Welcome to The Music Man

Welcome to the The Music Man on Oakland's Temple Hill 2023. It is exciting to present this wonderful community musical as a gift to the Bay Area. Everyone is invited to participate in the cast, the orchestra, the stage crew, or on the production team. There is a place for all to help. Please complete the registration form below.

Please note that the cast, orchestra, and production crew of The Music Man are open to people of all cultural communities, ages, and religions in the Bay Area. We welcome all to participate in this artistic and uplifting community effort (you do not have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to participate in Temple Hill Cultural Arts events).

EXPERIENCED DANCERS – Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for movement. The Dance Director will teach you a short dance to demonstrate your ability. Show good stage presence. You will be dancing in a group.  There are several roles for featured dancers. Be sure to provide any dance experience you have that we should consider.

INSTRUMENTALISTS - Instrumentalists who played for previous Temple Hill musicals or who play with the Temple Hill Symphony or Lamb of God performances are not required to sign up for an audition time, but should submit the audition form, noting the performances that you have played. You will be informed if the Music Director, Alan Chipman, would like you to audition in person. All new instrumentalists should come prepared to play a musical selection of not more than 2 minutes that demonstrates the following:

• Tone and pitch in all ranges of the instrument;
• Technical ability on the instrument, including playing scales in several keys; and
• Expression and dynamics.

The Music Man is orchestrated for flute 1-2, clarinet 1-2, saxophone (alto, tenor, bass), bassoon, French horn, trumpet 1-2-3, trombone 1-2, tuba, timpani, non-pitched percussion, pitched percussion, 2 keyboards, violin 1-2, viola, cello, and bass. Experience playing for musicals and reading scores, especially for keyboardists is preferred. Keyboardists should be proficient playing any key, have some familiarity with changing voices on a synthesizer and ability to change voice presets quickly during a song. All instrumentalists should be capable of being a soloist when required.

AUDITION SCHEDULE FOR ACTORS & SINGERS — COMPLETED — 

• (1) THU, April 20: 7–9:30 PM 
• (2) FRI, April 21: 7–9:30 PM 
• (3) SAT, April 22: 2–5 PM
• (4) SAT, April 22: 6–9 PM
• (5) WED, April 26: 6-9 PM

Each participant should arrive 15 minutes early with their completed Audition Form and Bio if not submitted online. You will be released from the audition as soon as possible, but all candidates should plan to be there for two to three hours, if needed. If you must change your scheduled audition session, please let us know as soon as possible.

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS FOR ON-STAGE PERFORMERS — COMPLETED — 

Please be prepared for the following:

• All candidates of all ages should be prepared to sing, dance, and read for a part. There are a few roles for those who consider themselves non-singers. If you wish, you can identify yourself as a non-singer and skip the singing audition. If you are a non-dancer, we will give you some simple movement for the dance audition.

When selecting a song to sing or reading to perform for the audition, consider the type of music and characters in The Music Man.

VOCALS — COMPLETED — 

Please prepare a song that is not from The Music Man and is no more than  2 minutes. Show off your range, vocal tone, pitch, diction, and volume. A pianist will be provided, but you can provide your own pianist or bring a CD. An a cappella audition is not recommended. Arrive early to rehearse briefly with the accompanist.

ACTING — COMPLETED —

Please prepare a one-minute dialog, poem, or reading to show your acting ability. Show off your diction, stage presence, projection, emotion, and accent (where needed for a role, like Mrs. Paroo, who is Irish).

EXPERIENCED DANCERS – Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for movement. The Dance Director will teach you a short dance to demonstrate your ability. Show good stage presence. You will be dancing in a group.  There are several roles for featured dancers. Be sure to provide any dance experience you have that we should consider.

INSTRUMENTALISTS - Instrumentalists who played for previous Temple Hill musicals or who play with the Temple Hill Symphony or Lamb of God performances are not required to sign up for an audition time, but should submit the audition form, noting the performances that you have played. You will be informed if the Music Director, Alan Chipman, would like you to audition in person. All new instrumentalists should come prepared to play a musical selection of not more than 2 minutes that demonstrates the following:

• Tone and pitch in all ranges of the instrument;
• Technical ability on the instrument, including playing scales in several keys; and
• Expression and dynamics.

The Music Man is orchestrated for flute 1-2, clarinet 1-2, saxophone (alto, tenor, bass), bassoon, French horn, trumpet 1-2-3, trombone 1-2, tuba, timpani, non-pitched percussion, pitched percussion, 2 keyboards, violin 1-2, viola, cello, and bass. Experience playing for musicals and reading scores, especially for keyboardists is preferred. Keyboardists should be proficient playing any key, have some familiarity with changing voices on a synthesizer and ability to change voice presets quickly during a song. All instrumentalists should be capable of being a soloist when required.

CALLBACKS FOR CAST — COMPLETED — 

We hope to avoid having many callbacks, but certainly some may be required. You may be cast in a role without needing to attend callbacks.  If auditioning for a speaking role or as a featured dancer, please keep the evenings of Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 available in case you are needed for callbacks. If you are required to attend callbacks we will inform you at the Saturday audition sessions or will call you shortly after auditions complete on Saturday.

