MUSICAL THEATER
Why Musical Theater? Many years ago when teaching a ballet class I put on the turntable “76 Trombones” from Music Man. The music was perfect for the piqué turns I was teaching and something different from the classical music that is traditionally played in class. I was shocked when the students did not recognize the music! The next week I brought in “In the Mood” and continued to bring in music that I had always loved and listened to as a youngster and the result was wonderful. They too, LOVED the upbeat and interesting lyrics that I was introducing to them and one student asked if the following year if I would consider teaching a class with only musical theater music. We now have three difference musical theater classes at TDS and it's style has become the heartbeat of the school.
Magical Musical Theater is our most junior group and a fun class that involves learning musical theater styles of dance as well as a routine that is performed at the end of the year. Magical students help out with the younger students at rehearsals. Auditions are not necessary (please read about our auditions) but students do need to speak to their classroom teacher about possibly being accepted into this class.
Musical Theater Members It is a privilege to be a musical theater member and not a right. With acceptance into any of our three groups (seniors, juniors and magical) members, along with their parents support, agree and are expected to have exemplary behavior. Upon passing their audition and accepting their role, it is understood that they are to take to heart the code of ethics as leaders and role models. They are required to attend extra rehearsals when called, and to perform in all performances. Not only end of the year dance concerts but also Christmas shows, parades and any venue that is decided by the group. In order to have a successful program, it is understood that members, parents and instructors work as a team.
AUDITIONS
Junior and Senior Musical Theater
Every year auditions take place on Thursday in April. Tryouts for Junior and Senior Musical Theater will take place at The Dancing School. It is a very exciting time for out dancers and it is important that some guidelines be reviewed by anyone who is interested in participating in our tryouts and our musical theater groups.
Some students will be trying out for the first time and some trying out for a third or fourth time. Current members try out in hopes of remaining with the troupe or possible moving to a different group. As with any “try-out” or audition process, results leave some happy and some not happy. Not all who audition will be chosen and children or parents who are over-sensitive about rejection should not apply.
Admission into either of the troupes is based on the ability to dance with a theater troupe. This criteria is different than dancing within a classroom setting and has nothing to do with how long a person has taken dance. Further, it is also important to remember that upon being considered for the troupe, other factors are taken into consideration: classroom attendance, classroom behavior, previous troupe membership, and strength of commitment throughout the year. Being a member is a privilege and not a right and it should be treated as such.
When the letters go out advising dancers if they have made one of the troupes or not, I urge you to keep in mind the following – that these girls had the drive and inspiration to try for something different. Making Musical Theater does not make them better than the other dancer in the carpool who might not have made it and not making a troupe only means the competition was tougher this time around or spots available limited – but they were no less courageous.
At TDS we know we have a lot of different students and a variety of talents and interests besides the musical theater style of dancing. As we go forward next season we will also have more competition teams, the Halloween performance as well as our Christmas Show. There are many performance opportunities ahead and something for everyone!
Audition Procedure
Students should arrive before 6:30 and sign-in. If you have not previously passed in your signed “positive attitude” letter with audition fee of $10.00 you must do that now. Students are taught a new dance routine and then audition 8 at a time in front of dance teachers and graduating musical theater seniors. Students may leave once their audition is finished. At the end of April a letter is sent to all who audition as to the results. Do not call the office expecting any info. Consider before you audition: There is a definite time commitment to these groups. Failure to attend technique classes and Musical Theater classes once you join could result in your removal from the groups. First year seniors are required to take two ballet technique classes per week. Please do not audition if you feel you cannot meet your attendance obligations.
