The Wizard of OZ Cast Diary
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Auditions
Auditions we saw 72 hopefuls performing their hearts out to win a spot on the cast for our next production, The Wizard of Oz! Such a great effort, encouragement of each other and supportive vibe by all. We even had parents sitting around and being convinced to audition when they weren't even scheduled to try-out. This truly shows the community family vibe we instil at Now Productions. Great fun and amazing effort, thank you for choosing to spend you valuable time with us over the weekend. We look forward to making our decision and announcing our cast list for The Wizard of OZ! By Joe Russell (Director) 20/05/2023 |
Auditions - Wizard of Oz - Feedback
Thank you all. An amazing turn out, I'm very proud of the community we've built at Now and that's down the support and encouragement of those hanging around awaiting their turn to try-out. We had even had parents waiting for their child to audition being encouraged by like minded adults to have a go and then... signed up and auditioned themselves. Amazing! We had the words, 'Be Supportive and Be Encouraging' posted up on the whiteboard and you all did this. It doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you.
You did an amazing job, whether you received a call back or not doesn't change that. As Mandy said previously, some roles are easily decided by the crew upon seeing your individual audition. So don't fret, we have a plan to the madness.
General Feedback:
For those that this was the first time or new to this, well done. It's very hard to put yourself out there and we even highlighted some special 'well dones' to some we knew was their first time. You all did a great job and we can't wait to announce our cast.
For those that want to build on their audition technique and how to improve their chance, read on...
At Now we love to give everyone a shot at auditioning for a principal role where others may not. It's a great way to build confidence in your own abilities. Whether it be for future auditions or perhaps job interviews. It has the same structure, presenting yourself for a role. This can be from your appearance, your energy and your motivation to achieve. Believe it or not, visible nerves are a great example of that. It shows us how much you want it and how committed you'll be. So, on your next audition, whether it be with us or another company. Think about that. How should I approach this audition? What should I wear or bring that might be needed? (eg if you're going for a dancer role - dance shoes). How do I hold myself in audition, standing upright, head up, shoulders back and be confident - even if you don't feel it. Fake it until you make it! Practice! We notice easily who has practiced and who may have looked at it that morning.
Then think about about your song choice, choose a song that really shows off your vocal range. Check your pitch. Make sure you know how you're going to sing the song and ask someone that knows about singing - see if they believe you have the right pitch or song.
When it comes to the monologues and performer resumes, we can tell the type of role you want, that's when you show your character work. In your principal song audition, use your stage. Think about some levels, sitting, bending, kneeling. This might not be possible given the song, but stands you out from the others. Showing control of you voice is important. Rounding off your big notes or being soft to show a type of emotion. Breathing - do you take a breath at the right time? It might effect your storytelling or emotion you're trying to convey. It all shows competence to us and reassures us that you can manage the role you're trying to win.
The above is general feedback, for most of you - if you analyse yourself - you'll see how you achieved the above and might even get you thinking as to whether you could have added a little more.
Congratulations!
By Joe Russell
21/05/2023
Thank you all. An amazing turn out, I'm very proud of the community we've built at Now and that's down the support and encouragement of those hanging around awaiting their turn to try-out. We had even had parents waiting for their child to audition being encouraged by like minded adults to have a go and then... signed up and auditioned themselves. Amazing! We had the words, 'Be Supportive and Be Encouraging' posted up on the whiteboard and you all did this. It doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you.
You did an amazing job, whether you received a call back or not doesn't change that. As Mandy said previously, some roles are easily decided by the crew upon seeing your individual audition. So don't fret, we have a plan to the madness.
General Feedback:
For those that this was the first time or new to this, well done. It's very hard to put yourself out there and we even highlighted some special 'well dones' to some we knew was their first time. You all did a great job and we can't wait to announce our cast.
For those that want to build on their audition technique and how to improve their chance, read on...
At Now we love to give everyone a shot at auditioning for a principal role where others may not. It's a great way to build confidence in your own abilities. Whether it be for future auditions or perhaps job interviews. It has the same structure, presenting yourself for a role. This can be from your appearance, your energy and your motivation to achieve. Believe it or not, visible nerves are a great example of that. It shows us how much you want it and how committed you'll be. So, on your next audition, whether it be with us or another company. Think about that. How should I approach this audition? What should I wear or bring that might be needed? (eg if you're going for a dancer role - dance shoes). How do I hold myself in audition, standing upright, head up, shoulders back and be confident - even if you don't feel it. Fake it until you make it! Practice! We notice easily who has practiced and who may have looked at it that morning.
Then think about about your song choice, choose a song that really shows off your vocal range. Check your pitch. Make sure you know how you're going to sing the song and ask someone that knows about singing - see if they believe you have the right pitch or song.
When it comes to the monologues and performer resumes, we can tell the type of role you want, that's when you show your character work. In your principal song audition, use your stage. Think about some levels, sitting, bending, kneeling. This might not be possible given the song, but stands you out from the others. Showing control of you voice is important. Rounding off your big notes or being soft to show a type of emotion. Breathing - do you take a breath at the right time? It might effect your storytelling or emotion you're trying to convey. It all shows competence to us and reassures us that you can manage the role you're trying to win.
The above is general feedback, for most of you - if you analyse yourself - you'll see how you achieved the above and might even get you thinking as to whether you could have added a little more.
Congratulations!
