MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER PERFORMANCE
We are trying something new for the 2025 - 26 school year that will hopefully help with attendance, commitment and retention.
We will have 3 middle school community sessions for the 2025-2026 school year.
One in the Fall, one in the Winter and one in the Spring.
We know this information may not be good news to everyone, but it’s important to us to keep evaluating our program as we grow and change.
FALL 2025
advanced placement by audition only
Advanced PDC is a leadership program for students who have proven they can lead their fellow cast mates by setting an example at rehearsal and in their preparation at home.
They have shown they support and applaud all cast mates and lift them up when they need it.
They have strong foundational theater skills.
The advanced student is a bold performer on stage, knowing that taking risks and making mistakes help us to learn and grow.
It is important to note that even though we have many, many students who meet the above requirements some may still not get in this time. We will have Spring programs as well!
We know there are a ton of talented, eager and capable kids in Portland, but this particular Fall program is for experienced PDC students only. New-to-PDC middle school students- even if they are only new to PDC, but not new to musical theater performance- are encouraged to take a middle school program that will be available in the spring.
As we will have many interested kids, Winterhaven middle schoolers are encouraged to take our program that will be offered at their school on Mondays for Fall.
Sunnyside students are encouraged to take our program we offer Tuesdays/Thursdays there for Fall.
Student and parent will be required to inform us of any known absences on an audition form that will be brought to your audition (for example previously planned family trips or other extra-curricular commitments). We know that once the school year starts more conflicts may arise. Student and parent will sign the form stating that they understand that if new conflicts arise they will inform us immediately or risk losing their place. More than two unexcused absences will require a parent and student conversation with Caroline and a possible dismissal from the program. Students most be available both days of the week.
Auditions
August 15
August 18
August 24
August 25
Auditions will require up to one minute of a musical theater song of your choice + a short interview/discussion about your previous participation in PDC programs.
Audition notes and tips are below!
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE PROSPECTIVE ADVANCED STUDENT
We applaud kids who are involved in many activities and believe it is possible to be committed to more than one sport or artistic endeavor at a time. You do not have to eat, sleep and breathe theater to love it and do well.
A missed or early departure from rehearsal here or there should be brought to our attention far in advance as we schedule our rehearsal schedule very carefully. While we are willing to compromise for a responsible student, we expect that other activities will sometimes need to make compromises for theater- especially during tech week. When you miss you are not the only one who loses out on valuable rehearsal time- your scene partners and dance partners also miss out causing many people to be unprepared. Students with a history of multiple absences, late arrivals or missing crucial rehearsals without prior arrangement in advance may not be considered for placement in the future.
In an attempt to get students to advocate for themselves and take ownership in their activities, I will expect more communication from the student than the parent. Students will provide their e-mails so they will also get all updates (these updates will also be discussed in class and posted on our Materials page). Our show will not be chosen before auditions. Advanced kids should join theater because they want to no matter what show we do.
Does this sound like you want to jump in? Are you willing to miss some of your other activities when it comes to rehearsing and performing? If you’ve made it this far you know you can not miss dress, tech or performances and that if you miss ANY rehearsal it’s your job to follow up, find out what was missed, watch the video if there is one and practice at home to come back to rehearsal prepared. Again, you do this work not just for you, but for the entire cast.
NOTES AND TIPS FOR KIDS
Auditioning can be very nerve wracking- especially after years of PDC shows where your parents just sign you up and you’re in the show.
WITH THESE SHORT AUDITIONS I AM NOT LOOKING FOR PERFECTION, but I will take note of your:
Preparation
Acting
Vocal ability
Energy/effort- Did you put in the work to create a character? CAN I SEE THAT CHARACTER IN YOU?
AND take into consideration how you have rehearsed, performed and worked with others in previous programs. Are you a leader?
AUDITIONS MUST BE MEMORIZED
*REMEMBER: THE PERSON OR PEOPLE IN THE ROOM ARE ROOTING FOR YOU. Everyone wants you to be great. We’ve all been in your shoes and we will be cheerleaders in that room so things stay as light and fun as possible. I’m already proud of you for showing up and walking in the room. Lots of kids won’t do it. Bravo, you.
