Thank you to all who applied for positions on our Tech Crews for this year’s Winter Musical, The Music Man, Jr!  We had 70 students complete the application and planned to take 30, but were able to make room for a few more.  Applications were reviewed, teacher recommendations were provided, and the list tries to balance those who were on crew last year, first choices for the crew a student wanted to be on, and a representation of all 3 grade levels.  If we could have taken all who applied, we would have, but there’s just no way to safely get that many students backstage along with the set pieces and the whole cast.

If your name is on this list, please plan to attend a meeting during Homeroom on Tuesday, December 9 in Mr. Cloonan’s Chorus Room A011.  We will hand out contracts, get you signed into our Google Classroom, and go over exact responsibilities and schedules.

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CREWS: Running/Set, Light/Sound, Hair/Make-up, Ushers

What is the crew?  Crew members are the behind-the-scenes members of a show that make the cast members come to life - building and moving set pieces, running the lights and sound, organizing costumes and make-up, and helping the audience to find their seats and get their programs.

What is expected of crew members? Crew meets separately from the cast at the beginning, since they have specific things they need to do. Because of the concerts that take place in December, we aren’t able to be on the stage to do work until January, so crews won’t begin meeting (except for one day to get contracts and calendars) until after winter break.

What types of crews are there? 

1. Running/Set Crew members help to create the set and work on stage to move set pieces at scene changes during the show 
2. Light/Sound Crew members help the high school student directors to run the light and sound boards
3. Hair & Make-up Crew members help the cast before the show and assist with costume changes
4. Ushers work as ticket scanners, people to pass out programs, and helpers for people who need to find their seats

When do I need to attend?
The calendar that the cast was given for January is on the other side of this page, but each group reports as follows:

• Running/Set Crew: Saturdays, Tech Week, Show Week, Preview Day, Performances
• Light/Sound Crew: Week of January 12, Tech Week, Show Week, Preview Day, Performances
• Hair/Make-Up Crew: One Saturday Rehearsal, Tech Week, Show Week, Preview Day, Performances
• Ushers: Photo Night, Preview Day, Performances (January 29, 30, & 31)

How can I join?  By Friday, November 14, 2025, complete the Crew Application Google Form WITH YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN.  There is a portion that parents need to complete so please make sure you discuss and fill it out together.  You must use your student email address to complete the form which is found posted at: https://www.nhchoiranddrama.net/2026-the-music-man-jr

Questions? Contact Mr. Cloonan ([email protected]).  He can be found at the middle school during periods 1-3 in Room A011 or after school most days in either the auditorium or A011 working with the cast. The rest of the day he is at the high school, so if you don’t find him, send an email!

The following scenes, songs, and dance combo were taught and discussed during the Tuesday, October 21 callback rehearsal.  Students will be called in groups to act, sing, and dance.

The PDF packet includes 2 choices for acting/reading scenes (you only have to do ONE with your partner).  The 2 versions of the vocal track to practice - one WITH vocals so you can sing along and one WITHOUT vocals that only have the instrumental background.  NO VOCALS is the one that will be used for the audition so the judges can hear each person singing.

There are 3 videos posted below:

1. Video #1 is Mr. Kelly going over the dance combo slowly without music as if he was standing in front of the group, so you see him from behind and do the movements in the same direction.
2. Video #2 is Mr. Kelly doing the dance combo with the music with his back to you.
3. Video #3 is the same as video 2 except Mr. Kelly is facing the camera so you can see what it looks like from the audience perspective.

  The audio file is for practicing to the song without help or video!

Note from Mr. Kelly:
Please make sure to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear and clothing that you can move in for the audition.  Either closed-toed tennis shoes or jazz shoes and no oversized pants that go past the ankle are recommended for full range of motion and keeping safe to avoid injuries!

