ARGONAUTIKA
FALL PLAY
AUDITION PACKET
About the show
The play tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts and his quest to get the Golden Fleece. The play
opens with the goddess Hera testing Jason’s honor and he passes by carrying her over a flooded river
and in the process loses one of his sandals . From the then on, Here and Athena guide him through
his quest. Jason’s uncle King Pelias has taken the throne from the rightful king, Jason’ father. The
prophecy is that a one-sandaled man will kill King Pelias. When Jason shows up to Pelias’ palace,
Pelias knows that Jason might fulfill the prophecy so he sends Jason on the quest for the Golden
Fleece in hopes that he will die. Jason assemble a crew of Argonauts and they face many obstacles
along the way.
Eventually they get to Colchis where the King Aeetes has the Golden Fleece. Jason must face the
obstacles of bulls, skeleton, and a dragon to get the Fleece. Hera and Athena convince Aphrodite to
get Eros(Cupid) to make Medea, daughter to Aeetes, fall in love with Jason. Medea helps Jason with
potions she has made and they escape together with the Fleece to be pursued by her brother and
fiancee. Medea kills her brother in order for Jason to get away successfully. In the end the crew is
successful but on the return home most of them die. Jason becomes king but must marry someone
else to secure the throne, and Medea kills their children because of this event.
Style of the show
The show is how we can tell stories in ways only theatre can tell. The show is a lot of storytelling and
movement to convey meaning. The acting should have a truth to it, but is not necessarily realism. It is
heighted, just like the story being told.
Mary Zimmerman is a Chicago based writer and director. Other plays include, ​
The Arabian Nights,
The Odyssey, The White Snake, A Secret in the Wings​
, and her Tony Award winning, ​
Metamorphosis​
.
Collaboration
This show was written and developed by the director and the actors. They brought unique talents to
their roles and they adapted the piece as the rehearsed. While the text and the action is there as a
basic structure, Mary Zimmerman says to utilize and create the action in your own way. We are
looking for performers that can bring ideas to the table as we tell this story.
Musicians
Music plays an important role in telling the story. Possible instruments include percussion, reeds, and
strings. If musicians are interested in being a part of the show and auditioning, please see Mr. Skobel.
They will also be a part of this collaborative show and help contribute to composing the underscores
and transitions that happen over the course of the show.
Characters
This show can be done with as little 15 performers or expanded into as many
performers as we need depending on the skills brought by each performer.
Men
Argonauts
Gods/Creatures
Jason-the hero of the story
Hercules-brave hero from legend
Hylas-Hercules faithful companion
Idmon -the blind prophet
Meleager-a fierce warrior
Castor -brother to Pollux
Pollux-Brother to Castor
Tiphys-the ship’s pilot
Uncle to Meleager
Others
King Pelias-Jason's Uncle
Aeson-Jason’s father
Aeetes-King of Colchis, Medea’ father
Styrus-Medea’s fiancee
Apsyrotos-Medea’s brother
Phineus-a man tortured by harpies
Female
Argonauts
Gods/Creatures
Others
Atalanta- fast warrior
Polyphemus-a crew member
Hera-A guide to Jason
Athena-guide to Jason & narrator
Ghost-Aeson’s mother
Rumor
Dryope-sea nymph
Aphrodite-goddess of love
Goddess of the Desert
Medea-helps and loves Jason
Andromeda-sacrificed to a monster
Four women of Lemnos
Alcimede-Jason’s mother
Meleager’s mother
Gods/Creatures
Boreas
Eros(Cupid)
Others
Cepheus-servant to Pelias
Asterion-servant to Pelias
Dymas
Aeete’s servant/messenger
Either Gender
Argonauts
Zetes
Euphemos
IMPORTANT DATES
■ INFORMATIONAL MEETING Tuesday, 9/1, PAC – 3:30 – 4:00
■ AUDITIONS Tuesday 9/8 and 9/9– Drama Rm. - 3:30 – 7:00
■ CALLBACKS Thursday, 9/10 – Drama Rm. – 3:30 – 8:00 THINGS To BRING TO YOUR AUDITION
■ AUDITION CONTRACT (Must be signed by parental guardian and yourself)
■ ALL CONFLICTS – REFERENCE ATTACHED PRODUCTION CALENDAR (SPECIFIC DATES &
TIMES)
■ AUDITION FORM / RESUME / PHOTOGRAPH
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
The audition schedule/signup will be located on the Theatre Callboard outside the Choir Room. After
signing up for your audition, select one of the audition monologues to perform (Available online
under Mr. Skobel’s webpage.)
