AUDITIONING FOR "INTO THE WOODS"
STEP ONE: RESEARCH
Please get as familiar as you can with the musical! ​
NOTE: Please... do not COPY what the actors/actresses are doing.
We only want you to watch/listen so you can get a sense of the plot and characters.
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* LISTEN:
These links will take you to the Original 1988 Broadway Soundtrack: Youtube and Spotify.
These links will take you to the Broadway Soundtrack for the 2022 Revival: Youtube and Spotify.
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* WATCH:
The full original Broadway cast did a live taping for PBS which you can view HERE! If you want a better quality recording, you can find out where to stream it HERE!
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* ITW was made into a feature film in 2014. We personally don't care much for this film adaptation, and would like to caution that if you do watch it, just know that your directors aren't fans of most of these particular performances.
If you'd still like to see it, you can find out where to stream it HERE!
Once you're very familiar with the show, start to think about which characters you identify with, which you think you're right for, and which characters would challenge you at this stage in your training!
Please pick 2 or 3 different characters to audition for, so we can see some range (and you can increase your odds of being cast)!
As a reminder, HERE is a link to the character breakdowns!
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STEP TWO: SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION
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Schedule your audition appointment! We will need to see you once for your initial audition.
If you get a callback, we will need to see you up to 2 more times before September 17th. These appointments will occur at 14236 Emelita Street, Sherman Oaks.
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GO HERE to schedule (or update) the time of your audition appointment.
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STEP THREE: PREPARE​
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The Vocal Portion:
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHEET MUSIC - (do a search for Into the Woods Junior.)
* Prepare the cuts of the songs that are posted at the link above, for all the characters you're auditioning for. (Wolf & Mysterious Man don't have cuts posted, but if you're auditioning for either of them, we DO want you to prepare their songs!)
* We would like to hear the songs in the original key. If you're unsure, listen to the Broadway Soundtrack above.
* We can provide you with a starting note.
* We may put on a backing track for you to sing with, or we may have you sing "a capella" (without accompaniment).
* It's a good idea to bring a copy of your sheet music in the room, but we would really like you to be memorized!
* We have different material for the callbacks (from the full show).
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The Reading Portion:
CLICK HERE FOR THE SIDES - (do a search for Into the Woods Junior.)
* Prepare all of the provided sides for your characters.
​* It's best to bring a copy of your sides in the room, but we would really like you to be memorized!
* We have different material for the callbacks (from the full show).
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TIPS ON PREPARATION:
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Auditions are competitive and roles are limited. Knowledge of the music and the show is required. Show us what role you deserve. It's always obvious to us who is prepared and it makes a huge impression. Practice over and over - practice in front of your parents and siblings! Ask them for feedback!
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You will perform A LOT better if you are memorized. Always bring your sheet music/sides with you just in case, but if you never have to look at them, it will make a much better impression! Being off-book frees up your hands to express yourself, and frees up your face and eyes so we can connect to you emotionally (instead of you looking at a paper).
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Work on projecting loudly and articulating clearly.
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In addition to your musical proficiency and competency, we are looking to see you act a character through song. Just as (or MORE) important as a pretty voice is the way you ACT out your song. Tell us a STORY with your song! We want to see that you can use your body, your hands and your facial expressions at the same time as you sing. We know, it seems obvious, but we see so many stand-and-sing performances!
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It's very, very important that you make bold, exciting choices and give the character a strong personality - that is much more important to us than having you sing or act perfectly! We can even sometimes change the key of the song for the right actor.
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Do some character research! Watch videos of other performers doing your song and decide what it is you like about their performance, or don't like, and WHY. Were you bored because they just stood there and sang with their hands by their sides? Were you entertained because they acted out the lyrics well and had great facial expressions? Did you like the way they voiced the character? Did they choose things to do physically that helped tell the story? Did they have an interesting emotional arc? How was their energy? What can you do to make some memorable choices about your song and scene? :)
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Be familiar with the style of the show. Is it realistic/naturalistic, or cartoonish/over the top? It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the show.... but please do NOT merely imitate another actor's performances.
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The keys to comedy?... timing, being in the moment and making fresh choices!​
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If you do work with a vocal coach or acting coach on your audition, that is totally fine. But we ask that during the rehearsal process, you honor the direction, tastes and creative choices of your director, producer and musical director rather than any private coaches.
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We are not expecting a perfect, finished product from you. It's only the beginning of the production process, and it's our job to direct you to make you even better. But we DO want to see you give it all you've got!
STEP FOUR: YOUR AUDITION DAY
Your audition appointment will last approximately 15 minutes and appointments are booked closely together, so please make every effort to arrive on time (or early!) We are on a tight schedule.
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Bring your registration packet, completely filled out.
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Bring your lyrics and sides with you, just in case (yes, even if you are memorized!)
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When you get dressed and do your hair, try to match the persona of your character. It really helps! This does not mean you should come in full costume (a suggestion of the character is the more professional route).
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Wear shoes you can easily move around in.
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Please don't make ANY apologies or excuses ("I'm under the weather," etc). Just walk in smiling and be your awesome, confident self! (even if you have to fake it 'til you make it!)
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Try not to be too nervous. We are totally rooting for you. :)
STEP FIVE: CALLBACKS
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After your initial audition, we will discuss and get back to you ASAP to let you know if we need to see you for callbacks.
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If you do not get a callback, it does not necessarily mean you're not cast in the show. It means we saw what we needed to see at the first audition.
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We ask that you please respect other students by not posting to social media about your audition process, or otherwise behaving in a manner that could be considered insensitive.
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Callbacks will occur through September 12th. After that, we will be taking the weekend to discuss casting, and do the hard work of deciding and scheduling.
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By Saturday September 16th, you will receive an email from us that lets you know whether or not we have cast you in the show. We will also let you know which rehearsal dates and performance dates you are assigned to. The table read/first rehearsal is Sunday, September 17th. The table read is when you find out your part(s)!
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For students who are not cast, we will refund your deposit.
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If you choose to pull out of the program at any time, your deposit will not be refunded.
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We know there are going to be some disappointed students. We do not discuss casting with parents, but will speak personally with students if they would like to seek some advice after their auditions. They are welcome to ask us for feedback and what we recommend they work on for the future.
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Thank you for reading all of this and getting this far!