The Sound of Music

AUDITION PACKET

Please read the entire packet first before completing the audition application form. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the audition or audition process, please contact Ms. Vining at jvining@xcp.org.

What is the musical about? 

This tuneful, heartwarming musical is based on the inspirational memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp. The story follows a high-spirited postulate, Maria Rainer, trying to become a nun in early 1938 Austria. She is sent to serve as governess to the seven mischievous children of the overbearing Navy Captain von Trapp. Upon arrival she is met with some opposition and strict house rules. However, her compassion, love of music, and sense of fun soon draw them in and bring some much needed joy into their lives. Before long, the Captain and Maria fall helplessly in love, but it is overshadowed by the forces of Nazism taking hold of Austria. Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

This show has earned five Tony Awards and five Oscars, and includes some of the most world's most beloved songs: "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and, of course, the title number, "The Sound of Music."

Who are you looking for?

We are looking for actors who can bring a fun and positive energy to the stage. We want a variety of character types who can represent a diverse population. Actors must be committed and be able to create realistic 3-demensional characters that can sing and move well.

PLEASE NOTE: You don’t need to be a “triple threat” or have an extensive acting, singing, and/or dancing background.  Please don’t let a lack of experience or pride deter you from auditioning or accepting ANY role in the show.  If you have the desire, determination, and openness to learn then we want to see you. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS

When you audition you will be considered for all roles. Please be open to accepting any role. The final cast size will be approximately around 35 members: 9 named males roles, 14 named female roles, 2 little girls (cast outside of Xavier), and around 10 people for the ensemble/chorus. All roles are integral to the show so if you are cast as part of the ensemble you will have much to do! 

PLEASE NOTE: The age ranges listed are the character's ages, not necessarily the ages of the actors. 

Here is what you need to know about the characters:

LEAD ADULT CHARACTERS

Maria Rainer: (musical theater mix/soprano) 20-35 yrs; dances; a postulant a Nonnberg Abbey- young, free spirited, warm, gentle, and kind with much determination. NOTE: Should be comfortable with moments of intimacy include a kiss with Captain von Trapp.  

Captain Georg von Trapp: (baritone) 35-45 yrs; moves well; A retired Austrian naval captain; polished yet very military in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife; underneath he is very warm, understanding, and determined. NOTE: Should be comfortable with moments of intimacy include a kiss with Maria. 

Max Detwiller: (tenor/baritone) 30+ yrs; moves well; Charming and vital; a man of sophistication who enjoys the good life; true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family.             

Elsa Schrader: (mezzo soprano) 35-45 yrs; moves well; A baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated, dignified, and mature.            

Mother Abbess: (legit soprano, wide vocal range, strong actress) 40+ yrs; Motherly, understanding, very strong and authoritative, but kind.

LEAD CHILDREN ROLES

All children, apart from their description, must be able to be conservative with their emotions and "serious."

Liesl von Trapp: (mezzo) 16 yrs; The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys; she has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.  NOTE: Should be comfortable with moments of intimacy include a kiss with Rolf.

Friedrich von Trapp: 14 yrs; Tough exterior, very much trying to be "the man" of the family.

Louisa von Trapp: 13 yrs; Rebellious attitude.                 

Kurt von Trapp: (falsetto) 10 yrs; Gentle and mischievous.

Brigitta von Trapp: 9 yrs; Smart, reads a lot.                                             

Marta von Trapp: 7 yrs; Very sweet and gentle -- will be cast outside of XCP

Gretl von Trapp: 6 yrs; Has the cute factor -- will be cast outside of XCP

FEATURED ADULT CHARACTERS

Sister Berthe: (alto) moves well; Mistress of Novices, prudish, straight laced with a quick tongue, she is less tolerant than the other nuns.                                         

Sister Margaretta: (mezzo) moves well; Mistress of Postulants, very kind, understanding, and concerned.

