Who Can Audition?

Any student currently enrolled at Yough Intermediate Middle School is eligible to audition. Yes, even fifth grade! No previous theatre, singing, or dance experience is required. We’re looking for students who are excited to learn, willing to try new things, and ready to be part of a team.

Do I have to audition if I only want to be in the ensemble?

Yes. Every student who wants to perform onstage must complete the audition process. However, auditioning does not mean you have to sing by yourself or that you’re asking to be considered for a lead role. Students who only want to be considered for ensemble roles may complete the singing portion of the audition in a group. If you want to be considered for any role that sings alone at any point in the show, including roles with smaller solo lines, you must sing individually at your audition.

Is the Audition Workshop mandatory?

Yes! The mandatory Audition Workshop will be held Wednesday, November 12 from 6:00–8:30 PM. The workshop is designed to help you understand exactly what to expect at auditions. We’ll introduce the show, go over the audition process and materials, and spend some time getting to know everyone. It’s also our first opportunity to see how you participate, work with others, take direction, and approach something new. Come ready to jump in!

When are auditions?

Auditions will be held:

Thursday, November 19
3:15–5:30 PM
6:00–8:15 PM

Friday, November 20
3:15–5:30 PM
6:00–8:15 PM

Students will register for one audition session only. All four sessions are considered equally when casting the show, so choose the session that works best for your schedule.

How do I sign up?

Attend the mandatory Audition Workshop on November 12. Audition registration will open following the workshop. Students will select one of the four available audition sessions. Space in each session is limited, so registration is first come, first served.We will not allow a student to audition if they do not register AND/OR bring their signed code of conduct. 

What do I need to prepare?

Audition songs, sheet music, rehearsal tracks, and other materials will be provided before auditions. There will be song options written for higher and lower voices, and students should choose the selection that best fits their voice. Students specifically interested in Joseph or Pharaoh should prepare the designated lower-voice audition selection. Students specifically interested in Narrator should prepare the designated higher-voice selection. You do not need to memorize your audition music. Sheet music may be used during the audition.

*For those interested in JOSEPH or NARRATOR, there are two additional songs we are asking you to sing at auditions. These roles are vocally demanding, and we want to see what you are capable of! 

Can I audition for a specific character?

On your audition form, you’ll have an opportunity to tell us about any roles you’re particularly interested in. That information helps us learn what you’re excited about, but you are auditioning for the entire production, not just one character. Listing a character does not guarantee that you will be cast in that role, and it does not remove you from consideration for other roles. Keep an open mind! Sometimes the role you didn’t originally picture yourself playing ends up being the perfect fit.

What will I actually do at auditions?

Auditions will include singing, dancing, and a group performance activity. For the singing portion, students interested only in ensemble roles may sing in a group. Students who want to be considered for any role with solo singing must sing individually. Everyone will also learn and perform a short dance combination. No previous dance training is required! We’re looking at how you follow along, take direction, perform, and give it your best effort. Because Joseph tells most of its story through music rather than traditional dialogue scenes, students will also participate in a group storytelling activity using lyrics from the show. You’ll have an opportunity to make acting choices, work with other students, and show us how you bring a story to life.

Do you have callbacks?

We do not hold formal callbacks. Occasionally, the directing team may ask a student to sing something again at auditions.  Being asked to sing again, or not being asked, is not an indication of whether or not you have been cast.

What should I wear?

You do not need to dress up for your audition, and you definitely don’t need to dress like the character you’re interested in playing. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move and shoes you can safely dance in. No crocs, uggs, clogs, or open-toed shoes. 

What should I bring?

Bring water, a snack, your audition materials/sheet music, any required forms, and a great attitude and willingness to try! Extra copies of audition materials will be available if needed.

Will there be a dance audition?

Yes, and everyone participates. You’ll learn a short dance combination during your audition session and perform it with other students. You do not need previous dance training to audition for the show. Do your best, keep going if you make a mistake, and don’t worry about being perfect. We’re interested in seeing how you learn, move, perform, and respond to direction.

How are roles decided?

Roles are assigned based on participation and enthusiasm during the Audition Workshop as well as each student’s audition performance and attitude throughout the audition process. Roles are not pre-cast. Casting is about putting together the entire company of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, not simply filling one role at a time.

Will everyone that auditions be cast?

We would love to include as many students as possible! However, we reserve the option to limit onstage participation if necessary in order to provide a safe, enjoyable, productive, and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Students who are not cast onstage will still have opportunities to participate as members of the production crew.

What if I don’t get the role I want?

A musical is much bigger than its lead roles, and Joseph is especially dependent on its full company. The show includes Brothers, Wives, Featured Dancers, a Children’s Choir, cheerleaders, ensemble members, and many other opportunities to perform throughout the production. Many of these students are onstage throughout the show and play a huge part in bringing the story to life. Come into auditions excited about the possibility of being part of the show rather than attached to one particular role.

What about conflicts?

There will be a place on your audition form to list any conflicts you already know about.Please be honest and thorough. Having conflicts does not automatically prevent you from being cast. However, significant conflicts may affect which roles we are reasonably able to consider you for. Knowing about conflicts before casting allows us to build a rehearsal schedule that works as well as possible for the entire company.

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Regular rehearsals begin Monday, January 5 and are generally held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30–8:30 PM. Students are not called to every rehearsal. Who is needed depends on what material is being rehearsed that evening. The entire season rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first full-cast rehearsal so families can plan ahead. Please note: Students cast as Joseph and the Narrators will begin vocal rehearsals before the rest of the cast. We plan to schedule a small number of rehearsals in December to give these performers additional time to learn and strengthen the large amount of music their roles require. Families of students cast in these roles will be contacted directly after casting to coordinate December rehearsal dates and availability.

When will the cast list be announced?

Once casting is complete, the cast list will be emailed to families and posted at school. Please remember that a cast list represents a tremendous amount of thought and consideration about what is best for the production as a whole. We encourage everyone to approach the cast list with kindness and excitement for their fellow cast members.

Can I participate without being onstage?

Absolutely! Students interested exclusively in crew do not need to audition. Crew opportunities may include areas such as sets and painting, costumes, props, hair and makeup, front of house, lobby displays, concessions, merchandise, and other production needs. Crew signup forms are available HERE. 

What if I’ve never done a musical before?

Then you are just as welcome at auditions as someone who has done ten shows. You don’t need private voice lessons. You don’t need dance training. You don’t need an acting résumé. You don’t even need to know yet whether theatre is “your thing.” Come to the workshop, learn what we’re doing, give the audition your best shot, and see what happens. Every year, students walk into YIMS Drama for the first time, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

I still have questions!

Additional audition information and materials will be posted on the YIMS Drama website as we get closer to November. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please reach out to the director, Miss Kyli, at stonerk@youghsd.net or 724-812-2633.