Each year, the Very Merry Dickens Carolers audition, train and hire out costumed, a cappella Christmas Carolers (usually in quartets - SATB), Instrumentalists (types vary), as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This year, we are also looking to add some of Santa’s Helpers (dancers) and some freelance photographers. Auditions will be held on an on-going basis by appointment only. Rehearsals are held from mid-August through November (schedule is TBA). The performance season runs from mid-November through New Years (give or take a week or two). Your own performance hours are largely determined by your personal availability and commitment to rehearsals, etc.. What to expect: The audition will last approximately 15-20 minutes and has up to five parts (depending on your desired position): 1) Regardless of the position, we would like to see/hear how you speak in front of an audience. Please prepare a holiday monologue, approximately one minute in length. Memorization is optional and will not affect our decision. Be yourself; this is not a traditional actors monologue in character. It can be a reading, a poem, a recital of lyrics, an introduction to your song, information about yourself, thoughts or memories of the holidays, etc. 2) a) Carolers: We want to hear you sing. You’ll sing a verse and chorus of two Christmas songs of your own choosing; a cappella (unaccompanied), in any style. b) Instrumentalists: We want to hear you play. You’ll play a verse and chorus of two Christmas songs of your own choosing; unaccompanied, in any style. c) Santa and Mrs. Claus: Read us a short story, and answer some questions (from a child’s viewpoint). d) Dancers: We want to see you dance. You’ll perform two short routines (16+ bars to Jingle Bell Rock and 16+ bars to Santa Baby – music will be provided). It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Just a simple routine will do. e) Photographers: We want to see your portfolio. 3) For Carolers and Instrumentalists: We want to get a sense of your level of musicianship, so we’ll have you sight-read a Christmas song or two with one of us, in harmony. There is no expected or required level needed to qualify. We just want to know how well and how quickly you’ll be able to learn music. 4) We will then conduct a brief interview to find out more about you, your experience, your expectations, etc. 5) Finally, we will discuss the position(s) and answer any questions you may have. Please: 1) Arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition appointment to fill out paperwork. 2) Bring your calendar. Part of the paperwork is a schedule of your availability for the season. Because the season is so short, availability is rather important, and will be a factor when determining who will work with us. 3) Pencil the callback date into your calendar, so you will be available if we need to see you again. 4) Bring a resume and headshot if you have them. If you do not have a headshot, we will take a snapshot of you during your audition. Location: Auditions (as well as rehearsals) are currently held at the Director's home, 48 Sullivan Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. Directions can be found on Mapquest.com, or by following the directions below: -On 95 N or 95 S, take the Rte 1A North exit (exit number 2B), in Massachusetts (near the RI border). -Go to the second set of lights and turn left onto Carlton Street. -Take your first left onto Hudson Street. -Take your first right onto Sullivan Street. -48 Sullivan Street will be the 2nd house on the right (light green Ranch with maroon trim). If you have any trouble finding it, call (508) 761-5835 and we’ll assist you! Now what? Call the office at 508-761-5835 to schedule an audition appointment. If you get our voice mail, be sure to leave us a message so we can get back to you. Give us your name, e-mail, phone number(s), and voice part / position interested in. Year-round, we keep a list of people who are interested in auditioning. We then call everybody back in June to set up appointments. Feel free to call us with additional questions as well. This page is intended to answer most of your questions but we know there may be others. Thank you for your interest! We look forward to meeting you!