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2021-2022 Troupe Auditions

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2021-2022 Troupe Auditions

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The Springfield Little Theatre youth performance troupe program seeks, nurtures, and develops focused young performers. Auditions are held annually and each troupe group remains together for the entirety of the season/academic year. Membership offers students a stimulating, fast-paced rehearsal environment; a sense of belonging; an investment in community; discounted class sessions at SLT; performance opportunities; and enthusiastic guidance from a caring and creative staff.

All troupers learn the values of accountability, discipline, teamwork, kindness, hard work, and play, attributes that will serve them in any of their future endeavors, and are instilled with a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts.

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Elementary School Auditions

Middle School Auditions

High School Auditions

 

ELEMENTARY TROUPE AUDITION INFORMATION

Students entering grades 2-5 are encouraged to audition for our Elementary Musical Theatre Troupes as well as our Elementary Acting Troupe!

AUDITION DATES
  • 2nd & 3rd Grade | Wednesday, August 18, at 4:00 PM
  • 4th & 5th Grade | Thursday, August 19, at 4:00 PM
ABOUT THE AUDITION
  • Auditioning troupers should prepare a 32 Measure (~1 minute) vocal selection for their audition
  • Auditioning troupers will be taught a musical theatre dance combination
  • Students do not need to audition for Elementary Acting Troupe, they only need to indicate interest on their audition forms
ELEMENTARY TROUPE CAMPS 
  • Elementary Acting Troupe: August 30-September 2 from 4:00-4:30 PM
  • Troupers in Training: August 30-September 2 from 4:30-5:30 PM
  • Elementary Troupe Camps: August 30-September 2 from 4:30-6:00 PM
ELEMENTARY MUSICAL THEATRE TROUPE COMMITMENTS
  • Annual Opening Little Theatre Guild Meeting, Cider Days, Show Your Character Event, Troupe Holiday Show, Artsfest, Spring or Summer Show, End-of-The Year Show, and Community Events
  • Elementary Troupe rehearsal every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 PM beginning September 8, 2021
  • Troupers In Training rehearsal every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 PM beginning September 8, 2021
  • Two excused absences per semester; One unexcused absence per semester
  • Troupers In Training Annual Tuition–$400
  • Elementary Troupes Annual Tuition–$450
  • (Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments)
ELEMENTARY ACTING TROUPE COMMITMENTS
  • Elementary Acting Troupe rehearsal every Wednesday from 4:00-4:30 PM beginning September 8, 2021
  • Elementary Acting Troupe Annual Tuition–$150 (Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments)
  • Must also be a member of Young Artists or Landers Kids, and fulfill the commitments outlined above
TROUPERS IN TRAINING CAMP

Want a leg-up on your Troupe Audition? We can help with that! Join us at The Judy (237 South Florence Ave, Springfield, MO)! We’ll help you find a song, lead you through dance combinations, and walk you through the audition process.

  • Monday, August 9th-Thursday, August 12th
  • 4:00-6:00 PM
  • $170

>>> Troupers in Training Camp Registration <<<

MIDDLE SCHOOL TROUPE AUDITION INFORMATION

Students entering grades 6-8 are encouraged to audition for our Musical Theatre Troupes (Youth Players/Showstoppers/Intermediate Players) as well as our Acting Troupe (Middle School Thespians).

AUDITION DATES

Please choose one of the following dates to audition:

  • Monday, August 16, at 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday, August 17, at 4:00 PM
ABOUT THE AUDITION

For musical theatre troupes:

  • Perform a memorized vocal selection (32 measures only). Bring sheet music. A piano player will be provided. Musical theatre selections preferred.
  • Auditioning troupers will be taught a musical theatre dance combination.
  • Provide a 300 word essay explaining your interest in the arts and in the SLT youth performance troupe program. If you’re auditioning for Musical Theatre troupes and Middle School Thespians, you need only submit one essay.

For Middle School Thespians

  • Perform a prepared monologue (one minute or less). Can be found or self-authored.
  • Provide a 300 word essay explaining your interest in the arts and in the SLT youth performance troupe program. If you’re auditioning for Musical Theatre troupes and Middle School Thespians, you need only submit one essay.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL TROUPE CAMPS

Middle School Troupe camps are mandatory for those cast.

