This year’s Spring musical will be On the Town, a 1944 romantic comedy that follows the story of three sailors on leave in New York City.  As usual, all students are allowed to audition for the show.  However, many students are often intimidated by the auditioning process, and therefore decide not to get involved.  In order to help convince others to join the club, current WATERFORDrama students had some advice and encouragement to offer.

Senior Katie Manley said, “It is a great experience and you get involved in a really close-knit community.  You get exposed to a different version of the arts that is not familiar to many students.  Most students are familiar with painting and drawing. Auditioning for the musical, even if you don’t get a significant part, teaches you a lot and gives you a worthwhile experience.”

Many drama students can confirm that being a part of a show is a learning experience.  If you are not interested in performing onstage, you could always become involved backstage.  The drama club is always looking for more people for stage crew.

“I think tech is a great way to still be involved with the musical and its production without being in the spotlight,” explained senior Nicola Wiseman.  Plus, the show just wouldn’t be the same without stage crew.”

If they decide to audition, students should try to perform music that is similar to the genre and tone of the music in the show.  Since On the Town is an upbeat, comedic musical, you shouldn’t audition with a song from a show like Les Mis or Phantom of the Opera.  Sheet music for virtually any showtune can be found and purchased online.  Some websites, such as musicnotes.com and sheetmusicplus.com, even allow you to download the music right onto your computer.

“Make sure your sheet music is in the right key,” advised senior Micah Greenleaf.  “Because if you get up there and the song is suddenly much higher than you had practiced, it’s not going to sound very good.”

Junior Tess Wilensky added, “It’s okay to be nervous.  I’ve auditioned a couple times for shows and I still get nervous, because it is kind of terrifying.  The good thing about nerves, though, is that they help you.  They keep you on your toes.”

Auditions will be held from February 19th to the 20th, and students can sign up for a time slot on the drama bulletin board outside of the auditorium.  Audition requirements include presenting a maximum one minute monologue and singing an entire song from a Broadway musical.  Students will also be asked to stay after school to demonstrate any dance skills they may have.  Callbacks, if needed, will be held on the 21st after school.

For more information contact director Shane Valle or visit the On the Town event page on Facebook.