X Factor NZ: Pre-audition Rundown

The audition process for NZ's 2013 version of The X Factor sounds more complex than merely turning up and belting out a tune - although at the end of the day, as with all auditions, that was the crux of it.  Before the big day I filled out an astonishingly lengthy registration form. The form was all up around nine pages and asked questions from the simple "Name:" to the more leading "What is something no one knows about you?".  I was asked to prepare up to four songs to sing, and it was recommended I "dress to impress".  While I had no expectations about how it would all run, I was prepared for a big day.

Auditions and Shows 13-NOV-12

Upcoming Auditions: The Christchurch Pops Choir
Christchurch Pops Choir is holding auditions next month, giving singers across Christchurch a rare chance to join one of the South Island's top musical ensembles.  The Choir has performed at events across Canterbury, from corporate functions to community events like The Concert and is quickly becoming renowned not only for their sweet sounds and vocal prowess, but for being a tight-knit community of down-to-earth musicians.
In order to audition, you will need to fill out this webform, and prepare 16 bars each from two contrasting songs of your choice.  Auditions will be held at NASDA at CPIT on Saturday the 8th December.
To learn more about Christchurch Pops Choir, see their Page on Facebook.

Tickets on Sale: Riccarton Players present Footrot Flats

Based on Murray Ball's much loved comic strip, Footrot Flats is a real Kiwi comedy.

 

Performances are Tues 20th - Sat 24th November at Rudolf Steiner School.  Shows start at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on the Saturday.
Tickets $27.50/$22.50 Children - $15. Tickets can be booked online via the Riccarton Players' website. Directed by Doug Clarke, with Musical Direction by Cheryllynn Callander, Choreography by Annette Searle.

Coming Soon: TheVisitor 

This dark, psychological thriller, which has played at Wellington and Dunedin Fringe Festivals is coming to Christchurch soon. To find out more about the play, see this Page on Facebook.
The Visitor is on at the darkroom from Nov 25 - 27 and at theWunderbar from Dec 2-3.  Information on the Christchurch production is available here.

 

Auditions Galore

A very quick update on what's going on; a big couple of weeks ahead for auditions, especially if you're a singer!

Showbiz: Avenue Q
Showbiz is holding auditions this weekend for Avenue Q. They are looking for some hard-working performers who can multi-task: you'll need to be able to sing, act and puppeteer!  For more information, see the Showbiz auditions page.

The New Zealand Opera
Southern Opera has recently merged with the relatively young NZ Opera, who are holding auditions for its Christchurch chorus for 2013.  The auditions are this Sunday and Monday (4/5 November), no previous opera experience is necessary.  Contact Glen Meade glenn@nzopera.co.nz for more information or to book an audition time.

Elmwood Players: The Near-Sighted Knight and the Far-Sighted Dragon
A reminder that these auditions are THIS weekend - it's set to be a very fun show, and there's still time to book: contact Susan on 021 339 193 or sj-cameron@clear.net.nz .

NCMS: Oliver!
The North Canterbury Musical Society will be producing Oliver! in Autumn 2013. Auditions for all roles and chorus are from the 9th to the 11th November.  They are seeking children and adults (lower age limit is 7 years).  For more information and to book a time, email auditions@ncms.co.nz.

Auditions 13-SEPT-12

There's so much going on at the moment, I'll be posting twice today (there's a brilliant season of theatre ahead of us!)

Auditions: Musoc's Show Choir"If you want to see yourself under the spotlight, join a fun, social group and get to learn sweet songs under expert musical direction, this is a golden opportunity."
Musoc is seeking male voices to complete their show choir. Auditions will be held all day on the 23rd September on campus. Auditionees will be required to perform a song of their own choosing and may have their musical ability assessed with some simple sight-reading exercises.

Email Sam at events@musoc.org.nz now to book an audition time & find out more or see the event of Facebook.

Auditions: Rangiora Players' summer youth production
Rangiora Players are holding auditions next weekend for a gothic, supernatural pantomime: Pantostein.

Auditions are open for 12-17 year olds and will be held on the 22nd September in Rangiora.
Roles required include:
OPHELIA
DR FRANK N STEIN
DAME BLOODENGUTZ
IGOR
BORIS VAN RENTAL
BERTHA TIDFYL
DRACULA
THE BRIDE OF DRACULA
THE WEREWOLF
THE MONSTER
CHORUS (zombies/villagers)

More information about the characters, the play and the audition process is available on the Rangiora Players website. To book an audition time call David on (03) 312 1660. 

Musoc presents CHICAGO

Musoc is proud to present their 2012 spring season of CHICAGO

Set in Prohibition-era Chicago with a sumptuous jazz score and exhilarating dance numbers, Chicago... is the titillating story of sultry jailbirds Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart who let nothing short of murder get between them and their lust for the lime light.

