Freshman-Sophomore Musical Workshop

  • SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
    Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

    Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre, New York City, 1995
    (Kyle Renick, Artistic Director)

    Original Orchestration by Brian Besterman and Jason Robert Brown

    SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

    Direction by Laura Wesslund with Musical Direction by Amy Branahl, Pit Orchestra Direction by Elizabeth Bennett, Choreography by Lucy Riner, Accompaniment by Gregory Shifrin, Technical Design by Denise Karczewski, Costume Design by Emily Daugherty, Sound Design by Rick Sims

    PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
    Location: Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus
    Tickets: $10 General Admission at newtrier.showclix.com. (Students free with ID or online with student code. Email your teacher or Ms. Kropski at kropskis@nths.net for the student code)

    Performance Dates:
    Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 7:00pm
    Friday, December 9, 2022 at 4:30pm
    Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00pm

     

    AUDITION INFORMATION

    Please sign up for your audition HERE. You’ll be signing up for a 30 timeslot. You must also bring a signed conflict form to the audition in order to be cast. Please see the Songs For a New World Production Calendar to identify your conflicts.

     

    Please prepare and memorize an excerpt of a song from the production, listed below. Choose material that you feel best presents your voice and demonstrates your skills as a performer and storyteller. Here are accompaniment tracks to help you prepare for the song. Please choose from the following:

    • King of the World (Tenor) - Page 176, piano begins at measure 5. Voices come in from measure 9-42

    • Christmas Lullaby (Soprano) - Page 169, piano gives you a starting pitch and then counts 1, 2, 1, 2. Start singing right on measure 33-56

    • Surabaya Santa (Mezzo) - Page 152, piano gives you 2 measure intro at m11. Voices come in from measure 13-46

    • The New World (Bari-tenor) - Page 2, piano starts at measure 19. Voices comes in at measure 20-49

     

    General Auditions 
    (FRESHMEN) Tuesday, September 27 from 3:30 to 6p in room E122, Northfield Campus. 
    (SOPHOMORES) Wednesday, September 28 from 3:45 to 6:15p in room W215, Winnetka Campus. 

     

    Dance and Callback Auditions
    All students will participate in a Dance Call on Thursday September 29th at the Northfield Campus.
    The Freshman dance call will begin at 3:15 PM in the Cornog Auditorium.
    The Sophomore dance call will begin at 4:15 PM in the Cornog Auditorium.
    Please wear something that you can move in and appropriate shoes. After the dance call, some students may be asked to stay to learn an excerpt of song from the show. Music will be provided, and no preparation is necessary. Everyone please plan to stay until 6:30pm, although you may be released earlier.
    Students may be cast who are not asked to stay. If you are asked to stay, it does not guarantee that you are cast.

     

    REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

    All New Trier productions rehearse M – F until 6PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 12PM and 1PM – 4PM. Not all students are called for each rehearsal. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Monday, October 3. Technical and Dress rehearsals end by 8PM. There will not be cast rehearsals over Parent-Teacher Conferences or Thanksgiving Break. Please see the Songs for a New World Production Calendar.

     

    WHAT IS THE MUSICAL ABOUT?
    Songs for a New World is a compilation of songs by Jason Robert Brown. Originally produced Off-Broadway in 1995, this musical has relatable contemporary songs that explore the "moment of decision." The songs explore the potential for new beginnings through various perspectives, from a group of immigrants setting out for a new world to individuals embracing life-changing events like falling in love. Through a mix of pop, gospel and jazz music the characters find hope and strength throughout their hardship with the support of one another.

     

    WHEN DOES THE CALLBACK LIST GET POSTED AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

    Everyone who auditions should plan to attend the dance audition on Sept 29th. Callbacks will happen immediately after the dance audition.

     

    WHEN DOES THE CAST LIST GO UP?

    We will greatly expand the number of performers that were featured in the original production! The cast list will be emailed to all auditionees on Sunday, October 2 after 4:00 PM. Students are cast on the merits of their audition. Regardless of audition outcome, we strongly encourage students to audition for future musicals and plays. Auditioning for future productions is the best way to gain experience and get to know our directors and staff.

    PARENT/GUARDIAN MEETING

    There will be an in-person parent/guardian information meeting on Saturday, October 22 at 9:00am in the Cornog Auditorium.

     

    CREW APPRENTICESHIP

    All performers are required to fulfill the Crew Apprenticeship Program within one year after being cast in their first production. Please visit www.ntstagecrew.org for more information. 

     

    WHAT IF I'M NOT CAST BUT I STILL WANT TO BE INVOLVED? 

    Stage Crew is a great way to get involved with the productions. All crews are open to anyone interested, and they are a lot of fun - no prior experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the crew, please contact Denise Karczewski (karczewd@nths.net).

     

    Please see more information on No Questions Asked Improv or upcoming auditions for Winter Play Freshman-Sophomore Play, Directing Projects and Spring Play.

     

    WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE AUDITIONS?

    Make sure your hair is out of your face. Wear clothes that make you look and feel good. Do not wear costumes. There will be movement at the callback audition. Avoid jeans, sneakers, flip-flops, or any shoes that make it difficult for you to move.  

     

    WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?

    Please contact Ms. Laura Wesslund at wesslunl@nths.net or Mrs. James-Noonan at jamesnoa@nths.net or 847-784-6693.