BISHOPSHALT OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY PRESENT

1. BISHOPSHALT OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY PRESENT 2nd,3rd,4th December 2010

2. Plot Overview • Rough-diamond Joe goes out with nice-girl Sarah; but one fateful night he is forced to choose between two paths; the honest route in life which has many hard obstacles and difficulties, or follow his dead father in to a easy life of crime. • Joe’s dad narrates the story, as it splits in two, following how life turns out for Good Joe and Bad Joe, and how it affects his relationship with Sarah, his friends and family, and ultimately, how the rest of his life will end up. • ‘Our House’ –its about Teenagers - where we come from, who we are, and the choices we make – but it does have a happy ending!!!

3. Jonesy’s Note • Loads of named parts! • 18 numbers –many involving whole cast! • It’s a fun, up-lifting musical, with great well known songs! • It’s all about you –teenagers from London – SO NO AMERICAN ACCENT! • Strong acting is essential for the main parts, but not everyone has to be a great singer or dancer –Mrs. G. & Mr. K on style… • BUT, all-rounder's make BODS what it is!

4. Characters –all need to be strong actors • Joe -16 –Rough Diamond Londoner, generally nice guy. The main character of the show – he is in almost EVERY scene, and splits between good and bad Joe constantly –Strong singer, and dancer – lead singer in 12 numbers! • Sarah – 16-Lovely girl next door, slightly more middle-class than Joe. –Huge part, in many scenes. Strong singer (4 numbers as lead), and dancer • Emmo (male)– Best mate of Joe –a big kid, but heart of gold –a bit stupid/comic part (has singing/ spoken sections in songs) • Lewis (male) – Other best mate of Joe –double act with Emmo; more sensitive and moral. (has singing/ spoken sections in songs) • Billie and Angie – Sarah’s double act best friends –sharp tongued and sassy, they have many of the best (comic) lines in the show. Intolerant of men, except well-bred ones. (they have sections of songs to sing –don’t have to be the strongest singers)

5. Characters –all need to be strong actors • Kath –Joe’s Mum –beaten down by life, but never beaten, a heart the size of a house. Very feisty and protective of Joe. (some small singing moments in 3 songs) • Joe’s Dad – Died as a result of taking the wrong path, so narrates and talks to us beyond the grave –the ‘narrator’ of the show –lots of spoken-singing • Reecey – a smiling, charming, but ultimately evil presence in the piece -2 lead sung/spoken parts in songs • Mister Pressman – like Reecey, except middle-aged, smarmy, and in control of a large company –another villain –limited singing.

6. Other parts –we will all get our chance to shine! • There are loads of named speaking or sung parts in the show…… • Priest Heather –Pressman’s Secretary • Nuns Sales Representatives • Career Office Lawyers • Security Guards London Alarm Boss • Police Officers Prisoners • Aunt, Uncle, Granddad Judge • Neighbours Vegas Singer • Stall-holders

7. Cast • Cast numbers are debatable – all involved throughout whole show • We are an ensemble company -Everyone is as important as the rest! • As Rosie says: • ‘There are no stars on stage, only in the sky’ • Despite your perceptions on your own ability, every member of the cast must be willing to act, sing, and dance. • You may not be the best- but enthusiasm, dedication and effort will be what is required. IT DOESN’T MATTER ON YOUR AGE – BEING RIGHT FOR THE PART IS ALL THAT IS NECESSARY (all years had lead parts last year) • At least twice a week after school rehearsals for whole cast (Tuesday’s and Thursday’s) and leads required four out of five • On average, 3/5 lunch times a week rehearsal for all • –– all cast members will be required for four out of five nights as the show looms. • So a huge commitment, but ultimately it will be worth being a member of this award winning society!

8. Audition – First Friday back 3rd Sep. 3.30 -6pm –main hall First read-through rehearsal Monday 5th till 5.15 – All • ALL: Acting – everyone will be expected to learn a part of the duologue text – three lines each. • You don’t have to have a partner but it might help to practice. Chance for double acts to work together –Angie/ Billie or Emmo / Lewis. Everyone will be doing this together in audition • The key is characterisation, and lines learnt. • Make sure you look at the notes on the script for each part, and rehearse a certain role. • Shared area – BODS-Ourhouse-auditions • This will also be on the School website and Moodle (under Performing Arts / BODS)

9. Audition – ALL • Singing – in groups, perform chorus of: • ‘For the wings of a dove’ – THIS MUST BE LEARNT • (MP3 backing track in shared area BODS file + actual Madness song –one of the rare ones from the show that is almost the same!) • Let’s have a listen…… • Dancing – will learn opening dance movement to the ‘Our House’ song –Let’s watch it from the shared area……… • There will be sessions on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd September to practice with the teachers • When we sing and dance –INCLUDE SMILING – IT’S A HAPPY SONG!

10. Singing – lead parts –all music in shared area • Female –For Sarah, Kathy, Angie, and Billie • Male – Joe, Emmo, Lewis • Verse and chorus of ‘It must be love’ • Use characterisation of the part your going for. • Please don’t just say ‘any part’ and perform it blandly without character or emotion – think about it!!!!!

11. Singing –music in shared area • For Reecey and Joe’s Dad • Verse and chorus of ‘A simple equation’ • Remember this is more spoken /singing, so again its about character and emotion

12. Any other business? • Q & A time • That’s it! Get downloading the song back-up’s /dance routines and get rehearsing! • MAKE SURE YOU WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE –OUR VERSION IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT (SONGS /DIALOGUE) BUT ESSENTIALLY THAT’S WHAT WE ARE GOING FOR! • Please see me if you have any other questions