Attention All Potential Musicians, Actors and Technicians: E-mails will be sent with your audition and/or interview times. Please check your e-mail SUNDAY JUNE 2. If you haven't received an e-mail or there is a problem with your audition/interview time, you must contact the producer immediately at allstateproducers@ihstf.org.

The 2020 Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State production of Aida is a story about star-crossed lovers who met at the wrong time and place. As they pay the final price for their relationship, Radames reassures Aida that, “If I have to search for a hundred lifetimes, I will find you again…” Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical illustrates that if we “Still Believe”, the power of love can transcend all barriers.

Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. An enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that she faces as the leader of her people. Aida and Radames' love for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

Aida is the winner of the 2000 Tony Awards for Best Original Score, Best Actress, Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting.

PIT/ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
1 – Reed 1 (ALTO FLUTE , BIG BAMBOO FLUTE (F), BIG BAMBOO FLUTE (G), FLUTE , SMALL BAMBOO FLUTE)- Broadway Orchestration
1 – Reed 2 (ENGLISH HORN, OBOE) - Broadway Orchestration
1 – French Horn - Broadway Orchestration
1 - Viola - Broadway Orchestration
1 - Violin - Broadway Orchestration
1 - Cello - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Keyboard 1 - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Keyboard 2 - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Keyboard 3 - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Electric Bass - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Guitar 1 - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Guitar 2 - Broadway Orchestration
1 – Drums - Broadway Orchestration
2 – Percussion - Broadway Orchestration

CHARACTERS:
AMNERIS: A beautiful, if materialistic, Egyptian Princess, daughter of the Pharaoh.

RADAMES: An Egyptian Captain, son of Zoser, who enjoys the adventures of war without realizing its devastation. He is a good man who wants to be a better man.

AIDA: A beautiful Nubian Princess, daughter of King Amonasro, who truly loves her people and will sacrifice everything for their happiness.

MEREB: A young Nubian slave and servant to Radames, who is faithful to his Nubian heritage and dreams of a better life for his people.

ZOSER: A manipulative and evil Chief Minister of Egypt, father of Radames. He is power-hungry and lives without scruples.

PHARAOH: Leader of Egypt and father of Amneris.

NEHEBKA: A Nubian slave.

AMONASRO: King of Nubia and father of Aida. An honorable and peaceful man.

ENSEMBLE: TBD

CREW MEMBERS
40 Crew Members - Crew members need to demonstrate versatility and a willingness to work in a number of areas. Initially, everyone serves on “construction crew” doing the work that is needed. As we approach the November rehearsals, crew members will be divided into specific areas based on interest, ability, and the needs of the show.

"The Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State Production of Aida welcomes all artists regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the activities and programs."

ALL-STATE PARTICIPATION FEE There is a $500 fee to participate in the All-State show. This charge covers meals for all rehearsal weekends and production week, housing during production week at Illinois State University, a t-shirt, water bottle, and more. Please note: We have previously helped students raise all the funds necessary and limited scholarship money is available. Please do not let finances discourage you from auditioning. If you have any questions, please contact Producer Nathan King at allstateproducers@ihstf.org

The deadline to submit all acting and crew materials is FRIDAY, MAY 24TH TUESDAY, MAY 28TH.

The deadline to submit all musician materials is FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH.

There is no limit to the number of students a school can send to auditions and interviews; however, only seven students from each school may be selected for cast and crew.

A student may audition as an actor, technician, and/or orchestra member, but he/she must fill out a separate application for each area and pay all fees.

All students interested in the 2020 All-State production MUST:

- Resume and Headshot
- 2019-2020 Participation Required Signatures Form
- 2019-2020 All-State Medical/Liability Form
- 2019-2020 All-State Media Release Form

*All documentation must be scanned and submitted as .pdf files in the application submission process. Please save each document as “LastName_FirstName_NameofForm” Example: Smith_John_Headshot.jpg; Smith_John_Resume.pdf; Smith_John_SignaturesForm.pdf; Smith_MedForm.pdf; Smith_MediaForm.pdf

2. Fill out and submit the appropriate application (including all documentation):
All-State Actor Application

All-State Pit Orchestra Application

3. Pay the Audition/Interview Fee:
Submit a $15 credit card payment to the ILLINOIS THEATRE ASSOCIATION. This should be done in the application. (Note: if you are applying for multiple positions, please submit separate $15 payments for each form.)

