AUDITION INFORMATION
FOR THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL SPRING PLAY
A play by Ben Hecht & Charles MacArthur
Auditions will be held in the theatre after school on Thursday, January 10th
Registration – 3:15
Auditions – 3:30
Rehearsals begin on Monday, February 4th
Rehearsals will be held from 3:30 – 5:30 Mondays & Wednesdays
Performance dates are April 11, 12 & 13 @ 7:30 pm
A complete rehearsal & performance schedule is included in the
parent consent form found in this packet.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SEE MR. ROMENESKO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
Some pages are for informational purposes only and do not need to be printed.
Print forms that must be turned in as one-sided documents.
Thanks for your interest in Xavier Theatre. This packet contains a great deal of
information on the show and the reahearsal process. Please read all the information
provided. Make sure you fill out the scheduling information on the audition form. Ask
Mr. R. if you have questions.
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You must bring the following items to the audition:
 Rehearsal Calendar with conflicts between February 4th and final
performance.
 Parent Consent Form, SIGNED by student and parent
 Completed Parent Volunteer Form
 Work hours Verification Sheet – Completed (a list of the amount of
hours each student worked this summer will be available at the sign-in
table on audition days).
 Completed audition form
 Audition scene scripts
Please print your forms in one-sided format only!
Except for two-page forms, do not staple the forms together.
Be sure to click to “Be notified” on Ms. Milbach’s teacher web page to receive updates on
the schedule and other important information.
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Meet the Characters in the show
Twentieth Century
Available Roles:
Oscar Jaffe: Brilliant theatre director/producer. Overly dramatic, theatrical & egotistical.
Lily Garland: Actress and movie star. Spoiled, pampered and egotistical.
Letitia Peabody Primrose: Outwardly a high-society type. Appears very religious, wealthy and
generous. Actually, she is an escapee from a mental institution and has no money at all.
Bruce Granit: Movie star. Lily’s leading man on screen and off. He is as stupid as the spelling of his
name. Vain & insecure
Oliver Webb: Oscar’s company manager. Very nervous and always trying to clean up the messes Oscar
gets himself into.
Winnie O’Malley: Oscar’s press agent. Sarcastic and satirical, but dedicated to Oscar..
Grover Lockwood: A con man/politician
Emily: His partner in crime
Imelda Thornton: An actress who is auditioning for a role in Oscar’s show in flashback scene. The
actress playing this role may also appear in the crowd scenes.
Max Jacobs: Formerly Oscar’s office boy – now a rival producer. He is trying to get Lily to appear in
one of his shows.
Dr. Johnson: The female physician aboard the train.
Conductor: A typical take-charge type.
Train Secretary: Greeter on the train
Maxwell Finch: Imelda’s agent.
Porters, actors, fans.
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ABOUT THE SHOW
Twentieth Century
History:
“Twentieth Century” was first produced for the Broadway stage in 1932 and was again produced in
1951 and 2004. It was made into two film versions and a Broadway musical.
The Story:
Time: 1932
Location: The action takes place on the famous “Twentieth Century Limited” a luxury train that
traveled from Chicago to New York City.
Oscar was once the most successful producer and director on Broadway. He had taken an unknown
named Mildred Plotka, and made her into a star named Lily Garland. But Lily has left Oscar and every
show since has been a dismal failure.
Oscar finds out that Lily will be traveling on the Twentieth Century with her new boyfriend, Bruce. He
books himself into the room next to hers and tries to convince her to dump Bruce and return to him, both
romantically and professionally. Tension mounts among the passengers on the train as stickers bearing
the slogan “Repent for the time is at hand” begin to appear all over the train. Lily turns Oscar down,
swearing that she will never return to him.
While Oscar racks his brain to think of a role so irresistible that Lily will beg to come back to him, his
assistants, Winnie and Oliver meet Letitia and persuade her to meet with Oscar about sponsoring his next
show.
Oscar has decided to do a play about Mary Magdeline and this thrills Letitia, who is very religious. She
agrees to foot the bill for the entire show. (Remember, this is during the Depression.) Lily agrees that it
would be a wonderful role and it seems as though we’re headed for a happy ending.
That’s when the people from the “home”come onboard the train to retrieve Letitia. It seems she has no
money at all and has escaped from a mental institution. A hilarious chase scene ensues, with Letitia outwitting everyone chasing her.
Lily hears about the situation and condemns Oscar, supposing that he knew the truth all along. Oscar
threatens to kill himself if she doesn’t come back to him, but she will not bend.
