PENNBROOK THEATRE
2015-2016
Thank you for showing interest in Pennbrook Theatre. We are very excited about this year’s show, and we
hope to include as many students (and parents) as possible in all areas of our production. Each year, more than one
hundred and fifty students participate in the Pennbrook play. If you choose to become a part of this group, we
believe you will have a truly memorable experience.
As a member of the play, a great deal will be expected of you. The “rehearsal season” is long, and as opening
night approaches, the pressure will be great. You will also be expected to maintain your current level of academic
performance. (In other words, keep your grades up. If you have a problem with any class, please let someone know
ASAP so it does not become a bigger problem.)
We also require a $30 play fee to cover the cost of all lunches, play t-shirt and cast party. More information
about this will follow in December AFTER the cast list has been posted.
What will you get for your time and effort? We believe your gain will be great. You will form new
friendships. You will develop skills you may not have known you had. You will belong to a large group of people
that can count on each other for guidance, support, and encouragement. And when we close the show on March
19th, you will feel the thrill of being an important part of a great event.
Because of the large number of people interested in being a part of the show, and the importance of all our
members, your attendance is always necessary. We ask that you consider this to be your “winter sport.” We also ask
that you carefully review the attached calendar to make sure that you will be able to make a full commitment to this
show. If you are involved in a number of activities in and out of school, you will need to prioritize appropriately.
Please do not overextend yourself to the point that you are not able to meet all of your responsibilities. If you are
prepared to take on this commitment, we look forward to seeing you at auditions.
The audition process includes three elements:
1.
2.
3.
A brief, improvised activity, usually pantomimed. For this activity, you will be in group with 3 or 4 of
your peers. The main purpose of this activity is to help you calm your nerves and have some fun. Be big
here and try to stand out.
A vocal audition. You will sing individually, and you will sing two very short pieces. One piece will be
given to you prior to the audition. For the second piece, you can choose any song you like. Make it
appropriate and remember you will only sing a short passage from the song (probably 20-30 seconds).
Please refer to the “Tips for Vocal Audition” handout in this packet.
A reading from the audition script. You will be assigned a part when you enter the audition room.
Therefore, rather than preparing for a specific part, be familiar with the entire audition script. You do
NOT have to memorize anything. You can read from the script during the audition, but you should be
familiar enough with the script that you can also act and react to others during the reading.
Please complete the attached application, and return it to the theater mailbox located by Mrs. Behrens’ desk
by November 12, 2015. Parents, we are also in need of some district approved volunteers during auditions. District
approved means that all clearances have been submitted and approved by the ESC. If you are able to help, please
email Ms. McTamney at mctamndm@npenn.org.
Thank you again for your interest in Pennbrook Theater, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Directors:
Mr. Joe O’Brien (obrienjw@npenn.org)
Mrs. Bobbie Renzi (bobbier22@yahoo.com)
Musical Director:
Mrs. Katie Campbell (campbeka@npenn.org)
Production/Program/Scheduling Questions
Ms. Dianne McTamney (mctamndm@npenn.org)