Audition Information

Please read the entire page:
For those who are interested in auditioning and who can commit to each show’s production schedule please review the below information.

Note from the Director

Dear Auditionee,

Maumee Valley Civic Theater (MVCT) is pleased to announce auditions for its 2024 summer musical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Please make sure you read this entire packet, as it will help answer any questions you may have.

MVCT strives to be inclusive and family-oriented. Anyone age 6 and over are encouraged to audition. If you are under the age of 8 a parent or guardian will need to be at each rehearsal your child needs to attend. Please look over the list of characters to see details on all lead, feature, and ensemble members. You DO NOT have to live in Napoleon to be a participant in our shows.

Also, in this packet, you will find a basic rehearsal times and days, audition details (Including Song, video audition options, dance, and script reads), participation fee details, fundraising requirements, build day details, and much more.

We know schedules are hectic during the summertime especially, and you may have conflicts with work, sports, vacations, etc. Please take the time to list all conflicts on the audition form. When one actor is missing from rehearsal it affects the others in the show, the productivity of rehearsals, and ultimately, the final product. Conflicts will be considered when making casting decisions, please be honest when filling out your audition form. We request that everyone who has been cast in the show not miss any rehearsals after July 4^th unless prior approval and notification have been given to the production team. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be handed out at the first read and updated as needed. If you believe you will have to miss more than 5 rehearsals, we encourage you to maybe rethink auditioning for this show at this time.

This year we will again require a participation Fee ($50) which helps us with set, lighting, sound, props, costumes, and show rights. When charging a participation fee this also helps allow more people to be involved with the production.  More details on this participation fee can be found on our website https://mvctohio.org/why-participation-fee/ Even though we have a fee to participation we do not want this to discourage ANYONE from participating. There are many ways to elevate this by acquiring either Program ads, patron donations, or corporate donations. Requesting assistance with the participation fee  has no influence in cast decisions.

Please take the time and fill out all forms attached to this packet (they will also be available at auditions) and make sure you bring them to your audition.

We are super excited to be one of the first community theaters in Ohio to produce this brand-new musical and look forward to a great summer!

Thank you for your support of the Arts and Maumee Valley Civic Theater!

Jeffrey Tonjes
Director/President
Maumee Valley Civic Theater

ALL PARTS ARE OPEN – AUDITION AS A FAMILY

Show Details

Production Staff
Director                       Jeffrey Tonjes
Assistant Director       Amanda Tonjes
Music Director             Shannon Miesner
Choreographer           Courtney Blake
Technical Director      Josh Miesner
Lead Carpenter           TBD

AUDITIONS:
Sunday, May 19 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday, May 20 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Callbacks, if needed, will be on May 20th (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

Auditions will be held at Kids Haven (440 Independence Drive, Napoleon, OH 43545)

SHOW DATES AND TIME
July 18-20 and 26-28, 2021
Thursday – Saturday 7:00 PM Sunday 2:00 PM

SHOW LOCATION
Napoleon JR High School Gymnatorium (701 Briarheath Ave, Napoleon, OH 43545)

REHEARSAL LOCATIONS
Exact locations will be St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Napoleon JR Gymatorium in Napoleon

This production is sponsored by: The Henry County Hospital and Spangler Candy Company

CDC GUIDELINES
Currently, masks will not be required at rehearsal or during the performance of the show, however, they may be required depending on the status of Covid 19 all actors must be willing to comply if this happens. Participants are encouraged to wash their hands before and after rehearsals and if you are not feeling well, you should not attend rehearsal. (If you are sick and cannot make rehearsal, please let a production staff member know ASAP) These guidelines are subject to change.

BASIC AUDITION DETAILS
This year’s show will again have many opportunities for all ages. Please note we are looking for actors, singers, and dancers for this show. Audition Form, Audition Packet (including Show Contract, Waiver and Release of Liability, and Costume form), and tentative schedule are available on our in this packet and on our Audition Page online and will be available at the audition.

Due to the tight rehearsal schedule, all conflicts must be presented during your auditions. Conflicts presented after the first rehearsal may not be honored. Please note that excessive conflicts will affect casting decisions. PERFORMANCE CONFLICTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED So please ensure ALL conflicts during the rehearsal and show period are noted on the audition form. Communication will be done through phone, email,  and Band APP. Please list a valid email address and phone number on the audition form and audition registration.

Each auditionee this year should be ready to sing 16-32 bars (no more than 2 minutes) of a song of your choice or from the song list provided, read a “side” from the script (attached), dance/movement audition, and be prepared if asked to read and sing additional items.

We will be asking everyone who auditions to stay for a group movement audition. Please do not feel intimated if you consider yourself “not a dancer”, you will learn basic steps at the dance/movement audition. Casting team is looking for your willingness and if you can follow the choreography. We will also be looking for our lead dancers during this audition.

