When auditioning for Tuck Everlasting, you will be asked to perform one or more of the following monologues. You do not have to memorize these! The director may ask you to read more than one so please be familiar with all of them.
Winnie Foster: Maybe it’s today, when something exciting happens…or something, just anything… Please not another day when nothing happens. Can I go outside and play before breakfast? Can we have breakfast outside this morning? Remember when Dad made waffles and we ate them outside and you said it was just like as picnic? Can we have an adventure? Please? Please?
Jesse Tuck: Look around you, the flowers, and the trees, and the frogs, they’re all part of the wheel. They’re always changing, always growing, like you Winnie. Your life is never the same, you were once a child, now you’re about to become a woman. Then one day you’ll go out, like the flame of a candle. You’ll make way for new life. That’s a certainty. That’s the natural way of things.
Miles Tuck: Ma, shut the music box, you never know who could hear it. Here Ma, happy ten Birthdays…It’s good to be home but I never felt like I truly belonged here. Perhaps people like me will never have a home. A house yes, but can anyone feel truly at home when so separated from the people around them? – so alienated from something so basic as time?
Mae Tuck: Angus what anniversary are we up to? What’s a marriage after a century passes? Winnie said she wanted to drink the water…that frightened me. Winnie’s going home, the boys are leaving…we’ve talked more in one day than we have talked in years…are you with me or are you just snoring near me? We have to go…I know it’s for the best.
Angus Tuck: Do you like fishing? I didn’t have to teach Jesse; I think he was born already knowing how…both my boys could swim before they could walk. I think you’ve got a fish on your line, pull it up…Well done Winnie, Trout for breakfast! Ok…Ok…I’ll put him back…there you can see him swimming away…you know Winnie, the time before we drank when we could hurt, when we could die, those are the only moments that matter.
The Man in the Yellow Suit: Well, now. Aren’t you wise beyond your – eleven years, is it? I’m a carnival man, young lady! It’s my business to know un-knowable things…We have something in common…I’d do anything to live forever, and I mean anything. Would you? Now, I don’t suppose you’ve noticed anyone strange around here recently… Been up and down the state, looking for a highly unusual family. Used to live here in Treegap, some time ago.
Hugo: Look at him go…he’s got legs like a cricket. We can’t let him get too far ahead. But then again, a fellow dressed in yellow isn’t going to be too hard to track. But not a nice yellow like chicks and daffodils or butter, or corn or ducks, or lemon wedges. I got a feeling this is all gonna come apart like wet bread.
Betsy Foster: No, I’d like to hear your essay before you go out and play. Go on dear… good girl! Afterwards we can have breakfast in the parlour. How would you like that? I know it’s not as fun as eating outside but the world is a dangerous place and we have to stay safe and keep busy. Good girl, now you can fill in a map with all the state capitals and when your done you can go outside but you must stay within the gate!
Nana: Elves…the Elves interrupted first …Did you hear them, Winnie? The Elves did you hear them? I first heard them when I was a little girl playing in the wood. You know Elves are green and shiny like leaves. Stories are everything…one small story and the earth opens up wide. (beat) Ohhh… thy are going the Elves are going…
Constable Joe: Slow down Hugo, I’m hotter than a griddle in a pancake supper. Now this being your first case, I suggest you keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. Betsy Foster, I came as soon as I got your message. Maybe Winnie ran away, maybe she went to the fair… I’m gonna take a good look around. Don’t worry Betsy, we’ll find her.
What is Expected When You Audition for a Musical Production?
Tuck Everlasting: The Musical
Director: Ally Tierney
Music Director: Emily L. Sergo
Choreographer: Sierra Basilio
Age requirements:
CTA makes every attempt to provide a fair and equal audition opportunity for all actors ages
12-18 (as of the audition date; must not have graduated from high school). No experience is
required and selection is made entirely by the artistic staff and based solely on each
auditioner’s performance on the day of auditions. Actors are cast based on their ability and
suitability for the parts.
