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AUDITIONS

BE PART OF THE MAGIC

In this page you can find the in-person auditon dates for Valley Youth Theatre's mainstage performances. If you have any questions, check out our AUDITION FAQ below or join our Mailing List to get the latest announcements about upcoming auditions. We also announce our auditions in our social media.

*AUDITION DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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Auditions for VYT's Summer shows, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame will be held

April 9 & 10 at Valley Youth Theatre
Doors open at 3:30pm
Auditions begin at 4:00 pm 

Valley Youth Theatre's mission is to inspire young people to be the best they can be through a variety of performing arts opportunities.  All roles will be played by young people unless otherwise noted. Our performers are not charged fees to be in our shows. There are no ticket quotas, costume or script deposits, ad sales or financial requirements of any sort to be in our mainstage shows. 

Valley Youth Theatre welcomes all young people to audition. 

For more information and to pre-register, please scroll down

 

WHEN SHOULD I AUDITION?

  • If you would like to be considered for Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, you will be auditioning April 9th or 10th.
  • If you would like to be condidered for BOTH SHOWS (Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka AND Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame), you will be auditioning April 9th or 10th.
  • If you would like to only be considered for Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dameyou will be auditioning on June 11th.

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE YOUR AUDITION

Wonka-with-frame

SHOW SYNOPSIS:

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka


Music and Lyrics by LESLIE BRICUSSE and ANTHONY NEWLEY
Adapted for the Stage by LESLIE BRICUSSE and TIMOTHY ALLEN MCDONALD
Based on the Book "CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY" by ROALD DAHL

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

CHARACTERS:

Willy Wonka
The mysterious title character. He is charming, enigmatic, charismatic, and slightly sinister. A chocolatier who guides children and their parents on a tour of his factory. He is looking for someone new to take over his candy empire. 
Vocal range top: F4 , Vocal range bottom: G2

Candy Man
A local candy vendor. He leads the children in praising the joys of candy. 
Vocal range top: D4, Vocal range bottom: A2

Phineous Trout
A reporter covering the Golden Ticket story. 
Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: B2

Charlie Bucket
Our story's shy, earnest protagonist. From a modest home life, he is humble and noncompetitive while maintaining a sense of wonder about the world. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose honesty and general good nature win Wonka over.
Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: G2

Mrs. Bucket
Charlie Bucket's nurturing mother. She is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.
Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Mr. Bucket
Charlie Bucket's nurturing father. He is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.
Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: B2

Grandpa Joe
A caring, patient, and kindhearted man. Loving Grandfather to Charlie Bucket. He accompanies Charlie to Willy Wonka's factory and it gives him a new burst of youthful vigor.
Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Augustus Gloop
A gluttonous German boy. Cheerful and jolly, he defines himself by his ability to eat mass quantities of food. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose constant overeating is enabled and encouraged by Mrs. Gloop.
Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: B2

Mrs. Gloop
A plump, jolly German woman with a bustling personality. Augustus Gloop's overindulgent mother.
Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: B3

Veruca Salt
A wealthy, spoiled Brit. She is accustomed to having her father indulge her every whim and desire. One of the Golden Ticket winners, she is subjected to the squirrels' nut chute.
Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: G3

Mr. Salt
A wealthy British upperclassman who regularly flaunts his wealth and privilege. Father to Veruca Salt who shamelessly spoils his daughter.
Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: D3

Mike Teavee
An obnoxious, hyperactive child addicted to television, video games, and the internet. One of the Golden Ticket winners and Ms. Teavee's son.
Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: G2

Ms. Teavee
An old-fashioned housewife. She is Mike Teavee's permissive and clueless mother.
Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: B3

Violet Beauregarde
A brassy girl with a competitive streak. Violet seizes every opportunity to show off. She turns into a giant blueberry.
Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: G3

Mrs. Beauregarde
Violet's enthusiastic "helicopter parent" who focuses all her attention on her daughter. She indulges Violet's worst competitive impulses.
Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: D4

Ensemble
A delightful mix of children, Cooks; Squirrels; and Oompa-Loompas

REHEARSALS AND TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximate rehearsal dates can begin as early as the week of April 20 and run though June, 2024 , Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Before tech, evening rehearsals will be 4p - 10p; tech rehearsals will be potentially until midnight.  We understand that some students may have conflicts where they may miss rehearsals, must arrive late or leave early. However, cast members will not be able to miss rehearsals during tech week or the run of the show.