All who audition will also get their headshot taken at auditions which will be used for casting announcements, social media, and programs. So please dress appropriately.

Please note: You will be considered for all parts regardless of the character that you read at auditions.  Please pick a reading/song that you feel most comfortable with and add whatever characteristics you like.

You do not need to have the monologue or lyrics memorized but it always helps the confidence of the performer.  We advise the performer to hold on to the audition paper even if they have memorized the audition material – just in case it is needed.

SHOW SYNOPSIS
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

CHARACTERS
(roles are open to performers of all ethnicities and gender identities/expressions)

Ariel A mermaid and King Triton’s youngest daughter. She is obsessed with everything about the human world, and dreams of becoming a part of life above the water. Hardheaded, naive, and emotional, but also kind-hearted.

Prince Eric A human monarch who has no interest of taking the crown. A handsome, affable lad with a buoyant, adventurous nature. After Ariel saves his life, he becomes obsessed with finding her and hearing her voice once more.

Grimsby Prince Eric’s British guardian. Droll, stuffy, and constantly urging Eric towards his royal duties, specifically marriage.

Flounder A fish and smitten with Ariel, his best friend. Rambunctious but cautious, fearful of the dangers that lurk in and above the water.

Scuttle A disheveled seagull and expert in human artifacts. Loudmouthed, optimistic, and a bit ignorant, despite his supposed expertise.

King Triton King of the Sea and Ariel’s father. Beneath his imposing presence and commanding nature lurks a harried single father who will do anything to protect his daughters. The death of his wife has also given him an irrational fear of humans.

Sebastian A crab and advisor to King Triton. A musical virtuoso who is constantly distraught from keeping after Ariel. Despite his paranoia, he can’t bring himself to stand in Ariel’s way.

Flotsam & Jetsam Eels and Ursula’s lackeys. Oily and spineless, they will say anything you want or need to hear.

Ursula The banished Sea Witch and sister of King Triton. Supposedly spurned at childhood, she will use whatever method necessary to steal the kingdom and claim it as her own. Malevolent, calculating, and deceptive.

Chef Louis The French palace chef, diabolical and violent. A culinary perfectionist with an affinity for blades, seafood in particular.

Ensemble Crew Members (Pilot, Sailors); Sea Creatures; Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana); Gulls; Maids; Chefs; Animals; Princesses

AUDITION/CALL BACK/ADDITIONAL SONG SELECTIONS
Each auditionee this year should be ready to sing 16-32 bars (no more than 2 minutes) of a song of your choice or from the song list provided below. Signing from a karaoke track and or professional track (with words) is acceptable. Show tracks will be available at auditions as well. Actors depending on what they are interested in auditioning for may also be asked to sing one or more of the following songs:

Daddy’s Little Angel  Measures 37- 86
She’s In Love  Measures 59 – 98
Her Voice  Measures 70 – 102
Positoovity Measures 8 – 38
Wildest Dreams Measures 133 – end
Kiss The Girl  Measures 54 – 72
Under the Sea Measures 9 – 40

The vocal score can be found on the MVCT website to obtain the sheet music for these songs. Also, you may listen and practice with the provided accompaniment by logging into the ROCS Rehearsal Tracks using the below instructions. https://mvctohio.org/audition-information/ well as the provided professional soundtrack available on our audition page.

VIDEO AUDITION
If you are unable to make the general auditions (we strongly recommend an in-person audition), an accompanied video recording of your audition song, the song of the character you are wanting to audition for, and with a scale run for range, may be submitted before May 17, 2024, at 8:30 PM to auditions@mvctohio.org.

Please send via an unlisted YouTube link. If this is not possible, please email auditions@mvctohio.org with any questions or concerns.

SCRIPT SIDES
Each auditionee should be prepared if you are auditioning for one of the leads and if necessary, to cold read a portion of the script (side) that will be provided at the auditions.

You may peruse the entire script/vocal score by downloaded by visiting our Audition page on our website > https://mvctohio.org/audition-information/

Sebastian  No, No, Sire! It’s difficult, sure.  But ya got to toughen up, not melt down. For Ariel’s sake! I’m telling ya, dat child needs constant supervision!  Someone who can watch over her, keep her out of trouble – Her every dog paddle! Her every dive!

King Triton Benevolent Merfolk! Creatures of the Deep! Today marks a special anniversary- for many years ago on this fateful day I inherited my father’s kingdom and banished the Sea Witch Ursula forever! And so it’s time to celebrate our victory! In honor of the occasion, may I introduce our Master of Ceremonies!  Let the merriment begin!

Mersisters Oh, please. That answer’s as canned as tuna and twice as oily! Honestly Daddy!  You let Ariel get away with everything! Arista’s prettier than Ariel.  Andrina’s smarter. Allana’s sweeter, Atina’s older, and Adella!  Let’s face it, Daddy, your’re the only male attention Adella’s ever gonna get…

Flotsam/Jetsam Oh, Mistress of the Deep, Beauty of the Brine, You should’ve seen it!  All those merfolk, singing Triton’s praises, and cursing your name. Declaring a national holiday…To think, your very own flesh and blood, and he double crossed you his own sister.