HOW DOES THE AUDITION PROCESS WORK?
As stated, once you’ve signed up, choose one of the monologue selections on the website listed above.
Make sure that you ARRIVE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE your scheduled audition time. Check
in with the hall monitor and give them your headshot and materials. You will be performing in front
of the handful of students in your scheduled time slot. Once finished, you are free to leave. The
callback list will be posted on the Drama Website before 10pm on Thursday, 9/4
MOVEMENT PORTION The group you audition with will have some time to prepare a movement piece that tells the story of
overcoming an obstacle. The website has some additional movement handouts to help you prepare
for this portion. This is not a dance, rather, we want you as a group to showcase how you can tell a
story through movement. The song that will underscore is ​
Mars-Bringer of War​
by Holst and it is the
1:00-2:30 portion of the song.
HOW DO CALLBACKS WORK?
The callback schedule will be posted along with the callback list. The sides are posted on Mr. Skobel’s
website. You will have the day to know your sides and after school have time to rehearse them. There
will be time scheduled after the callbacks for both additional requests from Mr. Skobel and requests
from the auditionees to have another chance at a side or do a side you did not have scheduled and
would like to showcase.
The final cast list will be posted on the Drama Website before 10pm on Wednesday, 9/9​
. AUDITION FORM
Name: ________________________ Height __________________________
Email: __________________________Cell Phone ______________________
Grade (Circle one): Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Do you work? ___________ Where? ________________________________________
Are you currently enrolled in a Drama class? _________ Please specify which Drama courses
you’ve completed : ______________________________________________________
Theatrical Experience/Special Skills:​
List all plays, musicals and roles played; anything you feel
is important for us to know. Include dance/voice lessons or experience. Please attach your resume
or use the back of this form if needed. Any special talents? List them!
List ANY conflicts you may have during the Production Season.​
Please reference the
attached TENTATIVE rehearsal schedule for your convenience. Also note the NO CONFLICT ZONES.
If not cast, are you interested in working on Crew or as an usher? Yes _____ No ______
Have you ever been academically ineligible? Yes _____ No _____
Please initial that you have read and signed your Contract___________
Lake Zurich High School Theatre Department
Student Audition Contract
Schedules & Conflicts
Participation in a theatre production requires a tremendous time commitment so carefully consider
whether you are willing and able to make the commitment. The number of other commitments you
have should help you determine if you have the time to be in this production. The production
commitment for ​
Argonautika​
will be September 12, through Strike on the evening of November 14.
All students cast in this show must be available for all rehearsals unless otherwise arranged.
During the first few weeks, rehearsals will primarily take place Monday- Thursday from 3:30-5:30
pm. Thereafter, participants should expect rehearsals from 3:30 to 6:30. In the weeks prior to
opening, rehearsals will be extended to 8:00pm. This includes a number of Saturday rehearsals
through much of the process.
The attached Production Calendar outlines the general rehearsal times. Please know that specific
actor call times are posted on a week by week basis. The weekly schedule will be available
online as well as the Drama Callboard outside the Choir Room. Students are not required to
attend rehearsal if they are not specifically called on a given day. Know that dates labeled
“TBA” should be considered full cast rehearsals until otherwise noted. Moreover, all cast and crew
members are required to attend and participate in Strike. Failure to attend Strike or complete your
assignment will make you ineligible to audition for the remainder of the production season.
Multiple conflicts with the rehearsal and Strike schedules may determine if you can be cast.
Please list all current conflicts and commitments on your audition form. It is important that parents
are consulted to check for any and all known family/church, co-curricular and work
commitments, as well as medical appointments, private lessons, college trips, etc. Students are
allowed 3 Excused Absences over the course of the rehearsal schedule. Absences are considered
excused if they were listed on your audition form or if you gave notice to and received permission
from the Director, at least three days prior to your being absent. A note from a parent after the
fact does not constitute an "excused absence". Attendance will be taken every rehearsal and 3
unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the show.
School Attendance
As stated in the student handbook, students must attend 5 ACADEMIC classes during the school
day to participate in after-school activities. This includes both rehearsals and performances. If you
are sick, and cannot make 5 ACADEMIC classes that day, you will be considered too ill to
rehearse or perform that evening. Aside from academic field trips and medical appointments,
there are no exceptions to this rule. If you are ill, you or your parent must contact the director
immediately after contacting the attendance office so they may plan accordingly. Even if students
are planning to attend the second half of the school day, they must contact the director so they
may be informed about your condition. If students fail to contact the director, they will be
considered unexcused.