Please also remember that a lot of things go into choosing people to be part of a cast. Sometimes it is not someone’s singing ability that gets them in but their kindness, ability to work well as a team, willingness to take risks, volunteer and try hard, commitment to their role in the show with a proven track record of coming to rehearsal prepared that gets them a spot. If you are not chosen please know it does not mean you are not worthy of being in a show. If it means a lot to you please try again for advanced!
*A NOTE ABOUT WHAT TO SING: Please prepare approx 30 - 60 seconds of a song to showcase yourself. Try not to choose the easiest part, but a part that shows your range or an emotional moment. I have already heard you sing in other show with me- probably a LOT! I am less interested in your singing ability and much more interested in you telling the story of the song. Work to understand what you as the character are saying. If you believe it we believe it. We will not have an accompanist available. You should sing with a backing track (we will have a speaker).
Please memorize your portion of the song you plan to sing. Do not choose a song with mostly talking or rap - please sing. Many new songs from modern musical theater are simply pop songs that I hope you will avoid. Don’t shout a song. Steer clear of songs with swear words - it is totally unnecessary in a short audition. We need to hear you sing.
It’s usually a good idea to choose a song you can personally relate to in some way- you will perform it more naturally and not be attempting to copy an actor you have seen play it.
Scroll down for a list of songs you can use if you want. You do not need to use any of the songs here, but I will have backing tracks available for them. You can find your own backing tracks by searching your song title and “karaoke” or “backing track” usually it comes up with a Youtube or iTunes link.
*ALWAYS TREAT YOUR SOLO LIKE A MONOLOGUE. It is never only about singing in musical theater. Be sure the portion of your song is memorized and you have made clear character choices. You must always know who you (the character) are speaking or singing to in the song! It is not enough to say “I’m alone in my room”- we are always speaking to someone when we wish for or need something on stage. I don’t mean “I’m singing to the audience”or “the director”. I mean who does the character wish could hear these words? Usually there is conflict in the story or song- maybe you have been hurt by someone, you are trying to convince someone of something, you want someone to cheer you up, you love someone and you want them to know, etc. etc etc so many possibilities… so who is it?
*AN AUDITION IS A MINI PERFORMANCE. IT IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHOW US YOU ARE THAT CHARACTER. You want the people you’re performing for to see that you are prepared, aware of and understand the character you are playing, aware of what the song is about and have done your work to figure out those things well in advance. PERFORM THE SONG LIKE YOU WOULD FOR A FULL AUDIENCE- DO NOT LOOK AT THE PANEL of people WHILE YOU SING.
Use your Actor’s Checklist! Who, What, Where, When, How
SOME SONG CHOICES
You do not need to use any of the songs here - there is no accompanist for these auditions. Please have a backing track ready to go or notify me if you’re having trouble. If you want to use a song you already know well and love (and can relate to) and want to use the track at your audition you can just bring it on your phone and we’ll try to hook it up to our speaker.
PLEASE AVOID POP SONGS. PLEASE AVOID SONGS THAT ARE TOO MATURE/ADULT, SWEAR OR TALK/ONLY RAP IN THEM. I want to hear you sing and I want to see you become someone.
Over The Rainbow - The Wizard of Oz
Everlasting - Tuck Everlasting
Good Girl Winnie Foster - Tuck Everlasting
These Palace Walls- Aladdin (please ask about the backing track)
On Your Way Home - James and the Giant Peach
Corner of the Sky - Pippin (search for backing track on youtube)
What It Means To Be A Friend - 13 the Musical
One Jump Ahead (reprise)/Proud of Your Boy - Aladdin Jr
Part of Your World - The Little Mermaid Jr
Dance with You - The Prom
Reflection - Mulan
Santa Fe - Newsies
Popular - Wicked
Alone in the Universe - Seussical
In My Own Little Corner - Cinderella
Home- Beetlejuice
THE BODY BASICS FOR YOUR SONG: Breathing like in the picture above; strength and support for your WHOLE body (we don’t just sing with our mouths) and: “The lips! The Teeth! The Tip of the Tongue!” it’s a good warm up and important to think about when shaping your words! Be sure to warm up at home, in the car, in the hallway ahead of time. Whatever you need. Know the song well.
Remember that practicing good breathing will be especially important to help support your nerves!
You got this.