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Audition Overview
Audition for the 2023 Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus
2023 Midwinter Revels auditions are now closed. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
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 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
Children’s Chorus auditions will be held on Friday, September 8, and on Saturday, September 9, at 80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Auditions will be held in half-hour slots. Available time slots are listed below. If none of the available time slots work for you and your child, please contact Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org as we may be able to make alternate arrangements.
Six children will audition in each slot. Children will play a name game and a movement game with the other auditioners and our artistic staff. Auditioners will also sing solo and with the larger group.
Auditioners will be asked to sing three songs:
- “Happy Birthday”
- A song of the auditioner’s choice – please prepare a verse and chorus of a folk song, carol, or lullaby. This should be something simple that is comfortable and enjoyable to sing. We are not looking for a pop song or showtune. If you are unsure about what to choose, please feel free to email or call Production Manager Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org or 202-480-1711.
- All children will learn “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in the audition room and be asked to sing it in small groups as a round.
Parents/guardians will be asked to stay on the premises during the entire half-hour slot. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with Mari Young, Revels’ Children’s Chorus coordinator, and ask any questions they may have about the Midwinter Revels experience.
Please fill out this audition form prior to the audition. Either print out and bring your completed form or email your completed form to Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org. The audition form asks for potential rehearsal/performance conflicts, so please check our schedule prior to your audition as well.
-
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:
CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 4 – 5:30 PM
Monday, September 18 (Parent Orientation 4:30-5:30 PM)
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9 -
Tech Week and Performance Schedule
TECH WEEK:
December 11, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 12, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 13, 5 – 10:30 PMDRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):
Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances
Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
Friday, December 22 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, December 26 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 27 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM -
About This Year's Production
Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music DirectorOur Midwinter Revels this year drops us into the colorful medieval Feast of Fools, where everything is topsy-turvy by design. The status quo quickly becomes the status disruptus as the body politic officially lets off steam. Rulers are temporarily deposed by servants, wit triumphs over power, and a fool finds himself steering the ship of state. On this shortest day of the year, what could possibly go wrong?
Highlighting brass and early instruments, this musical feast will feature vibrant processionals, lively caroles, delicate choral harmonies, vigorous dances, and a full ritual serving of the wild and the holy. Of course, the familiar may come with a twist – we live in our own age of folly, and by some accounts, time is a fiction.
Come sing favorites old and new and dance your way with us into the lobby of Sanders Theatre and out into the brand new year!
-
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.
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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.
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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
Six children will audition in each slot. Children will play a name game and a movement game with the other auditioners and our artistic staff. Auditioners will also sing solo and with the larger group. Artistic staff in the audition room will include Artistic Director Paddy Swanson, Associate Artistic Director Debra Wise, and Music Director Elijah Botkin.
Auditioners will be asked to sing three songs:
- “Happy Birthday”
- A song of the auditioner’s choice – please prepare a verse and chorus of a folk song, carol, or lullaby. This should be something simple that is comfortable and enjoyable to sing. We are not looking for a pop song or showtune. If you are unsure about what to choose, please feel free to email or call Production Manager Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org or 202-480-1711.
- All children will learn “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in the audition room and be asked to sing it in small groups as a round.
Please fill out this audition form prior to the audition. Either print out and bring your completed form or email your completed form to Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org. The audition form asks for potential rehearsal/performance conflicts, so please check our schedule prior to your audition as well.
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.
Children's Chorus Audition Schedule
Auditions for the Children’s Chorus will take place on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9.
Friday auditions will be held at the following times:
- 4:00-4:30 PM
- 4:45-5:15 PM
Saturday auditions will be held at the following times:
- 10:00-10:30 AM
- 10:45-11:15 AM
- 1:30-2:00 PM
- 2:15-2:45 PM
- 3:00-3:30 PM
Auditioners must be available for the entire half-hour slot. If none of these time slots work for you and your child, please contact us at info@revels.org as we may be able to make alternate arrangements.
Children’s Chorus auditions will be held at 80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
Friday, September 8th —
Saturday, September 9th —
Rehearsal Schedule
Children's Chorus Rehearsal Commitments
CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 4 – 5:30 PM
Monday, September 18 (Parent Orientation 4:30-5:30 PM)
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4
SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM
Saturday, October 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9
TECH WEEK:
December 11, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 12, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 13, 5 – 10:30 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):
Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances
Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
Friday, December 22 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, December 26 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 27 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM
Audition Location
80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472
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
Performance Dates
Friday, December 15th,
Saturday, December 16th,
Sunday, December 17th,
Thursday, December 21st,
Thursday, December 28th,
Friday, December 29th,
Monday, January 1st,
Tuesday, January 2nd,
Wednesday, January 3rd,
NOTICE: The children’s chorus is called two hours before all performances.
Audition Overview
Audition for the 2023 Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus
Adult Chorus auditions are closed for our 2023 show. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
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 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.
All rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472
This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:
ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 7 – 9:30 PM
Monday, September 11: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 18
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4*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 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9 -
Tech Week and Performance Schedule
TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13, 6 – 11 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):
Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances
Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM
Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
Friday, December 22 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, December 26 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 27 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM (with strike and cast party to follow) -
About This Year's Production
Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music DirectorOur Midwinter Revels this year drops us into the colorful medieval Feast of Fools, where everything is topsy-turvy by design. The status quo quickly becomes the status disruptus as the body politic officially lets off steam. Rulers are temporarily deposed by servants, wit triumphs over power, and a fool finds himself steering the ship of state. On this shortest day of the year, what could possibly go wrong?
Highlighting brass and early instruments, this musical feast will feature vibrant processionals, lively caroles, delicate choral harmonies, vigorous dances, and a full ritual serving of the wild and the holy. Of course, the familiar may come with a twist – we live in our own age of folly, and by some accounts, time is a fiction.
Come sing favorites old and new and dance your way with us into the lobby of Sanders Theatre and out into the brand new year!
-
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 in June.
-
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.
-
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
Adult Chorus auditions are closed for our 2023 show. Please click on the “Children’s Chorus Auditions” tab to learn more about September’s youth auditions, and visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
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 for the Adult Chorus are now closed.
Friday, June 2nd — 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday, June 3rd — 10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday, June 4th — 2 PM - 5 PM
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 rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472
This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:
ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS: 7 – 9:30 PM
Monday, September 11: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 18
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4
*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 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9
TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13, 6-11 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, Call at 5:30 PM
Rehearsal Location
First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Performance Location
Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Performance Dates
Friday, December 15th,
Saturday, December 16th,
Sunday, December 17th,
Thursday, December 21st,
Friday, December 22nd,
Saturday, December 23rd,
Tuesday, December 26th,
Wednesday, December 27th,
Thursday, December 28th,
NOTICE: The adult chorus is called one and a half 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!