Moana Jr. Auditions

Dear Grade 3/4/5 students and parents,

It's that time again for auditions for our upcoming 2020-2021 Divisional Musical, Disney's Moana Jr.  This year auditions will be alittle different.  Mrs. Olko, the director of the play, will be auditioning students through a video audition.  Please see the note from her below.  There are a number of things to consider and all interested students need to contact Ms. Rempel ASAP.  We will set-up an online meeting to go over things including the songs, the character you would like to memorize a part for and the movement component that includes marching in beat, step-touch and the box step.

From Mrs. Paula Olko:

Due to the current COVID 19 situation, I will be conducting all auditions on-line.

• Students who were in the program before and want to be in the ensemble do NOT need to send a video audition. These students only need to fill out the Google form linked below.
• Students who were in the program before and want to audition for a lead role must submit a video audition along with the completed Google form.
• New students to the program must also submit a video audition and a completed Google form. Please choose one acting side and one song from the Audition Materials link below.

Everyone must complete the Google form, to be considered for a role in the show.

All auditions must be submitted via the Google form by the evening of Friday May 8, 2020.

Please see here for the link to ALL the information including the songs and script: SJASD musical audition link and contact your music teacher, Ms. Rempel (julianna.rempel@sjasd.ca), to let her know you are planning to audition.  She can help you with rehearsing.

Mrs. Paula Olko
Producer / Director / Choreographer
paula.olko@sjasd.ca

Frozen Jr. Musical

Starting January 25th, the SJASD Divisional Musical Theatre is presenting, Frozen Jr.  Get your tickets here!

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Musical Auditions

Grade 3/4/5 students auditioning for the Divisional musical Frozen Jr. will need to pick one song and character part in the scripts to memorize.  Please see Ms. Rempel for the music or any other questions.

In Summer Vocal (Olaf)


In Summer No Vocal (Olaf)


Bows - Let It Go Vocal (chorus)


Bows - Let it Go No Vocal (chorus)

Let it Go Vocal (Elsa)


Let it Go No Vocal (Elsa)


First Time in Forever Vocal (Anna)


First Time in Forever No Vocal (Anna)


Reindeers are Better Than People Vocal (Kristof/Sven)


Reindeers are Better Than People No Vocal (Kristof/Sven)

Be Our Guest

Another season of amazing talent and entertainment wraps up at Canada's largest outdoor theatre, Rainbow Stage.  If you didn't get a chance to go this season, I highly recommend to save up and go for next year.  It's a fun family outing and it's all Manitoba talent.  Check out the Winnipeg Free Press Review.

Junie B Auditions

It's that time of the year again and the St. James Divisional Musical auditions are being held in May for the 2018/19 musical theatre piece, "Junie B. Jones Jr."  The auditions are open to any Grade 3/4/5 Stevenson student that has been auditioned through Ms. Long and Ms. Rempel.  The preliminary auditions are on Tuesday, April 17 at lunch in the music room.  Please see the tab above "Junie B" for more information and links to the music and script.  Letters have been sent home with all interested students.  All the best!

Wizard of Oz Hit Songs

Follow the Yellowbrick Road / We're Off to See the Wizard

If I Only Had a Brain

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Munchkin Welcome Song

It Really Was No Miracle

Tickets on Sale!

Tickets on sale now for the SJASD show, Seussical The Musical, Jr. Shows running from January 27 to February 3, 2018. 2 casts (from Stevenson - Cast 1: Jessica, Kiera, Nathalie; Cast 2: Arsenni) As part of our music class, Grades 3/4/5 will be going during school at the end of January.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Ticket Link

Seussical the Musical Auditions

Each year up to 120 students from across the School Division are selected to make up two casts for a selected musical production. Ms. Rempel and a team of teachers will be selecting students to audition for next year’s production, ‘Seussical, Jr.  The show will run Jan 27 – Feb 3/17.  If students make the first audition at Stevenson, they are then invited to do a second audition with Mrs. Olko on May 17 or 18th.  If you are interested, please contact Ms. Rempel and send back the audition form that was handed out. Stevenson auditions will take place on Tuesday, May 2 at 11:40 in the music room.

The criteria that Ms. Rempel and her audition team look for are:
1. musical talent (in-tune singing, dancing) / preparation
2. acting / reading / expression / voice projection
3. following directions
4. stage presence / confidence
5. excellent behaviour / student leader
6. parental commitment

Guidelines for the Division consist of choosing students from twenty-one schools, with representation from all the schools and grades. Selection is based on the quality of the audition and the character needs of the musical, which includes in-tune singing, voice projection, acting, and stage presence. Elementary students will be required to attend one weekly rehearsal on either Monday or Tuesday.