4. Follow-up with school director/instructor:
Upon receipt of your application, a Student Recommendation Form will be emailed from us to the director/instructor listed on your application. (The school email address MUST be a valid and verifiable email address.) The director/instructor will be asked to fill out the form and send directly to us. Please follow-up with your director/instructor and remind him/her to do so!

The All State Producer will send out an audition/interview schedule by SUNDAY JUNE 2nd.  Any questions, email allstateproducers@ihstf.org.

Again, the deadline for submission of all acting and crew materials is FRIDAY, MAY 24th.

The deadline for submission of all musician materials is FRIDAY, JUNE 7th.

ALL-STATE AUDITIONS/TECH INTERVIEWS LOCATIONS*
Auditions and tech interviews on Saturday June 8th and Sunday June 9th will take place from 9am-6pm at:
Glenbard North High School, 990 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream IL 60188

Auditions and tech interviews on Saturday June 15th will take place from 9am-6pm at:
University Laboratory School, University of Illinois, 1212 W. Springfield, Urbana, IL 61801

Performance Callbacks will be held on Saturday June 22nd and Sunday 23rd at:
Glenbard North High School, 990 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream IL 60188
(Note: callbacks are for actors only)

*Please Note: Audition applications are processed in the order in which they are received. While we will do our best to accommodate your audition location request, you may be assigned to another location if all slots are filled.

DO I REALLY NEED TO BE AT ALL OF THESE REHEARSALS?

*YES. There is NO excused absence from All-State weekends. Please make sure you are available on ALL of these dates. Specific call times will be given once casting/selection is complete. Make sure your calendar is clear. 

REHEARSAL WEEKENDS AT GLENBARD NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
August 6-10, 2019 
August 30*-September 2, 2019 (Labor Day weekend)
October 11*-14, 2019 (Columbus Day weekend)
November 29-December 1, 2019 (Thanksgiving weekend)
January 3-5 (Weekend before Fest)

*denotes evening

PRODUCTION WEEK AT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
January 6-12, 2020

HOW DO I GET TO AND FROM AUDITIONS, CALL-BACKS, REHEARSALS AND BUILDS?
Students are responsible for their own transportation to the rehearsals and builds as well as to the Festival in January.

DO I NEED TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR THE REHEARSAL/BUILD WEEKENDS AND FESTIVAL?
NO. Lodging will be provided to every student who requests it during regular rehearsal periods. The entire company will be provided lodging at the Festival at a hotel near campus. We are staying at the Normal, IL Marriott Hotel.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE NEAR THE REHEARSAL LOCATION?
We will arrange housing with fellow company members or local theatre students to make sure that you have a place to stay for the rehearsal weekends.

Song Selection:
Please prepare a 32-bar cut (or between 45-60 seconds) of a song in the style of the show. (Note: The song does NOT have to be from a musical.) Appropriate genres include contemporary musical theatre, pop, R&B and more. Please DO NOT sing from Aida. The perfect song choice will show off your vocal range, tell a story, and allow you to confidently show us who you are. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key, mark your start and end measures, and present it in an accompanist-friendly format (i.e. no loose single pages). Accompaniment tracks will not be allowed and acappella auditions are discouraged.

Monologue:
Please prepare (one) 60 to 90-second monologue of your choice which demonstrates versatility and range. The selection can be from a comedy, drama, contemporary, classic, poem or lyric published work. The selection should not be from Aida. Choose appropriate material. Pieces of extreme anger, vulgarity or obscenity may tune out auditioners. Announce yourself and your piece clearly. Timing starts after your introduction. The perfect monologue choice will show off your personality, experience and passion. Remember to have fun and make clear choices. You need to be heard and seen to be selected.

Dance:
You will also learn a dance combination at the audition. Make sure you dress appropriately- no restrictive clothing or restrictive footwear- jazz shoes or bare feet are the suggested footwear. You will have time to change after your singing/acting audition. The dance numbers in Aida range from typical music theater to hip hop to West African, you are encouraged to think about technique but also to show your comfort level in just trying something new and having fun in your performance. There is a video link below that will teach you the dance audition should you be unable to make auditions and need to send us a video. There will be an 8 count at the end that you will be asked to fill in with your favorite move or any “tricks” i.e. double/triple pirouette, firebird, toe touch, illusions, walkovers or flips, turn leaps, etc. If you don’t have these in your repertoire then throw in your favorite dance move- just have fun with the final 8 counts. Aida Dance Audition Video Link

INTERVIEW EXPECTATIONS FOR TECHNICIANS
- Be prepared to discuss what technical theatre work you have done.
- Bring a portfolio to show examples of projects you've worked on.
- Be able to explain your areas of greatest interest.
- You will be interviewed for approximately seven (7) minutes. Please plan on some time for questions either during/after your presentation.