Volunteer requirement:
If cast in the show, each actor will be REQUIRED to volunteer five (5) hours to a technical area
(set construction, set decoration, costumes, props, lighting, and/or sound).
Auditions:
Actors should sign up online for auditions and submit the audition form electronically through
the provided links on the website. Actors should only sign up and attend one day of auditions.
Auditions are held at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD
21409. Auditions for this show require singing, acting, and dancing.
Auditioners should come with sheet music, or digital recording, as accompaniment of a song in
the style of the show. Please prepare approximately 16-30 bars of music. No recorded music
with vocals or a cappella singing is allowed. A piano accompanist will be provided.
Tuck Everlasting Dance Audition Combo
Please learn the dance audition prior to the audition. You will be asked to perform the dance at
the audition.
We added a pre-audition Dance Workshop on Saturday, July 20 @ 12-2 p.m. Participants must
register in advance so we know you are coming. View details at https://cta.ticketleap.com/dawtu/
Auditioners should wear attire appropriate for movement. Dance shoes, character shoes, and
sneakers are acceptable. NO open toed shoes, flip flops, crocs, or bare feet are allowed.
Auditioners should look over the monologues that are on the website. The auditioners should
be familiar with the words, phrases, and meanings. Auditioners may be asked to engage in
warm-ups, script readings, or similar acting exercises, at the director’s discretion. Actors should
come prepared to engage in these acting exercises during auditions.
If you are unable to attend auditions, you may submit a virtual audition. You will need to send
in a video of your dance, a song and the reading of one monologue. The videos can be shared
through a YouTube link or a google drive link and sent to executiveproducer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Callbacks:
Some actors auditioning will be asked to return for a “callback” that is, a second look. The
called-back actors may be asked to do more extensive acting than in the first phase of
auditions. Please remember that an actor may be cast even if not called back, and an actor may
be called back but not cast. For example, an actor who only wants to play the lead role will not
be cast if the director decides that someone else is more suitable for that role.
Ensemble: Yes or No?
When you fill out the audition form for any CTA show you will come across the question, "Will
you accept an ensemble role?” Please answer truthfully. Please only answer "Yes" if you truly
intend to accept an ensemble role in the production.
We understand that many people desire a lead role, however the ensemble is an integral part
of every production. Participating in the ensemble gives every actor valuable experience. If you
really feel that ensemble is not acceptable for you for this production, please answer "No" to
the ensemble question. You will be given equal consideration for the specific roles you indicate
on your form. Please remember that you have a better chance of getting cast if you are willing
to accept any role or an ensemble part. The fewer roles you indicate that you will accept, the
fewer the director’s options for casting you.
Time commitment:
Participating in a production is a HUGE time commitment. Be sure you are prepared to commit
to all rehearsals and mandatory dates before you audition. You may not miss more than 3 non-
mandatory rehearsals. You will be asked to submit a list of all possible conflicts at the audition.
If you have a definite conflict with any mandatory or tech rehearsalsl, you should not audition.
Rehearsals are typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m., and Sunday afternoons
from 1-5 p.m. Times and days change for tech rehearsals and shows.
Parent/Guardian Information:
There is also a time commitment for parents/guardians. CTA is an all-volunteer organization
that relies upon parents/guardians to provide the much-needed support to make each
production a success.
Parents/guardians are required to attend meetings, volunteer time to the production, ensure
that their actor arrives to rehearsal prepared, and provide costuming support. This is a
commitment each parent/guardian must make in supporting their actor in the production.
Please be sure you, as a parent/guardian, are also aware of the commitment to the production
before your actor auditions. Theatre is a cooperative effort and every part of the team is
essential!