Tech rehearsals start June 1, 2024.
Opening night is Friday, June 7, 2024 and the show will run through June 23, 2024 with several weekday matinees for summer camps in addition to the traditional evening and weekend performances.

DOWNLOAD OUR TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE HERE TO SEE IF YOU WILL HAVE ANY CONFLICTS 

We will ask about the specific dates of your conflicts in the audition form. Again, cast members will not be able to have any conflicts between June 1 and June 23, 2024.

CALLBACK(S) DATES & TIME 

Dates and times of callbacks TBD the week of April 11-17 in the early evening.

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SHOW SYNOPSIS:

Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film
Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Productions

Based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s sweeping score and powerful story set in fifteenth-century Paris. A tale of love, acceptance and danger, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a feast for the senses and lesson in humanity.

 

CHARACTERS:

Claude Frollo
Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral and the most powerful cleric in Paris, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. He will do whatever it takes to rid the city of the Roma “vermin,” even as he lusts after Esmeralda. Calculating, manipulative, and obsessive. 
Vocal range top: D4, Vocal range bottom: E2

Jehan Frollo
Claude’s reckless younger brother. With Florika, he fathers Quasimodo, who he leaves in his brother’s care. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed. 
Vocal range top: Eb4, Vocal range bottom: G#2

Florika
A Romani woman and Quasimodo’s mother.
Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: C#4

Father Dupin
A priest of Notre Dame and Claude and Jehan’s guardian.
Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: C4

Quasimodo
The deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and Claude Frollo’s charge. Lonely and staunchly obedient to Frollo, he possesses a vivid imagination that brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the cathedral. Despite his shyness and uncertainty, he quickly befriends Esmeralda. Big-hearted, and brave when need be.
Vocal range top: Bb4, Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Clopin Trouillefou
The clever and charismatic King of the Roma. An air of mystery surrounds Clopin, who often leaves the scene in a puff of smoke. As the master of ceremonies for the Feast of Fools, he is witty and playful, but he boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd.
Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: C3

Captain Phoebus de Martin
Returning to Paris after serving in the war, Phoebus takes up his new position as Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Overconfident yet charming, this handsome, strong soldier makes the ladies swoon, yet his moral compass is also strong, and he openly defies the corrupted Frollo.
Vocal range top: Ab4, Vocal range bottom: Ab2

Lieutenant Frederic Charlus
Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard and loyal friend to Phoebus.

Esmeralda
A beautiful and free-spirited Romani woman who possesses the strong sense of justice and morality that Frollo lacks. Compassionate, she frees Quasimodo from the frenzied mob at the Feast of Fools and, against her better judgment, falls for the cocky Phoebus.
Vocal range top: Db5, Vocal range bottom: Eb3

King Louis XI
King of France, nicknamed the Prudent.

Tribunal
A judicial officer.
Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: G2

Madam
Owner of a brothel and safe haven for the Roma. 

Saint Aphrodisius
A stained-glass image that comes to life.
Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: B2

Congregation
Roma, gargoyles, soldiers, and citizens of Paris.

Choir

 

 

 

REHEARSALS AND TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximate rehearsal dates can begin as early as the week of June 24 and run though August 2, 2024 , Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Before tech, evening rehearsals will be 4p - 10p; tech rehearsals will be potentially until midnight.  We understand that some students may have conflicts where they may miss rehearsals, must arrive late or leave early. However, cast members will not be able to miss rehearsals during tech week or the run of the show.

Tech rehearsals start August 3, 2024.
Opening night is Friday, August 9, 2024 and the will can run through August 25, 2024 with several weekday matinees for schools in addition to the traditional evening and weekend performances.

DOWNLOAD OUR TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE HERE TO SEE IF YOU WILL HAVE ANY CONFLICTS

We will ask about the specific dates of your conflicts in the audition form. Again, cast members will not be able to have any conflicts between August 3 and August 25, 2024.

CALLBACK DATE(S) & TIME 

Dates and times of callbacks TBD between June 12 & 20.

Regardless of when you audition for the show. All callbacks will be held in June. If auditioning in April, we will post the callbacks list for this show in April, but the callbacks themselves will be in June.

 

 

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS:

There are 2 parts to prepare for the audition:

1. Please prepare a monologue.

This should be memorized or really well prepared. Yes, you can hold your script with you, but you are much more free to use your whole body if you aren't tied to your script. Our suggestion is to not hold it on stage with you, but if you need it, that's ok too. Be sure you are making strong acting choices with your characterization, gestures and facial expressions.

