This revamped version of The Ugly Duckling calls for about 40-45 high school students and 20 students from various elementary and middle schools.
The auditions began at the end of May, 2011.
Those that got in were expected to memorize chorus songs over the summer. At the beginning of the school year, they were prepared to try out for individual parts.
These auditions included a solo and a dance with a choreographer. While voice type and dance skill were the formal requirements, Weeks said that she also looked for previous character, like work ethic, grades, and especially integrity.
Weeks also revealed that her favorite part of theater is watching the students grow as people. She confidently said, “[Theater] teaches so many life lessons, like self confidence and responsibility.”
The theater attracts many different types of students. Some people wanted to be in the center of the stage, but Weeks also said, “There are even people who have stage fright.”
From center stage to behind the scenes, everyone showed a desire to be involved.
Junior James Richardson plays the lead role in Honk! “I would have been more nervous if there was a monologue,” he admitted. This will be his first experience in theater.
Richardson was in a band and various other singing groups over the years. He said that he, “stepped out of his comfort zone,” in this production.
With some practices going from 3 to 9 p.m., balancing school and the play can be difficult. Time management is an important factor in theater. Most find it hard to juggle other activities.
Along with time management, a love or passion for the theater is an important element in acting.
The show dates for this musical are Nov. 18-19. This year, if you pre- order your tickets at mhsperformingarts.com then adult admission is $10 and student admission is $8. However, if you buy your ticket at the door it will cost $2 extra.
From May-Nov, lots of hard work and practice contributes to the making of Honk! With almost six months in the making, the production is sure to be an entertaining event.
