.______________________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________________ 4.______________________________________________________________________ 5.______________________________________________________________________ 6.______________________________________________________________________ 7.______________________________________________________________________ OTHER ACTIVITIES (ATHLETICS, CLUBS, ETC.) 1.______________________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________________ 4.______________________________________________________________________ 5.______________________________________________________________________ 6.______________________________________________________________________ 7.______________________________________________________________________ HOBBIES 1.______________________________________________________________________ 2.______________________________________________________________________ 3.______________________________________________________________________
AUDITIONING FOR THE MUSICAL FILL OUT AUDITION APPLICATION BEFORE YOU ARRIVE FOR YOUR AUDITION. DURING THE AUDITION YOU WILL:
SING THE SONG (LISTED IN APPLICATION) FROM MEMORY
PERFORM THE REQUIRED SCRIPT MATERIAL FROM MEMORY
YOU MAY BE ASKED TO SIGHT-READ ANOTHER SONG OR SHORT MONOLOGUE DURING YOUR AUDITION
HAND IN THE COMPLETED AUDITION APPLICATION
BE VIDEO TAPED FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEW AFTER AUDITIONS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED
TO RESERVE AN AUDITION TIME PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE CHOIR ROOM (SIGN-UP SHEET WILL BE POSTED)
AUDITION TIME WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES
AUDITIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE STAGE OF THE HOLZER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
A PANEL CONSISTING OF TWO OR THREE JUDGES AND MRS. WILLS (ACCOMPANIST) AND THE STUDENT AUDITIONING WILL BE THE ONLY PERSONS PERMITTED IN THE ROOM DURING THE AUDITION.
THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL!
AUDITION APPLICATION THE CIVIL WAR 1st
Choice: ____________________________
2nd Choice:____________________________ NAME: ___________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER (______)______________________________ CELL PHONE: ________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME(S)________________________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________________________ GRADE: 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
AGE: ______ HAIR COLOR: ____________________ T-SHIRT SIZE: __________________ DRESS SIZE: ______________________ PANT SIZE: ________________ SHOE SIZE: _________________ VOICE PART: SI (circle all that apply)
SII
AI
AII
TI
TII Baritone
BI
BII
List all Musical Training (vocal and instrumental),Theater Training and Dance Training. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Why do you want to audition for this production? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
To ensure a successful performance, ONLY medical emergency or funeral attendance will result in an excused absence.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION THE CIVIL WAR WELCOME PARENTS/GUARDIANS, RELATIVES, AND MUSIC FRIENDS! NAME: _______________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________________ CELL PHONE: ________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________
______BUILDING COSTUMES ______ BUILDING SETS ______ PAINTING SETS ______ BUILDING PROPS ______ APPLYING MAKE-UP ______ STYLING HAIR ______ DONATION COLLECTION (SPONSORS/PATRONS) ______ PUBLICITY ______ TICKET SALES ______ REFRESHMENTS ______ USHERING ______ CHOREOGRAPHY ______ LIGHTS ______ SOUND ______ OTHER
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS Due to the historical significance of this musical it is of utter importance that the roles are accurately portrayed; Therefore great consideration will be taken in regards to ethnicity and/or race when selecting students for each role. *in alphabetical order
CHARACTER!
!
!
!
Required Song
Benjamin" " " (African-American)
"
"
River Jordan"
"
"
"
Bessie " " " (African-American)
"
"
If Prayin’ Were Horses" "
"
page 29 & 30
Bill" " " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
Sarah""
"
page 46
Clayton" " " (African-American)
"
"
Father, How Long
"
"
page 23
"
"
pages 37, 52, 53
""
"
page 27
"
"
"
Required Monologue
"
Confederate Captain OR soldier (Caucasian)
"
The Day the Sun Stood Still
Confederate Captain OR Soldier (Caucasian)
"
This Old Gray Coat"
Ensemble" " " " " (Audition in groups of SSAATTBB) (Caucasian & African-American)
The Glory
Frederick Douglass" (African-American)
"
Freedom’s Child"
"
Candle in the Window
"
Harriet" (African-American)
"
Lochran" " " (Caucasian) *Must play guitar
"
"
Brother, My Brother
Nurse"" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
I Never Knew His Name
Pierce" " (Caucasian)
"
"
Sarah"" " (Caucasian)"
"
"
"Virginia
"
Missing You (My Bill)
Confederate Captain OR Soldier" (Caucasian)
I’ll Never Pass This Way Again
Union Captain" (Caucasian)
"
"
"
Northbound Train" "
"
"
page 22
Union Soldier" (Caucasian)
"
"
"
Tell My Father"
"
"
page 22
"
Minor Roles --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Confederate Soldier" (Caucasian)
