TEAM CANTERVILLE

Thank you to all who auditioned for THE CANTERVILLE GHOST!  

We are going to make this show a team effort, and I am inviting each of you who auditioned to take part in this production.  Please know that putting on a show is not all about the people who are onstage, as the people behind the scenes make the magic appear and are just as important.  This show is going to be a team effort, and I look forward to getting to know each of you a bit better!   Please know that much thought was put into casting this show.  We have a month to pull this together, and I want it to be TOP QUALITY.  The only way that can happen is if I have 100% effort from all the students who are listed below.  We cannot do this without each other.  

Thank you for auditioning for me -- I am so excited that each of you will be involved!

**If for some reason you do not accept your role, please email me at cindyrella4jc@mac.com no later than Tuesday at 8:00pm.  

See all of you students + at least one parent at the mandatory parent meeting, Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00.  Please check the website before Wednesday for a recap of what to expect at the parent meeting.  Don't forget -- PICTURES for the program and lobby display will be taken on Wednesday for ALL of Team Canterville (that means all cast and crew!).

CAST LIST:

AMERICAN FAMILY:

Lucy Otis:                                               Taylor Lovejoy

Horace Otis                                             Herbert Meisner

Pam                                                         Maddie Henke

Wendy                                                     Janey Elliott

Virginia                                                   Sara Sasson

BRITISH FAMILY:

Jennie                                                       Adelaide Spicer

Mrs. Umney                                             Allison Bauer

Lady Canterville                                      Olivia Ardo

Vicar                                                        Nolan Morley

Lord Cecil                                                Josh Beasley

Weeds                                                      Cooper Simmons

GHOSTS:

Sir Simon                                                 Will Courtney

Martin the Maniac                                    Jacob Olausen

Hester the Horrid                                     Maggie Hughes

Lady Joan the Graveless                          Sara Washienko

Vampire Duchess                                     Hannah Fridy

GHOST ENSEMBLE: (will dance “Thriller” with GHOSTS)

Meredith Glover

India Hackle

MANSION GUESTS:

Madam Balaklava                                    Roslyn Rathbone

Mrs. Dampier                                           Laura Wagner

Mrs. Midwinter                                        Sarah Jordan

Mrs. Musgrave                                        Asia Jones

STUDENT PRODUCTION CREW:

Lauren Everett                                         Student Director

Alexander Nocks                                     Student Stage Manager

Asha Jawwaad                                        TBA

Asa Pranikoff                                          Sound Engineer

STAGE NINJAS:

Reilly Simmons                                       Make-Up

Micah Callaway                                      Costumes

Bailey Skidmore                                     Stage Crew

Marcella Domka                                     Make-Up + lights

Madison Steifbold                                   Stage Crew

Nora Kovach                                          Stage Crew

Kayla Wilson                                          Stage Crew

Ian Casada                                              Set Décor/Artistic Design + stage crew

CALLBACKS

CONGRATULATIONS to all who auditioned.  I was thoroughly impressed with the talent that showed up at auditions, and I am excited to work on this show with you.  I am going to invite all 26 of you to come back to call backs on Monday evening from 4:30 - 6:00.  Please read below, as you will need to know this information BEFORE coming to callbacks tomorrow night.

WHAT ARE CALLBACKS?
This is "Auditions Part 2".  You get the chance to know show me your character while reading from the script.  I will bring copies of the scenes I wish for you to read at callbacks, as well as I will know who I want you to read for and will guide you through our hour and half tomorrow.  Please note that it may seem that some people are reading more than others - that could mean that I have already decided what role/area of the show I want you to be in based on your initial audition.  I want callbacks to be a learning experience for all, so I gratefully am inviting you all to attend callbacks.  Please be patient with me and be on your best behavior.  You are still "auditioning" for me as we sit in the theater together.

BE READY AT 4:30:
I am coming straight from my day job, so please be ready for me right at 4:30.  You should be ready to start performing right at 4:30.  We will all be in the theater together.  Please sign-in with the adult out front before entering the auditorium.

BRING YOUR A-GAME!
The competition is tough.  You will need to do absolutely everything to show me that you want to be in this show and can do the role I have you read for at callbacks. 

Need some suggestions of how to be prepared for tomorrow?
-READ & RE-READ the cast of character list
-work on your British & Irish accents and brush up on how a Vampire talks
-speak clearly and not too quickly while reading for me tomorrow
-project your voices so that they fill up the entire theater
-be your character!  I rather have you show me you can be "over the top" than not enough.

I am excited to see what you can do tomorrow!!
YOU CAN DO THIS!

I auditioned: now what?

