Thinking about auditioning for  Oliver?  You've come to the right place for information! The first thing to remember about Midcoast Youth Theater is: NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! That's right! We're an amateur theatre group: we don't need to see your resume, there's no need to have set foot on stage before.  All you need to do is show up at auditions and we'll walk you through the rest. 

BASIC INFORMATION - Oliver auditions were held at our performance location at Mt. Ararat High School located in Topsham, Maine.   Auditions last approximately 2-3 hours in the evening.  Please come with a prepared piece of music (preferably from the show).  You will also be asked to read portions of the script.   The thing to keep in mind is that everyone is in the same boat. Our shows are not pre cast; you have as much chance of getting a part as anyone else. And believe me, you WON'T be the only nervous person in the room!

IMPORTANT: The above information is only a "guideline." These indicate how auditions tend to run.  Auditions tend to have a "flavor of their own" depending on who shows up, and we are very flexible.  The goal of auditions is for everyone to have fun and get to know each other.  If you don't have a prepared song, no worries....we will help you prepare one.   Group singing is fine for those interested only in choral roles.  However, if you are interested in a lead role, you must sing by yourself.

BEING PREPARED - When getting ready to audition, it's best to take a lesson from the Boy Scouts and BE PREPARED. While it's not a requirement, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you become familiar with a show you want to audition for.   Rent the movie, read the book, whatever....reading from the script will be easier at the audition if you know what to expect. Auditions, as noted, generally run about 2-3 hours (depending on the number of people attending) . You should come prepared to stay the entire time.  If you are unable to stay the entire time, inform the director (Henry) or the choreographer (Pam) when you need to leave so they can be sure you have a chance to be seen/heard before you leave. If you leave before the end of auditions, make sure they know you're leaving so they don't call your name out later in the evening, expecting you to read again.

Please print off an audition form and come to auditions with your audition sheet already filled out.  This not only saves time, it also helps us to get started sooner.  Please note any rehearsal limitations you may have so that we can try to accommodate your needs and availability.  Also note any times that you will be away and not able to rehearse.....there is nothing more frustrating than trying to rehearse a scene when the key actors are not present....this helps us to help you.

TIME COMMITMENT - Each show is different and certain roles may carry a heavier (or lesser) rehearsal commitment.  In general, be prepared to rehearse two to three times a week for a few hours each night  until one week prior to the opening of the show.  During the last week when the show opens, rehearsals will be every night and they tend to run longer (and later) as there is so much final work to be done.  The last two weeks before the show are extremely important rehearsal weeks, so please try to limit rehearsal conflicts as  much as possible during that time.

It is anticipated that rehearsals will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.   Rehearsal location may change from time to time, but we will try to hold as many rehearsals at Mt. Ararat High in Topsham as we can.

We are aware there are children and many families who participate in this show, and every attempt will be made to rehearse the children early.  However, during show week, rehearsals do tend to run late....so please plan accordingly.

VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT -   With every show, it takes an army of volunteers to pull everything together.   With community theater, the actors and their families (along with other interested people)  are it.....set makers, costumers, backstage hands, etc.  Everyone needs to contribute in whatever way they can to help make this a positive experience for everyone.....and that means helping out.   

Throughout the production calendar, there will be calls for help....everyone needs to rise to the occasion and help out in whatever way they can.  Many hands will be needed to help load the set into the theater the week before the show.  Every available hand will be needed to take down the set, put away costumes, and turn the "theater" back into a school after the last performance.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT -  In order to make the production possible and help with the cost of scripts and costume needs, there is a $60 per actor troupe (participation) fee which is due by the first rehearsal.  All actors will receive a rehearsal CD containing music from the show so they can practice at home.   Scripts will be handed out at the first rehearsal, however we do need to collect these back at the end of the show as MTI requires that we send the scripts back to the company at the conclusion of the show.

Please do not let the troupe fee come between you and participating with MYT.   Anyone needing help should contact Henry Eichman for a confidential waiver.  

Cast T-Shirts will be available for a modest fee of $10 each.   Please note that actor's t-shirts are not included in the troupe fee for this production.