Winnie Foster – (Female-presenting, pre-teen or teen, vocal range: A3-E5). Winnie is an 11-year-old girl from Treegap, New Hampshire whom the story centers upon. Growing up in a strict household, she longs to discover the world beyond her own backyard and ends up going on the adventure of a lifetime when she meets Jesse and the rest of the Tuck family. Specific age is not important for the casting of Winnie, just that the actor cast must believably be able to play an 11-year-old girl full of excitement, spunk, and wonder.
Jesse Tuck – (Male-presenting, teen or young adult, vocal range: F3-C5 ) Jesse is the youngest and most optimistic of the Tuck family at 17. He quickly becomes friends with Winnie, attempting to show her how life can be filled with fun forever. Again, specific age is not important for the casting of Jesse, just the ability to play a fun-loving, cheerful 17-year-old.
Angus Tuck – (Male-presenting, 30s-50s, vocal range: E3-B4) Angus is the patriarch of the Tuck family, married to Mae. Along with the other members of the Tuck family, he teaches Winnie about the beauty of living life in all its seasons.
Mae Tuck – (Female-presenting, 30s-50s, vocal range: A3-E5) Mae is the matriarch of the Tuck family, married to Angus. She loves all her boys, and is kind to Winnie.
Miles Tuck – (Male-presenting, 20s-30s, vocal range: F3-C5) Miles is the oldest son of the Tuck family. He has traveled the world, and is much more mature than Jesse.
The Man in the Yellow Suit – (Male-presenting, 40+, vocal range: G3-B4) The Man in the Yellow Suit, who is never given any other name, is the show’s antagonist. He has traveled with the circus most of his life in hopes of finding the Fountain of Youth.
Constable Joe – (Male-presenting, 40+, vocal range: F3-B4) Joe is the town’s law enforcement, and Hugo’s mentor.
Hugo – (Male-presenting, teen or young adult, vocal range: G3-C5) Hugo is a 15-year-old self-starter who assists Joe with the very few investigations that arise in Treegap. Specific age is not important in casting Hugo, only that the actor must be able to play an eager, questionably competent, young investigator.
Winnie’s Grandmother – (Female-presenting, 50+, vocal range: A3-C#5) Winnie’s grandmother who lives with her and her mom.
Ensemble – (Any vocal range, Ages 12+) The ensemble in this show play a variety of roles, including townsfolk, travelers, spirits, carnival workers and patrons.
Did you know 72% of business leaders say creativity is their biggest priority in a new hire? That’s according to statistics put out by Americans for the Arts. The idea that arts as a necessary part of a child’s education and development has notoriously been called into question throughout the years, because when the powers that be have to make the choice between a core subject, such as math or science, and an arts class, they see the arts class as being unnecessary.
The reality is that study after study tells a different story: The arts are a vital part of children growing up into well-rounded, successful adults, hence why so many business leaders look for creativity when they’re looking at job candidates. In fact, a study commissioned by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021 found that students who study the arts:
Have better social-emotional development
Do better in school
Are more engaged in their community
With all of that in mind, let’s consider some of the ways a student can benefit from an arts program such as theater.
They’re more confident. The arts encourage children to take risks in a low-stakes environment. Children learn that many of the risks they take will end up being rewarding. The risks that end up flopping? It’s okay—they learn that it’s not the end of the world and they’ll have a chance to try again.
They have better public speaking skills. Kids get over stage fright very quickly when they’re in theater. They learn how to control their voice and body language, keeping their cool in front of a big crowd.3.
They learn teamwork and collaboration. Theater is a discipline that involves everyone working together toward a common goal. Students learn how to support one another and trust that they are supported in turn.
They learn to be adaptable. Have you ever heard the expression “The show must go on”? In theater, not everything goes as planned. Kids learn how to make changes at a moment’s notice and go with the flow.
They learn discipline and time management. Being in a show is a big commitment, with lots of rehearsal time and even some extra effort at home. Kids learn to show up prepared and focus on their task at hand.