MATERIALS TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW (PORTFOLIO)
We are looking for examples of your work. This can be in the form of paperwork, actual props/costumes (if available) and photos. Your portfolios can be Digital, Matted, or in a Binder but in any form, please make sure it is your best work. If you have a digital portfolio please plan on sharing it prior to your interview, bringing a laptop and having a back up. More specific possibilities below include:

- PHOTOS OF YOUR WORK! Try to include process shots as well as the final product. Include captions detailing your contributions to each project.
- Show books including marked scripts, cue sheets, prop lists, etc.
- Light plots and sections, channel hookups, instrument schedules
- Microphone plots, selected recordings (if available)
- Draftings, drawings, sketches (napkin sketches count!)
- Paint samples, built props (if available)
- Examples of types of sewing stitches you are able to create. (Please do not bring in medium to large scale items that are awkward to carry. Clear photos are sufficient.)
- Résumé. Look at examples online. Also plan on bringing 6 - 9 copies for the tech team to have.

Students interested in a Stage Management position must provide a letter of recommendation from someone he or she has Stage Managed for and should bring a Prompt Book or Rehearsal Book to the interview.

Please share your digital portfolios with the Technical Director, Ms. Teslen Sadowski prior to your interview. You can send them to tsadowski@oprfhs.org.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE INTERVIEW?
The purpose of an interview is for your interviewers to get to know you. Prepare for any type of question to be asked that may be related to your portfolio, your resume or the following:
- Who are you?
- What are you passionate about? What are your goals?
- How would you describe your work style? What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond what was asked of you.
- Why should you be considered for a crew position for Aida?
- Why do you want to be a part of the All-State crew?

Throughout the interview your résumé and portfolio will be assessed by the interviewer(s). Be prepared to answer specific questions about each show, the process, the people with whom you worked and the final product.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Remember, the purpose of the interview is to introduce yourself in the best possible way. Since all students are being interviewed for general technicians, your résumé should describe your technical experience in any and all areas. Your area strengths will become evident in your portfolio and in the way you talk about your work. Be confident that you are the best candidate for the position of technician, and let your experience back you up. We suggest practice interviewing with a partner. Typically this works best with someone you don’t know very well rather than your best friend, as they probably already know the answers to the questions.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For any interview you should always dress your best. Keep in mind that the clothes you wear say something about you, but be sure they do not take center stage. The interview is to showcase YOU and your abilities. Your attire is the supporting role.

Do you have further questions for technician interviews? Email Mr. Nathan King - Allstate Producer at allstateproducers@ihstf.org for logistical questions or Technical Director Ms. Teslen Sadowski at tsadowski@oprfhs.org for artistic/portfolio questions.

Aida has an outstanding score with an extremely wide variety of musical styles. The musicians selected to be in the orchestra should have significant ensemble experience (jazz band, concert band, pit orchestra, string orchestra, etc.), strong sight-reading skills, be comfortable reading music in all keys and mixed meters, and great musicianship. If you are interested in auditioning to be in the pit, you need to do the following:

1) As a part of the application you will be submitting a video recording of your audition via YouTube or Vimeo.

2) Audition Requirements:

Violin/Viola/Cello/French Horn/Flute/Oboe/English Horn:
2-3 minutes of a prepared solo or etude (a concerto, sonata, etude, or a piece you are working on in a private lesson). This selection(s) should demonstrate technical facility as well as lyrical musicianship. Oboists must submit an English Horn excerpt as well!

Pianos, Drums, Percussion, Guitars & Bass:
All rhythm section instruments are asked to submit TWO contrasting solos of their area(s) of expertise. Solos should demonstrate technical facility and musicianship. Demonstration of multiple styles is appreciated. Percussionists should focus on multi-percussion. Bassists need only audition on electric.

3) The deadline for all pit audition materials is Friday, June 7, 2019.

Questions? Email All-State Pit Director, Lauren Whisnant at lauren_whisnant@glenbard.org

Application for Actors

Application for Crew

Application for Pit

2019-2020 Participation Required Signatures Form

2019-2020 All-State Medical/Liability Release Form

2019-2020 All-State Media Release Form
Sample Acting Resume

Sample Technician Resume

Sample Orchestra Resume

"Aida" Dance Audition