Auditions
Bringing
Tradition to Life

While Revels hires a number of professional performers for its productions, our volunteer adult and children’s choruses are at the core of every show. We audition our Revels chorus anew every year and encourage adults and children of all backgrounds to try out for each production. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.

Select your audition type

Audition Overview

Audition for the 2024 Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus

Adult Chorus auditions for the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be held May 18-20, 2024 in Watertown and Cambridge. Audition times and locations will be announced soon!

 

Revels uses the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

Audition Signups Available Soon!
  • 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. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.

  • Audition Preparation

    For your audition for Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools, please be prepared to sing two unaccompanied songs.

    For your first selection, please sing one of the songs listed below. For your second selection, you may sing a song of your choice.

     

    Auditionees will be asked to sing the two songs they have prepared and read lines. While the other seven people in their audition group have their individual auditions, you will be taught and have time to practice a short dance if you are interested in dancing in the show. You will also have time to practice the group song, which will be made available to auditionees ahead of time (sheet music can be found here). Everyone will then return to the directors as a full group to sing and dance for them. If you are interested in dancing in the show, please come dressed to move, with no flip-flops or open-toed shoes.

  • Rehearsal Commitment

    Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals.

    PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.

    Weekday rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The location for Saturday rehearsals will be announced soon.

    This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

    All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.

    ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

    Monday, September 9: Orientation 7-9 PM
    Monday, September 16
    Monday, September 23
    Monday, September 30
    Monday, October 7
    Tuesday, October 15
    Monday, October 21
    Monday, October 28
    Monday, November 4
    Monday, November 11
    Monday, November 18
    Monday, November 25
    Monday, December 2

    *Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

    Saturday, October 19
    Saturday, November 9
    Saturday, December 7

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK: December 9 – 11, 6 – 11 PM

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):

    Dec 13 – 28: 14 performances

  • About This Year's Production

    More information on the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be announced soon!

  • Our Diversity Statement

    Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

  • Opportunity Fund

    Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available in June.

  • Youth Protection

    The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. If you are eighteen or older and accepted into the Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus please note your acceptance will be pending a CORI check. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.

    Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.

    Review CORI Procedures here.

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All adult auditionees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster.
    • We are requiring everyone to wear masks while waiting to audition.

     

    These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.

Audition Requirements

What to Expect at Your Audition

This year, we’re going to have hour-long slots during which we will see eight people, in contrast to the smaller groups in years past. During this hour-long session, each auditionee will have a ~5-minute solo slot with Elijah, the Music Director and Debra, the Artistic Director to sing the two songs they have prepared and read lines. While waiting for the other seven people in their time slot, they will be taught a short dance to see how they move (if they are interested in dancing in the show) and have time to practice the group singing portion, before returning to the directors as a full group to sing.
What songs should I prepare?

This year, we would like you to choose one of the songs listed below as your first song. Your second song may a be song of your choice.

Songs to choose from:
Once your audition slot is confirmed, you’ll receive an email containing the group audition song so that if you would like to practice it before the audition you may. This piece will serve as an opportunity to hear how you can blend with other voices.
Movement
This year you will have the opportunity to learn some choreography when others in your group are singing their solos. This will allow us to see how folks move. If you are interested in dancing in the show, please come dressed to move (no flip flops or open-toed shoes). There will likely be a few different dance opportunities in the show – something for everyone!

Adult Chorus Audition Dates

Auditions will be held Saturday – Monday, May 18 – 20.

Audition Locations

Audition locations will be announced soon!

Audition Dates

Saturday, May 18th —

Sunday, May 19th —

Monday, May 20th —

Audition Signups Available Soon!

Rehearsal Schedule

Adult Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.

All weekday rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The location of Saturday rehearsals will be announced soon.

This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

 

All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.

ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

Monday, September 9: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 16
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2

*Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.

 

SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7

TECH WEEK: December 9 – 11, 6-11 PM

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, Call at 5:30 PM

Rehearsal Location

Weekday Rehearsal Location

First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Performance Location

Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138

 

NOTICE: The adult chorus is called one and a half hours before all performances

Audition Overview

Audition for the 2024 Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus

Children’s Chorus auditions for the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be held in September 2024. Audition dates and locations will be announced later this year!

 

Revels uses the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

Audition Information Available Soon!
  • Criteria

    Revels Children’s Chorus members are kids who love to sing and dance, love to be on stage, and are excited to work with their fellow cast members to put on a great show! Some kids have prior choral experience, and some do not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are.

    The age range for the children’s chorus is generally 7 through 12. We try to get a range of ages, heights, personalities, races, and ethnicities, just as we do in the adult chorus.

  • Audition Preparation

    More information on Children’s Chorus auditions will be available this summer!

  • Rehearsal Commitment

    Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals. This year’s rehearsal schedule for the children’s chorus is as follows:

    All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.

    CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  4 – 5:30 PM

    Monday, September 16 (Parent orientation 4:30-5:30)
    Monday, September 23
    Monday, September 30
    Monday, October 7
    Tuesday, October 15
    Monday, October 21
    Monday, October 28
    Monday, November 4
    Monday, November 11
    Monday, November 18
    Monday, November 25
    Monday, December 2

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

    Saturday, October 19
    Saturday, November 9
    Saturday, December 7

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK:
    December 9, 5 – 9:30 PM
    December 10, 5 – 9:30 PM
    December 11, 5 – 10:30 PM

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):

    Dec 13 – 28: 14 performances

  • About This Year's Production

    More information on the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be announced soon!

  • Our Diversity Statement

    Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

  • Opportunity Fund

    Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available later this summer.

  • Youth Protection

    The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. All Midwinter Revels cast members eighteen and older will be required to pass a CORI check in order to be a member of the cast. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.

    Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.

    Review CORI Procedures here.

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All child auditionees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster if it has been at least 5 months since they had their second dose of covid vaccine.
    • We will require everyone to take an antigen test the day of their audition. If you take it at home, please take a photo of it to bring in (you will show this picture at the check in table). If you are not able to acquire a testplease show up 20 minutes early to your audition slot and we will provide one for you to take on-site.
    • Masking will be encouraged in the shared spaces of the audition, but optional. If you would like to speak to someone further about health and safety concerns, please email auditions@revels.org.

     

    These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.

Children’s Auditions

Audition Requirements

How to Prepare for your Children's Chorus Audition

More information on children’s chorus audition requirements will be available soon!

Children's Chorus Audition Schedule

Audition information for the Children’s Chorus will be announced this summer.

Audition Dates

Rehearsal Schedule

Children's Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.

CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  4 – 5:30 PM

Monday, September 16 (Parent orientation 4:30-5:30)
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2

 

SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7

TECH WEEK:
December 9, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 10, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 11, 5 – 10:30 PM

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call

Rehearsal Location

Rehearsal Location

First Parish of Watertown Unitarian Universalist Church
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Performance Location

Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138

 

 

 

NOTICE: The children’s chorus is called two hours before all performances.

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