Select your audition type
Audition Overview
Audition for the 2024 Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus
Adult Chorus auditions for the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be held May 18-20, 2024 in Watertown and Cambridge. Audition times and locations will be announced soon!
Revels uses the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.
Great joy to the new!
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Criteria
Revels cast members are people who love to sing, who sing vigorously and accurately with a good sense of rhythm, and who can hold their own part in a choral context. Some are experienced choral singers, some are not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are. We also look for a variety of ages, sizes, and personalities to create a realistic “village” on stage. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.
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Audition Preparation
For your audition for Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools, please be prepared to sing two unaccompanied songs.
For your first selection, please sing one of the songs listed below. For your second selection, you may sing a song of your choice.
- Gabriel’s Message
- The Holly and the Ivy
- Veni, Veni, Emanuel
- The Boar’s Head Carol
- Or another similar carol
Auditionees will be asked to sing the two songs they have prepared and read lines. While the other seven people in their audition group have their individual auditions, you will be taught and have time to practice a short dance if you are interested in dancing in the show. You will also have time to practice the group song, which will be made available to auditionees ahead of time (sheet music can be found here). Everyone will then return to the directors as a full group to sing and dance for them. If you are interested in dancing in the show, please come dressed to move, with no flip-flops or open-toed shoes. -
Rehearsal Commitment
Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals.
PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.
Weekday rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The location for Saturday rehearsals will be announced soon.
This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:
All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.
ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 7 – 9:30 PM
Monday, September 9: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 16
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2*Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.
SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7 -
Tech Week and Performance Schedule
TECH WEEK: December 9 – 11, 6 – 11 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):
Dec 13 – 28: 14 performances
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About This Year's Production
More information on the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be announced soon!
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Our Diversity Statement
Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.
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Opportunity Fund
Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available in June.
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Youth Protection
The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. If you are eighteen or older and accepted into the Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus please note your acceptance will be pending a CORI check. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.
Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.
Review CORI Procedures here.
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COVID Policy
COVID Policy for Auditions
- All adult auditionees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster.
- We are requiring everyone to wear masks while waiting to audition.
These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.
Audition Requirements
What to Expect at Your Audition
What songs should I prepare?
This year, we would like you to choose one of the songs listed below as your first song. Your second song may a be song of your choice.
Songs to choose from:
- Gabriel’s Message
- The Holly and the Ivy
- Veni, Veni, Emanuel
- The Boar’s Head Carol
- Or another similar carol
Group Singing
Movement
Adult Chorus Audition Dates
Auditions will be held Saturday – Monday, May 18 – 20.
Saturday, May 18th —
Sunday, May 19th —
Monday, May 20th —
Rehearsal Schedule
Adult Chorus Rehearsal Commitments
PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.
All weekday rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The location of Saturday rehearsals will be announced soon.
This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:
All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.
ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 7 – 9:30 PM
Monday, September 9: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 16
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2
*Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.
SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7
TECH WEEK: December 9 – 11, 6-11 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, Call at 5:30 PM
Weekday Rehearsal Location
First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Performance Location
Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138
NOTICE: The adult chorus is called one and a half hours before all performances
Audition Overview
Audition for the 2024 Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus
Children’s Chorus auditions for the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be held in September 2024. Audition dates and locations will be announced later this year!
Revels uses the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.
Great joy to the new!
-
Criteria
Revels Children’s Chorus members are kids who love to sing and dance, love to be on stage, and are excited to work with their fellow cast members to put on a great show! Some kids have prior choral experience, and some do not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are.
The age range for the children’s chorus is generally 7 through 12. We try to get a range of ages, heights, personalities, races, and ethnicities, just as we do in the adult chorus.
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Audition Preparation
More information on Children’s Chorus auditions will be available this summer!
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Rehearsal Commitment
Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals. This year’s rehearsal schedule for the children’s chorus is as follows:
All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.
CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 4 – 5:30 PM
Monday, September 16 (Parent orientation 4:30-5:30)
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7 -
Tech Week and Performance Schedule
TECH WEEK:
December 9, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 10, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 11, 5 – 10:30 PMDRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):
Dec 13 – 28: 14 performances
-
About This Year's Production
More information on the 2024 Midwinter Revels will be announced soon!
-
Our Diversity Statement
Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.
-
Opportunity Fund
Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available later this summer.
-
Youth Protection
The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. All Midwinter Revels cast members eighteen and older will be required to pass a CORI check in order to be a member of the cast. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.
Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.
Review CORI Procedures here.
-
COVID Policy
COVID Policy for Auditions
- All child auditionees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster if it has been at least 5 months since they had their second dose of covid vaccine.
- We will require everyone to take an antigen test the day of their audition. If you take it at home, please take a photo of it to bring in (you will show this picture at the check in table). If you are not able to acquire a test, please show up 20 minutes early to your audition slot and we will provide one for you to take on-site.
- Masking will be encouraged in the shared spaces of the audition, but optional. If you would like to speak to someone further about health and safety concerns, please email auditions@revels.org.
These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.
Audition Requirements
How to Prepare for your Children's Chorus Audition
More information on children’s chorus audition requirements will be available soon!
Children's Chorus Audition Schedule
Audition information for the Children’s Chorus will be announced this summer.
Rehearsal Schedule
Children's Chorus Rehearsal Commitments
All rehearsal dates and times are currently subject to change. Rehearsal schedule will be confirmed soon.
CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 4 – 5:30 PM
Monday, September 16 (Parent orientation 4:30-5:30)
Monday, September 23
Monday, September 30
Monday, October 7
Tuesday, October 15
Monday, October 21
Monday, October 28
Monday, November 4
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 18
Monday, November 25
Monday, December 2
SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 9
Saturday, December 7
TECH WEEK:
December 9, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 10, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 11, 5 – 10:30 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 12, 5:30 PM call
Rehearsal Location
First Parish of Watertown Unitarian Universalist Church
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Performance Location
Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138
NOTICE: The children’s chorus is called two hours before all performances.
Our generous sponsors make it possible for Revels to produce world-class performances and educational programs for our audiences.
Let us know how we can work together to promote music, dance, and community!