Auditions!
We are pleased to announce auditions for
Disney's High School Musical Jr. – Filmed stage production
How this production will be different:
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Unlike other JR. shows, the licensing agreement for this production allows all ages to audition, Kids, youth, and adults. Come one, come all!
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This production will be staged, then filmed, and delivered to our audience online.
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Actors will be assigned to limited-sized groups and will rehearse and perform with their groups.
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All theater rehearsal/filming sessions will be closed. Only actors and crew will be allowed in the space.
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Music rehearsals will be over zoom or other online methods. All vocals will be pre-recorded and mixed together by Becky before we film. Becky will work with you to get your vocals recorded.
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Ensemble choreography will be learned over zoom or online methods. On your group's recording day (s) you will review the choreography, get into costume, and film your sections of the scenes.
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Leads and principal's staging and some choreography will be taught at the Opera House.
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Masks & face shields, temperature checks, sanitizing, and other safety policies will be implemented.
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Principals and lead actors will be required to test negative for covid-19 prior to filming certain scenes (details TBA).
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All actors and crew (parents) will be required to sign a photo/film release. We will be creating a film documentary along with the production. Print form and return or pick one up from Shelby.
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Auditions will be online. It is much easier to audition in person, but this is where we are. Let us know if you need help getting through this. We will make it work. We may need to bring actors to the theater for call-backs.
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This will be a unique and fun adventure. Many great memories to be made. Hope you will join us!
How to audition
Fill out the online audition form. ****Click here to access the audition form*****
If you are only auditioning for a part in the ensemble, a vocal audition will not be required. Becky will sort out the singers later.
You will need to send a photo of yourself to Shelby at shelbykealiher@outlook.com.
If you are auditioning for a lead or "named" role, film yourself singing BOTH of the following songs:
Song #1 Auditions/Bop to the Top - View sheet music Page 24, Page 28
Sing along track - Sing the part you are most comfortable singing. Sing along with the vocals.
Song #2 We're All in this Together - View Sheet music Page 84, Page 85
Sing along track - Sing the part you are most comfortable singing. Sing along with the vocals.
Film and upload your audition to Youtube (See tutorial).
Be sure to introduce yourself in your video.
Send your Youtube audition link to Shelby at shelbykealiher@outlook.com
The audition needs to be submitted by January 17th
Rehearsals Schedule (starting January 18th)
Many of the rehearsals will be online and available to view on your own schedule.
Music recording sessions will be scheduled as needed.
Most recording days for the ensemble will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Principals and Leads will rehearse Mon-Sat as needed.
Filming will be completed by the 2nd week of April. The first broadcast performance will be on April 22nd.
High School Musical Staff:
Directors: Terry Hale & Caitlin Marshall
Stage Manager: Shelby Kealiher
Music Director: Becky Chelson
Choreographer: Abigail Hale
Cheer Coach: Kellee Sheehy
Costume Designer: Maureen O'brien
Filming and Editing: Henry Fager
Questions? Need Help? Contact Shelby at 541-786-5949 email:shelbykealiher@outlook.com
Character Breakdown
Gabriella Montez
Gabriella Montez is the new student who’s struggling to find her place at East High. She’s a Renaissance woman who doesn’t fully identify with any of the cliques, and so she’s taking her time – and realizing her confidence – along the way. Smart and independent, Gabriella can be shy and vulnerable at times. She comes into her own when she discovers her talent and love for singing with Troy, so look for a strong actor with a fantastic voice.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Troy Bolton
Troy Bolton, the most popular student at East High, is the star of the basketball team who yearns to be more than what others – especially his dad, Coach Bolton – want him to be. A natural athlete and leader with charm to spare, Troy discovers he loves to sing, but is afraid to admit it to his basketball buddies. Look for a solid actor who can convey the full range of Troy’s emotions from sensitive to self-assured, and who can dance and sing very well. Consider auditioning your potential Troys and Gabriellas together to get a sense of the pair’s dynamic.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Bb3
