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    Autumn 2012 :: Spring Awakening - A New Musical :: Auditions

    READING
    from Thursday 16 August 2012 at 7.30pm
    Teddington School, Broom Road, Teddington

    SPRING AWAKENING - A New Musical
    Original Story by Frank Wedekind
    Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
    Music by Duncan Sheik

    The heartbreaking story of SPRING AWAKENING and its vibrant folk-rock score is as poignant today as it was when it premièred off, and on, Broadway in 2006 winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score.

    The source material and play upon which this is all based, with themes of teen suicide, pregnancy, sexuality and identity, is just as topical as it was when conceived by Frank Wedekind in 1891. Because these issues still affect young people today these themes resonate with all of us and create a powerful and moving piece of theatre. The show is driven by its pulsing score. We want the audience to feel and hear the soul of the story evolve through the music as they follow the characters in their journeys.

    The piece will be directed by Sarah Dowd and Elizabeth Lattimore who directed YAT's successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011. The musical director Adam Hope is a recent music and composition graduate who will be leading the band in bringing this energetic score to life.

    We are looking for talented, committed young performers to audition, however, we are not necessarily looking for polished musical theatre performers, and are hoping to work with the cast to build on or enhance the skills they already have. There are 15 main cast parts (13 speaking roles), but we will also be incorporating a chorus, which will be working hard to enhance the vocal strength, and be fully integrated with some of the big full cast numbers.

    Those of you who have seen the productions in the West End or at The Lyric, will be aware of the way they achieved this. The Chorus will be dressed in modern costume, and will mingle with the audience throughout the pre-set. Only entering into the 'story' at specific points, using very Brechtian techniques.

    Please be advised that this show does contain adult material, and themes surrounding sexuality. This will be discussed further at the auditions

    Even if you are not sure about performing, there will be many opportunities to have your questions answered, and to find out more about this exciting production. We are also looking for a strong backstage team, so please come along to register your interest if you would rather work behind the scenes.

    AUDITIONS
    from Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 August 2012 at 7.30pm
    Teddington School, Broom Road, Teddington

    These will mainly take the form of workshops in performance, movement and singing. It would be ideal if you could attend them all. For your information, and those who wish to prepare for a solo singing part, the women will be singing 'Mama Who Bore Me' and the men will be singing 'And Then There Were None'. We will look at these in more detail during these dates.

    REHEARSALS
    Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm
    Collis School, Fairfax Road, Teddington

    Rehearsals will commence on Tuesday 28th August, and will continue every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday thereafter. There will be a sheet to confirm your availability throughout this time at the auditions.

    PERFORMANCES
    Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 November 2012
    Hampton Hill Playhouse, Hampton Hill

    We will be performing the show at Hampton Hill Playhouse 7-10 November 2012. If you would be interested in experiencing a performance, tickets will be on sale from mid-October at : www.yat.org.uk/boxoffice

    Praise for YAT...
    '...this was a drama that held the attention...' Edinburgh Fringe Review

    Praise for Spring Awakening...
    '...Broadway may never be the same again!' NY Times

    Remember, we always try to involve everyone who wants to take part, and newcomers are more than welcome to join us at any time. Membership is completely free and all you need to do is turn up and complete a simple membership form. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining London's premiere free youth theatre company, then please pass on this email and encourage them to get in touch with us through our website at www.yat.org.uk or by calling us on 0844 740 1970. The only requirement is that prospective members are aged between 16 and 25 and are able to attend rehearsals regularly.