  • Musical Theatre Troupes: August 23-26, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM
  • Middle School Thespians: August 30-September 2, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE TROUPE COMMITMENTS
  • Annual Opening Little Theatre Guild Meeting, Cider Days, Show Your Character Event, Troupe Holiday Show, Artsfest, Spring or Summer Show, End-of-The Year Show, and Community Events
  • Youth Players/Showstoppers/Intermediate Players Rehearsal every Thursday from 5:00-6:30 beginning September 2, 2021
  • Two excused absences per semester; One unexcused absence per semester
  • Annual Tuition–$600
  • Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments
MIDDLE SCHOOL THESPIANS COMMITMENTS
  • Show Your Character Event, Troupe Holiday Show, Community Events, and other performances as scheduled
  • Middle School Thespians rehearsal every Tuesday from 5:00-6:30 pm beginning September 7, 2021
  • Annual Tuition–$600
  • Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments
TROUPERS IN TRAINING CAMP

Want a leg-up on your Troupe Audition? We can help with that! Join us at The Judy (237 South Florence Ave, Springfield, MO)! We’ll help you find a song, lead you through dance combinations, and walk you through the audition process.

  • Monday, August 2nd-Thursday, August 5th
  • 4:00-6:00 PM
  • $170

>>> Troupers in Training Camp Registration <<<

HIGH SCHOOL TROUPE AUDITION INFORMATION

Students entering grades 9-12 are encouraged to audition for Y.E.S. Troupe (Musical Theatre) and Teen Players (Acting/Improv)!

AUDITION DATES

Y.E.S. TROUPE AUDITIONS

  • Freshman Auditions: Monday, July 26 at 4:30 PM
  • Sophomore Auditions: Tuesday, July 27at 4:30 PM
  • Junior Auditions: Wednesday, July 28 at 4:30 PM
  • Senior Auditions: Thursday, July 29 at 4:30 PM

TEEN PLAYERS AUDITIONS

  • Monday, August 2 at 4:30 PM
ABOUT THE AUDITION

For Y.E.S. Troupe:

  • Perform a memorized vocal selection (32 measures only). Bring sheet music. A piano player will be provided. Musical theatre selections preferred.
  • Auditioning troupers will be taught a musical theatre dance combination.
  • Provide 300 word essay explaining your interest in the arts and in the SLT youth performance troupe program. If you’re auditioning for Y.E.S. Troupe and Teen Players, you need only submit one essay.

For Teen Players:

  • Perform a prepared monologue (one minute or less). Can be found or self-authored.
  • Provide 300 word essay explaining your interest in the arts and in the SLT youth performance troupe program. If you’re auditioning for Y.E.S. Troupe and Teen Players, you need only submit one essay.

HIGH SCHOOL TROUPE CAMPS

High School Troupe camps are mandatory for those cast.

Y.E.S. Troupe Camp:

  • August 2-5 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Teen Players Camp:

  • August 9-13 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (held at the Landers Theatre).
Y.E.S. TROUPE COMMITMENTS
  • Annual Opening Little Theatre Guild Meeting, Cider Days, Show Your Character Event, Troupe Holiday Show, Youthfest Talent Showcase, Artsfest, End-Of-The Year Show, and Community Events
  • Y.E.S. Troupe Rehearsal every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 PM beginning August 10, 2021
  • Two excused absences per semester; One unexcused absence per semester
  • Annual Tuition–$600
  • Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments
TEEN PLAYERS COMMITMENTS
  • Monthly Performances, Show Your Character Event, Troupe Holiday Show, Teen Player Final Showcase, Community Events, and other performances as scheduled
  • Teen Player Rehearsal every Thursday from 4:00-6:00 pm beginning August 19, 2021
  • Annual Tuition–$600
  • Choose 1 annual payment, 2 semester payments, or 10 monthly payments
Y.E.S. TROUPE AUDITION WORKSHOP

Want a leg-up on your Troupe Audition? We can help with that! Join us at The Judy (237 South Florence Ave, Springfield, MO)! We’ll help you find a song, lead you through dance combinations, and walk you through the audition process.

  • Monday, July 19, 202
  • 4:30-6:30 PM
  • $25

>>> Y.E.S. Troupe Audition Workshop Registration <<<

QUESTIONS?

Contact the SLT Education Department at (417) 413-2287 or [email protected]

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: OWEN CAVE

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OWEN CAVE – CLASS OF 2021

 

While many students at Springfield Little Theatre have been involved with the education department for several years, we are always pleasantly surprised when new talent comes through our doors! Owen Cave is a senior at Parkview High School, and first arrived on the scene at SLT last summer in Footloose. His cast mates encouraged him to audition for Y.E.S. Troupe, and he’s been a member ever since.

Owen says his favorite show to be a part of at Springfield Little Theatre was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “The rehearsals for that show were some of the most fun moments for me.” He credits his time in troupe for making him a better performer overall. “It has definitely helped me hone my skills as an actor and dancer.” Owen also utilizes his talents in a band he formed earlier this year. Swave hopes to release their first EP soon, and Owen says that he always enjoys the opportunity to make music with his friends.