These foxy ladies are joined by the smooth talking lawyer Billy Flynn, the sensitive 'Mr Cellophane' Amos Hart, and Matron Mama Morton with her chorus of merry murderesses to provide you with a devious and delightful show. Chicago tells the story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery - all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.

Performances are Wed-Sat, September 5-14th.  Shows start at 7.30pm Wed,Thur,Sat at the Jack Mann Auditorium. Friday nights are R18, with shows starting at 9.30 and a bar onsite. Tickets are $12/$15 with a discount for group and school bookings. To find out more, see the Musoc Chicago website.  Tickets are available through Dash Tickets and on campus from 11am to 2pm (cash only).

Theatre Goings-On 24-AUG-12

There are quite a few theatrical happenings coming up in the next few weeks, from the spectacular to gritty drama...

Tonight and tomorrow, A Little Box At The Top Of The Stairs Productions presents adult drama "Extremities" by William Mastrosimone, directed by Garry Thomas.  Performances in the Elmwood Auditorium, show starts at 7.30.
Tickets are $18/$14: call 021 453138 to book.  Have a look-see at their group on Facebook to learn about this new theatre company.

Also this weekend, Musoc presents an 80s showcase of song and dance, in the UC Undercroft. Tickets are just $5 on the door, no need to book, and it'd be a fun and uplifting start to a night out, so bring your friends!

Dramasoc would like to remind the writers of Christchurch that there are only a few days to go to submit entries for this year's 3some, for more information or to register your interest, email canterburydramasoc@gmail.com

And that's all from the theatre world for now - although a lot of companies are now getting geared up for their summer musicals and holiday shows so there's plenty of excitement to be had in the very near future!
If you have a play you'd like to let the world know about, or would like to request a review or critique of your show, just send me an email: aimeerhiannon@gmail.com

Calls For Cast & Crew 24-JULY-12

Auditions: Rangiora Players' October Production

The Rangiora Players will be presenting Roger Hall's "Market Forces", an immensely popular sequel to Hall's breakthrough play "Glide Time". The production is being directed by Dimitri Gibara.
Auditions will be held this weekend on the 28th July at the Rangiora Players Little Theatre at Northbrook Studios.
Roles available are as follows:
BERYL Female, Mid 40s
BRIAN Male, Late 30s/Early 40s
HUGH Male, Mid 50s
JIM Male, Pushing 60
JOHN Male, 50 years old
JULIE Female, Early 30s
RAEWYN Female, Worn down, late 30s

Perfomances: October 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, 25^th, 26^th, 27^th. Weekday performances are in the evenings (6:30pm call) and there may be matinee performances on the Saturdays.
For more information see their website or call as per below.
To book an audition time call Margaret (03) 313-8592
If you are interested in crewing this show, please get in touch with the Rangiora Players via the contact form on their website.

Auditions: Riccarton Players' Summer Musical Riccarton Players are also producing a Roger Hall classic this year, the very kiwi musical, Footrot Flats, based on Murray Ball's beloved comic strip. Auditions will be held on August 11th at West Spreydon School.
There are many lead, featured and chorus roles available, for a full list of required cast, please see the Riccarton Players' website.
Performance dates are November 20th - 24th at the Rudolf Steiner School Theatre.
For more information and to book an audition time please contact Doug Clarke on 021-252-1722 or doug.clarke@clear.net.nz.

AUDITION NOTICE: Chicago

Break out the gin and roll down those stockings, auditions for Musoc's production of Broadway hit CHICAGO are coming this Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Audition times are 9am-4.30pm on the 3rd and 4th June with possible callbacks on the 5th.
Individual singing audition require auditionees to perform a song of their choice.  A dance audition is also required of all auditionees and these will be held twice a day (12pm and 4.30pm) on both days of auditions.

In roaring twenties Chicago, in an underground setting of jazz, gin and guns, Roxie Hart murders her lover. Her gullible husband Amos is convinced he was a burglar and agrees to take the rap before finding out the truth, ultimately leading to Roxie's arrest. Roxie's incarceration means joining famous stage performer Velma Kelly on Muderess Row. The show follows the two characters in a battle for fame and freedom as they capitalize on their crimes and pre-trial publicity to make headlines and boost their stage careers.

Roles Required

ROXIE HART  lead female mezzo
Naive, sexy, and selfish, Roxie has eyes only for the Vaudeville stage. A sympathetic character despite her selfishness.

VELMA KELLY lead female alto
Sarcastic, tough, sexy. An ex-Vaudeville performer. This character often acts as the hostess/narrator.

BILLY FLYNN lead male tenor
Persuasive, manipulative, sexy. Billy is a suave lawyer who will take any case that'll line his pockets.

