Chicago: High School Edition Workshop 2018 Wfbhstheater.com

WHAT IS THIS MUSICAL ALL ABOUT? Welcome to 1920s Chicago. Young wife and unsuccessful chorine, Roxie Hart, has just killed her lover who announced he was leaving her. Famous performer, Velma Kelly, has also been charged with murder for killing her husband and her sister after learning of their affair. As both women’s paths cross in prison, they try to work with Mama Morton and the ever-famous lawyer, Billy Flynn, to clear their name while using their notoriety to garner fame and fortune. This show provides a scathing commentary of a corrupt justice system where fame and money are more important that truth and justice.

How is Chicago Similar to / Different From Legally Blonde? Heavy Dance Shows Satire—They teach important lessons indirectly Lots of amazing opportunities for leads and for chorus DIFFERENT: Tone (focus): murder, corruption, & Fame vs. Marriage, Law School, and Personal Growth Tone (Music): a jazz musical vs. a pop musical Dance Style: Fosse vs. Lots of Variety

What does this mean for you? Auditions: SINGING: One Day Monologue & DANCE AUDITION: One Day What are we looking for? SINGING, DANCING, and ACTING Commit to STYLE & TONE of show Prepare yourself for these changes: Prepare: TONE (be ready to be grittier) Monologue Song Dance

Rest of Today 1st Half: 2nd Half: Time With Mr. Johnston: Chorus Room LEARN SONGS DISCUSS HOW TO ACT WHILE SINGING PRACTICE SONGS Time with Ms. Kind-Keppel: Cafeteria Discuss HOW TO AUDITION LEARN ABOUT LEAD CHARACTERS Audition Form & Monologue: DISCUSS STRONG ACTING CHOICES 2nd Half: Time with Ms. Wozniak: The Link LEARN DANCE PRACTICE/PERFECT DANCE

GO DO IT!!!

AUDITIONING TIPS Perception: Confident and Likable BEGINNING OF AUDITION Posture Eye Contact Handing Sheet END OF AUDITION Smile & Make Eye Contact Say THANK YOU Walk out confidently NO MATTER WHAT

AUDITIONING TIPS CONTINUED FOCUS When you SING & give MONOLOGUE Do NOT look at AUDITIONERS (Johnston, Woz, AND K2) WHY? We will concentrate on smiling and supporting you rather than specifically observing you INSTEAD: Find a spot (usually just above head level) Direct song and monologue to that spot

ACTING We WILL be evaluating your acting. We will do so while you SING AND during your MONOLOGUE You CAN memorize or USE a MUSIC/SCRIPT  Becoming a character Lyrics of song/ words of the script: WHO IS THIS CHARACTER? what is this character thinking? What do they want? How does this song/speech reflect who they are? Their life? How can you communicate that while you sing and speak? PHYSICALLY: How does character stand? Walk? What would the character’s gestures be like? VOCALLY: How does the song/speech reflect who the character is? How do you communicate that in your voice? How can you use dynamics/variation to communicate the character? How can you use tone? How can you use articulation?

MANY Memorable Smaller Roles Lots of Opportunities 4 Leads MANY Memorable Smaller Roles MALE ROLES WE NEED YOU!

Billy Flynn and Amos Roxie Hart’s husband The most famous lawyer in Chicago Can free anyone from any crime for the right price Is the most direct about who he is— which is oddly admirable Roxie Hart’s husband Loves Roxie but is invisible to her and the rest of the world  Most likable character in the show

The Masters of Ceremonies These gentlemen introduce many of the iconic numbers They also point out, through their sly wit, the ironies and corruption that exists throughout the show.

Smaller Memorable Roles, TOO! FEMALE ROLES Lots of Opportunities 4 Leads Cellblock Tango Group Smaller Memorable Roles, TOO! WE NEED YOU!

Velma Kelly & Roxie Hart Failed chorus girl Believes that the fame she is gaining from her murder trial will shoot her to stardom Learns how to play the game of fame and corruption expertly Famous Performer Killed her husband and sister—hopes her fame will help her escape justice Rough and tough exterior Vulnerability exists that she often successfully hides

Mama Morton & Mary Sunshine A reporter who “sees the Best” in each case she hears Her attempts at “do-Gooder” behavior allows murderers to run free as long and Billy Flynn can develop a sob story She runs the prison She is a major force of corruption—if you can pay her and get in her good graces—she can get you to billy Flynn Strong, brash, and is honest about who she is—which is oddly appealing

The Cell Block Tango Crew NEEDS: Strong Dancers Strong Singers Outside Comfort Zone to commit to character SASSY CORE CHORUS