You can choose one of your own, or pick from one of the monologues HERE

2. Please prepare a song.

Choose a 30-45 second segment of a musical theater song that best highlights your singing voice. Choose a song that is appropriate for your vocal range, and make strong character choices with your voice, gestures and facial expressions as you perform in the audition.

We would prefer to hear you sing with music (not a capella). We will have a piano accompanist present, so you can bring well marked sheet music to give to the pianist. You can also use a backing track (karaoke track) and have it cued to the portion of the song you will use. A bluetooth speaker will be available for playback of your backing tracks. Regardless, we want to see you audition, so if these options are not available to you, please just come and sing.

 

 You may also be asked to do a cold reading of a short scene from the show. This will be provided when you arrive at auditions, so there is no preparation necessary in advance.

AUDITION AND CALLBACKS LOCATION:

We hold auditions and callbacks at our theatre:

Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street
On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore in Downtown Phoenix

Please note: The VYT parking lot is not very big and has a tendency to fill up quickly. Please do not park in the area reserved for the staff or the parking space for Bobb Cooper. Do not park in the disabled parking spaces without proper identification even if lot is full. Public paid parking is available on the south west side of First & Fillmore and at meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.

 

QUESTIONS?

Please check the FAQ below which has answers to all of your audition questions.

 

READY TO AUDITION? PRE-REGISTER HERE

Make sure you have all of your conflict dates handy and click the button below to audition.