A shot rings out and all rush to the observation car. There lies Oscar. He makes his last request: That
Lily sign the contract he has drawn up for her. She does and he jumps up, seemingly cured and thrilled at
having tricked Lily into coming back to him. Lily tells him to check the signature. She has signed the
contract with the name “Peter Rabbit.” Oscar confesses his love for her and she admits she still loves him.
All ends well as the train rolls into Grand Central Station.
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Dear Xavier Parent,
Your son or daughter has expressed an interest in auditioning for Xavier’s spring play,
Twentieth Centur.” Although it’s great to have students interested in this rewarding activity,
I want to ensure that you, as parents, are aware of the commitment involved in this type of project.
For those of you with children who’ve been involved in the musical, it’s important to know that
Please read the Parent Consent Form carefully and contact Mr. Romenesko (882-6916 or
jromenesko@acesxavier.k12.wi.us) if you have any questions. Students and parents will be expected to
honor all commitments set forth in this packet.
Note that, except for the final dress rehearsal, our practices for the spring play will be held after school.
Hopefully, this will make participation in the show much easier for the students.
Following is a list of performance times for “Twentieth Century”:
Preview Performance:
Wednesday, April 10 – 7:00 p.m.
(immediate family members are invited.)
Public Performances:
Thursday, April 11 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 12 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday April 13 – 7:30 p.m.
(There is a slight chance of offering a matinee on the 13th)
Grade/Attendance Policy:
School policy states that students must maintain acceptable grades while involved in the play.
Students may not attend rehearsals if they have been absent from school that day. Students who have
medical appointments during the school day may still attend rehearsal as long as they’ve been in class
except for the time they were gone for the medical appointment.
A note about the forms in this packet:
Since some of the forms in this packet must be completed, signed by a parent or guardian and brought to
auditions by the student, you may want to print a second copy for your records. We suggest that you
retain copies of:



Rehearsal Schedule
Parent Consent Form
Letter to parents (includes quick-reference performance dates)
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SUMMER WORK REQUIREMENT VERIFICATION
Bring this completed form with you to auditions.
NAME: ________________________________________________________________ GRADE:
9 10 11 12
STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS: Print VERY Clearly _________________________________________________
Please note:



The number of hours actors are asked to contribute during the summer is 8.
All theatre service hours may be counted toward your Christian service requirement for
graduation (theatre hours apply to the “school/other” category and may not be applied to
other categories). Students are responsible for submitting their own Christian Service
Forms to the Campus Ministry office.
A list indicating the number of hours you logged will be available at the registration table.
1. If you were not in the musical – list the number of summer you completed. _____
2. If you were in the musical, list the number total number of summer & fall service hours you completed____
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XAVIER THEATRE PARENT CONSENT FORM
Parents: Please review the following information thoroughly and initial where indicated
Students must bring this completed form to auditions.
REHEARSAL TIMES (Parent Initials: ___________)
A full rehearsal schedule is included in this packet. Cast members are responsible for attending all
scheduled rehearsals. Your son or daughter has been asked to complete a schedule commitment form as
part of the audition form. PLEASE REVIEW THE INFORMATION WITH YOUR SON OR
DAUGHTER to ensure that there are no last minute conflicts with family events such as doctor
appointments, job schedule, birthday celebrations, weddings, out of town trips, etc. Absence from rehearsal
for any reason may result in being moved out of a song or scene. Unexcused absences may result in
dismissal from the cast.
Please note:

All cast members must attend all final rehearsas (March 20, 25, 26, 27 & 28) and all performances (April
10, 11 & 12).

Students should be responsible about noting conflicts and prepared to make a strong commitment to the
productionl . Students who audition and are cast, then drop out of the cast will not be eligible for
participation in another show at Xavier.

Please pay special attention to the note about “The Lion King” at the PAC on the audition form.
Participation in Sports & other co-curricular activities
(Parent Initials: ___________)
Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities. However, some schedules may conflict to a
point where a student cannot make an adequate commitment to both activities. It is the student’s
responsibility to discuss scheduling with other advisors/coaches. Mr. Romenesko will be happy to work out
a reasonable compromise in scheduling in instances where the other advisor is willing to do so.
Some activities require a time commitment that will not allow for participation in the spring play.
PLEASE NOTE that the rehearsals and performances have been scheduled to avoid conflicts with Mock
Trial, HawsSwing, Robotics, the freshman play and Jazz Band.
Set Construction & Strike (Parent Initials: ___________)
Set building sessions will be set up based on the students’ availability. Sessions may be scheduled after
school on days when we don’t have rehearsal or in the evening. There are also sessions noted on the
rehearsal schedule. No one session is mandatory. The student need only fulfill his/her commitment at
some point before show opening. Cast members are required to contribute five hours of tech work. Cast
members are required to strike the set after the last performance. (This is traditionally a late night, usually
ending at about midnight. Parents often help with the strike, which really helps time-wise.)
