This page will be regularly updated with news and pictures so you can follow the whole process from the auditions, to casting and rehearsals through to the show itself in March 2009.
Friday 14th November
1st rehearsal
People often ask when they’ve seen a musical at Guthlaxton - “how do you manage to get such a high standard?” This is why - starting over 4 months before the show. Through hard work and determination and with Mr Dacey demanding his high expectations are met.
Right from the start the cast get to grips with the vocal arrangements and the challenge ahead. It is also a great chance for everyone to have a look around, see some familiar faces and some new ones and get to know who they’ll be working with for the next 4 months!
Friday 7th November
Cast announced!
The main cast list is on the performing notice board but the lead roles this year are as follows:
| Curly: | Michael Lanni |
| Laurey: | Kathryn Oram |
| Ado Annie: | Jessica-Lee Hopkins |
| Ali Hakim: | Amar Aggoun |
| Will Parker: | Lewis Wills |
| Jud Fry: | Joe Dowsing |
| Aunt Ella: | Rebecca Mason |
Congratulations to everyone involved and a huge thank you to everyone who auditioned this year… now the hard work begins!
Wednesday 5th November
2nd Recalls!
The singing takes place at lunchtime and again, the commitment and energy of the students is fantastic. All of the students could pull of the roles they have been recalled for and are a credit to themselves.
After college the students read through scenes now, acting opposite different people to demonstrate their skills and suitability.
It has been a long day and a long process and decisions have been made – the list will go up for students on Friday.
Friday 31st October
Recalls for Main Parts
With the dance auditions completed, the recall list is announced and today is the day that the shortlisted few come in to sing and now act scenes from the script. Some students are recalled for more than just one part and it is a long night for all concerned.
The attitude of the students is excellent and the energy they commit to each performance and the general talent on display makes the process all the more difficult.
At the end of the night it has been so difficult that the staff decide to recall some students again for further readings and singing the following Wednesday!
Thursday 30th October
Recalls!
It is the recalls tonight for the lead roles in the show. From around a 100 students who auditioned we are down to a small selection who will sing and act for the Performing Arts panel as we cast the main characters. It is usually a long night, with auditionees performing several times as they are put through their paces!
Full cast details to be announced!
Tuesday 7th October
Auditions Begin
First round of auditionees pass through the door of A1.13 to be greeted by a selection of Performing Arts staff. After brief chat about their previous performing experience it’s on to the exciting/frightening part of singing your chosen song from the show. Feedback isn’t given at this stage although some reassuring words are often needed for those who are a little overwhelmed. Once they’ve finished it’s now a wait until the dance auditions and further recalls.
The first night is always exciting as it feels like the show is starting properly and staff start to picture songs, scenes and characters and we know that March 2009 will soon be upon us.
Monday 6th October
The first read through!
As one of the biggest and highest profile events in the College calendar the annual musical attracts a lot of attention and is guaranteed to get students talking. Following two weeks of students signing up we have nearly 100 students auditioning. On Friday 3rd October the performing arts department met for a first read through of the script. This gives the staff a chance to get acquainted with the story and characters and to begin preparing for transforming the text and score into a stunning show!
Keep checking back for updates and more pictures.