Musical opens 2019 season with informational meeting

Director+Alex+Underwood+breaks+down+the+logistics+for+this+years+Musical%2C+Anything+Goes.+Underwood+said+that+73+students+attended+the+meeting.

Caitlin Leiker

Director Alex Underwood breaks down the logistics for this year’s Musical, “Anything Goes.” Underwood said that 73 students attended the meeting.

The Musical informational meeting was held on Aug. 29 during PRIDE Time in the vocal room for this year’s production, “Anything Goes.”

How to get involved:

  • Contact director Alex Underwood
    • Specify how you’d like to contribute to the show (performing, stage crew, set design, lighting, etc.)
    • He will give you access to the Musical page on Canvas if you are not already one of his students

Important dates and times:

  • Regarding auditions
    • Closed auditions will take place from 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 9-10 in the Lecture Hall for singing/acting
    • A required dance audition will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at 12th Street Auditorium
    • Callbacks will be held Sept. 12 if necessary – watch your email for more information
    • The cast list will be posted after school on Sept. 13 outside of the choir room
  • After auditions
    • The family meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16 in the vocal room. The first cast read-through of the script will take place immediately after
    • A mandatory tap dance boot camp will be held for the cast Sept. 28-30
      • 28 – 9 a.m. to noon / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      • 29 – 1-5 p.m. / 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
      • 30 – 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (principles only) / 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (whole cast)

If you’re auditioning:

  • Visit the Musical Canvas page, look under “Files,” click on “Anything Goes Audition Information”
  • Complete your audition application
  • Sign up for a one hour and fifteen-minute time slot on the linked Google Doc
  • Prepare your audition materials. Contact Underwood if you have any questions or need advice on getting started

Materials you’ll need:

  • Tap shoes will be available for rent for $10-$20
  • Find these located at the back of the choir room:
    • Audition agreement form (once completed, bring your form and your $25 sign-up fee to either Underwood or accompanist Lexie Robinson)
    • Prepare one of the two prescribed songs, or choose 90 seconds of your own song to sing
    • Pick up a packet with three different scenes from the show. Be prepared to read any of these in your audition

The audition process:

  • Auditionees will be called in groups of up to 12 at a time (see time slots in Google Doc)
  • You will sing the 90 seconds of your chosen song, then stay until everyone else is finished
  • You and the other 11 people will be called back into the Lecture Hall to read through the scenes together
    • Communicate to Underwood if you are trying out for a specific role so you will have the chance to read the part during the scenes

Underwood said he’s thrilled to get started on this year’s show. Props and costumes are already being gathered.

“I understand that the audition process seems cumbersome and a little intimidating, but it’s really manageable and user-friendly,” Underwood said. “Every Hays High student should consider how they can be involved.”

21cleiker@usd489.com