A NEW WAY TO REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS

A NEW WAY TO REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS

  Mac Warren    President, The Muni

Our Auditions Committee has been hard at work this year moving our (former) paper registration process to a (new) online registration process, allowing individuals to register for a vocal and dance audition through an online form. Auditionees will be able to manage their own vocal and dance audition registrations, update their contact information, and much more.  If you'd like to learn more about the online audition registration form, make sure to attend the Audition Workshop on February 15!

Adult Auditions for the 2014 Muni Season will take place March 1, 2 & 8 with call-backs on March 9. Chidren’s Auditions will take place on March 15 with call-backs on March 16. Learn more about auditions, including how to sign up, what to prepare, and what to expect on our Auditions page.

President's Message

JOIN US FOR THE MUNI’S 2014 SEASON

 Mac Warren   President, The Muni

We have such an exciting line up of shows this summer – The Sound of Music, All Shook Up, Shrek-The Musical, and Jekyll & Hyde – and, based on your feedback, we've made an important new change to our schedule.

New in 2014... Patrons will now be able to enjoy each of our four Muni productions for THREE WEEKS instead of two!  We listened to your feedback and by eliminating our traditional Sunday and Wednesday performance days, we were able to extend the run of each production for a third weekend of Broadway Under the Stars. 

I’d also like to give special thanks to our season sponsors.  Organizations and individuals like Springfield Clinic, Paul Palazzolo County Auditor, McGladrey and Illini Bank are absolutely wonderful for supporting local theatre, and ensure there is plenty of Muni Magic each and every summer.

I look forward to seeing you at The Muni!

ATTEND THE MUNI’S AUDITION WORKSHOP

Our annual "Audition Workshop" is coming up on Saturday, February 15.  This is a great opportunity for individuals (new and veteran performers alike) to meet the production staffs, obtain information about auditions and volunteering at The Muni, and get first "dibs" on vocal and dance audition times/days.  The annual Audition Workshop is at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, and you'll find more information about it in Sightlines.

GET YOUR SEASON PASSES BEFORE THEY ARE GONE

You've picked them up already, right?  If not, no worries, there's still time to make sure you are ready to enjoy fantastic shows this season like The Sound of Music, All Shook Up, Shrek-The Musical and Jekyll & Hyde.  Season tickets are a great way to save money and make a great gift for someone special.  So treat yourself or a friend to a slice of Muni magic!  Season tickets are available at local retailers in Springfield, Jacksonville, Sherman and Williamsville.

VOLUNTEER & BECOME PART OF THE MUNI FAMILY

Do you have a special talent and need a great place to share that talent?  The Muni is an all-volunteer organization, and we'd love for you to share your talent with us.  Each year, The Muni is so grateful for the 1,000+ individuals who help with things like building sets, raking leaves, painting and scene art, repairs on the site, building special props, ushering during performances, and much more.  We can’t do it without them, and would appreciate your help too!  If you are interested in contributing to “The Muni Magic", please contact our Volunteers Chair, Julie Finnell at juliefinnellmuni@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR BACKSTAGERS PROGRAM

There are many opportunities to become part of The Muni family, even if being on stage or part of a set crew isn't your cup of tea.  Each year, we are honored to have the support of a very special group of individuals called the "Backstagers".  The charitable contributions we receive from the Backstagers are an enormous help to the organization.  There are added benefits to being a Backstager … along with our sincere gratitude, Backstagers enjoy premiere parking and priority season ticketing.  Read more about becoming a Backstager.

THE MUNI’S TOP 10 AUDITION TIPS

THE MUNI’S TOP 10 AUDITION TIPS

 The Early Bird Gets The Worm

 #1.      Sign Up for An Audition Slot Early Those who attend The Muni’s Audition Workshop on February 18 will be given the opportunity to be the first to sign up for a vocal and dance audition slot. (Everyone else will be able to use our online form starting February 19). Registering early secures the day/time of your choosing and eliminates having to wait around for an available audition slot to open. 

 Be Thorough In Completing Your Form

#2.       Fill Out Your Audition Form Completely. It is important that you follow directions when completing the online form and that you fill out the entire form, being sure to include all show information (rankings, parts, etc.) and any conflicts you have that may interfere with the rehearsal schedule. Incomplete forms will need to be redone on audition day and may cause you to be delayed. 

Showcase Your Talent

#3.       Choose Your Audition Piece Wisely.(Maximum length of audition song allowed is 2 minutes.) Decide well in advance what song you will be singing, taking into account what will best demonstrate what you can do and with which you are comfortable.  Pick a song that meshes well with the style of musical/character parts for which you are auditioning. Also be sure to keep the accompaniment in mind. Pick a song that is not overly-difficult to play and always make sure that it is transposed in the correct key. Have everything clearly marked (tempo, cuts, repeats, etc.).  You will have only a brief moment to discuss your piece with an accompanists, so being prepared will make the process easier for both of you!  

Practice Good Vocal Health

#4.       Me,Me,Me,Me,Me,Me! Be sure to warm up appropriately the day of auditions. We will help you with that with a group warm up prior to your audition! Staying hydrated, being well-rested and maintaining good physical health will help promote good vocal health.

Give it Time!  

#5.       Arrive Early. We recommend you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your audition slot to give you time to check-in and to attend the vocal warm-up session. Allowing yourself not to be rushed will help squelch some of those audition nerves we all feel!

Put Your Best Foot Forward

#6.       Sing Before You Dance:   We are asking all auditionees to sing before they dance this year. This benefits the auditionees in that staff have seen you sing, have your paperwork and know your preferences. If you will be participating in the “Dance” audition, plan to dress appropriately (No street shoes are allowed on the dance floor so please be sure to wear dance shoes or socks.) Also, make sure that you are appropriately covered taking into account that you will be jumping, rolling, kicking and doing a variety of other physical moves.  And remember, have fun, smile and enjoy the experience!  An auditionee having fun is often more impressive than a perfect dancer that has no fun!  

Make It Work People

#7.       Muscle through!   Regardless if you have a cold, didn't get enough sleep or fumble on the words of your song, the best thing you can do is march on and give it your best!  Focus on the positive and don't worry about explaining why things didn't go as planned.

Take a Deep Breath

#8.       Manage Your Stress. Auditions can be stressful even for the most experienced performer. Being prepared, visualizing your audition going well, and controlling your breathing are just a few tips that can help make your audition a little less stressful. And remember, all those watching truly want to see you do your very best!  

"X" Marks the Spot

#9.       Stand & Deliver. The Muni videotapes all auditions and, therefore, requires auditionees to remain standing in the (literal) “X” marking the spot. Keeping movement to a minimum and remaining on the "X" on the floor will allow the show staff to focus on your audition. 

The 3 “Cs” Of A Good Audition

#10.     Be Comfortable, Charismatic & Confident. Actors have to command attention. Speak clearly and perform to the best of your ability, giving it your all. When it’s over, no matter how you think you did, be sure to focus on what you did well. Save the critique for tomorrow, and be kind to yourself when you do. It takes courage to do what you’ve just done!