Flounder Ariel! I’d miss you if you were gone. Not in a dopey way.  Not in a “crazy, hopeless, I’m-so-in-love-but-shedoesn’t-know-I’m-alive” kinda way. Not like that at ALL. Uh, I gotta go!

Grimsby I swore and oath to your father on his deathbed thatI’d turn you from an errant roustabout into a proper royal, so your worthy to fill his shoes! And that’s not all.  I promised I’d have you married before your next birthday. Our kingdom needs a queen!

Scuttle You gotta have a little gumption-a “can do” kinda attitude! Take it from a gull who knows! Awwk! Positoovity.  There it is!  In the dictionary, right between “popsuckle” and “prehysterical”!  Believe you me…I’ve seen it work miracles!

Ursula Here’s my best offer babykins.  I know a spell that will turn you into a human for three days. Mow it’s got a procedural clause, sort of a “squid pro quo.” Before the sun sets on the third day, you’ve got to get dear ol’ princey to kiss you.  If you do, you’ll stay human forever. If you don’t. Nothing drastic darling, I’m sure…Oh look – small print:  “Your soul is mine forever, and you’re doomed to spend eternity in my watery, hellsoaked lair.” Lawyers! Don’t you just love em?

Ariel I love him!  I didn’t choose it! It just happened…I thought maybe…just maybe…you’d be happy for me? You have to understand I don’t belong here!  I never did.  I don’t fit in, as hard I try – If only I could be “up there” instead! Walking on the very same ground as he is, breathing the very same air.

Prince Eric You…you seem very familiar.  Have we met?  Yes…of course! I’ve been looking for you everywhere! Please, you must tell me: what’s your name?   Excuse me? You don’t speak English? Sore throat, eh? I’m sorry. You don’t speak at all, do you? For a moment, I mistook you for somebody else. (Pause) A bit dizzy, aren’t you? I’ve got just the remedy! A warm bath, and a hot meal! Come on now…you’ll be fine.  The palace isn’t far.

DANCE/MOVEMENT AUDITION
You will be asked to participate for a group movement audition with our Choreographer. Please do not feel intimated if you consider yourself “not a dancer”, you will learn basic steps at the dance/movement audition. The Production Team is looking for your willingness and if you can follow the choreography. We will also be looking for our lead dancers during this audition. A choreographed dance/movement piece will be posted early May.

REHEARSAL TRACKS
Rehearsal Tracks to practice the songs for this show can be Download MTI’s App to practice at home.

A PDF of instructions on how to access Rehearsal Tracks. can be found here:

https://mvctohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rehearsal_Track_Access_Instructions.pdf

Your Rehearsal Access Code for LITTLE MERMAID is LIT2410803

Please note:

• A personal username is not needed to access rehearsal tracks. All you will need is the rehearsal code.
• Before downloading, be sure that you have enough space on your device to download the music and verify you have a strong WiFi Connection.
• If you leave the app, it will cancel your download and you may have to start over again in downloading the music.
• Once the tracks are downloaded, set your device in airplane mode with WiFi turned off when playing the tracks. Playback can be disrupted if the device receives a phone call or text message or if the device installs automatic updates.

“TYPICAL” REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Rehearsals will generally be 1 to 3 times a week during June on Sunday (1 PM-5 PM), Monday (5:30 – 8 PM), Tuesday (5:30 – 8 PM), or Thursday (5:30 – 8 PM), in Napoleon. In July rehearsals will be more frequent closer to the show. These rehearsals will be divided into blocking, vocal, choreography, and run of the show. Extra private music rehearsals may be called for principal roles through the Music Director. Should you be cast, you will be contacted by the Vocal Director for your availability and scheduling. You may also contact the Vocal Director if you would like to schedule more time working on the music outside the rehearsal process.

Please also note there are scheduled set build/paint days that we require everyone to participate (family members are encouraged to help)

PARTICIPATION FEE
There is a participation fee to participate in this summer’s show. Since the Maumee Valley Civic Theater (MVCT) relies on donations, program ad sales, ticket sales, and your participation fee to ensure our shows are high quality. This fee helps with obtaining the rights for the show, costumes, set pieces, props, and advertising. Please note you may be asked to provide certain costume pieces for the show not limited to shoes, pants, shorts, etc.

**The participation fee SHOULD NOT deter anyone from auditioning and participating. There are several ways for Actors to accomplish this including ad sales, donations, and sponsors. If this is something you need help with, please see the Production Staff for guidance. Requesting assistance with the participation fee has no influence in cast decisions. **

***Free tickets must be purchased online using the code provided once participation fee is paid.