What does participation in a Running to Places show gain me?
Running to Places is a youth theatre company that is educational in nature and run on the professional theatre model. This means that participants
¬ are mentored by professionals and experience to a great extent how professional theatre produces shows
¬ are given instruction in vocal technique, acting, and dance for musical theatre
¬ grow as artists as members of an ensemble as well as individuals
¬ are recipients of professional models of design, tech and stage management. The design and technical staff provide professional designs in the areas of scenery, costumes, lighting and sound and give both students and their families the opportunity to get involved and learn the professional model in these areas. The stage management team creates an efficient, clear schedule which means your hours at rehearsal are optimized.
¬ benefit from not only a great final product, but a focus on the process. We cultivate a culture of respect for each member of the production, regardless of their role or assignment.
¬ acquire important life skills, including meeting deadlines that cannot be moved, collaborating as a team and achieving goals as individuals and a group, recognizing the importance of the individual as well as the group, time management, identifying priorities, problem-solving, self-awareness and confidence, consideration of multiple viewpoints, meeting expectations and responsibilities to oneself and others, keeping commitments, communicating effectively, and many others.
¬ often report that Running to Places becomes a sort of “second family” to them and provides a “safe place” where they belong and can be their unique selves. We agree with them and have witnessed tremendous growth in hundreds of youth in the past five years!
What does it take to be a company member? Reading through this section and the “Information for Everyone” section should answer this question thoroughly, as will reading our “Company Member Participation Contract,” which is the required form to audition. In short, you must make the time commitment and help support the company’s financial needs. This form requires a parent’s signature, as well as the company member’s, in order to be cast.
Why am I expected to be available for all rehearsals? Unlike some programs, we work through shows in very short time periods. We also follow the professional model of theatre with very specific calls (schedules) and do not call you unless you will be working on material and make good use of your time. Therefore, every rehearsal is extremely important and one must be present as needed, seeking to be excused only in extreme circumstances. Missing rehearsals can affect your role and stage time as an ensemble member. In R2P, all cast members are equally important from leads to ensemble members so that we can present artistically strong shows.
What work will I need to do outside of rehearsals? You will spend time preparing and reviewing material on your own. "Arriving off book" means your material is memorized BEFORE rehearsals for each scene and musical number. We provide rehearsal tracks and other materials for this purpose; rehearsals are the time to work with the material, not learn it. You will be expected to REVIEW and REHEARSE material in between rehearsals, so that we can keep moving forward at rehearsals instead of re-minding you of the work already done. You will also be expected to take feedback given to you by the directors ("notes") and incorporate it into your performance on your own by the next time the material is covered.
If I’m not cast in a show I wanted to be involved in, can I still participate in some way? There will also be ample opportunities as part of a running crew, a production assistant, or in other aspects of theatre production for each show. You will indicate areas of interest when you sign up to audition—but we always cast you first and then look at these areas of interest.
What will the auditions consist of? The auditions will consist of singing, acting, and dancing. The singing and acting will take place during individual 5-minute slots. You will sing 16-32 measures of a song of your choice and perform a 30-60 second memorized monologue. You may be asked to sing some scales, and we'll probably chat a little. The dancing will take place in a group. As a group, you will learn a short dance combination suitable for dancers of all levels, rehearse it several times, and then perform it in groups a couple of times for the directors.
How can I find audition songs and monologues? You can choose songs from musicals (listen to The Best of Broadway on 91.7 WICB every Sunday morning from 10am-12pm for ideas.) or movies. You can find monologues in plays, books, movies or TV shows. The library and the good old interwebs are great places to look. (In case you need a head start looking for materials, we've created a section with songs and monologues that you are welcome to use.)
Will there be a piano and accompanist? Do I bring a copy of my music? Yes, we will provide a piano accompanist. You should bring a copy of the music clearly marked with "Start" and "Stop" for your 16-32 measures. (Literally, write those words on the music so the accompanist knows where to begin and end.) You will have a moment before going in to audition with the accompanist to review your “Start” and “Stop” and discuss the tempo you'd prefer. If necessary, you may also sing without accompaniment if don't have the music, though an accompanied audition is preferred. We do not allow outside accompanists into auditions.
What should I wear for the dance audition? You don't necessarily need to wear dance clothes or shoes (although you are encouraged to if you have them), but you should be able to move comfortably. Jeans, boots, short skirts, revealing clothing and excessive jewelry are not recommended. You will also have time to change between your audition slot and the dance audition, if you wish.
What are callbacks and what if I don’t receive one at all or for a show I’m interested in? Callbacks are another round of auditions in which we have people sing and/or read material for particular roles from shows being cast. A callback for one role might actually serve for several similar roles in a show, so being called back for a particular role doesn’t mean you are auditioning just for that role. If you do not receive a callback it DOES NOT mean you are not cast, or even that you are not cast in a supporting or lead role. We only have so much time for callbacks, and we use it to find out what we don’t yet know and need to figure out in terms of appropriate castings. We also sometimes call people back for a variety of educational reasons, such as gaining the experience of auditioning alongside others. Please do not try to read too much into callbacks – there are lots of reasons why someone is or is not called back for a particular role, or at all.
How will the directors remember who everyone is when casting? You do not need to bring a headshot or other photograph, although we will accept them if you wish to submit one. We will take a picture when you arrive and videotape the audition for our reference when casting later. You will also be given a name tag.
Who will be watching my audition? The only folks watching the open audition will be the directorial staff and an accompanist. We do not allow friends or relatives to sit in on auditions. The only time other students will be present is during the group dance audition. Callbacks will involve groups of students called for roles.
