HMS Pinafore Auditions
Female Chorus
Female Chorus
FEMALE CHORUS CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
First-time Starlight cast members will most likely be cast as CHORUS.
RELATIVES CHORUS (Either Sopranos, Mezzo-sopranos, or altos)
The Relatives are Sir Joseph’s Sisters and Cousins, and Aunts. They travel with Sir Joseph Porter (First Lord of the Admiralty) wherever he goes. Some are enamored with Sir Joseph and follow him with adoration, some are traveling with him for the opportunity to visit a real ship. The ladies are of Britain’s upper class. This shows in their demeanor, accent, carriage. They are aware of creating an air of respectability, but some of them push the limits when possible.
Requirements: Good intonation. Dancing ability helpful.
Vocal Range: Varies from soprano to alto
Audition Song: “Over the Bright Blue Sea”
SAILOR CHORUS (Tenor)
There is a slight possibility that girls may be cast as sailors (and clearly be female). If you are interested in such a role, you will audition for Gwen, one of Sir Joseph’s sisters who knows everything there is to know about sailing ships. Though it would not have been appropriate for ladies to be sailors in 1879, we may consider casting some young ladies as Sailors. If this is your desire, please audition for Gwen (below).
Requirements: Good intonation. Dancing and gymnastic ability helpful.
Vocal Range: Varies from soprano to Tenor
Audition Song: “We Sail the Ocean Blue” (Tenor Version).
For this song, go to “Pinafore Male Chorus Auditions”
WYNN–(Chorus)—Wynn’s fondest dream is to be a sailor on one of Her Majesty’s ships. She is a delightful young lady who dresses like a sailor and knows everything about sailing ships (and is sure to make her knowledge known).
Requirements: Good intonation. Dancing and gymnastic ability helpful.
Vocal Range: Varies from soprano to Tenor
Audition Song: “We Sail the Ocean Blue” (Tenor Version).
Audition Materials
“Listen” buttons contain audio samples
You will audition to the accompaniment “Listen Accomp”
Audition Sides are brief excerpts from the script.
Memorize your sides for the best audition.
Using the Audition Sides for Male Chorus,
Select a character and memorize all lines for that Character.
If the character has very few lines, you may select more than one character.
Dance or gymnastics skills—Prepare a routine using “We Sail the Ocean Blue” Music.
Ballet skills—Prepare a dance using the second half (ballad) of “Refrain, Audacious Tar.”
If you play a portable instrument (snare drum, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, guitar, etc.) prepare to play it to the tune of “We Sail the Ocean Blue.”
If you have miscellaneous skill, such as juggling, or swordfighting, be prepared to demonstrate these skills during auditions.
Find your vocal range at left. Note that each octave is numbered, with middle C being C4.
Numbering of each successively higher octave begins at “C.”
AUDITION HEADQUARTERS—For Production Dates, Tuition, etc.
DIALECT/ACCENT OVERVIEW—http://dialectblog.com/british-accents/
Caution–some links on this page lead to people using bad language—monitor your child’s use of the links within this link.
All other skills being equal, we will select the actor with the most appropriate accent. For most, the “Received Pronunciation (see link above) is the best bet, but some sailors may use a lower-class accent (see link above).