Vocal range bottom: Eb2
Sharpay Evans
Sharpay Evans is the dramatic and self-centered star of the school musicals. Between her and Ryan, she’s the alpha twin – over-the-top, demanding, and always “on,” with a flair for the theatrical. This diva knows how to work a crowd, so cast a performer with solid acting chops and strong singing and dancing skills.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: A3
Ryan Evans
Ryan Evans is Sharpay’s fraternal twin and, like her, he lives to sing, dance, and get loads of attention. Subordinate to his sister, Ryan generally follows Sharpay’s orders and lets her have the spotlight, but he longs to break free from her shadow and assert himself. Choose a “triple threat” for this actor – strong singer, dancer, and actor – because everything Ryan does is calculated and executed impeccably. Consider auditioning Ryan and Sharpay in pairs as the success of “Bop to the Top” depends on this dynamic duo performing perfectly – and with a ton of energy.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: A3
Vocal range bottom: G2
Kelsi Nielsen
Kelsi Nielsen, the neo-feminist writer- composer of the winter musical, Juliet and Romeo, possesses a shy demeanor but no tolerance for the egocentric likes of Sharpay. With only one lyric to sing, focus on finding a strong actor who can play the compassionate underdog with intelligence and an uncanny ability to shoot zingers at Sharpay with timing and accuracy.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: D4
Chad Danforth
Chad Danforth, one of Troy’s best friends, is a sports fanatic. Focused on winning the basketball championship, Chad slowly begins to understand that there might be more to life than ball – including his crush on Taylor. Look for an actor that partners naturally with Troy, is a leader of his own accord, and can handle a couple of short solos and acting scenes.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G3
Vocal range bottom: B2
Zeke Baylor
Zeke Baylor, Troy’s other best buddy, is a basketball player with a sweet side. He has two secrets: a crush on Sharpay and a love for baking! Look for an actor with some singing chops who can portray this Wildcat with no shame in his (basketball or baking) game. Zeke has some higher parts to sing, so if necessary, the actor you cast can speak-sing parts that may be out of his natural range.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: G#3
Vocal range bottom: G2
Taylor Mckessie
Taylor McKessie, the very put-together president of the Science Club, is super-assertive and very intent on Gabriella joining the Science Decathlon team so they can (finally!) win the competition. Taylor has a hidden soft spot for Chad, but would never let it be known that she’s into a jock, so cast a performer who can portray confidence – and just a slight air of pretentiousness.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: A3
Vocal range bottom: A2
Ms. Darbus
Ms. Darbus is East High’s eccentric drama teacher. Passionate and disciplined, she never stops trying to enrich the lives of her students through the wonders of live theater. Look for a performer who knows how to milk every line and gesture for this role, as the key to Darbus is in her killer comic timing. Be careful of making her too wacky, though; this educator genuinely loves her art and her students, so make sure her heart shines through.
Gender: Female
Coach Bolton
Coach Bolton, the stern basketball coach and Troy’s sometimes overbearing dad, lost the big game years ago and wants a second chance through his basketball-star son. Cast an actor who can handle the demands of this mature role – and who can convincingly and comically spar with Ms. Darbus.
Gender: Male
Martha Cox
Martha Cox, a proud member of the Science Club, possesses a private passion for break dancing. Look for a truly terrific dancer who can sing, or one who can comically approach the role as a super-enthusiastic, but talentless, dancer.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: G3
Ensemble
The BRAINIACS, headed by Taylor McKessie, are the smartest girls and boys in school, including Martha Cox and the change-adverse KRATNOFF.
The JOCKS and CHEERLEADERS are the East High athletes, including Troy, Chad, and Zeke. Both of these groups can be a mix of boys and girls.
The THESPIANS are the drama lovers, including Kelsi, Sharpay, and Ryan, as well as the following auditionees: CATHY, who belts like Ethel Merman, CYNDRA, the opera-lover, JAMES, who can’t sing on pitch and SUSAN, the wannabe pop star.
The PARTY KIDS are students in Troy and Gabriella’s karaoke flashback.
The REBELS, including Troy and Gabriella, don’t stick to the status quo, unlike the various school cliques.
Other featured performers include:
JACK SCOTT, the school announcer with a larger-than-life personality, longs to be a D.J. with a quirky radio personality with a unique sense of style. While this actor will primarily stay as Jack throughout, there are opportunities to join ensemble numbers such as “Stick to the Status Quo” and “Get’cha Head in the Game.
BOOSTERS - Adults, kids & families: These groups will cheer on the high school kids as they play and perform.
DRUM MAJOR, who cheers on the Wildcats.
MS. TENNY, East High’s chemistry teacher.
MODERATOR, for the Science Decathlon (can be double cast as Ms. Tenny)