Sister Sophia: (soprano) moves well; Neither demanding nor critical, sticks with the rules.

Franz: (non-singing) 30+ yrs; The von Trapp butler, rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause.                               

Frau Schmidt: (non-singing) 30+ yrs; The housekeeper, stoic, show very little of her personality; she does her job efficiently but without affection; strong and somewhat dominating. 

Herr Zeller: (non-singing) 40+ yrs; Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line. 

Frau Zeller: (non-singing) 30+ yrs; Wife to Herr Zeller

Baron Elberfeld: (non-singing) 40+ yrs; Austrian who is aghast of what he sees as the German invasion.

Baroness Elberfeld: (non-singing) 40+ yrs; The Baron's wife.

Admiral von Schreiber: (non-singing) 40+ yrs; Admiral of the German Navy; has a mission and is there to do it, but not as stern as Herr Zeller. 

Rolf Gruber: (low tenor) 17 yrs; Suitor to Liesl; telegram delivery boy; later a Nazi soldier; a very pleasant young man, somewhat aggressive, but in a gentle way. NOTE: Should be comfortable with moments of intimacy include a kiss with Liesl.

Ursula: (non-singing) 20+ yrs; A maid of the von Trapps

ENSEMBLE/CHORUS

5 males: 16 to 60+ yrs; Neighbors, Salzburg citizens, Georg's friends (some with naval background), Nazi soldiers, and contestants in the Festival Concert. 

5 females: 16 to 60+ yrs; Nuns, new postulants, novices, Salzburg citizens, neighbors, wives to Gerog's friends, contestants in the Festival Concert.                         

AUDITION INFORMATION

What do I need to do at auditions?

For the acting and music auditions, you must perform a 1 minute contemporary monologue (preferably memorized) and a1½ - 2 minute song in the classical musical theatre style.

For the dance audition, a dance combination will be taught to you, after which you will then perform it.

Remember, auditions are a chance to show us what you can do and who you are. Let your personality shine through.   

Where can I find audition materials?

Monologues can be found in published plays, monologue books, or through creditable online theatre sources. Our theatre classrooms have tons of plays and monologue books collections you can use to find a performance piece. If you would like to look through the theatre library for a monologue, please contact Ms. Vining to schedule a date and time.  

Here the rules for the monologue:

  • It must be 1 minute long (approx. 1 paragraph up to 1 page)
  • It must be school appropriate. No curse words and/or suggestive content.
  • It should connect with you personally and show off your talent as an actor.
  • It should show off the type of character you would like to play in the production.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the acting portion of the audition, please contact Ms. Vining at jvining@xcp.org

Songs can be found in published musicals scores, song books, or through creditable online musical theatre sources. If you have questions or concerns regarding the musical portion of the audition, please contact Mr. Condon, joshua.condon@ymail.com.

Here the rules for the song:

  • It must be from a classic musical or similar style.
  • It must be between 1½ - 2 minutes long.
  • You must have accompaniment either from a backing track or sheet music for Mr. Condon to play.
    • Sheet music can usually be found in any officially published book or musical score; or on websites such as musicnotes.com
  • It should show off your vocal talent and really speak to you on a personal level.

When and where will the auditions be held?

The acting and music portion of the auditions will be held on the following days and times in PAC 212:

  • Tuesday, January 4th, from 3:30 - 6:30pm.  
  • Wednesday, January 5th, from 3:30 - 6:30pm.  
  • Thursday, January 6th, from 3:30 - 6:30pm.  

All those auditioning must attend the dance audition.The dance portion of the auditions will be held on Saturday, January 8th, from 12:30-2:00pm in the main theatre. 

How will the auditions be run and who runs them?

First you must register for an audition time slot and fill out the audition application form. Both the audition slot registration and audition application forms are available after you click the "SUBMIT" button at the bottom of this packet. 