Being part of this group is a devoted commitment for four months: Sept., Oct., Nov., Jan. and the first week of Feb. Each cast will rehearse on a specified day, beginning in September. Students with lead roles will be required to attend two weekly rehearsals. There will also be additional rehearsals three weeks prior to the show. Attendance is of the utmost importance, and students must make up for all rehearsals missed by attending on the alternate cast’s day.

For audition:
1. Have your teacher/parent help you to learn one song from the attached list.  Link to Audition Material

2. Practice reading and acting out from memory, one of the passages supplied on the attached list.
3. Practice marching in time, and the box step. 

If you are selected from Stevenson, parents must do the following:

1. Fill out the application form and bring it to your audition.
2. Sign up for an audition time on line by going to Audition Sign-up Link
Second stage auditions will be held at Westwood Collegiate in the cafeteria.

Theatre Shows

Looks like an amazing line-up of shows going on in St. James this spring.  Go and check them out and support the arts!  We have amazing talent here in this division.  

Good luck and congrats to all the cast and crew.

Westwood Collegiate production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes place from May 2-6 at 7 p,m. Tickets are available here.

Musical Magic

Congratulations to all the St. James Music Theatre kids, staff, volunteers, and of course the amazing Mrs. Paula Olko (director) for your amazing work on James and the Giant Peach Jr.  The Grade 4/5 classes were able to go on Monday, January 30th and it was very well done.  Way to go Jessica and Kiera on this big accomplishment.  Your singing and dancing were superb!

James Theatre Tickets

The SJASD Divisional Music Theatre tickets are now on sale for performances at Westwood Collegiate for James and the Giant Peach Jr.  There are 10 shows between Jan. 28-February 4, 2017.  To book tickets, click on the links below for dates and times.  Note: Stevenson students are in Cast 2.

Click Here - Cast 2 Tickets

Click Here - Cast 1 Tickets

Grade 4/5 students will be going with Ms. Rempel to the show on Monday, January 30th in the morning.  Parents, please have field trip form in ASAP.

Story Summary: Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR. is a brand new take on this "masterpeach" of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.

When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.

Directed by the amazing Paula Olko

Congratulations

Congratulations to all our students for your fantastic auditions!  We auditioned 73 students from Grades 2-5.  We are doing 2 shows this year.  Grade 1-3 will perform "Melton The Warm-Hearted Snowman" and the Grade 4-5 students are preparing a hilarious show called "Elflandia."  The concert will take place on Thursday, December 1 with the Kindergarten and Grade 1-3 performance at 6:30 and the Grade 4-5 performance at 7:30.  More information will be sent home as we get closer to the dates.  Please mark them on your calendar!  Kindergartens will be doing their own separate songs.

Now comes the big task of memorizing and learning songs and dances.  Rehearsal schedules will be sent out as soon as we have them.  Thank-you in advance for your support in helping your child learn parts and prepare for these fantastic shows!

See the "Melton Gr. 1-3" tabs above for music

 See the "Elflandia Gr. 4-5" tabs above for music

Celebration!

Congrats to all our students and staff on an excellent production of Annie Kids for our 2016 Celebration of the Arts.  Thank-you to all who came out to support us.

The Sun'll Come Out... Tomorrow!

Costumes

Parents/Guardians:

Please have all forms and costumes in by no later than Monday, May 2.  All items must be labeled on the inside and put in a bag with your child's name on it.  For the New Yorker chorus, if you haven't already, please return the form indicating the night your child will perform and you will attend.  This is needed IMMEDIATELY.  Thank-you to all who have returned them promptly.

The main actors costumes have been mostly provided.  These students are expected to be performing both nights as they have lead roles.  Please see a few items that may still be needed.

• Orphans: cool short shorts, tank top, flat shoes or boots - black preferred or neutral colored shoes, hair ties for pigtails/braids, anklet white socks or neutral colored stockings or long white, grey, or black knee high socks

Orphans - Isabella D, Samantha K, Cassey C, Aura S, Dacotah A, Azraa A, Krista N, Parinta A, Cadence D, Romee M, Irish G, Maye A, Jessica, Delilah, Kiera C, Ruby, Gianna, Danieka, Krystal, Abigail

• Ms. Hannigan, Lily, Grace, Apple Sellers: short shorts to wear under dresses, white or black tank top

