A lewd, rude and joyous portrait of working-class teen greasers on Chicago’s Northwest Side in the 1950s.

Writer, Composer & Lyricist Jim Jacobs: 'It was about having rock 'n' roll bands and leather jackets and beehive hairdos; about doing a lot of smoking and spitting on the sidewalk and giving the finger to people, about a guy getting a car in your neighbourhood which was like suddenly, 'Oh hey, wow, you know so and so got wheels? Let's all go and hang out with him'...'

Rules, Restrictions & Prohibitions There was alarm about teens dating and "heavy petting." Talk about sex was taboo and could be punishable. Dancing to rock'n'roll music was often banned, with teen dances shut down and records banned. Hot rods were considered dangerous. All it took was a few fatal accidents and the other 99% of the custom cars and hot rods were considered a menace to public safety. Boy's hair touching the ears wasn't allowed, punishable by expulsion from school. Most girls weren't allowed to wear pants, and boys weren't allowed to wear blue jeans. The new slang - hipster talk - bothered most adults. It was part African American, part beatnik and part street gang... an offensive combination in the eyes of the status quo.

Teenage Icons

T-Birds & Pink Ladies LOVE; FRIENDSHIP; LOYALTY FunnyKENICKIERebellionRIZZOSpirited AggressivePromiscuous LeaderDANNYChange 4SANDYStrong VainLoveConformist LoyalSONNYFatherMARTYSharp ImmatureFigureOpportunist Self-AwareROGERHumourJANSensitive GluttonousComfort Eater CreativeDOODYDreamsFRENCHYKind Naïve Dropout REBELLIOUS; ARGUMENTATIVE; GROWING UP TOO FAST

The Rule Makers & The Rule Breakers Eugene Florczyk – the class valedictorian; physically awkward, with weak eyes and a high-pitched voice. He's a typical 'apple-polisher' - both smug and pompous, but gullible. Patty Simcox – a typical cheerleader; attractive, athletic, sure-of-herself, but can be given to bursts of disconcerting enthusiasm. She's a bit of a pain and unpopular with the Pink Ladies, and can twirl a baton. Miss Lynch – A no-nonsense, serious, loud, English teacher Cha-Cha, aka Charlene DiGregorio - the best dancer at St. Bernadette's; a loud mouth, she wins the dancing competition with Danny. Teen Angel – The type of singer who would have caused girls to scream and riot back in Vince Fontaine – a typical 'teen audience' disc jockey; slick, egotistical and fast-talking. He is also a veteran 'Greaser.‘ An assortment of jocks, cheerleaders, geeks, rule-makers & rule breakers.

What we… …don’t want: Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta Divas Wannabe “stars” Finished products Show offs Cliques Apples …do want: Potential Raw talent Originality Team players Chemistry Realism Bravery Sparkle

SATURDAY 4 th JULY - PETER SYMONDS COLLEGE, WINCHESTER am - 5pm SUNDAY 5 th JULY - ST FAITH'S PARISH HALL, ST CROSS, WINCHESTER am - 5pm Show Week: Monday 15 th – Saturday 20 th February 2016 All audition pieces will all be taught on Saturday. Wear appropriate clothes - no tight jeans; short shorts, high heels. Bring plenty of food and drink. Chorus can leave at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. The cast will be finalised before the summer holidays. Rehearsals will start on Sunday 6th September at 1.45pm till 5pm. There are additional rehearsals for principals and dancers. It is really important that you attend all rehearsals. Enjoy! Audition Weekend – The Other Important Stuff

ENCORE YOUTH THEATRE THEATRE ROYAL WINCHESTER FEBRUARY 2016