'Magi' Director Offers Audition Tips

Auditions for Slidell Little Theatre’s production of The Gifts of the Magi, directed by John Giraud, will be held October 6th and 7th at the theatre, beginning at 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 15
Poster by Cameron Metrejean

Music by Randy Courts, and lyrics by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts, The Gifts of the Magi is a heart-warming, captivating musical treat, drawn from two short stories by O. Henry.  It is Christmas in New York, but for two young lovers, Jim and Della, the prospects are bleak, as both are out of work and penniless. But as those familiar with the famous O. Henry story are aware, their dilemma is solved when both part with their most precious possessions (she her beautiful long hair, he his heirloom pocket watch) in order to buy presents for each other thereby creating, at least for a magical moment, an aura of warmth and giving in the cold, impersonal winter city. In addition to their story there are glimpses of various city folk going about their holiday business, and the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum who wants only to get arrested so he can spend the night in a cozy cell, all gracefully enhanced by tuneful songs and neatly tied together by a newsboy-narrator, Willy, who adds his own melodious contribution and informative observations to the delightful proceedings.

Performance dates are: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15.

The director is seeking to fill six roles, featuring two females and four males. John Giraud provided a brief description of the character roles he’s seeking to cast:

• Willy (tenor)- teenage boy, able to sing sustained high G’s. Must be able to deliver lots of dialogue.
• Soapy (baritone/tenor)- comedic male role, 40’s-60’s. Must be able to move well on stage and have good comic timing.
• City Her (mezzo-soprano)-must be able to play many different characters and move well on stage while singing harmonies, 30’s-60’s
• City Him (baritone)-must be able to play many different characters and move well on stage while singing harmonies, 30’s-60’s
• Jim (baritone/tenor)- must be able to sing, act, and move well on stage, early-mid 20’s preferable.
• Della (mezzo-soprano/soprano)- must be able to sing, act, and move on stage, early-mid 20’s preferable.

Please be prepared to sing one verse of song- either from musical theater or a Christmas carol. Also be prepared to read lines from the script (which will be provided at the audition).

We asked John to provide us with his Top Ten Tips to Prepare for Auditions. Here is his advice:

1. Smile.
2. Breathe.
3. Don’t make faces if you mess up.
4. Stay in character while you are auditioning.
5. Don’t make yourself hoarse by over-singing before you reach the theater. Save a little for the audition.
6. Practice your audition in front of a mirror.
7. Practice in front of Maw Maw, the cat/dog, kids, anyone who will listen.
8. Make a recording of your audition piece and then watch/listen to it.
9. Even if you feel less than 100% on audition day, sing/act with the best voice you have on that particular day. If you participate in enough productions, you will eventually have to perform when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
10. Every one of the directors has auditioned many times. We know how you feel. So please remember that WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED.

Slidell Little Theatre is located at 2024 Nellie Drive.