Vounteer Chorus Auditions
Audition for the 2013 Christmas Revels!
Auditions for the 2013 Christmas Revels were held May 5th and 6th.
We will mail out the acceptance and rejection letters on June 3.
Rehearsal schedule listed below
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 are. We also look for a variety of ages, sizes and personalities to create a realistic "village" on stage.
Audition Requirements for Adults
We schedule groups of 4 adults in 15-minute blocks (unlike the one-at-a-time format we have used in past years). During your audition slot you will sing a short audition piece of your choice without accompaniment with other auditioners in the room. Your selection can be from any era or genre with the exception of "pop" music. Traditional songs, carols, hymns, and early vocal works (Renaissance) are recommended. 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.
We may ask you to sing some scales to get an idea of your vocal range. We will then teach a simple round for you to sing with the other auditioners in your group.
If you are interested in dancing in the show you will also be asked to join others in some simple folk dance steps in another room.
Adult auditions are by appointment
You can schedule your appointment online. If you have any questions, contact Lynda Johnson, Program Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
If you're planning to try out, you can save time at auditions by downloading and filling out the adult audition form in advance. The auditions are held at St. John's Church, 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Audition Requirements for 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.
Auditions for The Christmas Revels for the 2013 season will be held at St. John's Church, 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Children will be auditioned by appointment. You can schedule your appointment online. If you have any questions, contact Lynda Johnson, Program Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
We ask children to sing either "Happy Birthday," "America the Beautiful" or "Silent Night." These need not be sung from memory; we will have word sheets on hand, but memorization is encouraged!
To save time at auditions download, fill out and bring to your audition the child's audition form.
Returning Children's Chorus Members: We want as many children as possible to have the experience of being in The Christmas Revels production, and so children who have never been in The 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 The 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 pm (children from 5 to 9:30 pm for two days, from 5 to 11 pm for two). The Christmas Revels has a run of 16 performances, spanning a period of 2 weeks.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals are held at St. John's Church, 80 Mt. Auburn Stret, Watertown, MA
Tuesday rehearsals: Sept. 24 through Dec. 3
Children: 4-5:30pm
Adults: 7-9:30pm (6 pm start for dancers)
Saturday Rehearsals: October 19, November 16, December 7
Children: 10am-5pm
Adults: 9am-5pm
Production Week (held at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge)
Monday, Dec. 9 - children 5-9:30pm; Adults: 6-11pm
Tuesday, Dec. 10 - children 5-9:30pm; Adults: 6-11pm
Wednesday, Dec. 11 - children 5-9:30pm; Adults: 6-11pm
Thursday, Dec. 12, Dress Rehearsal - Call 5:30pm
Performances December: 13-27
See the full performance schedule with times