Okay, so I AUDITIONED - now what?

Casting

I will cast about 20 young people for this production.  Please know I take my responsibility of casting very seriously, and I know that each young person puts his/her all into this process. There are many variables to take into account while casting.  If you do not get cast please don’t give up.  If you do not get the role you wanted most, please stay with us.  This is going to be a very fun show, for everyone.  If you do not want a certain role, or are not interested in a specific role, please let us know at auditions, so that someone else can fill that slot.  There are many opportunities to help with The Canterville Ghost on the production side.  If you are interested in technical or stage crew, costumes or set building, please let me know by contacting Miss Wilmes at cindyrella4jc@mac.com.

Volunteers 

In order to make this production the best it can be, I will require each actor’s family to contribute:

* at least 4-6 hours volunteer time prior to show week (i.e., costumes, marketing, props, monitors, set construction);

* at least 1-2 shows volunteer during the performances ( i.e. Greenroom monitor, Star gram selling, tickets, hospitality);

* 1 adult family member at set strike (Oct 31 – time TBA); and

* 1 mandatory parent meeting (at least one parent + student): September 29^th

Show Dates

Thursday, October 28^th at 7:00

Friday, October 29^th at 4:00

Saturday, October 30^th at 7:00
**If cast, you must be available for all 3 shows and the two weeks prior to performances.

Call Back List

Please check the website by Sunday at 7:00pm for the call back list.  Callbacks are Monday, September 27 from 4:30 – 6:00.  If needed, you will be required to stay for the entire time. The cast list will be posted by 10 pm on Monday, September 27^th.  Please let us know NOW if you are unable to make the call back dates. 

FAQs

Hello WMS friends!

Thank you for welcoming me into your WMS family.  I have heard from several families, which makes me realize that this blog is being viewed and you all are as excited as I am to get started with our production season!  Please continue to check back to this blog often as it contains pertinent information.  Your may find your questions answered here -- but if you do not, please feel free to drop me an email with your questions/concerns.

Here are some FAQs I've noticed so far:

*My child is in 5th or 6th grade -- can he/she audition for the fall play?

No - I'm sorry.  The fall play is ONLY for 7th and 8th graders.  However, don't get too discouraged, for both the musical and the variety/talent show is for 5th - 8th graders.  Your child does not need to audition for me at this time.

*When are auditions for the spring musical?

I will announce auditions for the spring musical AFTER the school play.  It will more than likely be during the last week of school before Wyoming breaks for the holidays (that way, everyone can come back from Christmas break prepared!)  Don't worry -- I'll be posting more information on that later.  Just keep checking the website and come see the fall show!

*Can I (the parent) volunteer to help with the show even though my child is in 5th or 6th grade?

ABSOLUTELY!!  I need all the help I can get.  In fact, it would only be to you and your family's advantage to volunteer with the fall show.  It always helps to show your face and prove that you are a good volunteer and a team player.  I would rather the 5th and 6th graders come watch the show instead of helping - let's leave the volunteering to the parents.

*I want to be a stage ninja -- what do I do??

If you would like to work backstage, please go ahead and email me.  I also need an audition form from you to give me your contact information and conflicts.  You can attach it and send it via email -- but it would help if I could meet you.  You can show up auditions (if possible) but do not need to prepare a monologue.  I'd love to introduce myself to you and have you do the same.  Please be specific on what you would like to do:  stage crew, lights, sound, costumes, props, etc.

*How many students are going to be a part of the show?

There are 20 roles in this show - some larger than others.  At the moment, I am leaning towards casting 20 people plus at least 10 stage crew hands.  I am also looking for students to help lead backstage in various roles but especially need responsible students in the following roles: stage manager, head lighting honcho, and sound guru.  I will also have parents in this area too, but if you feel confident you can manage these positions as a student, send me your resume and try to make it to auditions to let me meet you.

Hello from your new WMS director!

THOUGHT WYOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL'S SHOW WAS CANCELLED, CLOSED, OR MOVED OUT OF TOWN?!  

NO WAY!  We're on to "Another Openin', Another Show..."

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU:

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you.  My name is Cindy Wilmes, and I am the new WMS drama director for the upcoming school year.  I graduated from Northern Kentucky University with my Bachelor of Arts in Middle School Education.  I have also been heavily involved with theater in the Cincinnati area for the past ten years, including several directorial roles and award-winning performances.  I am a performer myself, as I enjoy singing, dancing, and acting my way through life.  I have had several opportunities to work specifically with children's theater, and I enjoy combining my love for theater with my passion for teaching children.  I am excited for this year's upcoming season, and I am thrilled to work with your students.  Please check out my  resumes online, as I welcome you to know a little bit more about me before we dive into the school year together.