Academic Eligibility
As stated in the Student Handbook, students must maintain a minimum grade point average to
participate in co-curricular activities. If a student’s grades cause them to become academically
ineligible to participate, it can result in dismissal from the show. Any student who appears on the
weekly Academic Watch List is required to attend study sessions. Students who fail to attend the
required study sessions or who become academically ineligible on three occasions can be
dismissed from the cast/crew at the discretion of the director.
Production Expectations
Actors are expected to come to rehearsal on time, dressed in comfortable clothing, and prepared
to work at 3:30. Each actor must also have their own paper and pencil available at every
rehearsal. When not actively rehearsing, actors should be doing homework. Actors may not leave
the drama room/designated rehearsal or work space without the permission of the Director.
Property of the drama department/club, including but not limited to, costumes, props, concessions,
or office supplies are not to be removed, borrowed or used without the permission of the Director.
It is imperative that students and parents act respectfully toward the program, directors,
production team members, other parent volunteers, etc. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior or
failure to work in a cooperative manner will result in dismissal from the show or prevention from
participating in future shows.Students/parents are responsible for returning any non-rental costumes
dry-cleaned by a specific date. This date will be posted in the dressing rooms. If a student does not
comply with this they will be charged for the costume and they will not be allowed to audition for the
next production. Seniors will not be allowed to receive their diploma at graduation, if costumes have
not been returned.
Photos and Publicity
The Publicity Chairperson is responsible for garnering publicity for the show. This includes
publishing stories and photographs in the newspaper and on the website. Therefore, it is
reasonable and customary to expect that your child will be photographed and that student names
be associated with these photos. By signing this you agree to allow your child’s photograph to
appear in publicity related to this show.
Fees and other financial expectations
Costume Fee​
– A $45 fee which covers the cost of costume rentals & cleaning, making costumes,
renting props, purchasing or renting wigs, specialty make-up, and technical equipment. Actors
may be asked to provide some costume pieces, including shoes and/or dance shoes.
District 95 Activity Fee​
– A $75 fee paid directly to the district per production.
Make-Up Fee​
– Actors are required to provide their own make-up kit based on a list provided by
the Costume Coordinator. In some instances students will be asked to use special make-up and
supplies provided by the department; this does not relieve the student from the responsibility of
providing their own make-up kit.
NO STUDENT WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE PRODUCTION DUE TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.
Please contact the director if you would like to request assistance.
Other Commitments and Obligations
EVERY actor is required to put in 2 hours of set construction. The set construction dates will be
listed on the call board. Please sign up in advance for the set hours you will attend; set
construction sign-up will be posted on the call board. You must have attended and passed the
STAGECRAFT I class prior to putting in your set construction hours. Failure to attend set
construction will be counted as an unexcused absence. The actor will also be required to attend set
make-up dates. The production schedule will list the date actors are expected to be ‘off book’. All lines
must be memorized by this deadline. In the event an actor is not putting in the time outside of
rehearsal, they may be removed from the production.A mandatory Parent Information Meeting will in
the first weeks of the fall calendar. At least one of the actor’s parents is required to attend the Parent
Information Meeting. Your attendance is crucial; if neither parent is able attend the meeting, a parent
should contact the producer, in advance, either by phone or email. Here, we will ensure that you
receive all of the show information. Failure of the parent to attend or contact the director will result in
an unexcused absence for the actor. We welcome and strongly encourage parents to volunteer to assist
with the technical and production aspects of the show. This information will be given out at the Parent
Information Meeting and you will be able to ask questions about volunteering.
Director Contact Information
Director: Tom Skobel
tom.skobel@lz95.org
Audition Contract Acknowledgement
Please keep the prior Student Audition Contract pages for your records. Please complete and sign this
form and staple it on top of your Audition Form. If you are including a resume, please staple it behind
the Audition Form. Students will not be allowed to audition without a completed Audition Form or
without an Audition Contract Acknowledgement signed by their parent.
We have read and we understand the Audition Contract and agree to the conditions.
(Please print clearly)
Student Name: ___________________________________________________________
Student Email: _______________________________Cell #: _____________________
_______________________________________________ Date: ______________
Student Signature
Parents Name: __________________________________________________________
Parent Email 1: ________________________________ Cell #: ____________________
_______________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent Signature
Parents Name: __________________________________________________________
Parent Email 2: ________________________________ Cell #: ____________________
_______________________________________________ Date _________________
Parent Signature