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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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The cast list is posted for Charlotte's Web!

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. 

CAST LIST INFORMATION HERE

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Charlotte's Web

Cast List

Thank you to everyone who auditioned! We also wanted to thank you for your patience in getting the cast list posted. We had many tricky decisions to make while also balancing closing and strike of our production of Hunchback.

If you are not on this list, please don't give up! Casting is a matching process and we hope that we will be able to work with you in the future on a show where you are a better fit.

If you are on the list below, please read all the way to the end of this section for full information.

CHARLOTTE: Olivia Fearey
FERN ARABLE: Parker Pitt
WILBUR: Tommy Hebel
TEMPLETON: Jaden Sparkman
MARTHA ARABLE: Nneamaka Onyia
JOHN ARABLE: Aidan Vidaurri
AVERY ARABLE: Colton Wilcher
EDITH ZUCKERMAN: Maddie Moyer
HOMER ZUCKERMAN: Jacob Romero
LURVY: Aiden Haren
GOOSE: Sophie Specter
GANDER: Jayvin Sumler
SHEEP: Vivian Nichols
LAMB: Alexia Lade
BAT/ENSEMBLE: Charlotte Specter
OWL/ENSEMBLE: Abby Baumbach
REPORTER/UNCLE/ENSEMBLE: Michael Jaramillo
ENSEMBLE/CONCESSIONAIRE: Grier Donnally
ENSEMBLE/LITTLE SPIDER: Kaylah Magee
                                                   Thomas Kim
                                                   Mahagani Carter
ENSEMBLE/ANNOUNCER: Lucian Epling
                                                 Ellie Evans
ENSEMBLE/TOWNSPERSON/FAIRGOER: Santiago Lacey
                                                                          Ingrid Neilson
                                                                          Va'Nessa Madden

Congratulations to all! The first company meeting will be on Wednesday, August 28th at 5:30PM. All cast members must be accomanied by a parent or adult representative for the meeting which will last an hour-and-a-half to two hours. Following the meeting, parents will be dismissed and we will begin a music rehearsal which will last until 9:00PM.
Please be on the lookout for an email with important paperwork and instructions on how to accept your role in the show. If you have any concerns regarding rehearsal, email stagemanager@vyt.com

SYNOPSIS:

CHARLOTTE'S WEB: This exciting musical version of Charlotte's Web brings a new dimension to E.B. White's beloved classic. With music and lyrics by Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye, Bye Birdie) and book by Joseph Robinette (national award-winning children's playwright), this joyous production features a hand clapping, toe tapping musical score and all the memorable characters of Zuckerman’s Farm - Wilbur, Charlotte, Fern, Homer, Templeton and the rest of the colorful animals and townsfolk.

CHARACTERS:

Charlotte: ­­­A spider. Charlotte is wise and motherly to Wilbur. She cares deeply for him and sacrifices greatly for his safety. She is loved by all who know her.

Fern Arable: ­­­A young girl. She loves Wilber and will do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy. She is childlike and kind hearted.

Wilbur: ­­a loveable pig. This character must be innocent, but brave. He must be filled with wonder and everyone must fall in love with him.

Templeton: ­­­A conniving, selfish rat. He is not well liked, and only looks out for what’s in it for him. He should be a bit shady and sneaky.

Martha Arable: ­­­Fern’s mother. She is a tough, but loving woman. She is a “no nonsense” farmer’s wife, so she is practical, but kind.

Edith Zuckerman: ­­­Fern’s Aunt. Another “no nonsense” farmer’s wife. She loves Fern, but sometimes comes off harsh in her delivery, but she means well.

Goose: ­­­A Goose. Gander’s wife. She is a silly, not too bright, character who repeats everything she says , and is part of the farm animal ensemble.

John Arable­­: Fern and Avery’s Father. Stern father and farmer, but with a big heart.

Avery Arable: ­­­Fern’s Brother. Ornery sibling who is always goofing off and teasing. A jokester. 

Homer Zuckerman: ­­­Fern’s Uncle. Jolly, happy farmer. Very excited for the future of Wilbur. 

Gander­­: Goose’s husband. Kind hearted farm animal ensemble

Lurvy: ­­a hired farm hand

Ensemble: Narrators, townsfolk/fair goers, judges, various farm animals, reporters...

REHEARSALS AND TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximate rehearsal dates can begin as early as the week of August 19, 2024 and run though October 5, 2024 , Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Before tech, evening rehearsals will be 5p - 9p; tech rehearsals will be potentially until 10pm. 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 October 5.
Opening night is October 11, 2024 and runs through October 27, 2024 with a possible extension to November 3, 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 October 5 and November 3, 2024. 

WHAT TO HAVE READY FOR THE AUDITION:

  • A Monologue. A memorized or well prepared monologue: you can perform a monologue of your choosing (keep it to about 1 min in length) OR pick a monologue from the link provided below . 
  • A song. A :30-:45 second segment of a musical theater song that best highlights your singing voice.
    • You don't have to start at the beginning of the song. Just make sure that you get to "the good part" sooner rather than later.We just want to see how you sing!
    • Choose a song that is appropriate for your vocal range and shows off your style/strengths. Make strong character choices with your voice, gestures and facial expressions as you perform in the audition
    • We will have a piano accompanist present, so 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. 
    • We would prefer no acapella singing. However, if you are unable to get the sheet music or a backing track to sing to, we would rather see you audition than not have you come at all, so just come and sing!
  • A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! (a camera phone picture is ok).
    • Please print it out and bring it with you.
    • Make sure you have good lighting so we can see your face.
    • We want to see YOU not your dog (who we are sure is cute), not your brother or your best friend... YOU. So make sure YOU are the one we can see in the photo!
  • An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have one all fancy and ready to go (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!
  • Comfortable clothes that are appropriate to move in -- no sandals or skirts, please. There will be no movement aspect of the audition, but this is still a working theatre and we want to make sure you are comfortable and safe in this environment.
  • A Water Bottle. This is Arizona! You need to stay hydrated and energized.
  • If you can, it's a good idea to pre-register by filling out the audition form online before hand so you won't have to fill it out when you get to the theatre. To pre-register, follow the link below that says "Ready to audition, Click here".

We hold 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 permit parking only. Public paid parking is available in the lot on the north west corner of 1st St and Fillmore and at meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.

Callbacks will be held August 15, 20, 21 or 22.

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. 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, Bobby Peatman, at productionmanager@vyt.com and let him know of your conflict. This does not necessarily mean you will be able to audition online, but 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

(602) 253-8188

boxoffice@vyt.com
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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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