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND.  HAUNTED MANSION.  HILARIOUSLY FUNNY:  ANNOUNCING OUR FALL PLAY!

I am also very excited to announce our fall play, The Canterville Ghost.  WMS actually has schedule show dates for Halloween weekend -- only a few weeks away!  We are going to do our absolute best to stick to these show dates; however, there are alternate dates available if it becomes absolutely necessary to add a few additional weeks due to our late start.  I am aiming for our October dates, and I am hoping that my enthusiasm and energy will be contagious to the kids!  I really believe we can pull this off beautifully while having a fantastic time!  

AUDITIONS:  WE NEED YOU!

Auditions will be this Friday, September 24th from 4:00 - 6:00 in the WMS Theater.  Callbacks will be on Monday September 27th from 4:30 - 6:00.  There are a few things I need your child to prepare for auditions:

*prepare a 1-2 minute monologue

*provide a recent picture

*fill out an Audition form (available online -- we'll get to that in a minute)

*bring a theater resume, if available

COOL ENOUGH TO HAVE A BLOG:

All the information you need to know about auditions, the show itself, or even the show dates is located online at:  http:\\wmstheater.blogspot.com

You'll also find:

-rehearsal calendar

-cast of characters with descriptions

-audition form

-audition tips & tricks

-example of a theater resume

-audition flyer to spread the word

Since I am the director and will be casting the show, it is pretty important for you student to look at all of these documents BEFORE coming to auditions.  If your child wants to do well, it is crucial for him to do his homework with the resources I have provided.  I will be casting for 20 roles + stage ninjas (our backstage crew).  The fall play cast is always a bit smaller than our musicals - please keep that in mind.

NEVER HEARD OF THE CANTERVILLE GHOST?  Check this out:

SYNOPSIS:  Based on the short story by Oscar Wilde, an average American family acquires a historic old Canterville Mansion - complete with a ghost! Sir Simon, the sporting spirit, succeeds in making life miserable, but the American family strikes back. Pam and Wendy, daughters of the new owners, attack the poor ghost with cans of hair spray and deodorant! The family takes drastic measures and calls in a psychic (who is anything but psychic) and turns the situation into a hilarious mess.  Sir Simon feels this is hardly fair, so he enlists the aid of some friends – Martin the Maniac, Hester the Horrid, Lady Joan the Graveless, the Vampire Duchess, and other things that go bump in the night. Life is hectic and fantastically funny around the Canterville Mansion until the real solution to the problem of the galloping ghost is discovered.  This show is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.

Don't forget to check us out online!

See you Friday!

Miss Cindy Wilmes

Curious about your Director?

My Theater Resume

My Professional Resume

AUDITION FLYER

Audition Tips

Here are some audition tips to help you be well-prepared for your audition date.  These were presented by a local children's theater who is very well-known in the Cincinnati area.  Remember -- RELAX and be your character!  

Audition Tips

• Frightful Auditions
• Warming Up Your Cold Reading Skills
• Audition Tips for School & Community Theatre

Where Can I Get More Information on Auditions?

If you are new to theater / auditions, you may have a lot more questions than are answered on this page. Please also check our Frequently Asked Questions for Auditions page if you still have questions regarding auditions.

Are you interested in being part of the Stage / Technical Crew?

If you are interested in being part of the Stage and/or Technical Crew, and are between the ages of 10 and 110, please e-mail me at cindyrella4jc@mac.com, and use the subject header: "Stage Ninja".

What do I Need to Bring to the Audition?

What do I Need to Bring to the Audition?

• Audition Form. A completed audition form, see below (forms also available at auditions).

• Resume. If your previous experience doesn't fit on the audition form, please also provide a resume (click for an example resume). Do not be discouraged if you don't have that much experience. In the past, I have cast all ranges of prior experience in principal roles as well as ensemble.

• Photo. Please note, this will not be returned. Providing a photo is critical as I expect to get several auditioners (don't let this discourage you), and we need to easily put a name with a face. Consequently, you will be at a disadvantage if you don't provide a recent, recognizable photo. This does not need to be a fancy head shot. A school picture or digital camera shot taken and printed out merely an hour before you head out for your audition is fine.

• Monologue. A prepared monologue of 1-2 minutes long that demonstrates your acting ability/range. (Note, you will be cut off mid-monologue if you are longer than 1-2 minutes. We won't be happy and you won't be happy with this.)