These are just a few of the many benefits young people gain from being in theater. They’ll also make new friends, meet people from outside their immediate community, get exposed to stories and music, and much more.
At Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, part of our mission is to provide opportunities for growth, development, and learning for all children involved. To learn about upcoming workshops and other opportunities, click here.
CTA seeks artistic staff for upcoming season! Directors, Choreographers, Music Directors. Our 2024-2025 season is exciting and we want you to be a part of it all!
Tuck Everlasting, July-November 2024 for ages 12-18
Alice In Wonderland, October 2024-February 2025, ages 8-18
It is our third and final installment of our 65th season, a Season of Magical Mayhem!
This engaging and catchy show is the perfect way to end our season on a high note, speaking to inclusion and togetherness. As you watch these talented kids perform, know the magic you are seeing is the result of hard work and dedication both on and off the stage. I am so proud of this cast, crew, and production staff.
CTA relies on your support…because we are Better Together…
Immediately following the close of Descendants, we are installing new seats, the week of May 19th!! You still have a chance to participate in the ongoing special sale that will allow you to own part of CTA with a seat naming opportunity! Pick your favorite seat and/or row and get your name on our new theatre seats. Questions? Want to buy your seat now? Contact our executive director, April Forrer, at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Reminder, CTA is operational year-round! We have an exciting summer planned!
This summer CTA presents our production summer camp shows Disney’s High School Musical JR and Legally Blonde the Musical JR.
We are also excited to introduce our Stage and Tech Camp, August 5th-17th
Finally, CTA is growing our reach with the reconstruction of the annex to enable enhancement and growth of both our education and production program, extending our outreach to underserved families. The largest space will be a black box theatre that will seat 75+. CTA broke ground on July 28, 2022. We are so excited for this continued growth! We are starting active construction later this year!
As the curtain opens, I hope you are reminded of the power in togetherness, the joy in diversity, and the empowerment that comes from understanding yourself. I want to express my gratitude to you, the audience. Thank you for supporting the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Thank you for supporting the joy and light you see on stage right now.
With that, sit back, and try to keep from dancing! This joyful show will keep you on the edge of your seat! Get ready to Break it Down!
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) believes that celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is important for several reasons:
Visibility and Representation: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals and their contributions to society helps increase visibility and representation. When people see others like themselves being celebrated, it validates their identities and helps combat feelings of isolation and marginalization.
Fostering Acceptance and Inclusion: Celebrations provide opportunities for education and understanding. They allow people to learn about different identities, experiences, and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, which can lead to greater acceptance and inclusion.
Promoting Equality and Rights: Celebrations serve as a platform for advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. They raise awareness about issues such as discrimination, violence, and legal inequalities, fostering support for legislative and social change.
Building Community and Support Networks: LGBTQIA+ celebrations create spaces where people can come together, find support, and build community. They provide opportunities for networking, forming friendships, and accessing resources and services tailored to LGBTQIA+ individuals’ needs.
Celebrating Diversity: LGBTQIA+ celebrations highlight the diversity within the community, including different sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. Embracing this diversity fosters a sense of belonging and empowers individuals to express themselves authentically.
Honoring History and Achievements: LGBTQIA+ celebrations often pay tribute to the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and the achievements of LGBTQIA+ activists and pioneers. This helps preserve collective memory, acknowledges past struggles, and inspires future generations to continue fighting for equality.
Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, celebrations can be affirming and empowering experiences that boost self-esteem and mental well-being. They provide opportunities for self-expression, validation, and joy, counteracting the negative effects of discrimination and stigma.
Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is important for promoting visibility, acceptance, equality, community-building, diversity, historical awareness, and mental health. It sends a powerful message of affirmation and solidarity, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Click here for more information on CTA’s Celebrate YOU! Day.
“All the world’s a stage” might be an oft-referenced quotation coming from Shakespeare, but for some children and teenagers, it can feel like a reality. Their schedule is made up of performances, rehearsals, and auditions, and their social circle is made up of current and former castmates. For these budding young performers, theater provides an outlet for them to grow not only in their talents but also as human beings.