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"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 49
Autolycus (auctioneer)" " (Caucasian) " "
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 7
Lincoln" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
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"
"
"
page 1 & 53
"
"
The following parts are to be divided among the ensemble. Anderson" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 33
Barksdale" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Beauregard" " (caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Cyrus Stevens" (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4
Exter"" " " (African-American)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 8
Henry Stewart" (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Horatio" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Mcewen" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Patrick" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4
Richardson" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
Spencer" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 3
Virgil" " (Caucasian)
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
page 4 & 33
ACT ONE Lochran appears with a guitar in front of an oversized war-torn American flag circa 1862 and begins to sing ("Brother, My Brother"). Midway through, the flag flies away, revealing the company in tableau. In voiceover we hear Lincoln speak, telling us that a nation divided against itself cannot stand, and the Union must defend itself. Two brothers step out of the tableau. Sam and Nathaniel Taylor. Through the song ("A House Divided") they disagree about which side of the argument to join, and agree to go their separate ways, neither happy with the other. They step back into the tableau as Bill and Sarah step out, continuing to sing. Despite her protests, Bill tells Sarah he must honor their forefathers by defending the country they established. Captain Billy Pierce then steps out, claiming he will defend Virginia, his land and home against Union occupation. They all step back into the tableau, which is now a less harmonious version of its former self. The soldiers burst onstage and the tableau is broken. Young recruits from both the North and the South shout war slogans and mock their opponents ("By the Sword/Sons of Dixie".) They boast of their strength and envision the glory the battle will bring them. The scene changes to a slave auction, where the Auctioneer sells off a young black man who stands, head bowed, following the Auctioneer's barked commands. The slaves sing of the ordeal of being sold as merchandise, separated from those they love, and of the terrible life they endured on the plantations as we are shown projections of tortured slaves. Frederick Douglass prays "the Lord God send/ all his wrath down upon what he knows isn't right. ("The Peculiar Institution") and the slaves trickle away, the Auctioneer shouting "sold" with each of their exits. Again the scene changes. Bill's wife, Sarah, writes a letter to him from their Minnesota farm. She tells him how she is learning to run the farm alone, but confesses she is still "Missing You (My Bill)". The captains of the opposing sides, Pierce and Lochran, confront their thoughts on the eve of battle. ("Judgement Day") They each pray, asking for God's mercy for sending men to their deaths in battle. As the sun rises, the battle begins and the brother, Nathaniel Taylor is killed. Lochran and Pierce think of all the letters they have written to mothers whose sons have died in battle and the faces of all the soldiers they have lost. With the battle over and the dead taken to be buried, Pierce, a captain in the Confederate Army, sings of his homeland, ("Virginia"). He dreams of the plantation of his youth and wonders if the way of life he has known has gone forever. Frederick Douglas steps forward and introduces himself. He says though others claim the nature of the conflict is to preserve the Union, he believes the abolition of slavery is the actual driving force behind the rebellion and asks if the political freedom talked about in the Declaration of Independence will be extended to Negros ("Freedom's Child"). Douglas exits and a Union Captain steps forward for a montage from the front lines. He writes to his wife to tell her how the war has desensitized him to human casualty just before a Union Soldier writes to his mother. He is on the battlefield near death and wants her to tell his father that he died as a man and with honor ("Tell My Father"). The Union Captain finishes his letter as a Confederate Captain and his soldiers step forward to confess that though they'll probably die they will proudly walk through heaven's doors in the Confederate uniform ("This Old Gray Coat"). Back in Minnesota, Sarah, Bill's wife, talks of the situation in the hospital where she is working as a nurse and the young men she sees come and go ("I Never Knew His Name"). Frederick Douglas appears again, questioning how much longer "victories" in which 22,000 men are killed can go on. A gravedigger laments, wondering ("Father, How Long?") until he can sing freedom's song. Almost as if in answer, Harriet and the other slaves gather to sing about how they will soon be free ("Someday").
