Participate in the High School Project
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Registration for the 2024 Grand Theatre High School Project is now closed. Thank you to the hundreds of students who applied for a production placement, orchestra, or cast role this year! Interviews and auditions are ongoing and decisions will be made by the end of May.
The Grand Theatre invites London and area high school students to apply for the 2024 High School Project (HSP), Roald Dahl’s MATILDA The Musical. The High School Project is open to any high school student from the London area who will be enrolled in High School in the fall of 2024, or participating in homeschooling, and as such ages generally range from 14-18.
Like all High School Project productions, the Grand’s 2024 production of Roald Dahl’s MATILDA The Musical will endeavor to bring a new and unique voice to this well-known story. It will feature approximately 35-40 students onstage and 20 students behind-the-scenes.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
- Sunday, March 10 from 7:30-9:00pm - What is the High School Project? Talking about all things theatre & musical theatre!
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE BRAND NEW TO HSP AND LOOKING FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE BRAND NEW TO HSP AND LOOKING FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
- Monday, March 11 from 1:00-2:30pm - Production Roles: Talking about the backstage roles available, what will be needed and how to build your production resume/ portfolio!
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THEATRE PRODUCTION (Stage Management, Props, Wardrobe, Crew, Photography & Marketing, etc.)
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE CURIOUS ABOUT THEATRE PRODUCTION (Stage Management, Props, Wardrobe, Crew, Photography & Marketing, etc.)
- Thursday, March 14 from 5:00-6:30pm - Onstage World: Talking about onstage roles, auditions, and building a theatre resume (CV)
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A PERFORMING ROLE (singing, dancing, acting, musician)
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A PERFORMING ROLE (singing, dancing, acting, musician)
- Monday, March 18 from 4:00-5:30pm - What is the High School Project? Talking about all things theatre & musical theatre!
- BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE BRAND NEW TO HSP.
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Second date for this general info session. Please do not attend both March 10 + 18.
These complimentary information sessions are designed to build comfort and confidence in high school students who are new to HSP and the application process.
You must be registered in high school in September 2024 in order to participate. Priority will be given to students who have not yet participated in a High School Project, or who are applying in a different area than they previously experienced.
THE AUDITION PROCESS (Onstage)
Students interested in all performance roles will audition for the Director (Megan Watson), Music Director (Jeff Newberry) and Director of Education & Community Engagement (Breanne Ritchie). Please prepare an “audition cut” (32 bars or up to 2 minutes) of a musical theatre song that best shows off your talent! Consider the style and spirit of Matilda in your song selection. No monologue will be required for this audition.
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring printed piano vocal sheet music for our pianist in the correct key. (Sheet music can be found through the public library system, online, or perhaps through your school via library, teacher or other arts leader. If you are having trouble sourcing sheet music or have further questions, please reach out.)
Registration for the 2024 Grand Theatre High School Project is now closed.
A note from the production’s Director, Megan Watson:
“I have witnessed the magic and impact of the High School Project and it is a real thrill for me as a director to be at the helm of this year’s production of Matilda The Musical. I look forward to exploring the imaginative and rebellious spirit of this brilliant story! I cannot wait to work with students who are talented, creative, and dedicated to crafting an awe-inspiring production of this Roald Dahl classic. Be bold. Be brave. Be NAUGHTY! I look forward to meeting you.”
THE AUDITION PROCESS (Instrumentalists)
There will be a few positions available in our Orchestra for the production of Roald Dahl’s MATILDA The Musical. We will be auditioning for: trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboard/piano, guitar (electric/acoustic), cello, bass (electric/acoustic).
Students auditioning for the orchestra are asked to prepare and present 1 piece of your choice, no more than 2 minutes in duration, that demonstrates your highest level of technical skill on your instrument. You will also be sent an excerpt from the show before the audition to prepare and play to your best ability. Please bring your instrument (unless you are auditioning for keyboardist).
Registration for the 2024 Grand Theatre High School Project is now closed.
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS (Production)
The Grand's Production Department interviews students interested in any of the Production placements, such as: wardrobe, props, scenic art, stage management, sound, lighting, photography & marketing.
Interviews will take place at the Theatre with our Director of Production & Operations (Paul Fujimoto-Pihl) and Director of Education & Community Engagement (Breanne Ritchie). You will answer some basic questions about your interests, experience, strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
We also ask that you bring in something that you have created which demonstrates your artistic and/or crafting skills related to the Production placement you are interested in. Examples include: a portfolio of images/designs/sketches, a garment that you have sewn, prop that you have built, etc. Please be prepared to present and discuss the items you bring in and how they relate to the production area you are most interested in.
Registration for the 2024 Grand Theatre High School Project is now closed.
If you have questions not covered by the above information, please reach out to Director of Education & Community Engagement, Breanne Ritchie, at britchie [at] grandtheatre.com (britchie[at]grandtheatre[dot]com) or 519-672-9030 x224.