Students signed up for audition days and times at the end of the October 8 rehearsal.  Audition days are:
Monday, October 13 from 3:00-6:00 in the LGI Room
Tuesday, October 14 from 3:00-6:00 in the LGI Room
Thursday, October 16 from 3:00-6:00 in the Auditorium

Sign ups are for hour slots (3:00-4:00, 4:00-5:00, and 5:00-6:00).  Students will be called in by their partner groups to do the singing and acting portion of the audition, then after between 8-10 students have gone, the group will be called back in to do their dance audition as a group.  Once a student has done all 3 parts (singing, acting, and dancing) they are dismissed.

NORTH HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB WINTER MUSICAL
2025-26 Audition Information

Who is Eligible to Participate?
The Winter Musical is open to all students in grades 6-8.  Positions are available in both the Cast and on the Crews.  More information about Crews will be shared in November at a separate meeting.

Audition Information:
Audition Practice Session: (not required, but HIGHLY recommended!)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025 from 3:00-4:30PM in the Middle School Auditorium.
We will teach the audition song and dance that will be required during auditions, as well as give time for students to practice the acting portion.  Sign-up sheets for audition days will be available at the end of the practice.

First Round: You may sign up to audition in groups of two (but a “partner” is not required).  When you are called into the audition room, each person will sing INDIVIDUALLY, then read the scene with a partner or director.  Please bring your completed Audition Information Form to give to the judges.  (This will be handed out when students arrive for their audition slot and it will be completed before coming into the audition room). At the end of every 8 auditions, we will call everyone who has auditioned in that group back into the audition room and you will perform the dance audition in a group.  Once your group has done all 3 parts, you may leave.

Sign-up sheets will be posted outside of Room A011 after the practice on October 8.  Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled audition if you go home and come back.  You are only required to stay for the hour that you sign up, and may leave after you have completed all three parts: singing, reading, and dancing.

• Monday, October 13 (LGI Room) 3:00-4:00, 4:00-5:00, 5:00-6:00
• Tuesday, October 14 (LGI Room) 3:00-4:00, 4:00-5:00, 5:00-6:00
• Thursday, October 16 (Auditorium) 3:00-4:00, 4:00-5:00 (5:00-6:00 if needed)

 
Callback Auditions: a list will be posted online at nhchoiranddrama.net (under the drama menu, then middle school) after school on Monday, October 20 indicating who is to come to callbacks.  These are times for the directors to hear and see people a second or third time so that we pick the best cast we can.  If you are not on the callback list, it DOES NOT mean you should panic.  You may already have a spot in the cast and we don’t need to hear or see anything else from you.  If you are on the callback list, you must attend all of the following:

• Tuesday, October 21 3:00-4:30  Rehearsal to learn new songs & practice scenes (Room A011)
• Wednesday-Thursday, October 22-23 3:00-5:00  Callback Auditions (Room A011)

The directors may decide to only hear certain people on each day.  That information will be communicated at the rehearsal on October 21, but plan on being available both Wednesday and Thursday.
 
Final Cast List Posted ONLINE 
Once callback auditions are completed, the directors will determine the cast list.  We will be taking about 65 students this year.  Unfortunately, NOT ALL STUDENTS THAT AUDITION WILL BE ACCEPTED INTO THE SHOW.  Once the list has been finalized, we will post it on the choir/drama website at (http://www.nhchoiranddrama.net > Drama > Middle School Drama Club).  This will likely happen Friday afternoon/evening, October 24, but possibly Saturday morning.

First Full Cast Rehearsal: 
If your name is on the list, you are expected to be at the first rehearsal on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 3:00-5:00PM in the Middle School Auditorium.  At this rehearsal, you’ll receive a complete schedule, script, and cast contract which must be signed and returned in order to be in the show.

There are student Drama Club dues of $50 required for each cast member.  This pays for your hoodie, food, and other costs throughout rehearsals and performances.  Any questions or concerns, email Mr. Cloonan ([email protected])

November & December 2025
Specific days and who should report will be distributed on the full schedule. 
The general schedule will be: After School from 3:00-4:00, 4:30 or 5:00 depending on what we are doing.
Dance rehearsal days are usually longer (5:00). Days of concerts there are usually no practices.