AUDITIONS: GENERAL INFORMATION

While Revels uses a number of professional performers in its productions, its volunteer choruses, adults and children, are at its core. There is no "standing" Revels production chorus; we audition each cast anew for each show. Although a number of adult singers from previous shows return to audition for new shows, we particularly value the presence of new voices and new faces in our cast every year. People of diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

Our criteria: Revels cast members are people who love to sing, who sing vigorously and accurately with a good sense of rhythm and who can hold their own part in a choral context. Some are experienced choral singers, some are not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text is. We also look for a variety of ages, sizes and personalities to create a realistic "village" on stage.

Our auditions are short and simple. Please come prepared with two songs -- one fast and energetic, one slow and lyrical -- of any genre, whatever you are comfortable singing. Often a simple song well sung is more effective than a more complicated one; it helps when you're sure of the words! Don't try to impress us with something difficult -- just sing something you love and know well. In the interest of time, we will probably stop you after a verse or two rather than hear the whole song.

Adults: Piano accompaniment will be available if you provide music. We may ask you to sing some scales to get an idea of your vocal range. You may also be asked to join others in some simple folk dance steps, as traditional dance is usually performed by members of the cast.

Children: The age range for the children's chorus is generally 7 through 12. We try to get a range of ages, heights, personalities and "looks," just as we do in the adult chorus.

Returning children's chorus members: We want as many children as possible to have the experience of being in a Christmas Revels production, and so children who have never been in a Christmas Revels will generally be given priority over those who have. The directors may make exceptions to this guideline as they see fit.

Commitment: Performing in Revels is a big commitment. For Christmas Revels there are 12 weeks of rehearsals (one rehearsal per week and three additional all-day Saturday rehearsals). Tech Week runs four nights in the theater from 6 to 11 p.m. (children from 5 to 9:30 for three days, from 5 to 11 for one). Christmas Revels has a run of 18 performances, spanning a period of 2 1/2 weeks.

Summer Revels performances take place over a single weekend. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. (Auditions and schedule for the Christmas 2008 production.)