Costume Requirements
(Parent Initials: ___________)
The Theatre Department supplies most costumes. However, at times the student may be required to
purchase a costume item. This is usually a low to moderately priced item such as tights, shoes, or a simple
shirt or blouse.
PLEASE NOTE: If this is a hardship, please contact me directly and I will find a way to cover the cost in
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confidentiality.
Parent Participation
Please fill out the parent volunteer form included with this packet. We have a dynamic, active group of
parent leaders who bring a great deal of professionalism and fun to our productions. Help is needed in
many areas; from sewing to helping with props to simply running errands. Parents are also invited to the
strike and “Closing Ceremony” that follows.
Parents are encouraged to attend rehearsals and family members are invited to attend our preview
performance (final dress rehearsal) on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m..
A Final Thought
Thanks for taking time to read through this letter. Our goal is to provide an exciting, worthwhile and
rewarding experience for your student. Understanding the details, procedures and responsibilities is a
very large step toward achieving that goal.
Please take a few moments to discuss this commitment with your son or daughter. Before signing
below, please ensure that your son/daughter’s family, school and/or work requirements will accommodate
involvement in the play.
If you have any concerns, please contact me (jromenesko@acesxavier.k12.wi.us) before signing this form.
It’s great to have students interested in performing in our productions! We have a strong tradition of
presenting excellent shows. I hope circumstances will allow your son or daughter to be involved in this
exciting project.
If your son or daughter is not cast in the show, or if you decide that a commitment to act in the show is
too great, please consider having your student be a part of the technical crew or production staff. Our
production values are very high and our crew truly is part of the performance team. The commitment
involves substantially less time and your student will be part of a great production team. This is also a
great way for your son or daughter to demonstrate his or her reliability and level of commitment. A place
on our team is always open to anyone who is willing to commit themselves to a professional presentation.
Sincerely,
Jim Romenesko
Director
Please complete the portion below and bring the ENTIRE CONSENT form to your audition.
(Parents: feel free to make a copy of the policy for your records)
I have read and understand the information above and agree to all policies and expectations outlined in
this letter. My son/daughter has permission to audition for “Twentieth Century”.
Student Name________________________________________________________
Student Signature_____________________________________________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________________________ Date: __________
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PARENT VOLUNTEER FORM
Bring this completed form with you to auditions.
Dear Parent,
All parents are asked to volunteer some time toward the production. Please fill out the information on this form and
return it with your son/daughter’s audition form and performer’s agreement. The information on the volunteer form
will not be used in casting the show, but if your son or daughter is cast, we will need your help to put some of the
extra polish on the production and make the show an even more thrilling experience for all involved.
Below is a list of volunteer opportunities. We realize that time may be very tight for some of you; therefore, we’ve
listed several jobs that take very little time but are very important! Please place a check in any area in which you
can assist. If you can serve as the coordinator for a given project, please put a star  in front of the check.
___Drop off/Pick up printing
___Deliver flyers to schools, churches and businesses
___Coordinate T-shirt sale
___Daytime phone calling
___ Provide a portion of a simple meal for cast & crew
___Coordinate a simple meal
___Work in box office (some training required)
___Serve as “Lobby Host” helping audience get to the box office and to their seats
___Work in concession stand
___Help with poster distribution on Poster Day (see calendar)
___Assist with construction and scenery set up (usually on Saturday mornings)
___Set dressing and painting (daytime)
___Complete small building projects at home (materials provided)
___Sewing (Straight lines – simple stuff)
___Sewing (Garments)
_____ Costume team (no-sew)
___Assist with prop-gathering and organization
___Work on a team to put together display in lobby case
___Work on a team to put together display on lobby boards' ___ Be team leader for this crew
___Video tape a final rehearsal or performance
___Take cast, crew, and orchestra photos
___Prepare cast/crew photo board for the lobby (you do not have to take the photos – they will be provided)
___Assist with costume collection and organization after last performance
___Launder costumes after last performance
___Proof read (order forms, fliers, etc – JR emails it to you and you return the next day with comments /corrections)
___Take scripts to post office the week after the show
___Help return borrowed props (Van or truck helpful)
___Prepare raffle baskets for performances
___ Available to help as needed: Available (CIRCLE ONE)
days
evenings
Student Name:____________________________________________________
Parent Name(s): __________________________________________________
Mother/Guardian Home Phone: ________________ Cell Phone: ______________ Best time to call:____________
Father/Guardian Home Phone: ________________ Cell Phone: _______________ Best time to call:____________
Mother/Guardian E Mail _________________________________
Father/Guardian E Mail __________________________________
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Poster Day Permission Form
Dear prospective “Twentieth Century” parent,
On Thursday, March 14th, the cast & Crew of “Twentieth Century” will be participating in
our annual poster day. This is one of the most fun and effective publicity projects we have
and we need your help!!