And there’s no shortage of local opportunities for them to gain experience, thanks to a thriving community of children’s performing arts organizations. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, the Talent Machine Company, Stage & Screen Studios, Compass Rose Theater, and many others make it possible for these youth to experience what it’s like to be part of a professional-quality production from start to finish.
While the thrill of singing or acting onstage in front of a live audience is rewarding in and of itself, theater teaches valuable life skills. Performers learn the power of experimentation and imagination. They get comfortable with speaking publicly or thinking creatively. The rehearsal process demands that they manage their time and multitask. Through all of it, they gain confidence.
But more than all of that, there’s one skill that might be most important of all—empathy. “When you truly inhabit a character and think about how to present another person outside of yourself, it encourages thought processes that are less self-centered and myopic,” says Michelle Bruno, president of Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA).
Sounds exciting, right? But there’s a lot of work that goes into the theater process. Like any extracurricular activity, being part of a show requires dedication, but it pays off with big rewards. “I’d say be prepared for the time commitment, homework, sacrifice, and hard work,” says Lea Capps, president of Talent Machine Company (TMC). “With that comes many opportunities for making friends, learning new skills, and having a great time.”
Much of the preparation might start before the youth are even involved. These companies must select material that fits their program, often choosing shows they think will be interesting, challenging, appropriate, educational, and a good fit for their talent pool. They also must hire artistic staff—usually a director, music director, and choreographer—who can engage the cast and help foster an environment that’s productive and educational.
The production process starts for the youth with an audition, and every company has a slightly different approach. Audition notices break down what’s expected, often a short sample of a prepared song, followed by the opportunity to dance and read lines from the script. Although auditions can feel stressful, they’re an opportunity for performers to show off what they’re capable of doing. “Remember that an audition does not need to be perfect,” says Pete Garvey, owner of Stage and Screen Studios (S&S). “Members of the directorial staff will be there to observe, provide advice, and encourage.”
Bruno emphasizes that although preparation is important, it’s just as necessary for auditioners to be themselves. “Understanding of the show, and a clear understanding of the character you are auditioning for, if you are auditioning for a specific role, is critical,” she says. “The director and artistic staff should see what you would bring to the show and your take on the character.”
From there, the fun and hard work begin in equal measure. Once the cast list is announced, rehearsals begin. “I know that most outsiders don’t realize the amount of rehearsal time it takes to put on a production,” Capps explains. “I’ve had people ask, ‘Can’t you just do a couple of numbers real quick?’ A ‘couple of numbers’ takes several hours of rehearsals.”
Garvey also sees many people who are surprised by what goes into a rehearsal. It requires actors to connect with the material as they learn it. “Someone new to the theater might be surprised by the intensity and duration of rehearsals where we thoroughly explore various choices, emotions, and interaction of characters throughout each scene,” he says. “It’s not just singing, dancing, and saying lines.”
Though the kids will be the ones who ultimately end up onstage, the rehearsal process is often a collaborative one that involves the whole family. Garvey explains, “We highly encourage parents to actively support their child’s involvement in the theatrical journey. Whether their student is a newcomer or a seasoned performer, parents play a crucial role in the process. This includes assisting with learning lines, engaging in conversations about each rehearsal’s process, and providing encouragement as their child tackles new character development challenges.”
Parents also fulfill a vital need as volunteers who help build sets, create costumes, collect props, publicize the show, and work on the tech elements like lights and sound. “I love to have the parents participate,” says Capps. “As with any community theater, we need many volunteers to make our shows go. Many of them are parents. Some come in early on in the process and help with rehearsal monitoring or costuming or props, and others come in later for set building, set decoration, and tech.”
Many students get theater experience through schools, either by taking music and acting classes or by participating in the school musical or school play. But these youth-centered community theaters offer a unique experience to connect with fellow thespians from other schools in an environment that’s focused on their area of interest.