AMOS HART lead male baritone
Timid, charming vulnerable. An unassuming, average guy. The only character in the show with totally pure motives.

MAMA MORTON lead female alto
Sexy, powerful, tough. The matron of the Cooky County Jail, believes every favour given should be returned.

MARY SUNSHINE supporting female/traditionally male soprano/counter tenor
Comedic character with a good-natured appearance who is a powerful gossip columnist.

CHORUS
A range of vocal, acting and dance ability required for chorus and cameo roles.


For further information, check out the event on Facebook.  To book an audition time email James Huntly - producer@musoc.org.nz

AUDITIONS: Beauty and the Beast - Harlequin Players

Harlequin Players are holding auditions for their Kidsfest production of Beauty and the Beast.
Audition Times are Saturday April 28, from 1.15 to 5.45pm at St Aiden’s Church, Bryndwr and on Sunday April 29 from 11.30 to 3.30  at Abberley Hall, Abberley Crescent, St Albans.


Roles are available for 3 men and 4 women as well as some "Fairy Roles" for girls/teens.  Singing required, dance ability preferred.  Audition will require singing - children/teens advised to prepare something simple like Twinkle, Twinkle. If you would like to peruse the script beforehand, please advise so when making an audition appointment.

Rehearsals: Saturdays 1-6; Sundays 11:15-3:45, and Thursdays 6-8
(Extra rehearsals the week prior to the show)
Shows: Cashmere High School Auditorium, Rose St, Somerfield.
Mon 9 to Fri 13 Jul: 6:30pm-8:00pm. Sat 14 to Sun 15 Jul: 11:00am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-3:30pm

For more information see the event on Facebook or call/email as per below.

To book an audition time call 386 0526  or email moment_in_time@hotmail.com

Autumn Theatre News from UC

The students at the University of Canterbury have a few theatre announcements for this Autumn.

Dramasoc
The University of Canterbury's Drama Society is holding its Half-Annual General Meeting on the 28 March at 6pm (location TBC see here for more details).  All members are welcome as committee elections will be taking place at this meeting.

Musoc
The University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society is putting a call out for interest in their UCSA Arts Week event.  They are looking for ideas for themes and volunteers for production roles.  The event is likely to be a medium-scale cabaret.  Email president@musoc.org.nz if you'd like to get in touch.

Musoc is also holding a workshop this week for people wanting to improve singing skills, with a focus on basic music theory and the beginnings of singing technique. See here for more info or email admin@musoc.org.nz to book a place.

And finally from Musoc, auditions are being held next weekend for their new show choir.  The show choir is a break away from their 2010 and 2011 "Glee Club" and will focus on fast-paced learning and cabaret-style performances.  See here for details or email events@musoc.org.nz.

Singing Lessons

As well as a blogger and thespian, I'm a singer.  At the moment, I'm offering singing tuition to both beginners and to those who feel the need to brush up on the basics again.  I've had two full years of one-on-one vocal tuition as well as experience singing in musicals and several choirs including the Christchurch Pops Choir under the musical direction of Luke di Somma.
If you'd be interested in singing lessons, please give me a text on 022 132 0357 or send me an email to aimeerhiannon@gmail.com.

AUDITION NOTICE

Christchurch Pops Choir is holding open auditions this December 4th to find some singing talent to fill some vacancies in their 2012 ensemble.  Established in June in response to a lack of performance opportunities in post-quake Christchurch, 'Pops Choir is a fun and funky musical family which specialises in contemporary music.

Audition Details:
Date: Sunday 4 December, 2011
Time: 1pm - 9:00pm
Location: TBC

Candidates will be required to give a solo audition before a panel of three, with short-listed candidates required to attend a group call-back session that evening.

If you are interested in auditioning, email Daz Martin - auditions@christchurchpopschoir.co.nz - you can also find out more about Pops Choir from their page on Facebook.


*Note that current members are NOT required to audition

If you have any objections to anything posted on this blog, please raise your concerns with me - I will remove offending material if necessary.

AUDITION NOTICE

The University of Canterbury's Musoc are holding auditions for their March 2012 season of Tony Award winning musical, Rent.  They are looking for men and women with various vocal ranges to play lead and minor characters.  Auditions will be held on Saturday the 26th and Sunday 27th November, and you will be required to recite one song of your choosing, as well as do some cold reading and choreography work.  Performance dates are March 8-14 2012. 

AUDITION NOTICE

 Auditions for Mistletones - A Fantastical Christmas Cabaret are to be held next week on the 25th and 26th October in Christchurch.

AUDITION NOTICE

Musoc will be holding auditions for their spring show, Brecht's The Threepenny Opera, this week.