We are asking that parents help by driving groups of students during this event as our school policy
requires students working on school activities to be driven by an adult.
The students will meet on stage after school, join their parent driver and blanket an assigned area with
posters for our show.
Everyone then returns to Xavier around 5:30. We’ll enjoy dinner together and have the opportunity to stay
for the freshman play.
Please tell us if you can drive and how many students (including your son or daughter) you can
accommodate in your vehicle.
Please sign and return with your student’s audition packet.
Please return the full sheet!
Student’s name (Print please)_________________________________________
Your name (Print please).___________________________________________
_____I can help by driving and can accommodate ___students in addition to me and my son / daughter
_____My son/daughter may ride with another parent driver
(Parent signature required)_____________________________________________________
Please email me with any questions: jromenesko@acesxavier.k12.wi.us
Audition
Number
10
Students: the staff will
XAVIER THEATRE - AUDITION FORM
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLUE OR BLACK INK)
Bring this completed form with you to auditions.
NAME: ________________________________________________________________ GRADE:
9 10 11 12
STUDENT HOME PHONE: ___________ STUDENT CELL PHONE: _____________ HOMEROOM # _____
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS: Print VERY Clearly _________________________________________________
Casting Policy:
It is our policy to cast as fairly as possible. The director is open to any question(s) regarding the casting process.
There may be a time when a student wishes to participate only if cast in a certain type of role. This could be a
student with a heavy academic load who wishes to be considered only for a chorus role or a student who wishes
only to be considered for a lead role. Students should be honest about their feelings in this area. We will honor the
request but it will not change how the show is cast. Because of limitations to cast size, dropping out of a show after
being cast, causes another student to miss the opportunity to perform. Involvement in other school activities that
cause minor conflicts is acceptable. Students who have conflicts with more than one full rehearsal due to nonschool activities will most likely not be cast.
If a student must miss rehearsal due to illness or a serious family situation, please contact Mr. Romenesko via email
at jromenesko@acesxavier.k12.wi.us. There is no general report issued to all staff regarding student absences, so
calling as early as possible is important.
Check One:
____I will accept any role offered to me
____I have not checked above for the following reason(s) (use the back of this page if necessary)
Availability & Attendance: The student’s availability for rehearsals in extremely important. Please ensure that
the information you provide below and in the calendar section is complete and accurate. Parents and students
should discuss the time commitment and any possible scheduling conflicts to ensure that the information you supply
is complete. Failure to meet time commitments may result in your being taken out of scenes, musical numbers, or
being dismissed from the cast.
Are you involved in or planning to try out for any sports?
No
Yes
If yes, which team? _________________
When does this team practice?
___________________________________________________________________________
What is the date of the team’s last event? __________
CHECK HERE if you can make ANY rehearsal as long as you are provided with a
schedule ahead of time ______
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Indicate your conflicts on the following calendar pages. Follow directions
EXACTLY.
Using the rehearsal schedule included in this packet, indicate conflicts by placing a red “X” in any
date on which you have a conflict. If you are available for part of the rehearsal, place an “X” on the
date and write an explanation in the box. For example: if you had a doctor’s appointment on March
29th but would be returning by 4:30, you should note it as follows:
9X
Entire Cast
6:30 – 9:00
Please do not mark the Saturday set-building days as a conflict. These are opportunities
to get your theatre service hours in. No one set-build date is mandatory.
Dr. appt. Back at 4:30
DO NOT mark the box with an “X”, and then write “can be changed if necessary.” If it is possible to
change a known conflict, plan on changing it to avoid missing any part of rehearsal. If it can and will be
changed, you may simply not mark it.
Some activities that may conflict with rehearsals include:
Confirmation Classes
College Visits
International Club Events
Cheerleading practices and games
Family Trips
Dr. Appointments (your parents know them beforehand)
Service Projects (that your parents signed you up for – parish festivals, etc.)
Sports events and Practices outside of normal practice times
Birthday dinners – etc. For you and other family members
Tutoring
Music Lessons
Math League
*Mock Trial additional practices
Work Schedules that cannot be adjusted.
Anything else that might be a conflict with rehearsals.
*You might want to provide the coach with your rehearsal calendar to avoid conflicts with your rehearsal
commitments.