CAST LIST POSTING — COMPLETED —

We will post the completed cast list on The Music Man page on TempleHillEvents.com by Friday, April 28. 

All those cast should be prepared to come to the initial Read-through Rehearsal on 

Saturday morning, April 29, from 9 AM to 1 PM. 

BILLING CREDITS - THE MUSIC MAN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.  www.mitshows.com

Please note the following regarding how we will address Covid in our auditions, rehearsals, and performances of The Music Man.

• Our number one priority is protecting the safety and health of all participants and audience members.
• We will follow all requirements set by the City of Oakland, State of California, and the by our host, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This also includes following the CA guidelines for live performances.
• All participants are responsible for their health and should also be careful to protect those around them. 
• The Temple Hill Auditorium has excellent ventilation systems which will be used during all rehearsals and performances.
• Since singing and dancing are higher risk activities for respiratory illnesses including Covid, full vaccination is highly recommended. We have added rehearsal time to the schedule to allow for times when people are out with illness.
• Anyone with any Covid, cold, or flu symptoms should inform the People Producer and the Director as soon as they can. Usually, we will ask you to stay home until symptoms stop and Covid testing is negative.
• Those who wish to wear masks during rehearsals are welcome to do so. In most cases, performances are expected to be without masks. Some exceptions are possible.
• Additional information about Covid protocols will be provided upon request. We strongly encourage anyone auditioning to get vaccinated prior the start of rehearsals on April 29 if possible to do so.
• We understand that with the current Covid variants, being fully vaccinated is not a guarantee that you will not catch Covid. However, those who are vaccinated typically will have fewer symptoms and shorter period of testing positive. Vaccinations are not required, but strongly recommended.
• Contact the People Producer or Director if you are not feeling well or have been tested positive for Covid at any time before coming to an audition, rehearsal, or performance.

Let’s be clear: THE MUSIC MAN IS A FULLY STAGED MUSICAL PRODUCTION. 

It requires commitment for the full ten weeks of preparation and six performances from July 21 to July 29. We expect and hope that over 5,000 people will attend these performances. Few actors in community theater ever experience audiences of this size. We must make it a great show. So please plan to work with your family, job, church and other commitments to limit conflicts with rehearsals so you can be prepared to do your part with the other 100+ people committed to presenting The Music Man on Temple Hill. 

We are working to make participation in The Music Man as family-friendly as possible, and will attempt to provide roles on or off stage to as many family members as we can (age 6 and above). The following section outlines our expectations of all performers for The Music Man.

ATTENDANCE - See the rehearsal schedule below. We are not double casting this show, although we may have some actors to back up principles. All participants are expected to attend all assigned rehearsals and all performances. (Most actors will not be required to be at every rehearsal.) Please provide the directors with all known conflicts. Where conflicts exist, they must be discussed with the Directors before being cast in the show. We will consider if rehearsals can be arranged to accommodate the conflict. All participants must attend all required technical and dress rehearsals and must be at all performances without exception or cannot be cast, unless prior arrangements are made with the directors to have actors share roles.

PERFORMANCES

• FRI, July 21 – 7:30 PM evening performance
• SAT, July 22 – 2 PM afternoon matinee and 7:30 PM evening performances
• THU, July 27 – potential pickup rehearsal
• FRI, July 28 – 7:30 PM evening performance
• SAT, July 29 – 2 PM afternoon matinee and 7:30 PM evening performances

REQUIRED TECHNICAL & DRESS REHEARSALS - The following are currently planned for required technical and dress rehearsals, but are subject to change:

• SAT, July 8 – Run full show – cast; separate Orchestra rehearsal
• TUE, July 11 – Act I cast sitzprobe rehearsal with orchestra
• WED, July 12 – Act 2 cast sitzprobe rehearsal with orchestra
• THU, 13 – Act 1 run-through with orchestra and cast
• FRI, July 14 – Act 2 run through with orchestra and cast
• SAT morning and afternoon, July 15 – Full run-through rehearsal with costumes
• TUE, July 18 – Dress Rehearsal with orchestra and cast
• WED, July 19 – Full Dress Rehearsal with orchestra and cast
• THU, July 20 – Final Dress Rehearsal
• WED, July 26 – Pickup rehearsal for second weekend (if needed)

Rehearsals will start with a full read-through of the script and songs on the Stage on Saturday, April 29. All cast members and staff are expected to attend the read-through. No rehearsals will be held on Sundays or Mondays. Rehearsals for children under 12 in May and early June will be limited to one weeknight (ending by 8 p.m.) and Saturdays. Some children with lines, such as Winthrop Paroo, may be required for more rehearsals. Rehearsals for non-lead cast members will typically be two to four rehearsals for the first five weeks. Leads should expect to rehearse on assigned Friday nights as well.

Most — if not all — rehearsals will be held at the Oakland Temple Hill Auditorium on the grounds of the Oakland Temple at 4780 Lincoln Ave. On occasion, rehearsals may be held at other easily-accessible LDS Churches. Rehearsals for featured dancers may be scheduled for a location central to the most dancers.