• Monologue Sources. Look to favorite scripts from other shows, or books containing collections of monologues as a resource in coming up with your audition monologue. Some example resources for young performers include: Monologues for Young Actors, Magnificent Monologues for Kids, Magnificent Monologues for Teens, and Audition Monologues: Power Pieces for Kids and Teens.

Click to enlarge
*Please print and fill out BEFORE auditions

REHEARSAL CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
*Click on this image to make it larger and readable

OCTOBER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
*Click on this image to make it larger and readable

AVAILABLE CAST OF CHARACTERS

FALL 2010 WMS SHOW:  THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

CAST OF CHARACTERS

KEY:

* = role will require you to be at almost every rehearsal

` = significant role who carries the show but might not have to be there as often

# = great role but may not be very time consuming

All ghosts need to be able to move well, as there might be some choreography to learn.

SYNOPSIS:  An average American family acquires a historic old Canterville Mansion - complete with ghost! Sir Simon, the sporting spirit, succeeds in making life miserable, but the American family strikes back. Pam and Wendy, daughters of the new owners, attack the poor ghost with cans of hair spray and deodorant! The family takes drastic measures and calls in a psychic (who is anything but psychic) and turns the situation into a hilarious mess.  Sir Simon feels this is hardly fair, so he enlists the aid of some friends – Martin the Maniac, Hester the Horrid, Lady Joan the Graveless, the Vampire Duchess, and other things that go bump in the night. Life is hectic and fantastically funny around the Canterville Mansion until the real solution to the problem of the galloping ghost is discovered.  This show is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.

THE AMERICAN FAMILY:

*MRS. LUCY OTIS – She and her husband travel to England and buy the Canterville Mansion.  She is the mother of the twins and sometimes a bit melodramatic.  She likes to have her say in everything and is the backbone of the Otis family.

*MR. HORACE OTIS – He and his wife buy the Canterville Mansion.  He is a strong figure and does not waiver.  He supports his wife and kids and thinks the ghosts are just a made-up story.  He appreciates the adventure of living in the mansion.

*VIRGINIA - a young sensible girl who does not put up with the ghosts’ mantics.  She saves the day in the end by befriending the ghost who lives in the Canterville mansion.  She is very nice and polite but knows when to be stern to get the job done.

*PAM – one of the twin girls.  She and her sister make up a duo of trouble-makers.  They are full of energy (yet mischievous) and like to play tricks on the ghosts.

*WENDY - one of the twin girls.  She and her sister make up a duo of trouble-makers.  They are full of energy (yet mischievous) and like to play tricks on the ghosts.

GHOSTS:

*SIR SIMON – He is known as THE CANTERVILLE GHOST and spends his days  haunting the Canterville mansion. He carries the show with his quick-witted humor and stage presence. 

`MARTIN THE MANIAC – He is a ghost who is over the top and quite exuberant.  Everything is a joke to him, and he is very silly and almost ADHD. 

`HESTER THE HORRID – She is the typical old “wicked witch” type ghost.  She should speak with a cackle in her voice and possess physical features that mirror being old (has a bad back, walks with a limp, etc.)

`LADY JOAN THE GRAVELESS – She is another ghost who arrives to help Sir Simon re-capture the Canterville Mansion.  There is a chance she will wear rollerskates.

`VAMPIRE DUCHESS/DUKE (this role could be played by a boy or girl) – She/he is a stereotypical “vampire” who needs to speak with a “vampire accent” (keep voice low and interexchange consonants to a have a “v” or “w”)

ENGLISH STAFF OF THE HOUSE:

(these characters will speak with a British accent)

*MRS. UMNEY - She is THE housekeeper of the house and tries to keep everything in order despite the ghosts

*JENNIE – She is one of the housekeepers who is very afraid of the ghosts

`WEEDS – He is the gardener of the Canterville Mansion and warns the family about the ghosts.  He is quite funny and his timing is impeccable.  He should speak with an Irish accent.

#LADY CANTERVILLE – She is the former owner of the Canterville Mansion

GUESTS WHO ARRIVE AT THE MANSION:

`MADAM BALAKLAVA – She is crazy and over the top, as well as a “psychic” who really isn’t good at having psychic powers.  She demands attention and over-acts.  She thinks the show is all about her.

#VICAR – He is the Clergy of the village and works for an orphanage]

#LORD CECIL -He is Lady Canterville’s nephew and begins to fall in love with Virginia

#MRS. DAMPIER – she is the clergy’s wife who sometimes visits the mansion (she also may be part of the purple ladies hat clan)

#MRS. MIDWINTER – a friend of the family; think older “purple hat ladies”

#MRS. MUSGRAVE – a friend of the family; think older “purple hat ladies”