It is critical that you are accurate in informing us of any prior commitments as casting is based on availability.
Conflicts that come up after you’ve been cast should be discussed with Mr. R. In most cases, you will be expected
to attend the rehearsal. Except in extreme cases such as a death in the family or illness, absence from rehearsal is
grounds for dismissal or reduction in the amount of your participation.
Performance week is the week following our Easter break. We will not have scheduled rehearsals during the break
but may work on specific scenes with actors who are available. Casting will not be affected by a studen’s
availability during Easter break.
Please Note:
We know that some of you are interested in seeing “The Lion King”” at the PAC during April & May.
If you are planning on performing in or working on “Twentieth Century”, you will not be available to attend “The
Lion King” during dress rehearsal/performance week for “Twentieth Century.” .
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Xavier Theatre Presents

Audition Scenes
Note to actors: The characters are exaggerated caricatures of self-important showbiz types. Look at
what they characters are saying and HOW they are saying it. Pay close attention to the stage directions
and use the rhythm of the words, inflection, and pauses to get the character’s feelings across. For
instance, Lily HATES Oscar. You might try saying the words “I hate you” or “You’re hateful” in
different ways…then apply those rhythms and inflections to the written lines.
The Situation:
Oscar is a once-successful Broadway producer who has had a string of failures. In this scene his two
assistants have just expressed their feeling that it’s time to give up. They feel all is lost but Oscar’s ego
won’t let him give up.
OSCAR:
Look at the two of you….Judas Iscariot and his sister Sue. You think I’m finished!
They ALL think I’m finished! Just because I’ve had a failure. All right….four
failures!! But what glorious failures they were!! The burning of Joan of Arc in “The
French Girl” was the most transcendent theatrical experience since the tomb scene in
Romeo & Juliet. (Determined) Let my enemies gloat. Let them kick me when I’m
down. But every time they think I’m through, I rise again! (Gaining confidence) Like
David against Goliath….like the Phoenix from the ashes….ah ha!!! I rise again..
The Situation:
Oscar has approached Lily as asked her to star in his new play. She was once deeply in love with him but
now cannot stand the sight of him and informs him of that in no uncertain terms
Lily:
Star in your show? (with mock-interest) Let me see…when would I be available?
March? September? 1933? ’34? How about Never! That’s it! NEVER!!! (Now
letting her true feelings show) Go and crawl back under your rock. You have ruined
my life for the last time. I don’t need you. I don’t need anybody. And the day I
realized that was the first day I was ever really alive! I had to be on my own, to prove
to the world that I exist without the great Oscar Jaffe!! (He takes her hand) Let go
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of me you ape.
TWENTIETH CENTURY Rehearsal Schedule
Sun
3
Mon
4
Tue
5
Read Through – Full Cast
3:30
10
11
18
12
25
Leads
6
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
21
22
23
28
Notes:
Full Cast
3:30
19
Leads
24
~ February 2013 ~
Wed
Leads
3:30 – 4:45
(Fine Arts Night)
Leads
3:30
17
Xavier Theatre 2013
20
Full Cast
26
27
Full Cast
14
TWENTIETH CENTURY Rehearsal Schedule
Sun
3
Mon
4
11
~ March 2013 ~
Wed
Tue
5
Leads
3:30 – 4:30
10
Xavier Theatre 2013
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
Leads
3:30
Frosh Play Performance
6
Leads
3:30 – 4:30
12
Full Cast
3:30
Set Construction 9-noon
(not mandatory)
POSTER DA
17
18
19
Leads
3:30
24
31
20
21
22
23
29
30
Full Cast
3:30 Stumble Through
25
26
27
28
Full Cast
3:30 Run Through
Full Cast
3:30 Run Through
Full Cast
3:30 Run Through
Full Cast
½ Day
1:00 (Trouble Spots)
Set Construction 9-noon
(not mandatory)
Notes:
EASTER
15
TWENTIETH CENTURY Rehearsal Schedule
Sun
Mon
1
Xavier Theatre 2013
Tue
2
~ April 2013 ~
Wed
3
Thu
4
Fri
5
No Scheduled Rehearsal
Individuals may rehearse
7
Spring Play Brush up
Rehearsal 6-8 pm
Sat
6
Set Construction 9-noon
(not mandatory)
8
9
10
11
12
Spring Play Dress
Rehearsal 3:30 – 6pm
Spring Play Dress
Rehearsal 3:30 – 6pm
Spring Play Dress
Rehearsal 3:30 – 6pm
Spring Performance
7:30 pm
Spring Performance Spring Performance
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
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Strike
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Notes:
16