By Joe Russell
21/05/2023
READ THROUGH
The whole cast and crew got to meet up again for the first time since Auditions. What was on the schedule tonight? Read through! Our cast got to share their double roles and read aloud for all to hear the musical from start to the finish. With some beautiful singing and obvious moments where work needs to be allocated, we are already getting excited for what's to come. Such a large cast of 60 performers, how good is that?! |
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INTENSIVE WEEK DAYS 1 - 5
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DAY SIX and SEVEN - REHEARSALS
Our Music Director ran the following two days as the Director and Choreographer were on a performing holiday in Orlando and New York. Students from Now Productions performed in Disney World, dancing down the Disney Parade and performing in Animal Kingdom in the Finding Nemo theatre. Moving onto New York, our students were treated to masterclass lessons with Broadway stars. Some of the benefits of being a part of the Now Family. Meanwhile, our vocals for Wizard of Oz continue on with the rest of the cast. All gaining in confidence with the material and really shining - preparing for the final stages of preparations. Great job all round! |
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DAY EIGHT - REHEARSALS
What a day! We stormed through the remainder of the show and blocked all the musical. It was a big job, but now completed, we can concentrate on full run through for next week. Meanwhile, our costume and set department have also been working really hard to create the wonder of OZ. It takes a lot of time to build set pieces, painting them and create some amazing costumes. Most performers have about three costumes each, with a strong cast of 62. This is a fantastic effort all round. Check out the photos to see the hard work being completed. We completed a few promo photos for paid marketing tools as well. The costumes and characters are really coming to life. We also celebrated a win from our past production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2022 at the Theatre Association of South Australia Awards. Our very own, Alyssa Faranda won best youth performer in a musical theatre production in 2022. How amazing is that?! |
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DAY NINE - FULL RUN THROUGHS
Our first run through, wow! It only took 4 hours to get through! We have a bit of an ongoing saying here at Now Productions, "It's a lot of set!" But, on this occasion - it really is a lot of set! Set and costumes really help the performers feel their characters. We are always helping bring out their very best. Pushing the cast and crew in the right way to keep them motivated and willing to bring their A-Game - but then not too far as to have them lose interest. Set building really took on a new life this week, building a chicken coup, painting boxes, creating corn and repairing a bike tyre. It's all in a days work for our producer. Now Family members have also jumped up and got the ball rolling with advertising. We managed to get front page of the Bunyip! The focus was on our little Tutu played by Daisy! Have a look through the photos and read the story. Cast t shirts were also given out and the banner has gone up! Let's sell some extra tickets. |
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DAY TEN - FULL RUN THROUGHS
Both casts got to run through the show with a large amount of the props and set pieces good to go. Always great to see the cast come to life around the set that has taken our crew a lot of time and effort to build. Our Costume department are seriously under the pump, but can't help but smile and put their very best efforts forwards. It's great to see the Now Family vibe continue through. We only have two more full days of rehearsals, filming sessions and then we hit production week. Wow! Let's do this and really shine on stage. P.S. our matinee is almost sold out. Yay! |
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DAY ELEVEN - FULL RUN THROUGHS
Last final preparations for this show! The cast and crew got together to run the show for each cast one more time. Some costumes were tried out and the majority of set was also used. Our costume department worked hard to continue creating their masterpieces but also some of which ran to the studio to also perform. Set pieces being built and Father's Day was spent with their Now Family. A great and and fun day. Goosebumps and hairs were standing up on the back of our necks, the cast really brought their A-Game. We finished the day with two of the most popular cast songs and allowing the cast to swap roles and go to town! What fun and excitement we had. Production week starts tomorrow. Bump in from 9am to 5pm. Creating the vision of our Director and preparing the stage for our cast is the top priority. This is a full on day, the crew and some cast members give up their free time and help out to bring this story to the stage. Bring it on! Well done to all. |
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DAY TWELVE- BUMP IN AND TECH / DRESS REHEARSALS
Bump in, Tech and Dress Runs were hectic but fun to see everything come to life. Cast learning their stage entrances and exits. Crew working on their set changes and more publicity. We cannot wait to start our shows, one already sold out. Stay tuned for more cast diary information and photos over the next four shows. This is going to be amazing! |
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DAY THIRTEEN, FOURTEEN AND FIFTEEN - SHOW TIME
Thursday Opening night is always a little ‘Jittery’ but I think we came through pretty well. Great work from our crew with some quick set changes and a few lessons along the way. Our Ruby Cast did amazingly well and shined throughout. The cast and crew can now start to enjoy the chance to perform, to put our heart and soul on the stage. It was nice to start hearing a reaction from the audience and I’m sure that will increase as we move into our larger crowds. Our cast will now be looking after themselves and resting. We encourage the cast to be supportive to each other and bring our Now Family home with an amazing further two days of performing. Well done to all! |
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DAY SIXTEEN - BUMP OUT
Wow! Finally finished! What a day and what two shows we had. The last show in my opinion was flawless! Amazing and a true testament to our hard work! You should be so proud of our biggest show yet! We at Now aim to achieve bigger and better every time! Boy, I reckon we achieved that! I hope everyone felt supported and encouraged in the production. You are all part of the Now Family and we can’t wait to see you back together again for your next chosen project with our company. Thank you for the help with Bump Out, we achieved storing the majority in our containers which saves so much space at the studios. Well done to all and can’t wait to see you for our next adventure. Jungle Book Kids and High School Musical. Check out our reviewed for WOZ below! Over and out! |