Full rehearsal schedules will be provided at the Read-Through Rehearsal on April 29. Please discuss all conflicts with Director Jennifer Brown, or the People Producer. Contact information will be provided.

COSTS – We are pleased to once again present these performances completely free to audiences of The Music Man. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not funding this production. We are indeed thankful that the Church is providing the Stage and Auditorium and rehearsal space at no cost, plus some paid technical crew time. The rest of the budget will come from a large donation by the Temple Hill Choir, participant fees, donations, concessions, and advertising.

PARTICIPANT FEE - Each participant, child and adult, will pay a participant fee that is quite small when compared to many community theaters and other school and community theater or sports events. The participant fee is $85 for each participant whether child or adult, which will include the cast t-shirt with a value of $15. (Please note that many community theaters charge participant fees between $100 and $350 per production.) In addition, each participant on stage may be required to provide some of their costume or costumes. We have a considerable number of costumes for The Music Man being donated by or rented from various local community theaters, so we currently expect that the costume pieces that participants provide will be limited. Participants will pay NO additional costume fee for these rented costumes. The Music Man production will pay the rentals.  On stage participants may be required to provide their own make-up.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FEES - We do not want money to keep anyone from participating. Where paying for participant fees or costume or make-up costs is a hardship, participants and their families can speak with the People Producer or Director and arrange an alternative way to pay. This could include volunteering extra time to support the set construction, providing a truck or trailer for moving sets, foyer prep, or other voluntary production team activities.

ACTOR STIPENDS - We are aware that some community theaters provide small payments or stipends to their actors. For those used to receiving such, please consider the following. This musical presentation is being provided to audiences as a gift to the Bay Area community. To offer this for free and avoid much higher royalty fees, we are also not allowed to pay actors. Your family and friends will attend at no cost. We are considering allowing some preferred early seating to family members of the production participants. Please join with us and make this a memorable event for your family and our audiences. Feel free to discuss this further with the Director or one of the Producers.

On Temple Hill, we are blessed with one of the premiere performing arts facilities in the Bay Area and in the Church. The Auditorium seats 1,600 and features a 60-foot stage with full rigging, fly space, sound equipment, lighting, pipe organ, balcony and theatrical seating. We want to make full use of this amazing facility. So, we need many people to help with each production. Most are volunteers, although there is also a need to fill a few paid roles for highly technical and trained individuals. We need volunteers for producing, directing, set construction, set artist and painting, stage management, house management, lobby decorations, ushering, security, and even concessions management, rehearsal assistants, and children's choir directors and assistants.

For your INTERVIEW: Please bring a short resume of your experience in your areas of interest. List what groups, theaters, concerts, musicals, plays, or other events where you participated and as well as your responsibilities. Note that we are in special need of experienced producers, assistant directors, artists, set carpentry, special effects builders, social media management, house and lobby management, and marketing/advertising. For those wishing to be considered for one of the few paid tech positions on Temple Hill, please include a more thorough resume including volunteer and professional experience, college courses taken in theatrical technical areas of lighting, sound, rigging, production management, etc. Those with sufficient experience and availability will be referred to the Technical Management team.

The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra has performed on Temple Hill for over 50 years. Conductor Jay Trottier is always looking for exceptional instrumentalists to fill vacancies when people move away or are otherwise no longer able to continue with the Symphony. In addition, there are oratorios, musicals, choir concerts, and small ensemble and solo opportunities for capable instrumentalists. Needs vary from production to production, but generally there is always a need for more string players, and frequently needs for low winds and brass, seasoned trumpet and trombone players, percussionists, and keyboard players. There are also some opportunities for saxophones, harp, guitar, organ, flute, clarinet, and oboe. And, every now and then even a banjo or a Jews harp is needed.

In addition to special productions like The Music Man, there are two dance series that are performed on Temple Hill each year by the Behold Dance Collective: Behold the Gift at Christmas time and Tapestry in the Spring. In addition, dancers are featured in other special events, such as performances of Scrooge! The Musical alternating with The Magic of Christmas.

Vocalists should come warmed up and prepared to sing a 2-minute selection that shows your range, diction, technique, tone, excellent pitch, and personality. Soloists interested in performing a solo concert at the Visitors’ Center for Days of Christmas should also bring a list of their probable repertoire for that concert and be prepared to sing one or more from the list. 

Instrumentalists should be prepared to play a 2-minute selection that shows their technical ability, tone, and range. In addition, they should be prepared to play at least 2 octave scales as fast and clean as you can in any key. 

Dancers, be prepared to show your technique, flexibility, range, and rhythm. In addition to your application, we invite you to submit a video to TempleHillProducer@gmail.com, including "DANCER VIDEO" in the subject line. 

Actors should come prepared with a 2-minute scene or reading that shows your vocal range, diction, expression, characterization, and connection with an audience. 

Mimes, we don’t care about your diction and we will keep you in a special safe place, because of course, a mime is a terrible thing to waste. Just seeing if you were still reading!