ACT TWO Haunting, in the darkness, we hear the voice of soldiers singing of ("Judgement Day (Reprise)") Rain appears on the scrim as the lights reveal the Confederates trudging forward through the winter ("How Many Devils"). Time passes on endlessly as they march. The exhausted soldiers wonder if the war they thought would be so easy to win will ever come to an end. Winter turns to a blazing summer as the Union soldiers pick up the song. Their strength is ebbing, and they dream of home, knowing all the while they are likely never to return there. A single soldier, a captain in the Confederate Army, studies the area. He realizes that he has never really looked at the countryside around him, the land that is his home. Even as he longs to linger, he knows that ("I'll Never Pass This Way Again"). Elsewhere, Abraham Lincoln sits alone in the White House in the winter of 1862, candlelight beaming from his window. Harriet a slave wonders what he is thinking, comparing the light to the their hopes and dreams ("Candle in the Window"). The sound of artillery is heard. As time stands still, both a wounded Confederate and Union soldier sing the thoughts that run through each of their mind ("The Day the Sun Stood Still"). They describes the endless sea of soldiers who converge in a mass of blue and gray, under a sun that seemed to blaze for days on end. Bessie a slave appears, writing a letter to her husband who has been sold to another owner. She tells him she is going to escape on the Underground Railroad, but that she will find him ("Prayin' (Reprise)"). Benjamin, a recruiter for the Underground Railroad enters and sings of getting slaves to freedom across the ("River Jordan"). Bill writes a letter to Sarah from the battlefield. He tells her how much he loves and misses her, that every time he closes his eyes he imagines memories with her, and even now his heart is there ("Sarah"). Immediately after, she receives a black-bordered condolence telegram; Bill has died in battle. She vows she will struggle on to raise their son and survive in the midst of tragedy for ("The Honor of Your Name"). The two armies are exhausted, dispirited and numb; they seem to blend into one group, marching endlessly. A Union Captain pulls out a letter from his wife. He hangs on to the thought that only thirty days remain until he can return to her aboard a "Northbound Train". Elsewhere, Confederate soldiers amass and discuss the defeated fate they know is coming their way ("Last Waltz For Dixie"). Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863. The two armies are waiting for dawn to break on the second day of the battle as the sun rises on a wall of mist and the two armies face each other. The Union soldiers train their guns on the Confederate line, hidden by the fog. Lochran stands apart, calling on his soldiers to give their utmost for ("The Glory"). Pierce emerges with his men, knowing "the time to stand has come at last.../ the bridge is burned, the dye is cast." The battle commences; fog and smoke cover the stage, revealing only battle flags and bayonets. When the fog dissipates, the stage is covered in fallen soldiers. A woman appears looking for a loved one, whom she finds in one of the fallen. She cradles him and sings as others arrive looking for their loved ones. Frederick Douglas enters and gives narration to the events that followed; the surrender of the Confederacy, Lincoln's second inauguration, and subsequent assassination. Eventually Lincoln's own voice takes over as the soldiers rise to return to the tableau from which they all began.
Character Breakdown BENJAMIN
A slave who, after enduring so much suffering, is happy to sit back and watch the white men fight so he can reap the benefits of potential freedom. Eventually becomes a guide on the Underground Railroad. Male, 30-40 yrs old Range: C4 - G5
BESSIE
A slave who has had her husband and all of her children taken from her. She remains positive in spite of this. Eventually escapes via the Underground Railroad. Female, 25-35 yrs old Range: F3 - C6
CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN
Like the Union Captain, he laments on the effects of the war. He remains prideful throughout it all, believing in his cause even through the destruction of his preconceived notion of war. Male, 25-35 yrs old Range: A3 - B5
FREDERICK DOUGLAS
An escaped slave and son of a former slave. He believes slavery is the pivot point of the revolution, despite what politicians say. Smart, outspoken, stately. Male, 50-65 yrs old Range: D4 - D6
HARRIET
An escaped slave who helps other slaves escape via the Underground Railroad. Strong, but not without worry or fear. Female, 25-35 yrs old Range: A3 - C6
LOCHRAN
A captain of the Union Army, he believes the Rebels will easily back down. Quickly feels the weight of the war as many young men perish under his watch. Male, 35-45 yrs old Range: A3 - B5
PIERCE
A Confederate captain from Virginia who goes to fight for his beloved state. He feels the full weight of the war and the impact his decisions have. Male, 35-45 yrs old Range: A3 - B5
SAM TAYLOR
One of the two brothers who join the war. Sam joins the Confederation, eager and confident but quickly learns and is affected by the horrors of war. Male, 20-30 yrs old Range: B3 - B5
SARAH
A kind but incredibly strong woman. She is married to a Union soldier and must tend to the house, work, and children alone while her husband is away. Female, 18-25 yrs old Range: F3 - F5
UNION CAPTAIN
Laments the numbing effects the war has had on him personally. Eagerly awaits the end of the fighting. Male, 30-40 yrs old Range: C4 - B5
UNION/CONFEDERATE ENSEMBLE CIVILIAN ENSEMBLE ENSLAVED ENSEMBLE
DESCRIPTION Drawing on letters, diaries, firsthand accounts, and the words of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Walt Whitman, THE CIVIL WAR is a thrilling, gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring "dramatic theatrical concert" that covers the enormous emotional landscape of the most difficult test our nation has ever endured. This epic thematic revue puts a human face on the greatest tragedy of American history. It explores the experiences of the soldiers and leaders who fought for their way of life. It also examines the lives of the lovers and families they left behind, as well as the hopes and fears of the slaves whose freedom was at stake. It passionately asks us to consider our beliefs about freedom, honor and faith. THE CIVIL WAR calls for a large cast. The score provides many solo opportunities for strong singers.