Ms. Vining is the Director and is in charge of the overall audition process with the assistance of Mr. Condon, the Musical Director and Ms. La Joie, the Choreographer.

The Stage Manager, Nidhi Nirwan ’22, will facilitate and organize the auditionees at sign-in and act as a liaison between the auditionees and directors.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition time to sign-in and have your picture taken by Nidhi and her assistances. Once everything is in order Nidhi will usher you to the south side entrance of PAC 212 (the double doors). There you will wait patiently and quietly until your name is called.

When you enter PAC 212 walk directly to the centerstage and introduce yourself and your performance pieces (also called a slate).  Once you are finished performing all your pieces, please say "Thank you" and exit out through the west side door.

Please be advised that Ms. Vining, Mr. Condon, and/or Ms. La Joie might ask you a few questions during your audition. When they are finished you are free to go.

Do I need to bring anything?

Yes, for the acting and music auditions you should either bring a copy of your sheet music or a recording of the accompaniment for your song.

For the dance auditions you should bring a snack and bottle of water to keep up your energy and hydration. You should also be dressed ready to dance and have full range of motion. It is recommended to bring a change of school appropriate clothes and shoes for the audition. It is important you feel comfortable.

How do I prepare for the auditions?

  • Rehearse your audition every day. This includes practicing the introduction, monologue, song, and ending.
    • The introduction (slate)  should go as follows: 
      • “Hello, my name is (full name). Today I will be performing (character) from (title of the play) by (playwright). Then I will then be singing (song name) from (title of the musical) by (composer and lyrist)".
  • Practice taking small pauses (3-5 seconds) between each section of your audition to properly transition. Give yourself time to get in and out of character.
  • Practice warming up your body and voice before and during the day of your audition. 
  • Plan what you will wear for each of the auditions.
    • For the acting and music portion, clothing should be school appropriate and give a small hint of the character you are auditioning for.  
    • For the dance portion, clothing and shoes should be modest, comfortable, and school appropriate. You should be able to easily and freely move.
  • Practice relaxation.
  • Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! This will give you confidence and poise at auditions.
  • Stay hydrated, take deep breaths, and let that stress go! You got this!

When and where are callbacks?

These auditions will be held on Monday, January 10th, from 3:30-6:30pm and will only be for those individuals we need to see again. After the initial auditions have been completed an email will be sent to those who have been called back.  

PLEASE NOTE: If you do not receive a callback email it does not mean you still aren’t being considering for a part or that you won’t be cast. It just means we have seen everything we need from you. We do not always call back everyone for every role. Official casting decisions are made only after callbacks are completed.

How do I know if I have been cast?

 Students will receive an email regarding casting decisions after callbacks have been completed. These communications may not go out until very late Monday evening.  

IMPORTANT FAQ'S AND DATES

If cast, what does the rehearsal schedule look like?

  • Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, January 11th, in PAC 212.
    • All those cast must attend the first rehearsal.  
  • Rehearsals are typically held Monday-Thursday from 3:30pm-6:30pm and on Fridays from 2:00pm-5:30pm in either PAC 212 or the mainstage. 
  • Tech week will be on February 22nd – 25th.
  • Rehearsal with the band (sitz probe) will be on Saturday, February 26th.
  • Dress rehearsals will be on February 28th, March 1st, and March 2nd.

PLEASE NOTE: An official rehearsal schedule will be given to all cast and crew members on the first day of rehearsal. It will have the exact dates and times of who needs to be there and what we will be working on. Keep in mind that due to COVID-19 masks will be worn during rehearsals.

If cast, when are the performances?

  • All performances will be in the main theatre of the PAC before a live audience.
  • Performance dates and times are the following:
    • Thursday, March 3rd. Call is at 5pm and performance is at 7pm
    • Friday, March 4th. Call is at 5pm and performance is at 7pm
    • Saturday, March 5th. Call is at 2pm and performance is at 2pm and 7pm.
      • Strike will follow the final performance.