Ms. Hannigan – Bailey T

Lily – Willow M

Grace Farrell - Nicole M

Apple Sellers – Hannah N, Shannon, Sierra      

• Rooster, Oliver, Grumpy Man, Louis, Roosevelt, Officers, Bert and Bundles, Star-to-Be: short shorts to wear under pants, white t-shirt/undershirt to wear under dress shirt, black or dark shoes with black socks

Rooster – Johannes M           

Oliver Warbucks  – Nathan D

Grumpy Man –  Riley S

Louis Howe – Jimmy H

President Roosevelt – Meelad A

Police Officers – Mitchell R, Jayden K

Bert Healey – Tyson W   

Bundles – Quinton C

Star-to-Be - Joseph   

• Girl servants - bike shorts to wear under their skirts, white tank top or camisole, black shoes with white anklet socks
• Boy servants – bike shorts to wear under their dress pants, black socks with black or dark dress shoes

Servants - Jack, James, Phoenix K, Marlen E, Joseph M, Brielle, Hannah, Alea M, Piper, Sara, Olivia, Brooke

• Sandy: short shorts to wear under costume, cool undershirt, hair tie, white or black or brown socks and slip-ons (beige/black/brown/grey/white)

Sandy – Christina M      

GOOD TO GO!

Usherette – Breanna W

Stars-to-Be – Kristine N, Drew H, Keerat K.

            

James and the Giant Peach

Each year up to 120 students from across the School Division are selected to make up two casts for a selected musical production. At the request of the school and music teacher, selected students from Grade 3-5 are invited to audition for next year’s production, ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr’.  The show will run Jan 28 – Feb 4/17.

Guidelines consist of choosing students from twenty-one schools, with representation from all the schools and grades.  Selection is based on the quality of the audition and the character needs of the musical, which includes in-tune singing, voice projection, acting, and stage presence.  Elementary students will be required to attend one weekly rehearsal on either Monday or Tuesday.

Being part of this group is a devoted commitment for four months: Sept., Oct., Nov., Jan. and the first week of Feb.  Each cast will rehearse on a specified day, beginning in September.  Students with lead roles will be required to attend two weekly rehearsals.  There will also be additional rehearsals three weeks prior to the show.  Attendance is of the utmost importance, and students must make up for all rehearsals missed by attending on the alternate cast’s day.

Here is the link for the music to practice with.  The cast requirements, speaking audition passages and all of the sheet music are in this drop box.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/koj8zfy2d2b0t12/AAAxd2S5bZNuhFa6RmA5CeDSa?dl=0

Audition dates are as follows at Westwood Collegiate in the cafeteria.  Please contact Ms. Rempel for the link to set up an audition time.

Grades 6 & 7              May 9 or 10                4:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Grades 3, 4 & 5:         May 11 or 12              4:00 – 7:30 p.m.

If you are interested in having your child audition or would like to know more about the process, please contact Ms. Rempel via the school, phone, or email.  We are asked to limit students sent to auditions for practical purposes and we have a set criteria for students wishing to audition.  This includes: 1. parental support 2. student attendance/commitment  3. student behaviour 4. musical/drama/dance aptitude 5. confidence 6. ability to take directions/focus 7. involvement in extra-curricular music/drama activities 8. stage presence

James and the Giant Peach.

Springing into...

Great way to end off our music classes for March with singing extraordinaire, Heidi Korte.  

Leaving you a great video of Heidi's vocal student, Dane Bjornson.  Happy Spring Break!

"Nae"

Today we had vocal coach, Heidi Korte, do a workshop with our soloists for the upcoming Annie musical.  It was amazing!!! I learned lots and we are already seeing and hearing a change in these awesome kids singing!  We look forward to having her back in a few weeks.

A little about Heidi: She is a singer that started her musical journey in opera and classical music. She has a music degree from the University of Manitoba in classical voice but has since then developed a pop/rock contemporary sound. As a multi-instrumentalist she can play most instruments including harp, cello, bass, accoustic guitar, but is most comfortable on the keyboard. She also runs her own private music studio out of her house and teaches piano by ear, improvising, contemporary vocal technique, guitar, and songwriting.

Check out this great warm-up and hear the difference between Celion Dion and Ellen singing.

Broadway vs. Classical

Tonight I saw a great group of theatre students from Ecole Assiniboine perform Oklahoma.  As the awesome adjudicator, Johanna Hildebrandt, worked with this group, it gave me some great ideas about how to teach Broadway singing and our upcoming Annie rehearsals.  It got me thinking about the differences and how we will need 'change' our vocal instruments to fit the musical genre.  Here's a good video explaining the difference.

Here are also some great tips on how to use facial expressions and gestures when singing Broadway type songs