AACT Jr. Performers Present
“Super Happy Awesome News!”
A Musical Written to be Rehearsed and Performed Remotely!
by Beat By Beat Press
Two siblings launch rival good news networks and find themselves competing for the title of the happiest news show. Soon, their correspondents are in a whirlwind of ecstatic musical reporting – from joyful weather forecasts to cheerful cooking segments and blissful political updates! But, when vulnerability starts peeking through the euphoric facade, they’re left wondering: is there room for raw honesty on a super happy broadcast? This new virtual musical (designed specifically to be rehearsed and performed remotely), incorporates real stories from kids age 7*-12, offering a positive outlet for them to express their emotions.
*Each actor has a monologue that is approximately one minute in length and must be memorized. Rehearsals will be fast-paced, and the actors will be expected to learn all of their lines and songs on their own. If your actor is 5-6 and you think they could handle this project and have FUN doing it, they are more than welcome to audition!)
The play will be premiered on AACT’s YouTube channel and will be FREE for all to watch.
There WILL be a “Donate” link, and it would make us Super Happy that you are Awesome enough to support us!
Zoom Auditions
“Super Happy Awesome News!”
By Beat By Beat Press
Sep. 28, 29 4-6:00 Online
Sign-Up Link for Auditions:
Who: Anyone ages 7* – 12 (*This is the age range this show was written for. Each actor has a monologue that is approximately one minute in length and must be memorized. Rehearsals will be fast-paced, and the actors will be expected to learn all of their lines and songs on their own. If your actor is 5-6 and you think they could handle this project and have FUN doing it, they are more than welcome to audition!)
Pets – Any kind that will be happy to behave while you are presenting your part of the play. There is only ONE part for a pet and owner.
What: Once you join the Zoom audition- Tell us your first and last name and age, dramatically present a memorized poem (30 seconds or less) (http://www.rainydaypoems.com/poems-for-kids/poems-for-kids-to-recite for ideas), and sing 30 seconds of any song. If you are auditioning with your pet, have them beside you the whole time. We need to see if your pet will have as much fun doing the play as you.
Why: Everyone WILL get a role, the audition is to help us determine who fits best for each role. Simply show us your style, whatever it is. This should be the most fun and stress-free audition you will ever have!
How: We will send the Zoom Link to the email address put into the Signup Genius.
The “Responsibilities and Obligations” document contains all production details, including rehearsal information and YOUR time obligation. You must read this before you sign up for an audition slot.
Questions? – Contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@auburnact.org
AACT Jr. Performers Production of
“Super Happy Awesome News”
Obligations and Expectations
This musical was written to be rehearsed and performed remotely! The play is designed to allow the actors to shed their “character’ at the end and share briefly their real feelings about what is happening in the midst of this pandemic. Rehearsals will be held over Zoom. Each actor will be responsible for filming and submitting their video portions.
There are 20 roles in each cast. If there are more than 20 actors who want to participate, we will create multiple casts. If there are fewer than 20, some actors will be assigned multiple scenes. Each scene is about 1-2 minutes in length. There will also be a final “group” number. That will be an additional video to be recorded.
Here is a link to the script if you would like to see it: http://www.bbbpress.com/
Commitment for Actors:
Like any traditional play or theatrical experience each actor will be expected to learn lines, songs, choreography and do character development work. You will be responsible for learning all of your lines and songs OUTSIDE of scheduled rehearsal time. Rehearsals will be where we help you perfect your songs and scenes, not learn them. You will get to write a few of your own lines. At the end of the play, each actor gets to briefly share some of their thoughts and feelings about their experiences during the pandemic. You will need to write your own lines for this “Personal Feelings” portion of the play.
Commitment for Parents:
● There will be a mandatory parent cast meeting.
● Assist your actor, helping them access their music and scripts and navigate to Zoom if needed.
● Be at a Zoom “walkthrough” of your home with you to help you and your actor find the best place to record their videos.
● Parents are responsible to help film and submit 3 “rounds” of their scene/scenes: 1) a run-through rehearsal 2) a dress rehearsal 3) and a final performance.
● Help film and submit them singing the final number.
● We will give you the technical support to fulfill all of these tasks.
Photo release form:
Each camper must have a photo release form on file with AACT. We are planning on posting the videos on AACT’s YouTube channel. For the “end credits” we will be using their first name only. If we don’t already have one on file for your actor, fill one out using the link below.
Technology:
Internet access and device to attend the Zoom rehearsals, a device that you can film at home with (Smartphone, IPad, etc.), earbuds or headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, or some way to play the music you will be singing to. You need access to a printer –All scripts and music will be sent to you digitally. They will need a copy of their lines and music in order to take notes during rehearsals.
If access to a printer or Wi-Fi is difficult for your family, please contact us to make other arrangements so that your child can still participate.
Rehearsal Schedule
“Super Happy Awesome News”
September 28th and 29th – Zoom Auditions (Cast Lists posted morning of Sept 30th )
September 30th – 7:00 Mandatory Zoom Meeting for ALL parents (this will be the same link used for auditions)
October 1st – Readthrough Rehearsal – 4:00-5:00 Orange Cast, 5:00-6:00 Blue Cast (will add more if needed)
October 5th – October 26th – Rehearsals
Mondays and Wednesdays will be full cast rehearsals. 4:00-5:00 Orange Cast, 5:00-6:00 Blue Cast
There will be a Google Calendar available for you to schedule your actor’s private and small group rehearsals and your “Lighting” walkthrough. There will be daytime and evening spots available. Unless there is an urgent need, there will be no weekend rehearsals.
October 14th – Actors must be completely “Off Book” (all parts memorized)
October 16th – “Run Through” Video due (you will get feedback on what was great, and what can be improved.)
October 23rd – “Dress Rehearsal” Video due (you will get feedback on what was great, and what can be improved.)
October 26th – The “Personal Feelings” part of the play will be recorded during the last Zoom Cast Rehearsal.
October 30th – All final videos must be submitted.
November 16th and 17th – Premier with Special “Red Carpet Event”! details TBA. Each Cast will get their own day. We will add more days if needed.