PREMIER NEWS

Auditions for TV show

‘Over the Rainbow’, the new BBC Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber TV search for someone to play Dorothy in the legendary musical The Wizard of Oz, 

is coming to MANCHESTER on SATURDAY 30TH & SUNDAY 31ST JANUARY & MONDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2010 to hold auditions.

Whilst you can no longer pre-book an audition, we are encouraging people to turn up on the day and felt that this may be of interest to your students at the Training Academy.  

Those with booked slots will take priority so we cannot guarantee you will be seen but we will make every effort to audition you.

If you would like to audition please call EMILY on 020 7691 6169 to register your interest.

AUDITION INFORMATION

VENUE

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL STADIUM, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA

(Directions to this venue are included at the end of this letter)

ARRIVAL TIME

You should arrive from 11am and join the main queue. 

Once you reach the Reception Desk you will be informed how likely you are to be seen - you may be turned away if there is no chance that you will be seen or if numbers are too great. 

Please note that those who applied in advance will be given priority so please be prepared to wait.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

To audition for the role of Dorothy; you must have been aged 16 or over by 26th June 2009.

ALL applicants will need to bring along photographic ID as proof of your age and identity, please bring either, your Passport, Driving License or National Identity Card.

The competition is open to UK residents and/or those who are legally entitled to work in the UK.

WHAT ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER IS LOOKING FOR...

Andrew Lloyd Webber is looking for a 2010 version of Dorothy, less Judy Garland, more Avril Lavigne. 

A girl with attitude willing to take on the Wicked Witch and a girl that can show that she can make the role of Dorothy their own.

WHAT YOU MUST PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION

You should prepare TWO SONGS of your choice to perform at your audition. 

WE WANT TO HEAR TWO CONTRASTING SONGS SO WE CAN TRULY ASSESS YOUR VOCAL RANGE AND ABILITIES

Think carefully about your song choices, we want to see potential Dorothy's singing modern songs from artists like Pink, Rihanna, Pixie Lott etc. 

as well as being able to demonstrate a musical number.

 As we are looking for a Dorothy with attitude you should think of popular well known musicals that can demonstrate your voice 

and show us that you are potentially Andrew's thoroughly modern Dorothy.

Your audition songs will NOT be accompanied by music and/or musicians.

Do NOT bring backing tracks.

THE AUDITION PROCESS

STAGE 1:

We will provide you with lyrics for both of the following pieces of music:

'Over The Rainbow' AND 'Off To See The Wizard'

We would prefer NOT to hear the Eva Cassidy version of ‘Over The Rainbow’ so you should be prepared to sing the original version.

In the first audition room your performance will be judged by a professional casting agent. 

You will be asked to sing one of the Dorothy songs and sometimes you’ll be asked to sing a section from something you have prepared.  

Some people will be asked to sing more than others so that the panel can accurately judge your voice. Very occasionally you may be asked to try different vocal or acting approaches.

In addition to singing you may also be filmed/interviewed by our camera crew.

STAGE 2 (FILMED AUDITION)

ONLY if you are successful at the Stage 1 will you move through to Stage 2. Stage 2, happens on the SAME day as Stage 1.

Here the panel will probably want to explore both voice and acting skills – 

looking at vocal range, ability to try different vocal styles and also to see how you respond to direction. 

You should expect to be asked to sing the songs you have prepared. 

After your audition you will be notified if you have been selected to go onto the next phase of the audition process; CALLBACKS.

NOTE: If the panel ask for a ‘belt’ sound, they’re probably trying to see if you have more volume or more fullness of tone. 

 In an audition nerves often get the better of your singing voice and you can sometimes end up singing in a very quiet or whispery sound.  

In those cases the panel my ask you to try something with a ‘belt’ sound in order to give you a chance to conquer your nerves!

AUDITION TIPS

It’s Not Just Singing. Performing in a musical is about acting the song, albeit still in tune! Choose songs that reflect both your skills. 

You only have one chance, so be ready to give the musical performance of your life.

Dress to impress! Before we hear you sing we will notice what you’re wearing so remember to stand out from the crowd 

and make an impression on our producers get your glad rags on. Please make sure your clothing does not have any visible logos as we are unable to show them on TV.

AND FINALLY

Please note that we cannot reimburse your travel or accommodation expenses for the auditions.

We recommend you bring some warm clothing as you may have to queue outside and we suggest that you bring something to eat and drink with you. 

Toilet facilities will be available but we are unable to provide childcare facilities.

Applicants who are under 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the audition.

In the unlikely event that you are unable to attend your allocated audition slot you may arrive at another time, 

however you will have to wait without the guarantee you will be seen. Please do not try to contact us to re-arrange your audition.

Finally, please note that by arriving at the audition venue you are consenting to being filmed for the forthcoming BBC TV series ‘Over The Rainbow’.

For more information and updates please visit bbc.co.uk/dorothy

GOOD LUCK!

The ‘Over The Rainbow’ Team

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MANCHESTER AUDITION VENUE DETAILS

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL STADIUM

Sir Matt Busby Way

Old Trafford

Manchester

M16 0RA

For venue details and travel information you should visit:

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={44A70197-F07E-4D88-A894-F91AC526A473}&section=nonMatchDay

Bus:

The following bus services stop near Old Trafford:

250 / 255 / 256 / 263 / 264 / 290 / 291 / X50

Further information can be found on http://www.gmpte.com

Taxi:

From the centre of Manchester to Old Trafford may cost approximately £7 one way. You should agree a price before you begin your journey.