CHARACTER
SONG #
SONG TITLE
PAGE #
ANDERSON
16
How Many Devils
33
BARKSDALE
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
BARKSDALE
16
How Many Devils
33
BEAUREGARD
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
BEAUREGARD
16
How Many Devils
33
BENJAMIN
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
BENJAMIN
21
River Jordan
42
BENJAMIN
26
Freedom’s Child- Rep.
51
BESSIE TOLER
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
BESSIE TOLER
4
If Prayin’ Were Horses
12
BESSIE TOLER
13
Father, How Long?
29
BESSIE TOLER
14
Someday
30
BESSIE TOLER
18
Candle in the Window
38
BESSIE TOLER
19
The Day the Sun Stood Still
40
BESSIE TOLER
20
Prayin’- Rep
42
BILL
1A
A House Divided
2
BILL
4
If Prayin’ Were Horses
12
BILL
22
Sarah
46
CLAYTON
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
CLAYTON
4
If Prayin’ Were Horses
12
CLAYTON
13
Father, How Long?
29
CLAYTON
26
Freedom’s Child- Rep.
51
CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN
10
This Old Gray Coat
24
CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN
17
I’ll Never Pass this Way Again
36
CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN
19
The Day the Sun Stood Still
40
CONFEDERATE CAPTAIN
27
The Glory
51
CHARACTER
SONG #
SONG TITLE
PAGE #
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS
10
This Old Gray Coat
24
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS
27
The Glory
51
CYRUS
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
ENSEMBLE
1A
A House Divided
2
ENSEMBLE
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
ENSEMBLE
6
Judgement Day
15
ENSEMBLE
8
Freedom’s Child
19
ENSEMBLE
14
Someday
30
ENSEMBLE
15
Judgement Day-Rep
33
ENSEMBLE
21
River Jordan
42
ENSEMBLE
27
The Glory
51
EXTER
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
FREDERICK DOUGLASS
8
Freedom’s Child
19
HARRIET
14
Someday
30
HARRIET
18
Candle in the Window
38
HENRY STEWART
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
HENRY STEWART
16
How Many Devils?
33
HORATIO
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
HORATIO
16
How Many Devils?
33
LOCHRAN
1
Brother, My Brother
1
LOCHRAN
1A
A House Divided
2
LOCHRAN
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
LOCHRAN
6
Judgement Day
15
LOCHRAN
11
Brother, My Brother-Rep
27
LOCHRAN
16
How Many Devils?
33
LOCHRAN
27
The Glory
51
CHARACTER
SONG #
SONG TITLE
PAGE #
MCEWEN
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
MCEWEN
16
How Many Devils?
33
NATHANIEL
1A
A House Divided
2
NATHANIEL
16
How Many Devils?
33
PATRICK
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
PIERCE
1A
A House Divided
2
PIERCE
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
PIERCE
6
Judgement Day
15
PIERCE
7
Virginia
18
PIERCE
11
Brother, My Brother- Rep.
27
PIERCE
16
How Many Devils?
33
PIERCE
25
Last Waltz for Dixie
49
PIERCE
27
The Glory
51
RICHARDSON
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
RICHARDSON
16
How Many Devils?
33
SAM TAYLOR
1A
A House Divided
2
SAM TAYLOR
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
SAM TAYLOR
6
Judgement Day
15
SAM TAYLOR
16
How Many Devils?
33
SARAH
1A
A House Divided
2
SARAH
5
Missing You (My Bill)
14
SARAH
12
I Never Knew His Name
28
SARAH
18
Candle in the Window
38
SARAH
22
Sarah
46
SARAH
23
The Honor of Your Name
47
SLAVES
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
SOUTHERN BELLES
3
The Peculiar Institution
8
CHARACTER
SONG #
SONG TITLE
PAGE #
SPENCER
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
SPENCER
16
How Many Devils?
33
STEVENS
16
How Many Devils?
33
THREE NURSES
12
I Never Knew His Name
28
UNION CAPTAIN
19
The Day the Sun Stood Still
40
UNION CAPTAIN
24
Northbound Train
48
UNION SOLDIER
9
Tell My Father
23
UNION SOLDIERS
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
UNION SOLDIERS
27
The Glory
51
VIRGIL
2
By the Sword/Sons of Dixie
4
VIRGIL
16
How Many Devils?
33
WOMAN 1 (MOURNER)
27
The Glory
51
CHECKLIST FOR AUDITIONS: Audition Application Cast Bio Contract All material you are performing is memorized. You have checked your schedule for conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.