AUDITION FAQ

Do I have to be a professional child actor to audition for a VYT show?
NO! VYT auditions are open to all young people of all skill levels. Young performers in our shows aren’t required to have any previous theatrical experience or formal training. We just strive to recognize each child’s potential and to match their talent and skill level with the needs of each role. That means, our open casting gives every child in the Valley an opportunity to participate in our shows!
How much money does it cost to be in a VYT show?
Zero. Nothing. Nada. You do not pay upfront to audition. VYT performers don’t have to rent or purchase costumes or scripts. There are no ticket or program ad sales requirements. We believe that money should not be a barrier to a transformative performing arts experience.
How old should I be to audition for a VYT show?
Typically, because they need to read and memorize lines, main stage performers are at least 7 and not more than 19 years old. Younger people aspiring to the stage are encouraged to consider our performing arts camps and classes. Sometimes, however, due to the nature of a production, there are age restrictions and those will be noted in the show's audition notice.
Do I have to audition? I've done a ton of shows.
Yes. You have to audition. You can audition online or in person, but the number of shows you have done does not matter. Everyone has to audition!
How do I audition for VYT?
First, check out our auditions page to see which show VYT will be auditioning for. Pay attention to the roles listed and the age suggestions if any. If you think you fit who we are looking for great! Second, you will see a link so you can pre-register for your audition. This means that you will fill out all of the important information we need before you come to the audition. If you pre-register, you don't have to take your time filling out all of the information in person. We will have it printed out for you. You don't have to pre-register, of course, but it will save you some time.Third, come to the audition! We audition in-person on the dates listed on the audition notice. Our auditions usually start at 4pm and we open our doors early so people who did not pre-register have time to fill out their information.
What if I can't make it at 4pm when the auditions start?
If you are there when doors open, you will be in one of the first groups to audition (sometimes people will line up outside the building before the doors open). If you come after 4:00pm, you will be in one of the later groups to audition. We have no guarantee we can get you out by a certain time, so if you need be somewhere in the evening, please arrive early so we can get to you as soon as possible. We stay at the building until we have seen everyone that has arrived at the audition. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to see everyone depending on how many people show up. Please understand that if you arrive later than 4:00pm, there is a possibility that we have seen everyone and auditions will be closed for the day. However, if we are still seeing people, you are welcome to check-in and audition!
How long will the audition take?
Well, the short answer is it depends. Auditions are done on a first come first seen basis. We open the doors at 3:30 pm on audition day and start auditions at 4 pm. The auditioners are taken into the audition room in small groups where they audition. Each group can take between 5 - 10 minutes. One you are finished auditioning, you are finished. The callback list will be posted on the auditions page of our website. 
What is pre-registering?
Pre-registering is a way that you can fill out all of the information we need before you get to your audition. We will then print out your audition form and have it for you at the theatre when you check in. You will still need to bring your headshot with you to the audition, but you won't have any paperwork to fill out. 
What do I need to prepare for an audition?
First of all, it's really important to look at the audition information to see if there is anything specific you are asked to prepare for that audition. Make sure you follow the guidelines in the audition info.
Otherwise, here's what we suggest you have in order to make your audition run as smoothly as possible: 1) A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! you can take it with a camera phone if you'd like. Make sure it is relatively close up and you have good lighting so we can see your face. 2) An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have a fancy one (although you certainly can). We just want to know what you have done performance-wise and in a theatre. If you worked on the stage crew, put that in there too! 3) (If you are auditioning for a musical or a play) A short monologue that is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. 4) (If you are auditioning for a musical) A song that will show off your voice and is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. We preferthat you bring sheet music with you as we will have an accompanist, but you can also bring a background track you can play from your phone. 5) A list of conflicts you will have with the rehearsal schedule. This is super important to be honest with us and yourself if you can not make it to a rehearsal. We need to know. Theatre is collaborative and we can not move forward together if people are missing. Please let us know your conflicts when you audition.
How long should the song be?
Good question. The answer is: as long as it needs to be for you to feel that you have shown us how amazing you are! Chances are that's around :30 to :45 seconds or so, but it may be longer or shorter. The Director may stop you while you are singing, but that's ok. Just get to "the good part" quickly so you can show off your skills!
Where are the auditions? And where do we park?
Valley Youth Theatre:  525 North First Street On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore, in Downtown Phoenix. Please note: The VYT parking lot is not very big and has a tendency to fill up quickly. Please do not park in the area reserved for the staff or the parking space for Bobb Cooper. Do not park in the disabled parking spaces without proper identification even if lot is full. Public paid parking is available on the south west side of First & Fillmore and at meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.
I can not come to the auditions. What do I do?
Auditions for VYT shows are really best done in person. We get to meet you, you get to meet us and it lets the Director see you at your best! On the rare occasion that a young person truly can not attend any of the scheduled auditions, please contact our Production Manager, Jonathan Furedy, at productionmanager@vyt.com and let him know of your conflict. If there is an available solution, he will let you know.
What are your COVID safety protocols?
We are currently encouraging but not requiring masks to be worn at our theatre. However, we do reserve the right to change our protocols as the situation changes.
What happens after auditions?
The next step is called "Callbacks". Callbacks are when a certain number of performers are asked to come to the theatre in-person to continue the audition process. The list of callbacks will be listed on the auditions page of the website. Look for your name and the day and time you will need to come to the theatre. Again, it is important to be prepared! So come dressed to move -- no sandals or skirts -- and bring water to remain hydrated and energized! Usually during callbacks, you will be put into small groups, you will be asked to read scenes, sing and possibly learn a dance. You may be asked to read for a couple of different parts. Each callback experience is different! 
Why didn't I get cast or called back? Was I that bad?
No! This is part of being an actor. Sometimes you get the part and sometimes you don't. Auditioning is a matching process and sometimes your talents aren't a match for what is needed for that specific production. That doesn't mean your talents aren't needed in the future! Rejection isn't great, but it's a big part of being an actor. Not getting cast in a VYT performance doesn't mean "no", it just means "not for this specific show". Like Bobb always says, "you may have been the best mouse we saw today. You may have been the best mouse we've ever seen, but today, we are casting for an elephant." So don't give up! Remember: Auditioning takes practice, too! The more you audition, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will learn. Besides, there are a ton of ways to be involved other than just being on stage. We also need young people for our tech crew, our orchestra and other behind-the-scenes positions. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, contact the stage manager at stagemanager@vyt.com
What are the expectations if I am cast in a VYT show?
We have to be honest, being in a VYT show is a time commitment. That's what makes our shows so great. When you are cast in the show, we expect you to have fun and try your best. We also expect you to treat the show as the professional show it will be. That means attending all scheduled rehearsals, memorizing lines and blocking and being attentive when the Director, Stage Manager, Musical Director, Choreographer or any other person is talking. We expect honesty and responsibility and will show that respect right back to you. Rehearsals are generally Monday through Thursday evenings and most of the day on Saturdays, beginning as early as the week of callbacks. The weekend before the show opens is the beginning of tech week and Saturday and Sunday are 8- to 14-hour days, so it can be a lot. But it is also the most fun you will have! Because Valley Youth Theatre does not charge a fee for young people to participate in our mainstage productions, parents are required to volunteer by helping with set and costume construction, and front of house during the run of the show.

THEATRE
525 North First Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

OFFICE
1001 North Central Avenue
Suite 700

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Valley Youth Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3).
Since 1989, we have inspired children to be the best they can be through the magic of the performing arts. Our alumni include Oscar® winners, Grammy® award-nominees, Broadway stars, rocket scientists, doctors, lawyers, parents, and community leaders from all walks of life.

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