In addition to his work in theatre, Owen is quite an accomplished student. He has been on the principal’s honor roll multiple times, and was recently recognized for his leadership in the National Honor Society. He is also an active participant in Parkview’s choir and is a member of student council. Owen plans to attend college next year to pursue a major in the fine arts.

Owen’s teachers at Springfield Little Theatre say they always appreciate his energetic stage presence and his commitment to the craft, all while staying humble and kind. We are so glad you’re a part of SLT, Owen – Congratulations!

 

MORE ABOUT OWEN

Favorite Y.E.S. Troupe song you’ve performed?
Pinball Wizard
What’s your motto?
Full send.
Favorite Movie?
The Sandlot
What’s your dream show?
Newsies

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KAY LANGSTON

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KAY LANGSTON – CLASS OF 2021

 

This Senior Spotlight features an SLT senior who has been in the troupe program for 11 years! Kay Langston says they were very shy when first in troupe, but soon developed confidence and learned to enjoy the process. “Troupe has helped me with my social skills, how well I do in group projects, and I’ve always felt safe to be myself.”

The theatre is a family-affair for the Langstons – Kay’s mother Kris serves as a music director for SLT, and Kay has shared the stage with sister Denna many times. Kay and Denna were both invited to perform in the Springfield engagement of A Christmas Story: The Musical’s national tour after a lengthy audition process

 

In addition to their work on the Landers stage, Kay is an accomplished theatre technician, too. Kay typically serves on the crew for at least one show every season at SLT, including a stint as a running crew member for the upcoming production of Clue: The Musical. Kay’s favorite on stage credits include productions of Peter Pan and All Shook Up, and their favorite production to work backstage on was SLT’s 2018 production of West Side Story.

Following graduation, Kay would like to attend cosmetology school and study business as well. When asked what advice they would give to younger troupers or those just joining the program, Kay says that the reward depends on what you put into the experience. “Treat troupe rehearsals with the excitement and energy you hope to get out of it!”

Instructors at SLT love working with Kay’s diverse skill set in theatre – from being an excellent musician, to being a great improv actor, and serving as a leader on many backstage crews, Kay’s passion for the arts is evident in all that they do. Congrats, Kay! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us at Springfield Little Theatre!

MORE ABOUT KAY

What was the first play/musical that you saw?

I saw Cinderella at the Landers in 2007 for my 4th birthday.

What’s a secret talent you have?

I have a crazy green thumb, I have more than 40 plants and they’ve all doubled in size in less than a year.

What is the theme song to your life?

The theme from Monsters, Inc.

What’s your dream role/show?

Orpheus in Hadestown.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KAIRA PLASTER

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

New this year on the SLT blog – we are shining the spotlight on our incredible Y.E.S. Troupe class of 2021! You’ve seen these students grow into wonderful performers on the Landers stage, and now it’s time to learn a little more about each of them!

KAIRA PLASTER – CLASS OF 2021

Our first Senior Spotlight features Kaira Plaster.

This talented homeschooler has been involved with the SLT Troupe program for nine years. She credits her time at SLT for helping her find where she belongs – “Being in YES Troupe has helped instill a sense of teamwork and drive in me. [Troupe] is such a unique experience, and it gives you a family that you know you can count on forever.” An avid triple threat performer, Kaira plans to pursue a BFA in musical theatre.

When asked to pick a favorite memory from her time at SLT, Kaira said she couldn’t begin to pick just one. “I love all of it. I’ve been at the theatre since I was 6…the whole experience is one that will last me a lifetime, and I’m so grateful for it.” Kaira has been on stage in over 30 SLT productions, worked behind the scenes as a crew member, has taught classes for the education department, and has worked as a staff member for the theatre’s summer programs.

 

In addition to her extensive work at SLT, Kaira has pursued several other performance and educational opportunities both near and far. She has been invited to be a member of the TOP Performance Dance Team at their national competition in 2020, and was accepted into all three of Broadway Artists Alliance’s programs of study. Kaira has also appeared in local commercials, and has received eight Frannie awards – for performance, troupe, core, film, and tech. The Plaster family was also the recipient of the Big Frannie in 2018.

Kaira’s instructors love her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and her unstoppable passion for performing. The future is bright for this 2021 graduating senior, and there’s no telling where she’ll go from here!

Congrats, Kaira!

MORE ABOUT KAIRA!

Favorite Y.E.S. Troupe song you’ve performed?
“Transylvania Mania”

Dream role/show?
A dancer in Hamilton

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Placing first overall in competitive dance with my tap solo.

What advice would you give to new or younger troupers?
Enjoy every moment and be grateful for every opportunity, it’ll be over before you know it!

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