The Little Mermaid

January 12-15, 2023 at the Victoria Theatre

Cast audition schedule

Mon, Sept 26…..4-5pm, 5-6pm, 6-7pm…..Open cast auditions for grades 2-7
Fri, Sept 30…..4-5pm, 5-6pm, 6-7pm…..Open cast auditions for grades 2-7
Tues, Oct 11…..Notifications sent

Health & Safety

This year, every student in the production must bring a face mask to every rehearsal. The producer will determine whether the company is required to wear masks at each rehearsal based on the current risk level of the community and surrounding communities. Participants will also be required to make frequent use of hand sanitizer.

Who we are looking for

People who want to act, dance and sing! Don’t worry if you’re not experienced because we look favorably upon those with potential. There’s room for many levels of talent. Many performers are needed – this is a large ensemble comedy/drama and we need all types!

Muse Machine Membership

Whether or not you need to be a Muse Machine student member can be a tricky question for younger students — here’s how it works:
• If you are in grades 2, 3 or 4, you do not and cannot become a Muse Machine member (and membership is not required for you to audition for the musical).
• If you are in grade 7, you do need to be a Muse Machine member to audition for the musical. You may join at musemachine.com/member – either find your school on the list or join near the bottom where it says “My School Is Not On The List.”
• For grades 5 and 6 the answer varies. Please check the list of schools at musemachine.com/member and if your school is listed there, check that form to see if your grade requires membership. If your school is not listed on that page, then you do not need to be a member to audition for the musical.

Diversity

Both as a performance and a creative experience, Muse Machine’s musicals are stronger when they reflect the community and world around us. Students of all races and ethnicities are cast in roles regardless of what the original actors may have looked like. In our version of this show, for example, different members of a family may be performed by actors of different races and ethnic backgrounds.

How the auditions for grades 2-7 will work

Request an audition appointment at musemachine.com (under the “Musical & Concert” tab, select “Info”). The earlier you request an appointment, the better your chance of getting the time you want. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointed time. Your appointment will consist of a song audition, followed by a group movement and dance audition. For this age group, we have selected the song excerpt which you can find on this page. You will be free to leave after your dance audition. Your entire appointment may run approximately 60 minutes.

What to bring with you

• Muse membership card or a note from your advisor confirming your Muse membership (if you are a member – see membership details above).
• Four copies of a recent picture of yourself. Your face should be clearly visible (computer print-outs are fine)
• Please wear clothes in which you can move and dance comfortably.
• Please wear flat sole shoes such as Keds or Vans (not high-traction shoes).

Most of the performers in our shows have not had previous dance training! We are looking for personality, rhythm and character, not just training!

During the audition you will…

• Sing First: Below you will find the sheet music and a video recording for the song excerpt for all grade 2-7 auditions. Rehearse this excerpt on your own. We will review the song with you before your audition.

Lyrics/Sheet Music

• Then Dance: When the songs for your session are finished, your group will reassemble for the movement and dance audition. You will be taught a brief dance routine. You do not need previous dance experience – the format of the audition is simply “do what I do”.

What will be expected of me if I am cast?

You will need to be available for rehearsals at the Muse Machine studio, Monday – Thursday from 4:30—8:30pm, Saturdays from 10:00am—5:00 pm, and Sundays 1:00—5:00pm. On many occasions (especially in October and November), the young cast members will meet only one or two days a week, typically for no more than 90 minutes. That frequency and length begins to evolve in December and January. We will not rehearse on most Fridays. Each actor will only need to attend selected rehearsals. A complete schedule will be available at the time notification letters are sent. We are extremely flexible with school conflicts for other performances, etc. There can be no rehearsal conflicts January 6—16. You must be willing to try new things, work hard, meet new people and have fun!

Audition tips

• Be confident—if you make a mistake, just continue! If you need to backtrack a bit before resuming, that’s fine. As long as you’re basically prepared, mistakes don’t count against you. We’re friendly, we know how nerve-wracking auditions can be, and we just want to see what you can offer.

• Be loud! The Victoria Theatre holds almost 1,200 audience members. They need to hear you—and so do we.

• Personality counts—show yours! Personality can be a huge factor in making the cast. We cannot emphasize this enough!

Location of the auditions

The Muse Machine third floor offices and fourth floor studio in the Metropolitan Arts Center (next to the Victoria Theatre near the corner of First and Main Streets); 126 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402. Look for the awning which says “The Loft”.

Request an audition appointment for grades 2-7