“I think it’s creating more opportunity and diverse experiences when you work with a community theater,” Bruno explains. “This allows children to work with other children that they normally would not interact with. This is especially expansive for home-schooled children. It allows children to gain more experience and development opportunities as well.”
Community theater participation also takes the experience up a step. “School drama programs offer invaluable benefits to students, while organizations or companies dedicated to the theatrical process possess more concentrated resources, often closely resembling professional theaters,” explains Garvey. “Given the uniqueness of each student’s journey, some may prefer participating in a school drama environment within their familiar peer group.
Meanwhile, others may opt for increased diversity, seeking to establish new friend groups and acquire more professionally oriented theatrical skills and experience in an established theater company. In either scenario, students derive significant benefits on multiple levels while engaging in performing arts.”
Some parents might find themselves asking, “Is theater the right pursuit for my child?” For younger, less experienced children, it never hurts to enroll in a workshop, class, or summer camp—such as those offered by any of these three organizations—just to get a sense of how much they enjoy the challenge before they audition for a mainstage production.
And if they do decide to get involved? Get ready for something special. “The process is challenging,” Bruno says, “but the ability to take a thought, a vision, and then come together as a theater family and create something so beautiful is the true magic.”
CTA provides a wide range of theater arts education. These programs give each participant the opportunity to learn the basics of theater, expand their imagination, develop voice, dance and performance techniques, and much more. All training, workshops and camps are aimed to specific age and skill groups. Shows throughout the year.
Compass Rose Theater offers summer camps, workshops and theater classes at The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Classes are taught by accredited teachers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in theater, have teaching experience, and work in the professional theater world. Multiple shows per season. The Young Actor’s Studio at Compass Rose is for students who want to pursue theater skills and possibly go pro.
Stage & Screen Studios offers a safe, creative environment for students to learn and explore all aspects of theater and television performance and production. Lessons cover introductory acting through advanced performance for students at any age and any level! Multiple shows throughout the year.
The company was founded with the purpose of giving young people the chance both to spread their theatrical wings and learn the value of dedication, commitment and teamwork. The Talent Machine produces three full-length, professional-quality musicals each year, and is committed to bringing the joy of musical theater to audiences everywhere, fr
As we get through the winter season together, what can warm your heart and soul like the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis! First, I want to congratulate our lovely cast and crew of A Midsummer’s Night Dream! A beautiful, magical experience, audiences loved it. Congratulations, team, on a job well job.
Sixty-five years means it’s our Blue Sapphire anniversary! Celebrate with us on March 2nd, 2024, at the Graduate Hotel in downtown Annapolis. This event will be a key fundraiser for CTA. As a mainstay in the Annapolis community, CTA supports arts education, providing production and education opportunities for children ages 5-18. This is a critical year for CTA, as we will break ground for our facility expansion, allowing CTA to increase capacity, extending our outreach. CTA is also a key member of the Annapolis and larger Maryland community.
This highly anticipated event will feature CTA alumni performances, messages and appearances from local government dignitaries, an auction with amazing items, dancing, and more!!
Order your tickets now here!We currently have a flash sale ongoing. Use code 50percentoffjewel
Facility Update: Our seat sale is still ongoing! Own a part of CTA with a seat naming opportunity! Pick your favorite seat and/or row and get your name on our new theatre seats. Questions? Want to buy your seat now? Contact our executive director, April Forrer, at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis. Buy quickly! Installation to happen Spring/Summer of 2024!! https://childrens-theatre-of-annapolis.square.site/
We love our surrounding and local community! We have over 6,000 people come through our doors annually. With the annex buildout, this number will only increase! Sponsorship with CTA is a great idea for any local business or business that is child-focused. See the link below for sponsorship opportunities. https://www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org/get-involved/
Stay up to date with everything CTA by following these links:
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